“For more than 30 years, Montanans from all walks of life have been working alongside our Canadian neighbors as stewards of the tremendous transboundary Flathead River Valley. Today marks a pivotal point in our effort to safeguard Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, with the partnership of Montana Congressman Steve Daines.

“Rep. Daines’ support of the North Fork Watershed Protection Act not only protects our outdoor heritage, it also serves as proof that Montana’s most majestic landscapes provide a common touchstone for us all. America’s Congress can learn from Montana’s leadership – here in the Big Sky country we know how to work together across borders to get important jobs done.

“Our care and diligence already has ensured that Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake are not contaminated by upstream industrialization; in 2011, lawmakers in British Columbia placed the Canadian Flathead off-limits to activities such as mountaintop-removal coal mining. Montanans made an honest handshake deal with our friends to the north that we would reciprocate; this measure – the North Fork Watershed Protection Act – upholds our end of the bargain.

“The legislation enjoys broad and bipartisan support across the state, costs taxpayers nothing, protects the engines driving our region’s economy, and honors all private property. And along the way, it not only protects Glacier National Park but also the municipal water supply for the city of Whitefish as well as commercial operations at destinations such as Whitefish Mountain Resort.

“In committing his support, Congressman Daines is joining some very good company. Backers of this measure include hunters, anglers, cities, counties, chambers of commerce, the region’s largest employers, and even the giants of America’s energy sector. It transcends both partisan lines and international borders, and with the support of Montana’s entire Congressional delegation we are confident it will be Glacier National Park’s next great success story.”

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