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Day: April 25, 2019

MWF Congratulates Appointed Commissioners

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The Montana Wildlife Federation congratulates the four members of the Fish and Wildlife Commission who were confirmed by the Senate.

“We are looking forward to working with these commissioners to tackle the difficult but rewarding issues around our public fish and wildlife resources,” said Dave Chadwick, MWF executive director. “It is a major commitment of time and energy to serve on the Commission, and we’re thankful these leaders are willing to put in that effort.”

The Senate this week confirmed Tim Aldrich, of Missoula, and Shane Colton, of Billings, to terms that end in two years in 2021. Both were appointed in 2017 by Gov. Bullock and awaited Senate approval.

Also confirmed were Pat Byorth, of Bozeman, and Logan Brower, of Scobey, to four-year terms that will end in 2023.

Aldrich is a past president of MWF and has served on numerous advisory boards and councils regarding fish and wildlife, and lands.  Aldrich is retired from a distinguished career in the US Forest Service.  Colton served on the Commission for eight years in the 2000s and was again appointed in 2017.

Byorth is a former fisheries biologist with FWP who brings extensive knowledge of fisheries management. He currently works as an attorney with Montana Trout Unlimited working on water rights issues. Brower is a high school teacher and athletic director in Scobey.

The Commission will have numerous difficult issues to deal with in the coming two years. One of the main ones will elk management as we look at an update of the statewide management plan and address criticisms of elk “shoulder seasons”.  The Commission will also have to address grizzly management, Chronic Wasting Disease, aquatic invasive species, and many more issues.

MWF is Working Tirelessly to Ensure the Future of Public Access

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rhett noonan 172575 unsplash As Montana’s oldest wildlife conservation organization, MWF has seen the conservation and hunting needs of Montana change over the last eight decades. But one thing that has not changed is the need for quality access opportunities. MWF is working tirelessly to ensure the future of public access, including working to support the completion of the Graveley-Warm Springs Conservation Easements near Garrison Montana.   

The Graveley-Warm Springs Conservation Easements will protect more than 8,200 acres of one of kind wildlife habitat.  The easements will also allow hunting access in perpetuity, giving hunters opportunities for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, antelope, wolves, and upland birds. The property spans native grassland, wetlands, forested areas, and aspen groves that sits in the shadow of the Garnet Mountain Range and will provide improve wildlife habitat connectivity, something healthy wildlife desperately needs. As time progresses, projects, such as this, will become increasingly rare.  

MWF and its members have been actively engaged in ensuring the completion of this project. From writing letters to attending meetings to providing public comments, MWF has shown up on this project like no other conservation organization. If you are interested in also supporting this project contact Central Montana Field Rep Marcus Strange at mstrange@mtwf.org.

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.