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MONTANA – Montana’s scenic natural views are a source of pride for the state, and conservation efforts have played a key role in preserving them. A significant contributor to these efforts is the tax revenue generated from legalized marijuana.
Since the legalization of recreational marijuana, Montana has allocated tens of millions of dollars to conservation and recreation programs through House Bill 701. However, this funding is now at risk of being relocated.
The revenue supports crucial programs, including habitat conservation, state parks, trail stewardship, and non-game wildlife management. Specifically, 20% of the recreational marijuana revenue is dedicated to habitat conservation.
Alex Blackmer and Noah Marion, the state policy director for Montana Wild, emphasized the importance of maintaining this funding. Blackmer stated, “It’s like, it’s really, really crucial to not just, you know, our outdoor way of life, but like being able to support our families and live in the state. So like investing proactively, that is hugely important.”
Marion explained their approach to ensuring the continuation of this revenue. “We’re obviously educating the public about the potential threats, and we’re reaching out to lawmakers and letting them know how important this is to Montanans,” he said.
Despite the governor’s budget including cuts to some of these programs, advocates argue that the state’s large surplus makes such cuts unnecessary and potentially harmful to Montana’s way of life.
”}]] MONTANA – Montana’s scenic natural views are a source of pride for the state, and conservation efforts have played a key role in preserving them. A significant contributor to these Read More
