NPCA Praises Historic Announcement to Secure Permanent Protection for the North Fork of the Flathead River

“The nation’s leading voice for our national parks, the National Parks Conservation Association, applauds the historic announcement by the Obama Administration to secure permanent protection for the Flathead River and Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.

“Through the tireless support and leadership of Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester, President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper yesterday announced that the U.S. and Canada will begin negotiations between the two countries, at the federal, state and provincial levels, in efforts to establish an international agreement and permanent protection for this international treasure.

“The leadership that has been shown on the state and provincial levels through the Flathead Memorandum of Understanding has been another huge step forward, however, we must act now to complete a binding solution for the Flathead at the federal level with engagement between the state of Montana, provinces, and the U.S. and Canadian federal governments.

“As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park, this announcement is a critical next step for securing long-term protections for the Flathead and its surrounding communities. Only through continued leadership and close collaboration will we fully reach our collective goal to safeguard the world’s first International Peace Park, Waterton-Glacier, and the Flathead River basin, for the enjoyment of our children and grandchildren.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.