Hunter/Angler Access Rally - Tuesday March 8th

[Ben Lamb]

In what could be considered gamesmanship (or possibly underhanded politicing), the hearing on HB 309 has been moved from Thursday, March 3rd to Tuesday, March 8th.


Time
Tuesday, March 8 · 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Location
Room 303 (Old Supreme Court Chambers) Capitol Building, Helena, MT.

HB 309 will erode our Stream Access Law by drastically and unnecessarily changing the definition of "irrigation ditch" to include most streams, side channels and even a lot of rivers.
Tuesday, March 8th will be the LAST opportunity for public comment on this bill! Come join fellow Montanans in OPPOSITION to HB 309. Meet at 2pm in room 303 of the Capitol and attend the Senate Ag hearing at 3pm. If you enjoy recreating on Montana's rivers you need to attend this rally!

I know that this rally is a long way to go, but if you hunt or fish in Montana, please consider attending and let the legislature know that "we're mad as hell, and not going to take it any more!"

 

[tjones]

Blood pressure is running high and patience is running low.

 

[Ben Lamb]

It's not too early to start drinking.

Just found out: Montana Farm Bureau is having their meeting in Helena on the 8th. The Sponsor, Jeff Welborn (R-Dillion) asked for the date change. Coincidence?

BTW - the Farm Bureau is one of the leading proponents of this radical change in access laws.

 

[Dinkshooter]

Having mostly lived in Colorado, I have always been jealous of MT stream access laws. Crying shame they are coming after it, but not suprising.

 

[shoots-straight]

Looks like I'll be in Helena on the 8th.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Bring as many folks as you can!

 

[tjones]

Working on it.

 

[mdunc8]

Will you guys please clarify this bill for me? Apparently I'm not reading it correctly because I don't see a whole lot of changes. We can still fish any stream so long as a we don't cross private property, correct? The only change I see that I'm not a fan of is, and it's a big one, is the inability to use dry channels to access public lands. I see you can't bird hunt class II waters, but that seems to be a bit of a stretch anyways.

 

[sweetnectar]

I'm not too worried about this one. I doubt our governor is going to sign anything that isn't common sense.

 

[shoots-straight]

Will you guys please clarify this bill for me? Apparently I'm not reading it correctly because I don't see a whole lot of changes. We can still fish any stream so long as a we don't cross private property, correct? The only change I see that I'm not a fan of is, and it's a big one, is the inability to use dry channels to access public lands. I see you can't bird hunt class II waters, but that seems to be a bit of a stretch anyways.

No, that's not correct. You can fish any steam, even if it goes through private property right now. If the bill passes, and becomes law, if the stream has a man made diversion for irrigation water, that makes the stream off limits. Many streams and sloughs that we fish and duck hunt on today will be off limits.

 

[Ben Lamb]

mdunc8:

Here's the relevant portion of our action alert:

Keep in mind proponents are claiming HB309 to be simple “housekeeping bill” that will not impact access; they need to read the bill!!! Very clearly it states that it includes ANY water with a constructed water device – weirs, headgates, pumps – will be off-limits to unrestricted access. It further states, VERY CLEARLY, that any stream with a majority of flow from diverted irrigation water OR irrigation return would be covered under HB309, and OFF-LIMITS!! We need to disabuse the members of this committee.

HB309 is NOT simply to address accessing irrigation canals
HB309 will impact almost every drainage where irrigation water is used
HB309 is NOT harmless, it will kill stream access as we know it
The list of waters affected is extremely long – streams in the Helena Valley alone that will be affected: 10-mile creek, 7mile creek, Silver creek, Big Prickly Pear Creek, Spring Creek (trib to Lake Helena), look at a map and list any creeks in your own neighborhood whose flows are mostly from irrigation flow or return in the summer.
If sportsmen were to access these streams, how would they even know they were on an off-limits stream? Court action would be soon to follow


Nectar, the need to worry is big. There is no guarantee that the veto will stick (It has to go back to the senate to see if the body will override or not).

 

[shoots-straight]

Maybe we could send a message on other non sportsman bills, yet to be passed.

 

[onpoint]

I guess I was only kidding myself...I can't stay out of this. I'll try not to harp on reality so much.... Good news is, legislature is on a four day transmittal break. In addition to harrasssing your poor local lejuslater, who is probably "bushed" from his/her trials and tribulations experienced while making common sense laws for us, take a breath and try and enjoy something this weekend- drill a hole in the ice, get your dog(s) on birds, watch a comedy...one that isn't as real as what's going on in Helena.

 

[tjones]

My yes, how would we survive the future without over 1000 new laws they are trying to cram through.

Like the new DUI law. It is going to be super, super. super illegal to drive drunk, not just super illegal.

Sorry I am bitter.

 

[onpoint]

Interesting footnote to Ben's "gamemanship". According to Montana TU website, HB 309 author changed the hearing date for two reasons. One-he knew how many were planning to show and testify against on Thursday. And two, the new hearing date coincides with Montana Farm Bureau-pro anti stream access-folks happening to be in Helena that day. Underhanded, but politically-well played....good old time politics is alive and well. Thought that the new breed politicians were for openess and transparency......

 

[onpoint]

wait, they are transparent-you can see right through them.

 

[idnative1948]

Hmmm perhaps we will be dealing with this in Idaho also sooner that we want to. Just hope not.

 

[tjones]

I'm not too worried about this one. I doubt our governor is going to sign anything that isn't common sense.

This is one reason we are in the shape we are in, hunters sitting back waiting for someone else to tote the load.

 

[onpoint]

amen.....maybe the wacknuts are finally awakening the sleeping giant.....

 

[jlmatthew]

I have always been jealous of MT stream access laws. Crying shame they are coming after it, but not suprising.

Aint that the truth!

Montanans are spoiled, spoiled to the point that I would love to move up there! Maybe some day