U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke today introduced legislation to honor the life of renowned Montana conservationist, Alex Diekmann by naming an unnamed peak in his memory.
The delegation’s bill will name an unnamed 9,765-foot peak as “Alex Diekmann Peak”. It is located 2.2 miles west-northwest of Finger Mountain on the western boundary of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana (UTM coordinates Zone 12, 457966 E., 4982589 N.).
“As someone who went from kindergarten through college in Bozeman, I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Alex’s life and memory than by naming a peak in his honor,” Daines stated. “Many Montanans remember Alex for his hard work in conservation, working with Montana landowners and federal and state partners alike to protect Montana’s way of life and our state’s abundant wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations to come.”
“It’s incredibly fitting to name a wild Montana peak after Alex,” said Tester. “This bill will honor his life as a true conservationist and remember his work keeping Montana the Last Best Place.”
“I’m happy to introduce this bill on behalf of the people of Bozeman and Montana,” said Zinke. “Alex Deikmann was an avid outdoorsman and a well-respected conservationist. His legacy will be remembered in perpetuity.”
In Bozeman, Diekmann worked as a senior project manager for the Trust for Public Land. He worked for 16 years to protect the Madison and Greater Yellowstone Area, which include the Taylor Fork in the Gallatin Canyon, Three Dollar Bridge, Chestnut Mountain and Frog Rock, and the restoration of O’Dell Creek in the Madison Valley.
Diekmann also worked on more than 55 projects and helped to preserve more than 100,000 acres during his time with the Trust for Public Lands. Some of his accomplishments also include conserving 23,000 acres of forested lands surrounding Whitefish, Montana. In addition he sought to protect of The Offline Ranch, The Sun Ranch, The Granger Ranches, The Boltz Ranch, The Gecho Ranch and The Crumley Ranch.
Jeff Laszlo, Granger Ranches, Ennis, Montana: “I support and advocate for the naming of Alex Diekmann Peak in honor of one of the greatest conservationist and people our area has ever been so fortunate to know and to have working on our behalf. Alex was responsible for many landmark conservation projects in Madison Valley and in Montana that protected and preserved working lands, open space, natural resources, and public access for generations to come. Alex’s unique talents made it possible to put together complex land deals to conserve the Madison Valley. He remained engaged and involved with his heart and soul in the Valley’s protection until his very final days. Naming the peak after him is a fitting tribute and reminder to all of us of his commitment, legacy, and dedication that will be needed in the future.”
Chuck Roady, Vice President and General Manager of F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company and Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: “As an operator of one of Montana’s remaining lumber mills and an avid sportsman I knew firsthand Alex’s commitment to Montana’s local communities and our outdoor way of life in Montana. Because of Alex’s efforts, Stoltze Land & Lumber was able continue managing our forest lands in Haskill Basin as a working forest and sportsmen throughout our state have gained permanent public access to our lands. I am honored to support Senator Daines, Senator Tester, and Representative Zinke in their efforts to designate Alex Diekmann peak.”
The delegation’s bill is supported by:
Montana Association of Land Trusts
American Fly Fishing Trade Association
The text of the bill is available to download here.
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