Bill would end wilderness study status for 104,000 acres in Montana
In markupS. 3527Latest action
Sponsor: Steve Daines · Senator · MT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Montana Sportsmen Conservation Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
S 3527 would release three Montana wilderness study areas, totaling about 104,000 acres, for regular land management.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 3527 would remove "wilderness study area" status from three federal land areas in Montana: Middle Fork Judith (about 81,000 acres), Hoodoo Mountain (about 11,380 acres), and Wales Creek (about 11,580 acres). These areas would then be managed under existing local land management plans instead of remaining in the protected, undeveloped holding status meant for potential permanent wilderness.
Who does it affect?
This affects hunters, anglers, local land managers, and environmental and wilderness advocacy groups in Montana, as well as residents near these three areas. It does not affect land outside Montana or other wilderness study areas in the state.
Why does it matter?
Federal agencies studied these areas years ago and found them unsuitable for permanent wilderness, but Congress never acted, leaving them in limbo for decades. Releasing them would shift management to existing plans, changing rules around development, habitat projects, wildfire work, and recreational access.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in Senate” text of Dec 17, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Mar 4, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 17, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 4, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.