by Clair Johnson, Helena Independent Record

BILLINGS — Congress on Wednesday voted to set aside more than 2 million acres in nine states as protected wilderness, and though the bill doesn’t add more wilderness lands in Montana, it contains some provisions that affect the state.

The legislation, which opponents, mostly Republicans, called a land grab that would block energy development on federal land, is on its way to President Barack Obama for his likely signature.

The bill permanently establishes the National Landscape Conservation System, which protects and restores scenic, ecologically and historically significant lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Central Montana is the largest NLCS area in the state.

Great Falls attorney Dennis Tighe, president of the Friends of the Upper Missouri Breaks Monument, said the system will protect wildlife habitat, remoteness and quiet vistas, which the public has repeatedly asked to be preserved.

Congress’ approval provides statutory recognition of the existing NLCS system and a better chance of consistent management, the organization said. ...