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WASHINGTON, DC - Montana Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester say they'll introduce legislation in support of Canada's decision to ban mining in British Columbia's Flathead River Valley, while still ensuring public access.

British Columbia Premiere Gordon Campbell made the unexpected announcement Tuesday, saying the province would ban all mining, oil, gas and coal exploration and extraction in the pristine valley. Conservationists have been campaigning for years to block mining in the region, which is the headwaters of the river Americans call the North Fork of the Flathead.

Today, Baucus and Tester announced their intent to press for legislation to "ensure Montanans will be able to hunt, fish and hike in the North Fork" for generations. They say the rules would compliment similar provincial legislation by the B.C. government for lands north of the border.

Tester says "Canada stepped up to be a good neighbor and now we'll do our part to safeguard this area" so people can continue to fish, hunt, hike and camp in the valley. It's estimated over 90% of the land in the U.S. section of the North Fork is in public ownership, totaling more than 600,000 acres.

The senators have written Campbell asking for a meeting "as soon as possible" to solidify details of a Flathead protection plan.