Montana Wilderness Bill Gets Senate Hearing

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus is introducing his plan for new wilderness along the Rocky Mountain Front with high hopes, and the backing of the Obama administration.

Baucus told a U.S. Senate committee on Thursday that the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act comes from locals who spent years working on it. It aims to keep development and road access at current levels.

Baucus predicted it will succeed where other wilderness efforts have failed because it is a homegrown effort.

Some opponents have said more wilderness designations could hinder access, mineral exploration and ranching operations.

The act would add about 70,000 acres of wilderness to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and a larger conservation management area that would limit road building.

The Bureau of Land Management offered support in a brief statement.