Burns acts to protect Rocky Front

Sen. Conrad Burns, as chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, recently included language in the fiscal year 2007 Interior Appropriations Bill that would prevent any new oil and gas leases from being approved on federal land along the Rocky Mountain Front.

"It's clear this is a critical area for habitat, recreation, agriculture and just to appreciate the majesty of Montana," Burns said. "This language will prevent any new leases from being approved, and help protect the area even further. I've heard from groups across the spectrum, agriculturalists, conservationists, recreation folks, tribal leaders, community officials, not to mention the everyday Montanans who are concerned about this area. I think this strikes a common-sense balance that benefits all parties involved."

Burns' language will accomplish the following:

? Prevent any new leasing for oil, gas, or hard rock mining in all Forest Service land within the Rocky Mountain District of the Lewis and Clark National Forest and in contiguous parcels controlled by the Bureau of Land Management.

The two major areas affected by this law will be the Badger-Two Medicine and Blackleaf Canyon.

? Existing leases will not be affected, but if they expire, are traded, donated or purchased back either by the government or a third-party group, the area will become exempt from re-leasing.

Burns said the genesis of this language dates back to the summer of 2004 when he met with representatives of Save the Front in his Great Falls office. At the time, he encouraged them to explore using private dollars to purchase the leases from developers.

In additional discussions with interested parties, they expressed concern about re-issuing of the leases once they've been purchased by private groups. Burns said he felt since these private groups had done their part and put their money where their mouth is, he would introduce language to protect their efforts.