Missoula County unanimously adopts resolution supporting federal public lands

Missoula County commissioners approved a resolution declaring support for federal public lands and public access, responding to national conversations about potential federal land disposal.

Commissioner Slottnick introduced the item and said the resolution came from a request by City Councilman Eric Melson, who had drafted a similar city resolution. The item was described as “a statement in support of our public lands,” intended to affirm county values on outdoor recreation and access to state and federal public land.

Why it matters: Participants framed the resolution as a values statement tied to the county’s recreation economy and public access. One speaker said the document “basically just outlines, you know, kind of the values that Missoula County has, especially around outdoor recreation and the ability for the public to be able to access both, state and federal bridal land.”

Vote and implementation: The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote; no amendments were recorded at the meeting. The action is a formal county resolution expressing support for federal public lands; it did not direct a specific regulatory or financial action.

Context and origin: The presenter said the measure was prompted by discussions at the federal level about selling public lands and that the language mirrors a city-level resolution from Councilman Melson. The county’s resolution is intended as a public statement rather than a change to county land management authorities.

What comes next: The resolution will be entered into the county record; no additional staff assignments or budget actions were specified during the meeting.