Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester reintroduced legislation Feb. 7 to permanently protect the American side of the North Fork drainage from new oil and gas development and mining.

The North Fork Watershed Protection Act of 2012 does not impede timber production, hunting or fishing and continues to have the broad support of Montana businesses and conservation groups.

“Wild pristine places like the North Fork drive our economy, attract tourists and make Montana a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Baucus said. “There’s no place on earth quite like the North Fork, and it’s our duty to make sure our kids and grandkids can enjoy it.”

Tester noted that few places exist like the North Fork when it comes to hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

“Outdoor recreation supports businesses and creates jobs, but Montanans understand that protecting these areas is about more than just dollars and cents,” Tester said. “It’s about setting aside places where we can pass on our Montana values to our kids and our grandkids, and I’ll keep fighting to protect areas like the North Fork that make Montana a special place to live and work.”

Baucus has been a steady and strong voice to protect the North Fork for nearly 40 years, beginning with his successful 1975 proposal to designate the Flathead as a Wild and Scenic River.

To date, Baucus and Tester have successfully negotiated the return of more than 200,000 acres in the North Fork held by energy companies. They secured the return of the primary interest in more than 80 percent of the total leased acreage.

Baucus and Tester vowed to continue these efforts in addition to fighting for passage of the North Fork Watershed Protection Act.