U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that will provide economic opportunities for Montana’s outfitters and guides impacted by COVID-19 and related travel restrictions. The bipartisan “Trail Stewardship for Economic Recovery Act” will provide funding for outfitters & guides to conduct trail maintenance projects on Forest Service lands.
“Montana’s outfitters and guides have seen a drastic decline in business due to the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions that have been put in to place,” Daines said. “My bipartisan bill will help our outfitters and guides make ends meet by creating jobs and new opportunities as their busiest season has been significantly interrupted.”
The bill provides $200 million for Forest Service trail system projects to be completed by outfitters & guides. Daines introduced his bipartisan bill with Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and has support from several stakeholder groups in Montana.
Statements of Support:
“Outfitters and guides in Montana are happy to have a Senator representing us who understands the urgency and importance of our industry to our state’s public lands and our economy. We applaud the introduction of the Trails Stewardship for Economic Recovery Act and urge its passage as soon as possible. Our outfitters are ready to work this summer and our forests need maintenance!” – Chuck Rein, President, Montana Outfitters & Guides Association
“By providing work for outfitters and guides that aligns with the need for trail maintenance and noxious weed removal on America’s National Forests, the Trails Stewardship and Economic Recovery Act will solve two challenges at once. The National Forest trails system has extensive maintenance needs that agencies have been unable to address, invasive plants are taking over native ecosystems, and outfitters who have not been able to fully reopen need work. This act will address all these needs while improving the access and experience for America’s outdoor enthusiasts.” – Aaron Bannon, Executive Director, America Outdoors
Background:
Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country. To read about Daines’ COVID-19 related efforts, click HERE.
To learn more about Senator Daines’ efforts to protect our public lands and promote outdoor recreation, click HERE.