Ryan Zinke

Always great to start the morning at Montana Coffee. Good coffee, great conversations, and this morning, an extra blessing with a prayer to start the day. https://t.co/uJDvCIcOsp

Twenty-five years ago America was attacked on our home soil. Today, we remember the 2,977 innocent lives lost and the courage our nation showed in the face of evil. God bless America. Never forget. https://t.co/X587DGLv7x

https://t.co/kJ3fmcgoP2

Missoula, MT – Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced the introduction of the A River Runs Through It Act (ARRTI), a locally developed public lands package bringing together more than two decades of work by communities throughout the Blackfoot and Clearwater Valleys. Zinke announced the legislation at Smoke Elzer Barn in Missoula, alongside local elected officials, members of the timber industry, sportsmen, recreation groups, and conservation organizations who helped shape the proposal. ARRTI brings together the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Proposal and the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal into a single landscape-scale plan encompassing approximately 430,000 acres in the Blackfoot Valley. The legislation puts multiple use at the center by expanding recreation opportunities, allowing for forest restoration, and conserving public lands while supporting timber work, reducing wildfire risk, and protecting public access. “This is what locally led conservation looks like,” said Zinke. “We can put people to work in the woods, support our timber industry, reduce wildfire risk, and keep our forests healthy while protecting public access and conserving the iconic places we cherish. This proposal was built by the people who live, work, hunt, and recreate in the Blackfoot, and after decades of work they found a way forward that keeps this landscape working for everybody.” What the A River Runs Through It Act Does Expands active forest management and timber production. The bill designates six Forest Restoration Areas totaling roughly 180,000 acres where timber harvest, thinning, vegetation management, prescribed fire, stream restoration, and other projects can improve forest health and put more wood products to work in Montana. Increases forest management around Lincoln. The Lincoln Prosperity portion of the bill prioritizes fuel reduction and forest restoration west of Lincoln to reduce wildfire risks to homes and infrastructure, while allowing forest and stream restoration, vegetation management, and other work that gives the local foresters greater flexibility to actively manage forests surrounding the community. Creates designated recreation areas and protects winter access. The legislation establishes six designated recreation areas totaling roughly 60,000 acres, including securing permanent winter access for snowmobiles and adds new mountain biking routes while protecting existing routes and creates a connected Off-Highway Vehicle trail loop more than 70 miles long, including approximately 20 miles of new trails. Protects public access and recreation. The bill maintains and expands opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and off-highway vehicle use while creating new and improved trail connections throughout the Blackfoot Valley. Protects iconic backcountry. The legislation adds roughly 100,000 acres to the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas, creates wilderness on Nevada Mountain, and releases approximately 23,000 acres of Wilderness Study Area land from analysis paralysis and restores public access and multiple use to those lands.. Broad Local Support The A River Runs Through It Act grew out of years of work among people who have not always agreed on how public lands should be managed but came together around a plan that supports multiple use and the communities of the Blackfoot Valley. The unified proposal is supported by Wild Montana, Montana Trout Unlimited, The Wilderness Society, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Back Country Horsemen of Montana, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, along with local residents, businesses, and recreation interests. The collaborative efforts that form the foundation of the legislation have also received support from local elected officials and members of the timber industry. “Wild Montana is honored to be part of the two collaboratives that have spent more than two decades developing solutions for the public lands of the Blackfoot watershed. Seeing this work come together in the A River Runs Through It Act is a remarkable achievement. The legislation would protect iconic landscapes, expand recreation access, strengthen forest restoration, support rural economies, and resolve long-standing wilderness study area designations. If passed, it would also establish Montana’s first wilderness designation since 2014. We are grateful for Representative Zinke’s leadership in listening to the residents, businesses, and public land users who know this landscape best. This proposal was built the Montana way: by sitting down together, working through differences, and finding common ground for a place we all love. Now it is up to Congress to recognize how special this hard-won agreement is and pass this locally driven legislation.” - Zach Angstead, Wild MT ”We’re all drawn to the backcountry for the same reasons: to enjoy Montana’s wild places, to connect with the natural world, and to restore our spiritual health. And we all value the Blackfoot landscape and deserve a place on it. We’re grateful to Rep. Zinke for supporting these community proposals.” - Smoke Elser, retired outfitter and guide ”This proposal reflects Montana values of being good stewards to the land and working together with broad partners to get more accomplished. Our forests and rural communities need a vibrant forest products industry, and the focus on restoration in the Blackfoot Valley will help sustain the health of both. Thank you to Rep. Zinke for moving this community proposal forward as the A River Runs Through It Act.” - Gordy Sanders, retired forester, Pyramid Mountain Lumber ”Montanans from all over come to Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley to camp, to go fishing, to go 4 wheeling, to ride their motorcycles or to hike. So, what happens on the national forest impacts us a lot. That's really what drives our economy. This proposal was built so that no one group loses anything. We all got something out of this project. We’re happy to see Congressman Zinke carry this Montana collaboration to Washington, D.C.” - Bill Cyr, Lincoln resident and retired forester “For motorized recreationists in the upper- Blackfoot Valley, the A River Runs Through It Act provides huge benefits. It will permanently protect important ATV and snowmobile access and authorize construction of several new trail connections. Whether you’re looking for a day-ride with your family or a multi-day backcountry loop riding experience, this bill will improve the quality of the experience for many. Thank you, Congressman Zinke, for introducing this legislation.” - Russ Ehnes, President, Great Falls Trail Bike Riders Association “Powell County’s economy depends on both a strong timber industry and a growing recreation economy, and our future depends on making sure the two can thrive together. The A River Runs Through It Act strikes that balance—putting more work into our forests, providing a common-sense solution for long-standing Wilderness Study Areas and giving our communities greater certainty about the future of these lands. This is the kind of practical, locally driven solution that’s good for Powell County.” - Bill Hooker, Powell County Commissioner “The success of our communities relies on our ability to work together and tackle hard problems. The folks in Lincoln have never shied away from the work it takes to get things done, and the proof lies in the A River Runs Through It Act. The proposal balances recreation and conservation with an eye to community wildfire protection and forest health. I am proud to support the A River Runs Through It Act and thrilled to see Rep. Zinke introduce it in the U.S. Congress. This is a big day for Montanans who don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting things done.” - Andy Hunthausen, Lewis & Clark County Commissioner “True collaboration requires doing the hard work up front rather than choosing the path of least resistance. Over two decades, neighbors in the Blackfoot watershed have built a plan that protects our public lands while keeping our communities viable. They have proven that local voices can successfully unite around a shared vision to protect our natural heritage while ensuring our communities thrive for generations to come. Thank you, Congressman Zinke, for supporting the A River Runs Through It Act.” - Juanita Vero, Missoula County Commissioner “The A River Runs Through It Act is a common-sense solution built by the people who know these lands best. It supports healthier forests and stronger rural economies while respecting the many ways Montanans work on and enjoy our public lands. I commend Congressman Zinke for honoring years of local work by introducing this legislation, and I encourage the rest of Montana’s delegation to help get it across the finish line.” - John Fitzpatrick, House Representative, HD 76 “This is what 25 years of refusing to give up on common ground looks like. For a generation, Montanans have kept showing up because the freedom to enjoy these public lands, the responsibility to conserve them and the obligation to pass them on to future generations are bigger than any one disagreement. We thank Congressman Zinke for recognizing the extraordinary collaboration behind this Montana-built proposal and for carrying it forward in Congress. It honors decades of work by the people of the Blackfoot and is a fitting addition to his long record of championing Montana’s public lands.” - Barb Cestero, Montana State Director, The Wilderness Society "The A River Runs Through It Act wasn't built in Washington—it was built through a collaborative process by the people who hunt, fish and make a living on this landscape. That’s the Montana way and something we can unite behind." - Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan, president and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers “For over two decades, residents of the Blackfoot River watershed have come together to create durable, large landscape solutions that benefit all…not just a select few. For these many years this team of united Montanans with diverse interests remained banded together, for the betterment of all Montana families. The “A River Runs Through It Act” is a testament to their dogged determination to ensure local Montanans decide what happens in our backyard, not D.C. politicians. We applaud Congressman Zinke in listening, learning, and advocating for Montana families with introduction and support of this legislation, where all interest groups - and all Montanans - win.” - Keagan Zoellner, Montana State Director, Mountain Mamas Background The A River Runs Through It Act represents more than two decades of locally driven work over the future of public lands in the Blackfoot and Clearwater Valleys. Covering approximately 430,000 acres, the proposal brings together the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship effort and the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal, combining active forest management, timber production, wildfire mitigation, recreation, public access, and permanent conservation into a single plan shaped by local communities, sportsmen, timber interests, recreation groups, and conservation organizations. Zinke has long worked on conservation, public access, and active management of western lands. As Secretary of the Interior, he launched the federal-state effort to improve big-game migration corridors and winter range, and since returning to Congress he has introduced the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act, helped found the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, advanced legislation to improve wildlife movement and recreation access, and supported active forest management to improve forest health and sustain western communities. ###

The A River Runs Through It Act is a made in Montana solution, and I’m proud to introduce it. It supports our timber industry, reduces wildfire risk, protects public access, and keeps the Blackfoot working for everybody. Thanks to everyone who joined us at the introduction event at the legendary Smoke Elzer’s Barn in Missoula.

Attention Gallatin County and the surrounding area: my office is teaming up with Senator Sheehy’s and the Seattle Passport Agency tomorrow in Bozeman to help Montanans apply for or renew a passport and get answers to passport related questions. Appointments are required, so reserve your spot here at the link below: https://t.co/D1xEb85Ngk

Congratulations to Travis Naugle and Silver Bow Mining for making Montana a Treasure State Again. The acquisition of the troubled Montana Tunnels fully restored full state bonding and will honor more than four million dollars of tax debt to Jefferson County Schools. Good news for America’s critical mineral supply chain and great news for high paying Montana jobs. Bravo Zulu!

Missoula, M.T. – Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke received the Excellence in Advocacy Award from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), recognizing his work to advance conservation, wildlife management, public access to public lands, and America’s hunting heritage. “RMEF has been one of the strongest conservation partners in Montana and across the West, and I’m honored to receive this award,” said Zinke. “From keeping public lands in public hands to improving elk migration corridors and restoring healthy forests, we share a belief that conservation works best when hunters, landowners, states, tribes, and federal managers are at the table. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to the next generation of leadership in this effort.” “Congressman Zinke has proven time and again through legislative leadership and action that he is committed to real conservation and America’s public lands,” said Kyle Weaver, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation president and CEO. “His work crafting and advancing critical legislation resulted in impactful conservation outcomes, making him an invaluable ally to hunter-conservationists throughout our nation." The partnership between Zinke and RMEF extends back to his first term in the House of Representatives, when they worked together on federal forest management reforms that would later help shape provisions included in the House-passed Fix Our Forests Act. Zinke and RMEF also worked to oppose the sale of public lands and protect funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. That partnership expanded during Zinke’s time leading the Department of the Interior. In 2018, Zinke signed Secretarial Order 3362, launching a federal effort to improve western big-game winter range and migration corridors for elk, mule deer and pronghorn through partnerships with states, private landowners and conservation organizations. The initiative remains a major RMEF conservation priority and laid the groundwork for ongoing migration corridor work across the West. Building on that effort, Zinke introduced the bipartisan Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act, which strengthens voluntary, state and tribal-led efforts to conserve big-game migration corridors, improve habitat connectivity and support research and mapping. RMEF hosted the original rollout of the legislation at its Missoula headquarters and praised the bill as directly aligned with its conservation mission. Zinke and RMEF have also worked together in support of several other major conservation and public lands priorities, including the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act, the House-passed Fix Our Forests Act, the Wildlife Road Crossings Program Reauthorization Act and the Grizzly Bear State Management Act. RMEF also endorsed the bipartisan Public Lands Caucus co-founded by Zinke, furthering their work on conservation, wildlife habitat, public access and responsible land management and creating a platform for future conservation minded legislators to continue the progress made by their partnership. ###

@RMEF has been one of the strongest conservation partners in Montana and across the West, and I’m honored to receive their Excellence in Advocacy Award. From keeping public lands in public hands to improving elk migration corridors and restoring healthy forests, we share a belief that conservation works best when hunters, landowners, states, tribes, and federal managers are at the table.

Go Cats Go! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Honored to receive Safari Club International’s Legislator of the Year Award. @SafariClubIntl has been a strong partner in protecting access to public lands and advancing responsible wildlife management. I look forward to continuing our work together to conserve America’s outdoor heritage for generations to come.

President Trump prefers peace but is prepared for war. Read more in my piece in the @dcexaminer https://t.co/T5BX4quJWO

Two things Democrats continue to vote against: the integrity of our elections and the strength of our military. That tells you all you need to know. https://t.co/rP5k647bUo

Thanks to everyone who stopped by Montana Coffee this morning. The entire Montana delegation gets together every Wednesday Congress is in session. If you’re visiting Washington from Montana, reach out to my office to RSVP. I hope to see you there! https://t.co/pfq6iyqYPg

In a recent survey conducted by my office, 87% of respondents said Congress should reduce the tax burden on working families. The OBBB delivered an average tax cut of $3,575 for the Montana taxpayer, but more relief is needed. Congress should keep fighting to let hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn.

Whitefish broke ground yesterday on a 9/11 memorial featuring three steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center. The memorial will be dedicated on September 11, marking 25 years since the attacks. Montana will never forget. https://t.co/K1ThrF5R8S

Montana innovation is helping protect America. I was proud to see Bozeman's S2 Corporation's technology supporting the security of our Nation's Capital during the America 250 celebration by scanning the airwaves for potential threats like drones, helping security teams detect and respond quickly. Montana's defense industry is delivering cutting-edge technology that keeps our country safe while creating good-paying jobs here at home.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke released the following statement applauding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s publication of a draft revision to the January 2025 4(d) rule that would give states greater flexibility to manage grizzly bears. "This announcement is a long time coming and very good news for many communities and the wildlife within the Yellowstone ecosystem and across bear country," said Secretary Zinke. "Like the bald eagle before it, the recovery of the grizzly stands as one of America’s great conservation success stories - the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication on the part of the state, tribal, federal, and private partners. As a Montanan and former Secretary of the Interior who started this process, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. I trust our state wildlife professionals in managing the bear population according to the best science going forward, as they do all our wildlife.” Background Since serving as Secretary of the Interior and throughout his time in Congress, Zinke has led efforts to delist recovered grizzly bear populations and return management authority to Montana and other western states. In June 2017, as Secretary of the Interior, Zinke announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s final rule delisting the recovered Greater Yellowstone grizzly population. In February 2023, Zinke joined Rep. Harriet Hageman in introducing H.R. 1245, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, to reinstate the 2017 delisting rule. In July 2023, Zinke secured House Appropriations Committee approval of his amendment to delist Greater Yellowstone grizzlies in the FY24 Interior Appropriations bill. In February 2025, Zinke led a congressional letter urging President Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reverse Biden-era grizzly policies and return management authority to the states. In July 2025, Zinke secured language in the FY26 Interior Appropriations bill directing the delisting of the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental Divide, and Bitterroot populations. ###

Wow. What a loss of a great American Patriot and true friend. Senator Graham will be missed by many. Fair winds and following seas, Colonel. https://t.co/jiMLi4E5XJ

Thank you, Will. I appreciate your kind words and your support. Public lands belong in public hands, and every American should have the opportunity to enjoy them without unnecessary barriers. I'll always fight to protect access and support the communities that depend on our parks. Glacier is my home and it is my mission to protect it for Montana.

Happy Independence Day Montana! 250 years ago, our Founding Fathers risked everything to give birth to the greatest nation the world has ever known. Today, 250 years later, America stands stronger than ever as history’s greatest champion of freedom. May God bless the United States of America and all those who defend her.

Had a lot of fun today putting the finishing touches on part of America’s 250th Birthday Cake. What a perfect way to represent Montana with one of our most iconic trout! Thank you to @America250 for letting me be a part of this work of patriotic culinary art. https://t.co/LSwcQFeDMm

Safety alert! Visitors and locals, please follow all park closures, avoid flooded areas, and stay informed by checking the park website and social media feeds as conditions change. Stay safe, and don't put yourself in a dangerous spot, forcing first responders to get into a dangerous spot. https://t.co/p3F0VidK8R

Washington, D.C. – Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke encouraged Montana students ages 14–17 to consider applying for the 2026 Patriot Games, a national competition highlighting leadership, athleticism, teamwork, and character as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. The Patriot Games, organized through Freedom250, will bring together student-athletes from across the United States, territories, and tribal nations to compete in a series of physical and team-based challenges. The event will award $250,000 in scholarships to top competitors and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN platforms, including a primetime special on ABC. “This is a great chance for Montana students to compete, meet kids from all over the country, have some fun, and maybe earn a $250,000 scholarship along the way.” Zinke said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to step onto the national stage and represent their state and country.” Applications are currently open at Freedom250.org and are due July 10, 2026. Selected participants will compete August 9–11, 2026, with final programming airing August 13 on ESPN and ABC. Families, coaches, and educators across Montana are also encouraged to share the opportunity with eligible students who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence. Eligibility: Students ages 14–17 Application Deadline: July 10, 2026 Competition Dates: August 9–11, 2026 Scholarship: $250,000 Students can submit a short video and basic information at: Freedom250.org ###

Great opportunity for Montana students! The 2026 Patriot Games bring together students from across the country to compete, have some fun, showcase their skills on a national stage, and compete for a $250,000 scholarship. Applications are open now at https://t.co/VHXN7tBjKw and are due July 10, 2026.