Ha! That is like the nuclear option for elk management: Cows only in any HD considered over objective.
Another option, rather than making land locked public land closed to any use, is to never give up the fight to preserve our legal and historical public access, put people in power who fight...
You’re acting surprised by what’s happening. You shouldn’t be. It was all on the table when Montana elected Gianforte. Why do you think it will be different if Montana elects its F&W Commissioners?
There have been many apolitical appointments in the past by both parties and it worked well. It can happen again.
I’m only arguing against injecting more politics into it, which I think would occur if it were an elected position.
I understand your frustration with the current situation, I’m...
Commissioners are already supposed to represent each region and not the governor. I worry about a politically elected commissioner only giving access to their largest campaign donors or political allies.
I agree with you. It was well known this is what we would get with Gianforte. In my opinion, it’s still not a good reason to further politicize the F&W Commission by making the positions elected.
Yes I think Governors put thought in their appointments. I have not been surprised by any made by the last four Governors.
A nonpartisan election of F&W Commissioners would probably work as well as the nonpartisan election of Public Service Commissioners: A total disaster.
I think in the long term it’s been pretty good… that is why Montana was considered world class in terms of wildlife management… maybe there is a better way to further remove politics but I don’t think making F&W commissioner a politically elected position is the answer.
As far a Im aware Tim Fox is not running for Governor again. He did have a full document I think he called his Promise to Montana Sportsman. It was really good in my opinion.
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand your question. I don’t think you or I will ever agree 100% with a politician but need to make a choice about values when we vote. I recall Tim Fox proposing a damn fine promise to Montana sportsman. Wish I coupe find a copy of it.
If I recall, 10% - 12% of Montana’s population purchased hunting licenses last year. 100% of the population gets a vote, including the non-hunters and anti-hunters. Imagine the nightmare of dealing with that in a politically charged election of a F&W Commissioner. Cities like Missoula would...
You do have a say in it now when you vote for governor.
The Governor has the privilege to appoint many positions. Do we make each elected by the people every time we’re unhappy with the Governors appointment? No, that would be a political nightmare.
Your vote for Governor is your vote for...
Wild Montana's blog is good. I agree that lack of permanent conservation easements (on lands and wetlands) is a problem, but there are many others... Loss of historical access is problem. Significant loss of elk habitat and elk wintering grounds is problem. Loss of public fishing opportunity is...
You can follow this link to read Montana BHA's Objections to the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange:
Montana BHA's Objection to Draft Decision on East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange
Below is a summary of our objections/comments:
A. The Forest Service fails to consider the...
Maddy Munson: Latest Crazies land exchange proposal still inadequate
Maddy Munson is an attorney and the Public Lands Director at Wild Montana. She nails some of the failures with the east crazies exchange.
"We also have concerns about how the Forest Service has analyzed the potential...
The Yellowstone Club purchase the Marlboro Ranch in the south east Crazies and they made this.... https://crazymountainranch.com/
We would be fools to think the Yellowstone Club would spend years, lots of money, hire out-of-state consultants, and a PR firm to sell this east crazies land swap to...
By in large, the conservation community asked the CGNF to achieve the following in order to earn support for the land swap:
1) Preserve historic legal access on Sweet Grass Trail #122.
Members of the Crazy Mountain Access Project/PCEC/YC swore up and down there would be no change to Sweet Grass...