S-3527-119
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Sponsored by Steve Daines (R-MT)
What it does
This bill would remove the wilderness study area (WSA) designation from three specific areas in Montana: the Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area (~81,000 acres), the Hoodoo Mountain Wilderness Study Area (~11,380 acres), and the Wales Creek Wilderness Study Area (~11,580 acres) — totaling approximately 104,000 acres of federal public land. The land would no longer be managed under the restrictive interim protections required for WSAs, and would instead be managed under existing Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land management plans, which allow a broader range of uses including motorized access, timber harvest, and active land management.
Who benefits
Hunters, anglers, off-road vehicle users, and other recreationists who would gain expanded motorized and non-motorized access to the released areas. Timber and grazing industries that could pursue activities currently restricted under WSA rules. Wildlife managers and wildfire mitigation crews who would have more flexibility to conduct habitat improvement and fire prevention projects. Local Montana communities and economies that depend on resource extraction and outdoor recreation. The Forest Service and BLM, which would gain management flexibility to implement their existing land plans.
Who is hurt
Wilderness advocates and conservation organizations who prefer the areas remain under protective WSA management. Hikers, backpackers, and non-motorized recreationists who value the undeveloped, roadless character of these lands and may see that character change over time. Wildlife species sensitive to motorized disturbance or habitat fragmentation. Future generations who would lose the option of having these specific acres designated as formal wilderness. Neighboring landowners or communities who may be affected by increased activity in these areas.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that both the Forest Service and the BLM — following multi-year, collaborative, science-based review processes — have twice determined these areas are unsuitable for wilderness designation, most recently in 2020 and 2021. They contend that keeping over 700,000 acres of Montana public land in permanent WSA limbo, despite agency findings of unsuitability, prevents land managers from conducting necessary wildfire mitigation, improving wildlife habitat, and expanding public access for sportsmen — all activities that existing management plans are specifically designed to enable.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that WSA status provides a meaningful conservation floor that, once removed, cannot easily be restored — and that releasing these lands opens the door to motorized use, resource extraction, and development that could permanently alter their character. They contend that the agencies' "unsuitable" findings reflect administrative and political judgments made decades ago, and that changed conditions — including climate-driven habitat shifts and increased recreational demand — warrant keeping these lands protected until Congress conducts a more comprehensive review of Montana's public land portfolio.