Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has reintroduced a series of conservation bills aimed at protecting public lands, ensuring water levels in Flathead Lake, and preserving wildlife migration corridors. The bills, originally introduced in the 118th Congress (2023-2024), were resubmitted for consideration at the start of the 119th Congress, which began on January 3, 2025.
“When you grow up in Montana, conservation isn’t just a priority, it’s part of who you are,” Zinke said. “I want to be able to hunt, hike, and fish with my grandkids in the same rivers, trails, and lakes where my grandpa took me. That’s why these bills are so critical—they ensure we can pass down that way of life to future generations.”
Zinke emphasized his commitment to keeping public lands accessible, protecting big game, and maintaining water levels in Flathead Lake for future use, pledging to push for the bills’ passage into law.
Public Lands in Public Hands Act
One of Zinke’s key legislative efforts, the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, aims to preserve public access to federally managed lands by prohibiting their sale or transfer, except under specific conditions mandated by prior legislation. The bill would require congressional approval for any disposal of publicly accessible tracts over 300 acres, or tracts over 5 acres if accessible via public waterways. If passed, the measure would safeguard nearly 30 million acres of public lands used by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Montana.
Fill the Lake Act
In response to the extremely low water levels in Flathead Lake during the summer of 2023, Zinke reintroduced the Fill the Lake Act, which mandates the Department of the Interior to maintain lake levels between 2892’ MSL and 2893’ MSL from June 15 to September 15 each year. The legislation aims to prevent a recurrence of the 2023 season when regulators allowed the lake to drop nearly two feet below full capacity, impacting recreation and local economies.
Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act
Zinke also reintroduced the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, which builds upon Secretarial Order 3362, a federal initiative aimed at improving habitat quality in big-game winter ranges and migration corridors. The bill seeks to codify existing programs, such as the Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program and the USDA’s Migratory Big Game Initiative, ensuring dedicated funding for conservation efforts that support habitat connectivity and wildlife movement.
The reintroduction of these bills underscores Zinke’s continued efforts to prioritize conservation and public access initiatives in Montana. With broad support from conservation organizations and outdoor advocacy groups, the legislation aims to secure the future of Montana’s cherished outdoor traditions.