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Bill

HR 6788

To release from wilderness study area designation certain land in the State of Montana, to improve the management of that land, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Troy Downing

Releases Montana land from Wilderness Study Area to allow new management and use, affecting recreation, development, and agency control.

Introduced in House
2
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 6788

Summary of HR 6788 (Introduced December 17, 2025)

Overview

HR 6788 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives with the stated aim of releasing certain land in Montana from wilderness study area designation, improving management of that land, and addressing related purposes. The bill was introduced on December 17, 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on the same day.

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary objective is to remove specified land in Montana from the Wilderness Study Area (WSA) designation.
  • The bill seeks to improve how the affected land is managed after release from WSA status.
  • It authorizes “other purposes,” indicating additional, related aims that would be pursued through implementing provisions or amendments to land management.

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

Note: The full text of HR 6788 would provide exact language and specifics. Based on the title and introductory summary, the following are the central intended actions:

  • Release from WSA designation: The bill would designate certain parcels in Montana to be removed from the Wilderness Study Area designation.
  • Management improvements: The bill would establish or authorize changes to management practices for the released land, potentially affecting the governing agency (such as the Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Forest Service) and the applicable management framework.
  • Related authorities and actions: The bill may authorize related actions needed to effectuate the release and to implement the new management approach (e.g., land transfers, resource development permitting, or conservation stipulations), described as “other purposes.”

Note: Specific acreage, parcel descriptions, timing, and precise management changes are not provided in the available information. The exact provisions would be detailed in the bill’s text.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Federal land management agencies (likely the Bureau of Land Management and/or the U.S. Forest Service) and their Montana field offices.
  • Montana residents and stakeholders with interests in the released land (recreational users, local communities, landowners who border the affected parcels, and state/local governments).
  • Environmental and conservation groups, hunters, ranchers, and outdoor recreation users who may be affected by changes in land status and management approaches.
  • Potential effects on land use, recreation access, energy or mineral development potential, and wildlife/habitat management depending on subsequent management provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced in the House on December 17, 2025.
  • Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on December 17, 2025.
  • No further actions (as of introduction) are listed; future steps would typically include committee hearings, any amendments, and House floor consideration, followed by Senate action and potential presidential approval.

Questions to Consider

  • Which specific lands in Montana are targeted for release, and what are their current uses?
  • What exact management changes would accompany the release (e.g., permissive uses, development allowances, protections)?
  • What environmental reviews, local agreements, or conservation measures accompany the transfer?
  • How might this affect wildlife, water resources, and recreation in the area?

This summary reflects information currently available: the bill’s stated purpose to release certain Montana land from WSA designation and to improve management, with actions to date limited to introduction and referral.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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