1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about Secretarial Order 3442, issued by the Department of the Interior on September 4, 2025. This order poses a significant threat to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and, by extension, to Montana's public lands, outdoor heritage, and rural economies. As you know, the LWCF has been a cornerstone of conservation and recreation in America for over 60 years. In Montana alone, it has invested more than $649 million without burdening taxpayers. This program has been crucial in preserving our state's natural treasures, including projects in the Blackfoot River Watershed, Lolo National Forest, and the Rocky Mountain Front. SO 3442 undermines the bipartisan intent of the Great American Outdoors Act, which you supported. It imposes top-down restrictions that replace locally-driven projects with Washington mandates, potentially opening a pathway for federal land sales disguised as LWCF purchases. This order directly threatens our state's outdoor way of life and the economic benefits it brings to our rural communities. Your past support for LWCF demonstrates your understanding of its importance to Montana. Now, I urge you to take a stand against SO 3442. By opposing this order, you will be defending not just our public lands, but also the will of Congress and the interests of your constituents. The consequences of inaction could be severe. We risk losing vital conservation projects, damaging our outdoor recreation industry, and setting a dangerous precedent for federal overreach in land management decisions. I ask that you publicly denounce SO 3442 and work with your colleagues to ensure its reversal. Time is of the essence. With every day that passes under this order, opportunities for conservation and local economic development are at risk. Please act swiftly to protect Montana's public lands and preserve the integrity of the LWCF for future generations.