U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Tony Colter of Powell County for his many years of leadership in resolving forestry and timber issues and his dedication to making Montana a better place to live for all Montanans.
Through his “Montanan of the Month” initiative, each month Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Month” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
TRIBUTE TO TONY COLTER OF POWELL COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing Tony Colter of Powell County as Montanan of the Month for his many years of leadership in resolving forestry and timber issues and his dedication to making Montana a better place to live for all Montanans.
Tony is a founding member of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Working Group, which was formed in 2011. The group brings Montanans with diverse interests together to collaborate with Forest Service staff and community members to promote collaboration and transparency when solving forest-level issues in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Tony’s leadership and passion for the Working Group has impacted the lives of many of his fellow Montanans. He has been instrumental in helping develop science-based restoration strategies, forging diverse partnerships, and improving Forest Service projects through collaborative approaches and recommendations.
Fellow members of the Working Group say that Tony cares deeply about the group’s vision for the Forest, and his passion and charisma made him a valuable leader and representative for the Working Group. They say that learning from and working alongside Tony was an honor.
Tony also worked for many years at Sun Mountain Lumber in Deer Lodge. His former co-workers, friends, and colleagues all agree that his efforts have made a lasting impact. Bryan Lorengo with the Montana Logging Association said, “The one thing that sticks out about Tony is his calm demeanor and willingness to listen first while respecting people’s opinions and views even though they might be opposite of his own.”
It is my honor to recognize Tony for his leadership and commitment to bettering the Forest and serving his community. Through his passion for advancing the Working Group’s mission for and dedication to solving forest-related issues, I have no doubt that Tony’s hard work has made the great State of Montana a better place to live. Congratulations on your retirement, Tony. You make Montana proud!
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Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler