Gabriel Furshong

Last summer we learned that outdoor recreation in Montana accounts for $7 billion in consumer spending, supports 70,000 jobs, and generates $286 million in state and local taxes. Outdoor recreation is now far and above the biggest sector of Montana’s economy. That sector depends on public lands, especially those managed by the Forest Service. We learned these numbers while Montana was experiencing one of its most devastating fire seasons in recent memory, threatening our communities and the outdoor recreation economy those communities depend on. …The most urgent need is fixing how the Forest Service funds firefighting, because the current method is bankrupting the agency. …This leaves the agency unable to conduct forest restoration projects that protect communities along the urban-wildland interface and unable to maintain campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and other outdoor infrastructure.