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TAKE ACTION
Take Action Articles
Although most of our members are probably hunters and anglers it is important to understand that when the Public Land and Water Access Association challenges a road closure we are representing everyone who might use that road for any number of purposes.One such use would those of bird watchers. Within the great bird migration corridor that runs north and south along the east side of the Rocky Mountains bird watchers can observe many birds of prey such as golden eagles and several species of hawks. ... (more) Governor Brian SchweitzerE-mail: governor@mt.govCapital StationHelena, MT 59620(406) 444-3111(406) 444-5529 (fax)Senator Max Baucus511 Hart Senate Office Bldg.Washington, D. ... (more) Montana Newspapers[Please note: Letters to the Editor must contain name, address and daytime phone number. To get published , be brief, to the point, and do not call names or put labels on people. )Billings GazettePO Box 36300Billings, MT 59107-6300Fax: 406-657-1208Email: speakup@billingsgazette. ... (more) Why elk hunters need PLWA! What game animal is the “top if the mind” symbol of Montana? Elk – without a doubt! ... (more) The Ruby River Court Decision and The Passage of HB 190(Bridge Access ) I have followed the subject of access to streams at bridges since the Attorney General issued his positive opinion in the year 2,000.Everyone knew that legislation would have to follow to deal with the exact rules and regulations necessary to make this a reality.Only a few sportsmen believed that there would be a full scale challenge to the AG opinion in the legislature since such a formal AG opinion has the force of law until (or if ) it is successfully challenge by new legislation or a court decision. ... (more) BLM hires new coordinator to deal with region's access issuesBy BRETT FRENCH Of The Gazette Staff | Posted: Saturday, October 10, 2009 7:30 amJanné Joy is one of a kind.In the wide world of the Bureau of Land Management, she is the only person specifically hired to deal with access issues.Joy, 48, was hired two months ago as access program manager for the BLM's 8. ... (more) Sen, Baucus has signed on to sponsor a bill which would make funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund permanent. The guest editorial below spells out why Montanans should fully support this measure. It is important for preserving permanent access to public lands. ... (more) Now that the Bridge Access Bill is the law of the land,we need to help implement it.There are two possibilities we need to avoid:1.) Nothing Happening ... ... (more) Road closures have become a major problem in Montana. There are a variety of reasons for these closures including the desire to control public land and wildlife for profit or personsl use. If you become aware of a closure, you should contact the county commissioners in that county and request an opinion as to why they are allowing the road to remain closed. ... (more) Why is an access organization concerned about privatizing or commercializing public wildlife? Because it has been our experience that whenever there is greater profit to be made from selling access to wildlife the greater the incentive becomes to close off traditional public access roads. Control of access to land means control of wildlife and that means more profit. ... (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!
Public Officials
Public Official Contact Information (link) for addresses and contact information.
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 governor’s office 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. A complete list of legislators and contact information can be found on the legislative website http://leg.mt.gov.
PLWA is an affiliate of the Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF) which does most of the heavy lifting at the Helena Capitol level for us. This includes lobbying and coordination with state agencies. (PLWA members should also join MWF. See their website www.montanawildlife.com )
In between sessions pay attention to the various agencies, committees, and groups affecting public access policy. These include the Forest Service and the BLM 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 show 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.
NEWSPAPER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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. The link Montana Newspaper Information on this website will give you addresses and contact information.
SPECIFIC ACCESS PROBLEM AND ISSUE REPORTING
(If you know of developing or existing impediments to public access, forward information to PLWA.) We can help you do the research in order to make a determination of the merits and appropriate action. Our directors and volunteers have had substantial experience in the U.S. Forest Service, BLM and other state and federal government agencies.
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