Monday, February 24, 2020

Privatization is an Erosion of the Public Interests



Privatization Is an Erosion of the Public Interest

A lot has been taking place needing updates. Yes, it seems like we are contantly deluged with attacks against our public interests.


FWP's Public Access through private lands program.
First up, Remember SB 341 from this last legislative session?
Tomorrow evening, Feb. 25th, 6pm, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a public hearing at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Headquarters Building, 1420 E. 6th Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed adoption of rules involving the passage of SB 341.

Please take a look at the PDF on FWP's page.

Concerned persons may submit their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to: Jason Kool, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana, 59620-0701; or e-mail Jason.Kool@mt.gov, and must be received by February 28, 2020.

Despite the Governor's assurance, when he didn't veto SB 341, that FWP would draft rules to include required researching and protecting of existing historical prescriptive public easements/RS 2477/ Railroad grant deeds of public access (for example), if they exist; there are no such requirements in these proposed rules to prevent reverse adverse use attempts to exclude the public from historical prescriptive easements.
 
 
 
 
 
  Is Your Rep Invested In Fossil Fuels? Interactive map
Rep. Greg Gianforte has as much as $4,809,024 invested in the fossil fuel industry.
"As Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-Mt.) and his spouse hold up to $674,607 in Chevron stock, the oil giant lobbied Congress last year on three pipeline safety bills assigned to the House Energy and Commerce committee, on which Gianforte sits, as well as one pipeline security bill."


And speaking of Gianforte, Sat. Jan. 11th...


Montana Outfitters and Guides Association held a Governor candidate forum in Bozeman. During the forum, which was video recorded and I have a copy of, a number of disconcerting statements were made by Gianforte,which cold be devastating to Montana, the Public Trust, including our wildlife.

After stating he has heard FWP horror stories across the state, the negative impacts, one such statement was about FWP/state employees, "So this would be a top priority, to change the culture. We have good state workers, they have not been led well, they don't know what success is."

I would beg to differ. Decades before Gianforte moved to Montana, Montana had lost massive amounts of our wildlife. A major restoration effort was led by FWP, which resulted in Montana becoming one of the premier fish & wildlife states, which contributed to Montana developing a leading outdoor recreation economy. The fish & wildlife restoration was termed, "Back from the Brink."

He falsely stated, "However, FWP, in my mind, from the stories I've heard traveling the state, are at war with outfitters and landowners." "What FWP has not done is the voice of the local community is not been heard in a way that allows their views to be represented."

I have participated in numerous local level FWP meeting where the public had plenty of opportunity to weigh in, make or submit public comments, participate on Regional Citizens Advisory Councils, etc.

Gianforte is fearmongering that all things FWP are broken and disfunctional, which is simply not the case. He is trying to create a problem, to sell you that he is the solution. While FWP is not perfect and there is always some room for improvement, FWP has contributed to making Montana the Last Best Place - don't y'all forget this this election cycle.






"Of those samples, 142 tested positive for the fatal disease, including 86 white-tailed deer, 53 mule deer, two moose and one elk. These were Montana’s first detections in moose and wild elk." 1 elk at an elk game farm, tested positive.



Disease transmission & sub-species contamination, "While a portion of the mystery surrounding Elk Zero has been solved, the investigation into who is responsible for taking the elk from Washington and releasing him in Montana is ongoing. Wardens in both states continue to ask questions."

1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers can remain anonymous & may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.



"The Path of the Pronghorn is a 170-mile migration route that the antelope-like creatures have traveled annually for 6,000 years. It is one of North America’s last remaining long-distance terrestrial migration corridors. And it is at risk. This week conservation groups filed a legal petition challenging the Trump administration’s plan to allow 3,500 new gas wells in south-western Wyoming that would block the route."


 
 
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Thank you,
Kathryn QannaYahu
406-579-7748
www.EMWH.org
Helena, MT