U.S. SENATE —U.S. Senator Steve Daines today released the following statement on the first actions taken by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to return power back to the people.
“I’m pretty certain the bureaucrat that put this regulation in place has never hunted elk in Montana,” Daines stated. “Secretary Zinke is off to a strong start protecting Montana’s and our country’s hunting and fishing heritage.”
“Secretary Zinke’s first actions in office also help unlock access to our nation’s public lands. In Montana we know that nearly 2 million acres of our public lands are inaccessible and I am hopeful this action will bring ways to improve access in a responsible way into focus.”
Just yesterday, Daines wrote to Zinke urging him to rescind the ban on use of lead ammunition writing, “I am concerned this directive was motivated by politics, not sound science, and would jeopardize the revenues hunters and anglers generate for conservation purposes. I ask that you rescind the directive and work with the states and Congress to address the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle.”
Sec. Order 3347 builds on an Executive Order 13443 under President George W. Bush and directs bureaus and agencies to immediately identify areas where recreation and fishing can be expanded. The order also asks for the Wildlife Hunting Heritage Conservation Council and the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council to provide recommendations on improving access as well and improving wildlife habitat.
Sec. Order 3346 revokes Director’s Order No. 219, the Obama Administration’s midnight directive banning the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands.
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