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Missoula City Council urges Senate to keep public lands in federal hands
Summary
On June 23 the council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing a Senate proposal to sell up to 3.3 million acres of federal public land, saying the lands are vital to Missoula's identity, recreation and economy and calling on residents to contact Montana's federal delegation.
The Missoula City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on June 23 urging the U.S. Senate to reject proposals to sell federal public lands, a move councilors described as urgent because the Senate was scheduled to vote on related language as soon as three days after the meeting.
Councilor Melson introduced the resolution as an emergency new-business item to allow the council to register Missoula's opposition before the Senate vote. He said proposed language in the U.S. Senate could put as many as 3.3 million acres'roughly the size of Connecticut'up for sale to the highest bidder.
Speakers at the council meeting framed public lands as central to local identity, economic activity, outdoor recreation and mental health. Dozens of residents signed up to speak in favor of the resolution, including outdoor guides, educators and nonprofit organizers. A representative from Catalyst Montana pointed to local health-care and workforce statistics tied to expanded Medicaid as a separate topic being considered later in the meeting; a range of participants emphasized the cultural and economic importance of open, publicly accessible landscapes.
Council members from across the political spectrum spoke in favor of the resolution. Councilors said they understood federal policy is not decided locally, but argued a unanimous municipal statement could add pressure on Montana's delegation and signal how strongly residents value federal management and public access. Following public comment, the council voted by roll call in favor; Miss Trimble recorded a unanimous vote to adopt the resolution.
The resolution asks the city to communicate Missoula's opposition to any federal legislation that would transfer federal public lands to private ownership. City staff and councilors referenced resources such as mapping and activism tools provided by conservation organizations to help residents identify lands at risk, and councilors urged citizens to contact members of Congress.
Speakers and supporters repeatedly emphasized urgency: if lands are sold, they said, they are unlikely to be returned to public ownership.
