In response to a request for comments developing the Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, which is designed to track progress towards the Administration’s 30 x 30 goal, the State of Montana has taken a refreshing approach. They decline to participate in the program.
The State sent a letter to the Department of the Interior on March 7, 2022, stating:
“The Department of the Interior’s (DOI) noticed request for information (Notice), as well as the ’30 By 30’ initiative itself, is long on philosophy and short on detail. Both the DOI and President Biden lack the jurisdiction and funding requisite to implement stated efforts. For these reasons, and as explained more fully herein, Montana declines to participate in the DOI’s ‘interagency’ efforts.”
The letter from Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is also signed by the Directors of the Montana Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Livestock.
