Viewpoint: It’s time for delegation to unite behind Tester’s Blackfoot bill
Terri Raugland
The Blackfoot River courses through one of the most richly storied and ecologically productive regions in the country. Montana’s outdoor way of life is rooted in special places to hunt, fish and explore, like the Blackfoot River.
My husband, John Herzer, and I have owned and operated Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula for 30 years. The Big Blackfoot River is not only in our business name; this river is at the heart and soul of our family.
John and I fished this river in the early 90s when most people thought it was “dead;” due to mining contamination and a lackluster fisheries management plan. We watched as the river came back over the past 30 years to the glory days Norman Maclean writes about in his famed book “A River Runs Through It:”
Our children grew up fishing, floating and camping on the Big Blackfoot- this river is in our DNA. We would hate to see this watershed threatened again. The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA) is a huge step toward saving and preserving this cherished resource for all Montanans and future generations.
For nearly two decades, stakeholders, local residents, legislators, and organizations have united with a common purpose: to achieve the successful passage of the BCSA. This work has taken place around cups of coffee between tying flies and around kitchen tables after a long day’s work. On June 22, we made a significant stride towards our goal when Senator Jon Tester reintroduced the BCSA.
The BCSA comprises three elements: conservation, recreation, and timber. Senator Tester has spent almost twenty years adjusting the BCSA based on discussions with stakeholders and a steering committee.
The Blackfoot watershed is home to thriving fish and wildlife habitats, as well as a growing economy centered around timber and outdoor recreation. Additionally, it offers unparalleled hunting and fishing opportunities. These wild lands warrant robust protection and management. The Grizzly Basin and the North Fork of the Blackfoot, which are priority habitat for grizzly bears and bull trout, represent some of the last remaining pristine territories in Montana.
The passage of the BCSA is long awaited and we thank Senator Tester for his relentless advocacy for our grassroots proposal that benefits Montanans. Now, we urge Senator Daines to support this bipartisan proposal and look forward to this being implemented on the landscape.
Shortened version to submit to papers with tight word counts: The Blackfoot River courses through one of the most richly storied and ecologically productive regions in the country. The river embodies Montana’s outdoor heritage, rooted in special places to hunt, fish and explore. My husband, John Herzer, and I have owned and operated Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula for 30 years. The river isn’t just our business’s namesake; it’s the heart and soul of our family. John and I fished the
Blackfoot in the early 90s when most people thought it was "dead" due to mining contamination and a lackluster fisheries management plan. We watched the revival of the river over the past 30 years to the glory days Norman Maclean wrote about “In A River Runs Through It.” Our children grew up fishing, floating and camping on this river and we would hate to see it threatened again.
The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA) offers hope, aiming to safeguard this cherished resource for future generations. For two decades, a diverse coalition has rallied behind the BCSA. On June 22, Senator Jon Tester marked a pivotal moment by reintroducing this act.
The Blackfoot watershed — teeming with thriving fish and wildlife habitats and an economy centered around timber and outdoor recreation — demands protection. The Grizzly Basin and the North Fork of the Blackfoot represent some of the last pristine territories in Montana.
We commend Senator Tester for his unwavering support for the BCSA. We now call on Senator Daines to endorse this bipartisan effort, ensuring Montana's landscapes thrive for generations.
Terri Raugland is the co-owner of Blackfoot River Outfitters