Sunday, March 26, 2017
EMWH Update including a Disgusting Hearing on HB 651
Legislative Update Mar. 25, 2017
Bill du jour, another serving of the legislative bills...
HB 651 Fasttracking
Watching the live video of the HB 651 hearing, Rep. Zach Brown, the Vice Chair, made an objection, that House Rules 30-40, subsection 4 states, "(4) All committees shall provide for and give public notice, reasonably calculated to give actual notice to interested persons, of the time, place, and subject matter of regular and special meetings. All committees are encouraged to provide at least 3 legislative days notice to members of committees and the general public. However, a meeting may be held upon notice appropriate to the circumstances." He also asked that the 15 minutes allotted for comments, by the Chair, Rep. Kerry White, be expanded.
This bill was posted on the 23rd, with a hearing set for the 24th - about 24 hours.
There were no proponents there, with the sponsor, Rep. Regier stating that due to short notice, he was not able to get the proponents there. Yet, due to our conservation networking, even with short notice, we had 15 opponents testify, with numerous other opponents calling and emailing their objections.
Testifying opposition were: Chris Marchion - Anaconda Sportsmen, Steve Platt - Helena Hunters & Anglers, Richard Hutton, Seth Morris, Shawn Thomas - MT DNRC, DJ Berg - National & MT Wild Sheep Foundation, Mark Lambrecht - RMEF, Jery Davis - Montana Bowhunters Association, Amy Seaman - MT Audubon Society, Jeff Lukas - MT Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Rod Bullis, Brian Ohs - MT Trout Unlimited, Mike Korn - retired FWP (began Block Management), Ron Aasheim - Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Nick Gevock - representing Montana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, Mule Deer Foundation & The Nature Conservancy.
As fast tracked as this bill has been introduced the 23rd and hearing the 24th, Rep. Kerry White stated that they might take executive action that day. Which is exactly what they did last night.
Additionally, according to "5-4-201, MCA, fiscal notes are required on all bills reported out of a committee having an effect on the revenues, expenditures, or fiscal liability of the state or of a county or municipality, except appropriation measures carrying specific dollar amounts. Statutory provisions regarding fiscal notes may be found in 5-4-201 through 5-4-210, MCA."
No fiscal note was available for either the committee, nor the public by the time of, nor at the time of the hearing. It is still not posted.
Not what I wanted to be doing this morning, but I watched the executive action for this bill.
Rep. Flynn mentioned his concerns with the funding source, that it was going to be tough to overcome and he couldn't support the bill.
Then Rep. Wylie Galt let fly,
"The landowner/hunter problem is a growing rift. Lot of the opponents came up here, said how great this Habitat for Humanity (yes, that is exactly what he said, instead of Habitat Montana). I would disagree. As a landowner who deals with hunters, every year I dread hunting season more and more. The hunters are becoming more rude, more blatant. What needs to happen is we need to get these people together, we need to have them actually come talk to the landowners. So for that I'm going to support this bill for hopefully some kind of change like this will get something like that to happen. Because if we don't start doing something, its only going to get worse."
Flynn suggested PR dollars instead of Habitat Montana funding. He held up a stack of messages in opposition and said,
"Look at this, 100s and 100s and 100s more! And I absolutely know after being in the discussions with Rep. Regier, he is in earnest to solve the problem. And every body in here is in earnest to solve the problem. If we take it to a funding source that is a, you know I think we have a chance of maybe, getting some dollars out of there, that I think it has the potential to solve the problem, answer the concerns of some of the folks around here, alleviate the concerns from the other folks and at the end of the day, the winners will be the public, so that would be my suggestion Mr. Chair."
Chair White said he resisted putting any kind of conceptual amendment on this, didn't want to delay this, wanted to get it passed. So they voted - 8 yes, 7 no. Thankfully, Rep. Flynn voted against it, but unfortunately it was not enough to stop this fasttrack agenda.
Despite all the public outpouring of opposition emails, phone calls and public testimony; despite FWP and DNRC opposing HB 651; despite the Montana rule about public notice and the MCA about fiscal notes, almost of the entirety of the Republicans on this House Natural Resource Committee chose to ignore all this to fasttrack pass this financial funding and authority, redundant thieving bill.
For another perspective, Mike Korn's article - Thanks for Your Comments. Now, Go Away. HB 651 (retired FWP's Block Management Coordinator from 1988-1995)
Please contact the House Representatives in opposition to this bill, quickly, it will probably go to the Floor the beginning of this coming week. Addresses below.
Public Trust Resources
HB 651 - Oppose - Passed Executive Action, probably will be heard early this week. An act revising laws related to public access projects; creating a public lands access advocate; providing duties; revising use of Wildlife Habitat Funding; providing an appropriation; amending sections 77-1-202 AND 87-1-242, MCA
Please email opposition to House Representatives, addresses below.
SB 264 - Oppose - Revising rulemaking for reporting to Board of Outfitters. (reported on 3/15) Passed by House & Senate, signed by President, please email Governor Bullock for a veto. governor@mt.gov
Trespass Bills
SB 170 - Oppose , "An act providing civil penalties for unauthorized operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle over real property; and providing an applicability date." This bill is modifying Title 70 Property, Chapter 16 Rights and Obligations Incidental to Ownership in Real Property, this section defines what property ownership means.
(reported on 3/15 and 3/18) Still sitting in Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Senate Committee.
HB 566 - Oppose - Revise private property notice for trespass, still sitting in House Judiciary since the hearing was cancelled on 3/7. (reported on 2/28)
HB 231 - Opposed private land amendment. Since the amendment text was added back in, restoring private landowners requirement for posting and orange paint, the bill passed to the Senate, where the bill was amended again. It passed it's 3rd reading and is now back in the House due to the new residential amendment. (reported on 2/28 and 2/31)
Parks Bills
HB 324 - Oppose - Sitting in the Senate Fish & Game since 3/16. Revise laws related to state parks' administration. This bill unfortunately passed the House, was referred to the Senate Committee and is being heard tomorrow (reported on it on 2/19). Please send your comments to the Senators, addresses below.
HB 454 - Oppose, Did not pass House Floor vote 3/24, probably dead (reported on it 2/23)
Hunting/Sportsmen related
HB 151 - Oppose - Tabled on 3/14 Appropriation for shooting range development program (Reported 2/13)
HB 315 - Oppose - Tabled on 3/21 Revising laws related to nonresident relative hunting and fishing licenses. (reported on 2/5)
HB 318 - Oppose - Tabled on 3/21 Revise nonresident college student big game combination license fee. (reported on 2/5)
Public Lands
HJ 9 - Oppose - Hearing 3/27 Senate Natural Resources, Resolution supporting the release of certain wilderness study areas. Please contact the Senators, emails below. (reported 2/19)
Constitutional Amendment
SB 236 - Oppose - Hearing before Senate Fish & Game 3/27 Fielder's Constitutional referendum to safeguard right to hunt, fish, and trap wildlife. Current text. Various suggested text amendments have been proposed, from various sportsmens groups and the Sportsmens Caucus group, but nothing agreed on by all. Which speaks to me, that this bill (or one similar), which affects our Constitution, needs much more work and vetting before going before the legislature in such a rushed manner this year. (reported on 2/15)
CWD
SB's 187 and 173 Hearings on 3/28 with House Fish, Wildlife & Parks. (Reported on 3/15)
_________________________
Senate addresses below
House of Representatives addresses
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, Jbachmeier4hd28@gmail.com, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net, bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Senate email addresses
goodwind1.duane@gmail.com, rnewbar@gmail.com, Sen.Mark.Blasdel@mt.gov, Sen.Dee.Brown@mt.gov, ebuttrey@mtsenate.com, marycaferro@gmail.com, Sen.Jill.Cohenour@mt.gov, Sen.Pat.Connell@mt.gov, TFacey@mt.gov, Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Fitzpatrick@mt.gov, Mrmac570@me.com, Sen.Jen.Gross@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Hinebauch@mt.gov, Sen.Jedediah.Hinkle@mt.gov, brian@hovenequipment.com, sendavidhoward@gmail.com, Sen.Llew.Jones@mt.gov, Sen.Doug.Kary@mt.gov, Sen.Bob.Keenan@mt.gov, Sen.Mike.Lang@mt.gov, suemalek@gmail.com, edie.mcclafferty@gmail.com, Sen.Mary.McNally@mt.gov, moe.mt.senate@gmail.com, Sen.Eric.Moore@mt.gov, Sen.Albert.Olszewski@mt.gov, ryanosmundson@gmail.com, mikephillips@montana.net, Sen.JP@mt.gov, Sen.Keith.Regier@mt.gov, tomrichmondmt@gmail.com, Sen.Scott.Sales@mt.gov, dansalomon12@gmail.com, senatorsands@gmail.com, Sen.Jon.Sesso@mt.gov, Sen.Jason.Small@mt.gov, Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov, clairena@hughes.net, Sen.Nels.Swandal@mt.gov, Sen.Margie.MacDonald@mt.gov, sfredthomas@yahoo.com, vancesd34@gmail.com, cvvincent@hotmail.com, Sen.Gene.Vuckovich@mt.gov, webb4mt@hotmail.com, jeffwelborn@hotmail.com, Sen.Lea.Whitford@mt.gov, Sen.Cynthia.Wolken@mt.gov,
Click to be a Contributor or Subscriber to
Enhancing Montana's Wildlife & Habitat
Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748
www.EMWH.org
Bozeman, MT
Click to Subscribe to the EMWH newsletter, and type "subscribe" in the subject line.
Click to Unsubscribe with "unsubscribe" in the subject line and we will promptly remove you from the list.
Thank you.
Virus-free. www.avast.com
Bill complicates Montana warden funding
http://mtstandard.com/news/government-and-politics/bill-complicates-montana-warden-funding/article_22d3a568-ac3c-55f0-a078-c0a3c769ac51.html#utm_source=mtstandard.com&utm_campaign=%2Femail-updates%2Fdaily-headlines%2F&utm_medium=email&utm_content=7515E501D8621D638AB9EDA32A36E7225B3BADE2
EMWH HB 651 Oppose
Note: It passed as other articles mention. Please contact the entire House as it is being fast tracked to the floor.
Joe
Legislative Update Mar. 23, 2017
Hair on Fire Bill
Capitol Switchboard: 406-444-4200
The hearing tomorrow is at 3 PM, in room 172.
Legislator addresses below
HB 651 - OPPOSE - AN ACT REVISING LAWS RELATED TO PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS; CREATING A PUBLIC LANDS ACCESS ADVOCATE; PROVIDING DUTIES; REVISING USE OF WILDLIFE HABITAT FUNDING; PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION; AMENDING SECTIONS 77-1-202 AND 87-1-242, MCA;
HB 651 was introduced today, has a hearing Friday, March 24th. This bill is an outright theft from the public and of our Habitat Montana Funding. Here's why...
This bill proposes to hijack our Habitat Montana funding, moving it from FWP Commission authority, to the Republican dominated State Land Board (board of land commissioners) (4-1) authority, whose official Republican Party Platform still includes the plank to transfer/sell our Federal Public Lands to the State - which is partly why they sought control of the State Land Board this election.
Habitat Montana Funding is funded by our hunting license dollars, Habitat Montana Funding (87-1-242) "must be used exclusively by the commission (FWP) to secure, develop, and maintain wildlife habitat.
HB 651 proposes a duplication of efforts by establishing a "public lands access advocate" position, answerable to the State land board, of course, to " increase public access opportunities on public lands and to surface waters within Montana that are capable of recreational use."
Governor Bullock already created a Public Access Specialist position, this last summer, within the Natural Resources division, DNRC - Ryan Weiss 444-5576.
For example, here is what Weiss is already doing... “With these news signs we’d like to focus on public access and highlight some management objectives. We’ll continue to use the traditional signs as needed, but with these new ones we’d like to welcome the public to come and enjoy the state trust lands,” says DNRC Public Access Specialist Ryan Weiss.
We already have Fish, Wildlife & Parks programs that pay private landowners to increase public access, such as Block Management, Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program, Unlocking Public Lands , just some of the programs available to private landowners under the Landowner's Guide to Montana FWP Landowner Programs.
How is all this duplication fiscal conservatism?
Habitat Montana should be overseen by our FWP Commission, whose legal duty is fish, wildlife and habitat management, not a political, elected body, whose fundamental duty is to ensure that the state trust is adequately compensated for it's use.
Don't be deceived by this motivationally disingenuous bill. We already have what we need under FWP's roof and authority - let's keep it there.
Please email the legislators opposing HB 651
_________________________
Senate addresses below
House of Representatives addresses
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, Jbachmeier4hd28@gmail.com, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net, bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Senate email addresses
goodwind1.duane@gmail.com, rnewbar@gmail.com, Sen.Mark.Blasdel@mt.gov, Sen.Dee.Brown@mt.gov, ebuttrey@mtsenate.com, marycaferro@gmail.com, Sen.Jill.Cohenour@mt.gov, Sen.Pat.Connell@mt.gov, TFacey@mt.gov, Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Fitzpatrick@mt.gov, Mrmac570@me.com, Sen.Jen.Gross@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Hinebauch@mt.gov, Sen.Jedediah.Hinkle@mt.gov, brian@hovenequipment.com, sendavidhoward@gmail.com, Sen.Llew.Jones@mt.gov, Sen.Doug.Kary@mt.gov, Sen.Bob.Keenan@mt.gov, Sen.Mike.Lang@mt.gov, suemalek@gmail.com, edie.mcclafferty@gmail.com, Sen.Mary.McNally@mt.gov, moe.mt.senate@gmail.com, Sen.Eric.Moore@mt.gov, Sen.Albert.Olszewski@mt.gov, ryanosmundson@gmail.com, mikephillips@montana.net, Sen.JP@mt.gov, Sen.Keith.Regier@mt.gov, tomrichmondmt@gmail.com, Sen.Scott.Sales@mt.gov, dansalomon12@gmail.com, senatorsands@gmail.com, Sen.Jon.Sesso@mt.gov, Sen.Jason.Small@mt.gov, Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov, clairena@hughes.net, Sen.Nels.Swandal@mt.gov, Sen.Margie.MacDonald@mt.gov, sfredthomas@yahoo.com, vancesd34@gmail.com, cvvincent@hotmail.com, Sen.Gene.Vuckovich@mt.gov, webb4mt@hotmail.com, jeffwelborn@hotmail.com, Sen.Lea.Whitford@mt.gov, Sen.Cynthia.Wolken@mt.gov,
Click to be a Contributor or Subscriber to
Enhancing Montana's Wildlife & Habitat
Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748
www.EMWH.org
Bozeman, MT
Click to Subscribe to the EMWH newsletter, and type "subscribe" in the subject line.
Click to Unsubscribe with "unsubscribe" in the subject line and we will promptly remove you from the list.
Thank you.
Virus-free. www.avast.com
Joe
Legislative Update Mar. 23, 2017
Hair on Fire Bill
Capitol Switchboard: 406-444-4200
The hearing tomorrow is at 3 PM, in room 172.
Legislator addresses below
HB 651 - OPPOSE - AN ACT REVISING LAWS RELATED TO PUBLIC ACCESS PROJECTS; CREATING A PUBLIC LANDS ACCESS ADVOCATE; PROVIDING DUTIES; REVISING USE OF WILDLIFE HABITAT FUNDING; PROVIDING AN APPROPRIATION; AMENDING SECTIONS 77-1-202 AND 87-1-242, MCA;
HB 651 was introduced today, has a hearing Friday, March 24th. This bill is an outright theft from the public and of our Habitat Montana Funding. Here's why...
This bill proposes to hijack our Habitat Montana funding, moving it from FWP Commission authority, to the Republican dominated State Land Board (board of land commissioners) (4-1) authority, whose official Republican Party Platform still includes the plank to transfer/sell our Federal Public Lands to the State - which is partly why they sought control of the State Land Board this election.
Habitat Montana Funding is funded by our hunting license dollars, Habitat Montana Funding (87-1-242) "must be used exclusively by the commission (FWP) to secure, develop, and maintain wildlife habitat.
HB 651 proposes a duplication of efforts by establishing a "public lands access advocate" position, answerable to the State land board, of course, to " increase public access opportunities on public lands and to surface waters within Montana that are capable of recreational use."
Governor Bullock already created a Public Access Specialist position, this last summer, within the Natural Resources division, DNRC - Ryan Weiss 444-5576.
For example, here is what Weiss is already doing... “With these news signs we’d like to focus on public access and highlight some management objectives. We’ll continue to use the traditional signs as needed, but with these new ones we’d like to welcome the public to come and enjoy the state trust lands,” says DNRC Public Access Specialist Ryan Weiss.
We already have Fish, Wildlife & Parks programs that pay private landowners to increase public access, such as Block Management, Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program, Unlocking Public Lands , just some of the programs available to private landowners under the Landowner's Guide to Montana FWP Landowner Programs.
How is all this duplication fiscal conservatism?
Habitat Montana should be overseen by our FWP Commission, whose legal duty is fish, wildlife and habitat management, not a political, elected body, whose fundamental duty is to ensure that the state trust is adequately compensated for it's use.
Don't be deceived by this motivationally disingenuous bill. We already have what we need under FWP's roof and authority - let's keep it there.
Please email the legislators opposing HB 651
_________________________
Senate addresses below
House of Representatives addresses
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, Jbachmeier4hd28@gmail.com, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net, bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Senate email addresses
goodwind1.duane@gmail.com, rnewbar@gmail.com, Sen.Mark.Blasdel@mt.gov, Sen.Dee.Brown@mt.gov, ebuttrey@mtsenate.com, marycaferro@gmail.com, Sen.Jill.Cohenour@mt.gov, Sen.Pat.Connell@mt.gov, TFacey@mt.gov, Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Fitzpatrick@mt.gov, Mrmac570@me.com, Sen.Jen.Gross@mt.gov, Sen.Steve.Hinebauch@mt.gov, Sen.Jedediah.Hinkle@mt.gov, brian@hovenequipment.com, sendavidhoward@gmail.com, Sen.Llew.Jones@mt.gov, Sen.Doug.Kary@mt.gov, Sen.Bob.Keenan@mt.gov, Sen.Mike.Lang@mt.gov, suemalek@gmail.com, edie.mcclafferty@gmail.com, Sen.Mary.McNally@mt.gov, moe.mt.senate@gmail.com, Sen.Eric.Moore@mt.gov, Sen.Albert.Olszewski@mt.gov, ryanosmundson@gmail.com, mikephillips@montana.net, Sen.JP@mt.gov, Sen.Keith.Regier@mt.gov, tomrichmondmt@gmail.com, Sen.Scott.Sales@mt.gov, dansalomon12@gmail.com, senatorsands@gmail.com, Sen.Jon.Sesso@mt.gov, Sen.Jason.Small@mt.gov, Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov, clairena@hughes.net, Sen.Nels.Swandal@mt.gov, Sen.Margie.MacDonald@mt.gov, sfredthomas@yahoo.com, vancesd34@gmail.com, cvvincent@hotmail.com, Sen.Gene.Vuckovich@mt.gov, webb4mt@hotmail.com, jeffwelborn@hotmail.com, Sen.Lea.Whitford@mt.gov, Sen.Cynthia.Wolken@mt.gov,
Click to be a Contributor or Subscriber to
Enhancing Montana's Wildlife & Habitat
Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748
www.EMWH.org
Bozeman, MT
Click to Subscribe to the EMWH newsletter, and type "subscribe" in the subject line.
Click to Unsubscribe with "unsubscribe" in the subject line and we will promptly remove you from the list.
Thank you.
Virus-free. www.avast.com
HB 651 Thanks for Your Comments. Now, Go Away. HB 651
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Thanks for Your Comments. Now, Go Away. HB 651
-Or-
What
is it About “No!” That You Don’t Understand?
On
Friday night, the House Natural Resources Committee passed on HB 651
to the House floor for a vote. This bill establishes a position of
“Public Lands Advocate” under the State Land Board. The funding
for this position comes from a $200,000 appropriation from the
General Fund. In addition, 651 amends the Habitat Montana statute
(87-1-242) so as to add “…and to secure public access to wildlife
habitat” to the responsibilities of the program. In essence, this
bill taps Habitat Montana for activities that are not part of the aim
of the program, opening it up beyond its dedicated purpose.
To
start, Rep. Zack Brown (D- Bozeman) objected to the bill being heard
as it violated rules that requires adequate time for public
notification between when a bill is introduced and then heard in
committee. The bill was introduced on March 23rd
and the hearing was the next day. Chairman Cary White (R-Bozeman)
thanked Rep. Brown for his comment and then proceeded with the
hearing. Additionally, the bill had been put together and pushed
through so fast that there was not a fiscal note, the standard
official and statutorily-required document that analyzes what the
monetary impact the bill would likely be. This also provides basis
and insight for discussion, both by the public and legislators. The
hearing continued.
Once
the hearing began no one appeared in support of the bill, except the
bill’s sponsor, Matt Regier (R-Kalispell.) His testimony extolled
the need for access to the 1.5 million acres of state lands in
Montana. He pled the need to be able to access our land. He said that
this bill would be the answer.
Immediately
following that, 15 people, representing various conservation groups,
state agencies and individuals testified in no uncertain terms
against it. Sportsman’s groups, Montana DNRC, Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks and private citizens all spoke against the bill,
objecting to the diversion of Habitat Montana funds for dubious
purposes and the redundancy and duplication of establishing yet one
more government position with overlapping duties to existing
successful programs. It was crystal clear that the supposed
beneficiaries of HB 651 were adamant that this was not the ultimate
solution.
In
his closing, Regier tried valiantly to support his bill. He
reiterated the need for access to public land and argued that this
bill would solve the problem. Ironically, he stated that the turnaround
from the time the bill was introduced to the hearing was insufficient
for him to rally together anyone to appear in support of the bill.
Hmmm. A nod is as good as a wink…..
Later,
during Executive session (the time when committee members discuss
bills among themselves, do not take any further testimony and then
vote up or a down to passing a bill to the floor) the committee
passed House Bill 651. The vote was, with one exception, along party
lines, with Rep. Kelly Flynn (R-Townsend) opposing.
During committee discussion, Flynn held up a fistful of slips,
messages sent him by citizens opposing HB 651. He said, “Look
at this! 100S and 100s and 100s more.“
He recognized this bill was not widely supported. Also during that
discussion Rep. Wylie Galt (R-Martinsdale) broke into a commentary
dissing public hunters,
the conservation movement, and
FWP concerning Habitat Montana. Why would someone with such fierce contempt for the very people
HB
651 was supposed to benefit would then turn around and vote for it?
HB
651 is part of a bigger “package” that Republicans in the
legislature announced to make access to public land as a banner of
the party. Most every candidate, regardless of political stripe
running in last year’s election featured photos of him/her swathed
in hunter orange, wrestling a wild trout from a stream or sojourning
into the Great Outdoors. The governor’s race was in part framed in
issues regarding access to public land. Over a thousand people showed
up at the capitol recently to demand that public lands remain in
public hands. It's unquestionably an issue whose time has finally come. But HB 651 misses
the mark…by a long ways.
Certainly,
the most egregious part is the diversion of Habitat Montana funding
to another agency and for things afield from its intent. Since
its inception, Habitat Montana has been used for a wide range of
conservation habitat projects including acquisition, conservation
easements and leases. It is nationally-recognized and arguably, the
most successful program of its kind anywhere. Many who disapprove of
the state owning property have objected to this program and have,
over the years tried various means to end, or at very least cripple
it. HB 651 is one more transparent shot at that. It’s important to
note that although not statutorily required, public access has been a
requirement in all acquisitions, leases, agreements and conservation
easements that are funded all or in part, by Habitat Montana.
HB
651 establishes an “access advocate” position under the State Land Board, ostensibly to promote existing
programs, identify opportunities to increase access and propose
projects. However, by definition, this overlaps, duplicates numerous
existing programs and efforts of other state agencies. FWP has
numerous programs such as Block Management (which since 1985 has
opened over 7 million acres of private and public land to free
hunting) and Fishing Access Sites (over 300 statewide) which are
ongoing in their efforts to open state, federal and private lands and
waters to the public. DNRC’s recreational use section along with a
dedicated Access Coordinator enables and expands public use of state
lands. Each of these agencies have numerous other programs
where public access is either a dedicated goal or collateral benefit
of their work. The simple fact is that HB 651 comprises just
another cog of bureaucracy doing the same thing and is simply not
needed. And one only wonders why those who presume to be such strong
advocates of reducing government and ending duplication and waste
would propose more, rather than less. That, at an additional cost not
only to Habitat Montana but now, to the General Fund and at the tune
of almost a quarter of a million dollars ($200,000). So what gives
guys?
If
anything, the legislature should be doing everything it can to help
the existing programs be sustainable, encouraging efforts to
coordinate work across agency lines and view access in a
comprehensive fashion. Access to private land often leads to access
to state lands which in many cases leads to access to federal lands.
Making these gears mesh better should be our priority and goal- not
to further clutter the access landscape.
HB
651 will hit the House floor next week and it is critical that
representatives get the message loud and clear that this bill is not
worth further consideration. They need to be emailed and called with unequivocal messages to vote down this attempt at raiding
Habitat Montana and duplicating other, already successful access
efforts.
by Mike Korn, retired FWP
Friday, March 24, 2017
MSA ALERT: URGENT OPPOSE HB 651 TODAY
Sorry for short notice but they are sneaky. Please oppose HB 651 crippling Habitat Montana….one of our priorities. 3Pm House Natural Resources. Might just as well send to the whole House as well.
Everything we've worked for over the past year would be thrown out if HB 651 passes. This bill makes major changes to Habitat Montana that would permanently cripple the program and the ability to protect and purchase key wildlife habitat. It's up tomorrow, March 24 at 3 p.m. in House Natural Resources and we need to turn out as many people as possible to oppose this terrible bill.
It's in Room 172. Please get there and make a difference. Most certainly call in 444-4800 or email.
Here's the link to the bill:
http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=651&P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=HB&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SESS=20171
2017 MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES E-MAIL:
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net,
bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Everything we've worked for over the past year would be thrown out if HB 651 passes. This bill makes major changes to Habitat Montana that would permanently cripple the program and the ability to protect and purchase key wildlife habitat. It's up tomorrow, March 24 at 3 p.m. in House Natural Resources and we need to turn out as many people as possible to oppose this terrible bill.
It's in Room 172. Please get there and make a difference. Most certainly call in 444-4800 or email.
Here's the link to the bill:
http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0210W$BSIV.ActionQuery?P_BILL_NO1=651&P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=HB&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SESS=20171
2017 MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES E-MAIL:
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net,
bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Dr. Bob Ream has passed. R.I.P.
I am sad to report the passing of Bob Ream last nite. He has been sick for some time. He was my professor in college, a legislator, FWP Commission Chair, and a damn fine man. R.I.P.
Joe
Joe
Montana On The Ground....Moga bill would reduce permits for residents
Very good analysis.
Independently reported news stories of Montana's people, land, water and wildlife.
Updates from http://www.montanaotg.com/
Montana On The Ground
In the 03/23/2017 edition:
MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters
MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters
By Laura Lundquist on Mar 22, 2017 10:13 pm
A group of outfitters is trying to wrest a few more game permits from the hands of Montana hunters.
On Tuesday, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association defended its bill, House Bill 568, to ensure that nonresident hunters always get 10 percent of the permits to hunt elk, antelope, mountain lions and eventually black bears. Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, carried HB568, saying it would bring in additional money for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, because nonresident licenses cost more than those of residents. But White’s justification belies the fact that it takes permits away from residents.
The number of resident and nonresident hunters who enter drawings for game permits varies each year, depending on the hunting district and species. But according to a 1979 law, nonresidents can’t receive any more than 10 percent of the permits for each species in each district.
FWP licensing chief Hank Worsech explained the drawing process this way. Say there are 100 elk permits for a particular district. FWP randomly selects hunters’ names, and as soon as they draw 10 nonresidents, no more nonresidents can get a permit in that district. However, if after 100 names are drawn, fewer than 10 nonresidents are selected – say seven – only seven nonresidents get permits. In this way, Montana residents get a little priority. But Worsech said in many districts, nonresidents end up getting 10 percent of the permits anyway.
But MOGA wants to remove the priority that resident hunters get and give nonresidents 10 percent of each species and sex in each district. So in the previous example, three residents would lose their permits so 10 nonresidents would get theirs.
Based upon the 2016 drawing results, that means last fall, residents would have lost 393 elk cow permits, 122 antelope permits and 157 female antelope permits, Worsech said. But nonresidents would have added about $147,000 to FWP’s coffers. But all that could change in next year’s drawing.
MOGA lobbyist Jeanne Johnson said this was the bill she’s wanted to bring for the past 13 legislative sessions. She explained that the 1979 law was passed after some nonresident hunters behaved badly in 1978, causing legislators to pass a bill to clamp down on the number of nonresidents.
“That’s 38 years ago – I think it’s time to let that go,” Johnson said. “The nonresident supports that (FWP) agency across the street – 70 percent of their budget. That’s a lot of money. But now we want to honor those people and say, ‘You get 10 percent.’”
MOGA executive director Mac Minard also claimed to be advocating for nonresident hunters because otherwise they’ll go hunt in other states. Both Minard and Republican committee members said the nonresidents would spend additional money on food, hotels and transportation, but couldn’t say how much more that would add to Montana’s economy, especially since resident hunters also pay for food, hotels and transportation unless they’re hunting near home.
Other than the fact that state Legislatures don’t usually pass laws to favor nonresidents – they usually look after their own citizens – Montana Wildlife Federation spokesman Nick Gevock said HB568 was not appropriate because it takes season-setting duties out of the hands of the FWP commissioners. Montana Bowhunters spokesman Jerry Davis agreed with Gevock.
Every two years, FWP commissioners approve the numbers of individuals and species that can be hunted and trapped in each district and sometimes need to vary the proportion of hunters due to circumstances such as accounting for promised landowner permits.
“We oppose season setting in statute. If we go down that road, we’ll be asked to set all seasons in statute. That would make managing wildlife virtually impossible,” Gevock said. “Twenty percent of our membership is nonresidents, so I disagree that MOGA is the only organization looking out for nonresident hunters. We welcome nonresident hunters and want opportunity for them, but it already exists. This wouldn’t benefit Montana resident hunters.”
It would benefit MOGA members because nonresident hunters tend to hire guides. About a third of nonresident hunters use guides, Minard said, but that could increase if more nonresident hunters could get permits. Minard didn’t provide many other details about outfitters’ operations other than to say that about 400 outfitters belong to MOGA although about 100 appear to be inactive.
MOGA has already pushed for other bills that would favor outfitters, including SB264, which would require outfitters to provide only minimal information to the Board of Outfitters. MOGA also forced angling representative Robin Cunningham off the Board of Outfitters by opposing his nomination. Cunningham advocated for transparency and outfitter reporting of resources they use.
Kerry tried to justify HB568 by saying increasing the number of nonresident hunters would keep resident-license costs down. But that’s not necessarily so.
FWP has to calculate its budget for every four years and sets license and permit fees based on past license sales and the department’s expenses. FWP will have to do that again in 2018 for the next four years and fees may or may not change based upon a complicated calculus of how all the fees add together, whether federal money has increased or decrease and whether they cover any number of expenses. And Montana’s resident hunters still pay some of the lowest fees in the nation.
But ultimately, it may come down to lost resident hunting opportunity.
“We oppose the 10 percent becoming a floor rather than a ceiling (for nonresident numbers),” Gevock said.
Introduced at the end of February, HB568 has already been amended but hasn't passed the committee or the House yet, after which it would still need to be passed by the Senate.
Read in browser »
share on TwitterLike MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters on Facebook
Recent Articles:
Resolution urging pipeline approval nears gov's desk
State Outfitters Board in shake-up over reporting requirements
House supports resolution dissolving wilderness study areas
Wilderness Study Area bill sees overwhelming opposition
Audience may be restricted for greenhouse-gas bill
Copyright © 2017 Montana On The Ground, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you asked to be notified when new stories are posted to Montana On The Ground.
Our mailing address is:
Montana On The Ground
Town center
Missoula, MT 59801
Add us to your address book
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp
Independently reported news stories of Montana's people, land, water and wildlife.
Updates from http://www.montanaotg.com/
Montana On The Ground
In the 03/23/2017 edition:
MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters
MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters
By Laura Lundquist on Mar 22, 2017 10:13 pm
A group of outfitters is trying to wrest a few more game permits from the hands of Montana hunters.
On Tuesday, the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association defended its bill, House Bill 568, to ensure that nonresident hunters always get 10 percent of the permits to hunt elk, antelope, mountain lions and eventually black bears. Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, carried HB568, saying it would bring in additional money for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, because nonresident licenses cost more than those of residents. But White’s justification belies the fact that it takes permits away from residents.
The number of resident and nonresident hunters who enter drawings for game permits varies each year, depending on the hunting district and species. But according to a 1979 law, nonresidents can’t receive any more than 10 percent of the permits for each species in each district.
FWP licensing chief Hank Worsech explained the drawing process this way. Say there are 100 elk permits for a particular district. FWP randomly selects hunters’ names, and as soon as they draw 10 nonresidents, no more nonresidents can get a permit in that district. However, if after 100 names are drawn, fewer than 10 nonresidents are selected – say seven – only seven nonresidents get permits. In this way, Montana residents get a little priority. But Worsech said in many districts, nonresidents end up getting 10 percent of the permits anyway.
But MOGA wants to remove the priority that resident hunters get and give nonresidents 10 percent of each species and sex in each district. So in the previous example, three residents would lose their permits so 10 nonresidents would get theirs.
Based upon the 2016 drawing results, that means last fall, residents would have lost 393 elk cow permits, 122 antelope permits and 157 female antelope permits, Worsech said. But nonresidents would have added about $147,000 to FWP’s coffers. But all that could change in next year’s drawing.
MOGA lobbyist Jeanne Johnson said this was the bill she’s wanted to bring for the past 13 legislative sessions. She explained that the 1979 law was passed after some nonresident hunters behaved badly in 1978, causing legislators to pass a bill to clamp down on the number of nonresidents.
“That’s 38 years ago – I think it’s time to let that go,” Johnson said. “The nonresident supports that (FWP) agency across the street – 70 percent of their budget. That’s a lot of money. But now we want to honor those people and say, ‘You get 10 percent.’”
MOGA executive director Mac Minard also claimed to be advocating for nonresident hunters because otherwise they’ll go hunt in other states. Both Minard and Republican committee members said the nonresidents would spend additional money on food, hotels and transportation, but couldn’t say how much more that would add to Montana’s economy, especially since resident hunters also pay for food, hotels and transportation unless they’re hunting near home.
Other than the fact that state Legislatures don’t usually pass laws to favor nonresidents – they usually look after their own citizens – Montana Wildlife Federation spokesman Nick Gevock said HB568 was not appropriate because it takes season-setting duties out of the hands of the FWP commissioners. Montana Bowhunters spokesman Jerry Davis agreed with Gevock.
Every two years, FWP commissioners approve the numbers of individuals and species that can be hunted and trapped in each district and sometimes need to vary the proportion of hunters due to circumstances such as accounting for promised landowner permits.
“We oppose season setting in statute. If we go down that road, we’ll be asked to set all seasons in statute. That would make managing wildlife virtually impossible,” Gevock said. “Twenty percent of our membership is nonresidents, so I disagree that MOGA is the only organization looking out for nonresident hunters. We welcome nonresident hunters and want opportunity for them, but it already exists. This wouldn’t benefit Montana resident hunters.”
It would benefit MOGA members because nonresident hunters tend to hire guides. About a third of nonresident hunters use guides, Minard said, but that could increase if more nonresident hunters could get permits. Minard didn’t provide many other details about outfitters’ operations other than to say that about 400 outfitters belong to MOGA although about 100 appear to be inactive.
MOGA has already pushed for other bills that would favor outfitters, including SB264, which would require outfitters to provide only minimal information to the Board of Outfitters. MOGA also forced angling representative Robin Cunningham off the Board of Outfitters by opposing his nomination. Cunningham advocated for transparency and outfitter reporting of resources they use.
Kerry tried to justify HB568 by saying increasing the number of nonresident hunters would keep resident-license costs down. But that’s not necessarily so.
FWP has to calculate its budget for every four years and sets license and permit fees based on past license sales and the department’s expenses. FWP will have to do that again in 2018 for the next four years and fees may or may not change based upon a complicated calculus of how all the fees add together, whether federal money has increased or decrease and whether they cover any number of expenses. And Montana’s resident hunters still pay some of the lowest fees in the nation.
But ultimately, it may come down to lost resident hunting opportunity.
“We oppose the 10 percent becoming a floor rather than a ceiling (for nonresident numbers),” Gevock said.
Introduced at the end of February, HB568 has already been amended but hasn't passed the committee or the House yet, after which it would still need to be passed by the Senate.
Read in browser »
share on TwitterLike MOGA bill would reduce permits for resident hunters on Facebook
Recent Articles:
Resolution urging pipeline approval nears gov's desk
State Outfitters Board in shake-up over reporting requirements
House supports resolution dissolving wilderness study areas
Wilderness Study Area bill sees overwhelming opposition
Audience may be restricted for greenhouse-gas bill
Copyright © 2017 Montana On The Ground, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you asked to be notified when new stories are posted to Montana On The Ground.
Our mailing address is:
Montana On The Ground
Town center
Missoula, MT 59801
Add us to your address book
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)