This legislation continues the century-long Montana tradition of conserving this special place. It is a solution that began with local sportsmen, landowners, business people, and others who believe in keeping the Front the way it is now – open and accessible for all traditional backcountry outdoor enthusiasts.

The measure to protect the Front has received broad bipartisan support from across the state. This month, five major Montana newspapers editorialized in favor of it, and it’s easy to see why. Every species that lived here before Lewis and Clark still thrives along the Front. Biologists rank the area in the top one percent of wildlife habitat in North America, and everyone who travels in, or even to the edge of, this splendid place is awed by its wild beauty.

The Rocky Mountain Front drilling issue has been debated for 30 years. There have been countless public meetings and public comments. The public has spoken time and again to keep the Front intact, for future generations to enjoy its unsurpassed scenery and wildlife and its traditional roadless recreation opportunities.

Repeated geologic studies indicate that the area contains little oil and gas, and actions often speak louder than words. For example, two companies already have agreed to donate or sell their Front leases, and a third company recently drilled a ten-million-dollar dry hole on Flescher Pass, just south of the Front.

Protecting the Front is economically beneficial for Montana families and communities because it preserves existing local jobs in outfitting, hunting and fishing, and other outdoor recreation that might have been hurt by drilling.

When one considers that development is booming in many other parts of the state and Montana already is doing more than its share to produce energy for the nation, it’s just common sense to protect the Front, which defines the “soul” of Montana for so many folks.

Anyone who knows the Front knows it is one of Montana’s very best wild places. Now, by an Act of Congress, America has decided to save it, and not exploit it for an insignificant amount of sour gas. The nation must focus now on conserving energy and converting to alternative sources.

We thank the many Bush administration officials and Montana public servants and countless others who encouraged and supported this bipartisan positive step to protect the Rocky Mountain Front, one of America’s premier wild areas. And special thanks to Senators Baucus and Burns for legislating it!

Our kids and grandkids surely will thank us all for this gift.