Senate joint resolution NO. 36

INTRODUCED BY E. Boldman

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of the outdoor recreation economy in montana and related regulations, fees, and standards; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.

WHEREAS, nearly one-third of the land in Montana is owned by the federal government, another 5% is owned by the state, and together those lands and associated waters form the backbone of the state's hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation economy; and

WHEREAS, the $2.5 billion generated annually by outdoor recreation places Montana second in the nation for the outdoor recreation economy as a percent of the gross domestic product; and

WHEREAS, the importance of outdoor recreation and the Montana way of life depends on a relationship of understanding and respect between federal land managers, state agencies, and the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, recreational opportunities abound on Montana's 94 million acres, and outdoor recreation is core to the state's outdoor heritage; and

WHEREAS, Montana's recreation economy, fueled by its residents and the more than 10 million visitors to the state each year, is diverse and far-reaching; and

WHEREAS, Montana's outdoor recreation industry is a significant and growing part of the state's economy, contributing to well-paying jobs and local and state tax bases; and

WHEREAS, a vibrant future for outdoor recreation is critical to the well-being of Montana's citizens and communities; and

WHEREAS, improving the relationship between federal and state agencies and the Legislature is key to solving and preventing controversies over land use, forest and range management, and wildlife management, as well as improving local economies that rely on outdoor recreation related to federal lands.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine at a statewide and county level:

(1)        the economic benefits of recreational lands, waters, and experiences in Montana;

(2)        the economic contributions of outdoor recreation in Montana, including economic impacts by demography and recreational activity and economic impacts on public and private lands by type and location;

(3)        how outdoor recreation expenditures trickle down through the state's economy and the distribution of outdoor recreation economic activity at the local and regional level; and

(4)        the impacts of development and population growth on recreation providers and communities in Montana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study:

(1)        examine the regulations and oversight of outdoor recreational activities and the maintenance of infrastructure and facilities with a goal of ensuring public safety; and

(2)        investigate standards, licensing requirements, and related fees and expenses charged to recreation businesses and operators.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.