Montana has been ranked as the top state in the nation for outdoor enthusiasts.

“Montana is best known around the world for our beautiful vistas and wide-open spaces,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “This report confirms what Montanans already know: our outdoor recreational opportunities are the best in the country thanks to our work to boost public access, support our tourism industry, and protect our way of life.”

According to a SmileHub, Montana was ranked number one considering three key factors including outdoor activity access, economic impact and job opportunities, and environmental quality. Montana gained high marks across all three categories, including second in the nation for outdoor activity access and seventh for economic impact.

Increasing public access to public lands is a top priority for the governor. Since Gov. Gianforte took office, Montanans gained access to more than 100,000 acres of public lands through new WMAs in the Big Snowy Mountains, Bad Rock Canyon, and along the Yellowstone River with expanded access at Mount Haggin, and a new state park at Somers Beach.

In August, Gov. Gianforte led the state’s purchase of more than 50,000 acres of habitat conservation leases to increase public access, keep agricultural land in production, and conserve prairie habitats. 

And working together with sportsmen, outfitters, and landowners, the governor last year signed into law several bills to promote public access and increase hunting opportunities for Montanans.