By Missoula Current

The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund on Thursday endorsed Democratic candidate Rob Quist for Congress, citing his support for public access and public ownership of federal lands.

Along with health care, public access and ownership of federal lands has emerged as one of the driving issues in the state’s looming special election between Quist and Republican Greg Gianforte.

Both candidates are vying to replace former Rep. Ryan Zinke as Montana’s at-large representative.

“We need a strong voice in Washington speaking up to protect Montana’s public lands, and Rob Quist has proven he’s a strong, independent voice for protecting America’s public lands, our clean water and our clean air,” said Tom France, a Missoula resident and senior adviser to the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund.

A recent poll conducted by Colorado College found that 77 percent of Montana voters support keeping existing national monuments in place, while 63 percent want to protect clean air and clean water.

The poll also found that 58 percent of Montana voters oppose transferring federal public lands to state control. Quist’s stance on the issues earned him the group’s endorsement.

“As an outdoorsman, Rob Quist knows that protecting America’s wildlife and outdoor heritage isn’t a partisan issue,” France said. “It’s a deeply held mainstream Montana value.”

Earlier this week, Gianforte won the endorsement of the National Federation of Small Businesses.