Public lands are on the ballot

Regardless if you identify as Democrat, Republican or Independent, liberal, moderate or conservative, urban or rural, most Montanans can agree that we experience the benefits of a great public lands legacy and that is something we want our children and grandchildren to inherit.

The legacy of Montana public lands, public access, public water, and public wildlife are on the ballot this November. A vote for Gianforte is a vote against Montana’s public lands legacy.

No administration in the past two decades has demonstrated more animosity to public lands, public access, public water and public wildlife than Gianforte. The governor vetoed bipartisan legislation that would’ve allocated marijuana tax funds to support public land conservation efforts, public water, public access, and bolster wildlife habitat.

Gianforte opposes corner-crossing that enables public access between checkerboard public lands. He has single-handedly dismantled Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, forcing long-time professional scientists to leave while giving leadership to moneyed private interests that want to privatize wildlife management.

Gianforte has systematically and purposefully undermined the Montana public lands legacy and his administration will continue to do so if re-elected. This November, vote for public lands, public access, public water and public wildlife. This November vote for Ryan Busse, Governor.

– Hannah Hernandez, Heron