Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced the introduction of the A River Runs Through It Act at Smoke Elzer Barn in Missoula, bringing together local elected officials, timber industry representatives, sportsmen, and conservation groups to mark the legislation's debut. The bill merges two existing proposals — the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Proposal and the Lincoln Prosperity Proposal — into a single framework covering approximately 430,000 acres in the Blackfoot Valley. The effort draws on more than two decades of collaborative work by communities in the Blackfoot and Clearwater Valleys. What the Legislation Would Do If enacted, the act would expand recreation opportunities, allow forest restoration work, conserve public lands, support the timber industry, reduce wildfire risk, and protect public access. It…