Leaders should be invested in healthy land for future generations

Montana’s wild lands offer recreational opportunities that fuel the state’s economy and provide critical wildlife habitat. Unfortunately, its leaders have come out against an initiative that would protect these lands, nature and life on earth.

Governor Gianforte and officials who report directly to him have gone on record against the 30x30 initiative. Montana’s short-sighted leaders apparently are not invested in securing a safe and healthy land for our children and grandchildren.

The goal of the 30x30 initiative is an ambitious, science-based call to action to conserve 30% of land and water across the globe by the year 2030 to mitigate global climate change. Human activity has impacted over 75% of land across the globe. Countless species are at risk of extinction. The 30x30 initiative has the capacity to stop the loss of biodiversity, and hopefully begin to reverse some of the negative impacts of human activity.

Research indicates 30x30 has huge bipartisan support (77-95% according to American Nature Campaign). Over 340 U.S. nonprofit groups endorse the initiative. 30x30 is supported by 122 countries across the globe.


Gianforte and his officials should ask themselves if they can bear the responsibility for Earth’s future as it becomes increasingly unlivable.

Mary Alexine, Whitefish - NWMT Great Old Broads for Wilderness