Natural Resources Committee approves amendment but rejects HJ 39, a resolution opposing transfer of federal public lands

The Montana House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday approved an amendment to House Joint Resolution 39 but ultimately voted 6-8 to reject the resolution as amended, ending committee action on the measure.

Representative Seconder, sponsor of HJ 39, opened the hearing and framed the resolution as targeted only at transfers of federal lands, not at state management agreements. "This resolution has nothing to do with state-owned lands. Only federal lands," Representative Seconder said, adding that keeping lands federal protects public access and Montana's outdoor economy.

The resolution drew lengthy proponent testimony from hunters, conservation groups and recreation advocates. Micah Fields, representing the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, told the committee the measure would help "retain the current successful model of federal public land management" and keep public lands "accessible for all." Jane Webber, a retired U.S. Forest Service employee, noted federal agencies' firefighting and facility resources and said federal management supports campgrounds, special-use permits for ski areas and water testing.

Committee members debated the resolution's wording and scope. Several members said the text intentionally avoided land swaps and focused on opposing outright transfers of title from the federal government to the state. Representative Hinkle asked whether the Salish Kootenai Water Compact and its related land transactions would fall under the resolution; the sponsor replied the bill intentionally excluded swaps and transfers through other processes but would not include routine swaps.

Representative Minor and other members said they opposed several of the "whereas" clauses in the resolution and wanted more input from agricultural and forestry stakeholders. Representative Maness said he could not support the resolution because of issues with the whereas clauses. Representative Edwards, speaking in favor, cited broad public support for federal land protection and the Land and Water Conservation Fund's role in federal land acquisitions.

On executive action, Vice Chair Marler moved first to adopt amendment 1.1; the committee approved the amendment (9-5). After the amendment passed, the committee considered the motion that HJ 39 as amended do pass; that motion failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor, 8 opposed. The committee then concluded executive action and recessed.

The hearing record includes testimony from conservation and sporting organizations, including the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers; Montana Environmental Information Center; Montana Audubon; Greater Yellowstone Coalition; Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund; Trout Unlimited; and Montana Wildlife Federation. Testimony emphasized public access, wildlife and habitat concerns, wildfire-fighting capacity and the economic value of outdoor recreation.

The committee's action leaves the resolution without committee approval; there is no committee endorsement to send HJ 39 to the House floor. The transcript shows proponents urging the committee to pass a statement keeping federal lands in public hands, while opponents and some members raised concerns about the resolution's wording and the absence of input from agriculture and forestry stakeholders.