Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester are working to improve maintenance of Montana’s National Forest trails.

Daines and Tester have signed onto S.1110, the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act of 2015, which would ensure existing Forest Service resources are better used to maintain National Forest trails. It would also significantly increase the role of volunteers and local partners in maintaining the usability and sustainability of the National Forest trail system.

“Montana has a rich outdoor heritage that is critical to our state’s economy and our way of life,” Daines said. “Unfortunately, too many of our National Forest trails are left unmaintained – making it difficult for Montanans to enjoy our state’s treasured lands. It’s important that we protect our public lands and maintain our nation’s trail system so that Montanans can enjoy recreational opportunities in our National Forests and access to public lands for generations to come.”

 

“Montana’s vast trail system takes outdoor enthusiasts to some of the nation’s most treasured places.  Maintaining these hiking trails is a critical component of Montana’s outdoor economy and heritage,” Tester said.  “This bill will improve trail maintenance so folks can continue to access our state’s public lands.”

Only one-quarter of the 158,000 miles of National Forest trails are actively maintained by the Forest Service — preventing Montanans from using many designated trails for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, motorized vehicle use, horseback riding and other outdoor activities.  S.1110 requires the development of a national strategy to maximize the use of volunteers and local partners in trail maintenance, while also addressing liability concerns that restrict outside groups and individuals working on National Forest trails.

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