By Brett French - July 23, 2020 - Originally published in the Billings Gazette Legislation that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund was passed by the U.S. House on Wednesday by a 310-107 margin. The Great American Outdoors Act is "a fitting complement to our successful efforts to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” said Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., during the House session. “It provides dedicated funding to increase public access ...

By Brett French - August 9, 2018 - Originally published in the Montana Standard. Touring the state to elevate the conversation about Montana’s recreation economy, Rachel VandeVoort hosted a gathering of about 35 people Wednesday afternoon at Thirsty Street Brewery Co. in Billings. VandeVoort has logged 11 months as the state’s first director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, created by Gov. Steve Bullock after the GOP-dominated Legislature declined to approve the appointment. At the ...