Here's what I've been able to put together:
1.) The bill is a settlement for a water compact with the Ft. Belknap Indian Reservation. The Federal Gov't holds in trust the water rights that the Tribes have. Within that, there is an adjudication, and payment made to Tribes for those rights. In this case, It's $250 million that the United States Government has settled with the Tribe on as the amount owed. It's cheaper than litigation, and has been a common vehicle to deal with water issues throughout US history.
2.) Public lands are being proposed for trade in lieu of cash. The cash value of the lands offered are about worth about $50,000,000. The Grinnell Notch is included, and Phillips County has expressed their concern over giving lands to the Tribe. As Steve noted, the Notch used to belong to the Tribe but was taken away for mining purposes.
3.) This is a starting point. Tester has said on the floor of the Senate that there is negotiation to be had. If there are specific parcels identified that have high value for hunters and anglers, we need to get those to the Senator ASAP so that they can take those into consideration.
4.) Maps are forthcoming. They're putting those together this coming week. I'll post them as soon as I get them.
5.) The Bill ensures access to the public lands for the next 25 years, with the same rights and privileges that currently exist. Meaning FWP still sets seasons, and MT hunters and anglers still play by those rules (for the next 25 years).
6.) Roads are not transferred.
7.) Grazing and other commercial uses are protected.
8.) Steve is correct, a lot of the land proposed for swap or sale is within the Reservation boundary, but there are significant amounts of land outside of the Res. Again, let's identify those parcels and give some concrete evidence as to their importance for public land hunters (not just "It's my land")
9.) Photos are the opening statement that Tester made on this bill. He's clearly looking for solutions to the issues he acknowledges exist.
10.) The bill was introduced to start more serious negotiations between the affected parties: The Tribes, State of MT, Phillips County and the Department of the Interior. This means that there is plenty of room to influence how this bill looks.
11.) While this does get rid of some public lands, I don't think it's a "land grab." It's part of a complex negotiation that is intended to fulfill the legal obligation that the United States Government has with the Fort Belknap Reservation. It's also clearly the initial step in more serious negotiations. Given Senator Tester's dedication and support of the DIY hunter, I think if we make a serious case on specific parcels, we can get help influence the course of the debate and negotiation.
we will have to wait and see what the map shows but if the acerages are what the bill states a lot of montana'ns are going to be giving up a lot,..
