Zinke Takes the Reins as Secretary of Interior, Pushes to Expand Hunting and Fishing on First Day
Former U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana literally took hold of the reins in his new position as U.S. Secretary of the Interior yesterday, by riding a horse though D.C. to his office. Zinke quickly pushed through two secretarial orders both focused on increasing hunting and fishing opportunities. The two orders are transcribed below, from the Secretary of the Interior's website.
The two secretarial orders include:
Secretarial Order No. 3346 overturns the recent ban of lead ammunition and fish tackle used on Fish and Wildlife Service lands, waters, and facilities. The order highlights the need for additional review and consultation with local stakeholders.
Secretarial Order No. 3347 advances conservation stewardship, improves game and habitat management, and increases outdoor recreation opportunities by directing bureaus and agencies to immediately identify areas where recreation and fishing can be expanded. The order also requests input from the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council and Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council to provide recommendations on enhancing and expanding access on public lands and improving habitat for fish and wildlife.
Zinke is the first Montanan to ever hold a presidential cabinet position. To take the spot, he had to resign his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, which has triggered a special election set to occur on May 25.