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Day: April 27, 2016

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to Visit Montana, Discuss Public Lands Legacy

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On May 3, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will be joining Senator Jon Tester here in Helena to talk about our public land legacy. MWF’s own Chris Marchion will also be making some remarks.

We’re excited that Secretary Jewell will be in Montana, where we have done so much to protect our public lands, our hunting and fishing heritage, and our outdoor economy.

I hope you can join us in turning out a good crowd! The event will begin at 10:30 AM, and it will take place at the Devil’s Elbow Campground on Hauser Lake – about 15 minutes from Helena.

It’s an easy drive to get there: just take York Road to Lakeside, then drive another 2.2 miles to the campground.

If you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to contact the MWF office at mwf@mtwf.org or 406-458-0227.

Tongue River Railroad Permit Denied

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BONOGOFSKY-7107-140701web Photo Credit: Alexis Bonogofsky photo of Tongue River Valley

After decades of protest from ranchers, sportsmen, and conservationists, the Surface Transportation Board just denied the permit for the proposed Tongue River Railroad. The TRR would have fragmented some of the best wildlife habitat in the state to ship Montana coal to Asia.

The Surface Transportation Board decided to “deny TRRC’s request to hold this proceeding in abeyance and instead dismiss the proceeding without prejudice. At this time, there appears to be little prospect that Otter Creek Coal’s mine permit will be secured in the foreseeable future. Otter Creek Coal and its parent, Arch, have both filed for bankruptcy, and Otter Creek Coal has suspended its application for an MDEQ mining permit indefinitely.”

This is another huge victory in protecting the Tongue River Valley from development. This agricultural valley provides ranchers and farmers the ability to carry on the traditions of past generations. The Tongue River Valley also provides some of the best habitat in the country, with pheasants, pronghorn, and trophy mule deer calling the valley home. Hunters and anglers should rejoice to know that this valley will continue to be a paradise, where future generations will be able to wet their lines and chase game.

Jeff Lukas – MWF Elk Campaign Manager

Jeff Lukas

Elk Campaign Manager

Jeff Lukas is a passionate conservationist who has been fishing and hunting his entire life. Whether it’s floating a small stream chasing trout, pursuing elk in the high country, or waiting in a blind for ducks to set their wings, Jeff is always trying to bring more people afield to show them what we are trying to protect. He loves being in the arena, and he will never shy away from conversations about the beautiful and unique corners of Big Sky country.