Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) served as Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportmen’s Caucus (CSC) during the 112th Congress and Vice Chairman during the 111th Congress.
Enjoying the outdoors is part of the Montana way of life. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the state’s whole outdoor economy generates $6 billion and supports more than 60,000 jobs every year. More specifically, Montana sportsmen and women spend nearly $1 billion and support more than 16,500 jobs. That’s why Jon has worked to increase public access and protect Montana’s best outdoor places since his first days in the U.S. Senate.
As Co-Chairman of the Sportsmen’s Caucus, Jon created an advisory panel of Montana sportsmen and women who provided input to craft legislation aimed at protecting Montana’s and America’s outdoor heritage.
Jon has consistently supported full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Making Public Lands Public Act to increase public access for hunting, fishing and recreating. He has championed the North Fork Watershed Protection Act to permanently protect one of America’s most pristine areas from oil and gas drilling.
Jon has introduced the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act. This made-in-Montana legislation balances responsible timber development with the preservation of some of Montana’s most treasured lands, including prized elk habitat.
For his work to improve hunting access, Jon has been recognized by the Boone and Crockett Club, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
In Jon’s own words: “Montana’s outdoor places are unrivaled around the world, and that’s why folks stay here to start businesses and raise their families. Investing in our public lands and supporting our sportsmen will ensure that we can pass on our outdoor heritage to future generations.”
