Zinke Secures Key Funding, Forest Management Reforms, and ESA Rollbacks

Western Montana Congressman and former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced a series of major victories for Montana in the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The legislation, which passed out of full committee markup this week, includes several of Zinke’s top priorities—ranging from rural water infrastructure funding to sweeping reforms of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and forest management practices.

“As a former Secretary of the Interior, I’ve seen firsthand how mismanagement from Washington can hurt our communities,” Zinke said. “This bill reverses years of top-down bureaucratic regulation that choked our industries, hampered forest management, and shut off access to public lands. It’s a science-backed, community-led piece of legislation that puts Montana values first.”

The bill now heads to the House floor for a full vote.

Water Infrastructure Investments for Rural Montana

The legislation includes multiple Community Project Funding (CPF) requests submitted by Zinke, totaling $4.5 million for rural water infrastructure upgrades:

• Granite County Clean Water Infrastructure Project – $1.75 million
• Alberton Clear Water Infrastructure Project – $1 million
• Lolo Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement (Phase 1) – $1.75 million

“This reflects [Zinke’s] total commitment to rural Montana,” said Daniel Reddish, Mayor of Phillipsburg. “Promises made, promises kept! Bravo!”

CPF allows Members of Congress to direct federal grant funding to specific community projects without increasing overall federal spending—funds that would otherwise be allocated by unelected agency officials.

Major Policy Wins on Wildlife, Forest Management, and Tribal Job Training

Zinke also secured significant policy riders that reflect long-standing priorities for Montanans:

• Delisting of Grizzly Bear Populations in the Greater Yellowstone, Northern Continental Divide, and Bitterroot Ecosystems
• “Cottonwood Fix” to stop environmental lawsuits from delaying forest management projects
• Ban on Funding for ESA Listing of Wolverines, citing sufficient population health and effective state management
• Rollback of Canadian Lynx ESA Enforcement, allowing more flexible forest use
• $5 Million for Native American Ironworker Training Program, reinstating a successful initiative under the Bureau of Indian Affairs
• Expansion of Good Neighbor Authority, encouraging partnerships between the Forest Service and states/tribes for forest and wildfire management
• Increased Access to Forest Roads, facilitating timber harvest and firefighting
• Prohibition on Bison Introduction to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, preserving traditional multiple-use and ranching interests

Support from across Montana was swift.

“As someone who went through the Native American Ironworker Training Program, I’ve seen the impact firsthand,” said Tom Tanner, a 32-year veteran of the ironworking trade. “This program is a smart investment in America’s workforce, and I appreciate Congressman Zinke’s leadership.”

State Representative Paul Fielder, a retired wildlife biologist, praised the language opposing ESA listing of wolverines. “The ESA refers to the Endangered Species Act, not the Endangered Distinct Population Segment Act,” Fielder said. “This bill reflects a proper, science-based approach.”

With the House set to consider the bill in the coming weeks, Zinke remains confident the legislation will deliver results for Montanans.

“Montanans love our public lands and outdoor heritage,” said Zinke. “This bill supports multiple use, rural infrastructure, job training, and responsible land stewardship—it’s the kind of smart, local-driven policy that Washington needs more of.”

If passed by the House and signed into law, the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill would represent one of the most comprehensive legislative victories for Montana in recent years.

By: DNU staff