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POLITICAL ACTION
Political Action Articles
Economic interests are constantly attacking policies and legislation designed to protect the Public Trust with economic arguments.They continue to confuse the public trust with private enterprise. We need to impress upon all business interests the following advice: If you plan to conduct a business that depends on a public resource then you should expect to be regulated by policies that are consistent with the mandate necessary to properly manage that public resource. ... (more) Some of you might be wondering why PLAAI and a number of other sportsmen clubs are so strongly supporting the recent decision by the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission to require permits to hunt elk with a bow in eastern and central Montana. These are areas where rifle hunters are already required to obtain a permit to hunt elk. The primary reason is that money was dictating who could hunt and harvest elk in these areas. ... (more) A CASE WITH STATEWIDE IMPACT. In 2004 Mr. James Cox Kennedy, a major stockholder in the Cox Communications empire and owner of a ranch on the Ruby river, wired up access to the Ruby including electric fences. ... (more) Billings - PLAAI President John Gibson warns that anti-recreational groups are working to legislate harmful laws for state sportsman. "The makeup of these groups does not bode well for sportsmen and others who enjoy outdoor activities in Montana", Gibson emphasized. The issues these groups are working on include: 1. ... (more)
In Montana, most families hunt, fish, or recreate on public lands and waters. But we are an overlooked constituency. Special interests hoping to profit from privatizing public land and water often prevail.
Someone once said “The world is run by people who show up and speak up”. In regard to public access, nothing could be truer. If access advocates and citizens don’t stand up and speak up, public lands will be sold, public roads will be chained off, public bridges will be barricaded, and private special interests will get their way. You are the key to preserving access.
At the national level, let your congressmen know how you stand on legislation effecting access. (Names and contact info listed on this site.)
At the state level, pay attention to the governorship and the legislature first and foremost. The most important thing is to find out how the candidates stand on access issues, and vote accordingly. Without the right folks in power, you are likely to be wasting your time advocating for public access.
Every two years the legislature meets and considers important access bills. Contact your legislator to carry an access bill or get them to co-sponsor access bills. Attend committee hearings. Legislators are often callous to professional lobbyists, so citizen testimony can carry the day. If unable to attend, E-mailing and calling representatives can go a long way in influencing proper voting.
PLAAI is an affiliate of the Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF ) which does most of the heavy lifting at the Helena Capital level for us. This includes lobbying and coordination with state agencies. (PLAAI members should also join MWF. See their website www.montanawildlife.com )
Going into the 2009 legislature, the bridge access bill is of paramount importance to PLAAI. This bill, which is based on the stream access law and the Attorney General’s opinion denying the right of landowners to restrict access at bridges, was defeated in the House of Representatives in the 2007 session. (SB 78)
In between sessions pay attention to the various agencies, committees, and groups affecting public access policy. These include the Forest Service and the BLM (Resource Advisory Councils.) at the federal level. At the state level watch action by Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission, FWP Private Land Public Wildlife Council, and Regional Citizens Advisory Councils. Stay informed and shows up. It will make a big difference. Also at the state level, stay tuned to the actions of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. (DNRC.) They are important players as they control state land.
Many, if not most of the site specific access problems involve your County Commissioners. Get to know them and show up commission meetings with your input.
Letters to the editors of your local newspaper on current access problems are very effective. Most rational letters are published and are an excellent way to communicate to citizen’s issues involving public access. Contact one of the directors for assistance in drafting a letter if you feel we could be of help.
(If you know of developing or existing restrictions or impediments to public access forward information to PLAAI.) We can help you do the research in order to make a determination of the merits and appropriate action. Our directors have had substantial experience in the U.S. Forest Service, BLM and other state and federal government agencies. )
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