BOZEMAN, MT. The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) applauds the passage and Governor Greg Gianforte’s signature of House Bill 932, which establishes a Habitat Legacy Account administrated by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
“Our home state of Montana has a long and successful history of stewarding its private and public lands,” commented WSF President and CEO, Gray N. Thornton. “For decades, that has centered around buying more land. However, modern-day conservation also requires investments in fixing the land we already have and helping private landowners do the same. HB932 establishes a durable funding mechanism in a “Habitat Legacy Account,” strengthening existing conservation programs and expanding authority without raising taxes.”
HB932 will provide an estimated $32 million every two years—sourced from recreational cannabis tax revenue—toward conservation efforts across the state, including wildlife habitat improvement, improved public access, restoration of degraded rangelands, invasive weed treatment, water infrastructure improvements, and wildlife crossings to enhance public safety and habitat connectivity. The bill will also ensure that FWP can provide direct resources to Montana’s ranchers, farmers, and timberland owners to assist them in their ongoing legacy of stewardship.
“HB932 is a fiscally responsible approach to the wildlife and habitat conservation challenges of the day,” Thornton added. “WSF applauds Rep. Ken Walsh and Governor Gianforte for their leadership in advancing novel approaches to the state’s conservation needs, including mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions.”
"We are incredibly grateful to Representative Walsh for his commitment to conservation and to Governor Gianforte for recognizing the importance of this legislation," said Ty Stubblefield, Executive Director for Montana Wild Sheep Foundation. "Their support ensures that critical habitat and connectivity efforts will now have the backing they need. Montana’s iconic wildlife—from bighorn sheep to mule deer—need room to roam and safe passage across our highways. With this bill, we now have the resources and framework to make those crossings a reality.”
In 2021, the Montana Legislature passed HB 701, which allocated 20% of the state's recreational marijuana tax revenue to Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Habitat Montana program. With the ongoing need for healthier forests, cleaner water, higher quality habitat for our wildlife, and better soils, stakeholders recognized the need to build on that success and create something more flexible with an even broader reach. The Habitat Legacy Account directs Montana's marijuana tax revenue into the state's most important conservation and public access programs—expanding their reach, increasing flexibility, and ensuring long-term funding stability.
Tags: Advocacy, Press Release