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Guest Profile

Land Purchase Would Improve Access

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On December 4, MWF Central Montana Field Representative, Marcus Strange, and board member, John Salazar, attended a meeting of the Meagher County Commission to address the Commission opposition to a public access project by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Know as the Holmstrom Sheep Creek Access Project, this land purchase would improve access to roughly 11,000 acres of habitat in Meagher County. MWF strongly supports the proposed purchase of the 4,273 checkerboarded acres by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This area offers incredible wildlife values, stunning scenery and would improve public access in the Little Belt Mountains, a place where access can be challenging at times. Additionally, the project will also improve access to roughly 9 miles of cold-water tributary streams that are vital to the robust nature of the Smith River. Once transferred to the Forest Service, this land would be protected as public land in perpetuity.
Originally this project would be funded through LWCF funds; however, because the Meagher County Commission has opposed the project, it is highly unlikely the RMEF will be able to secure LWCF funding, meaning that the project would not occur and the land would stay in private hands. After meeting with RMEF, MWF, and a host of citizen advocates, the commision has agreed to reconsider their decision to oppose the project.
Because the support of the Commision is vital to the funding of this project, please take a moment and let the Meagher County Commission know that you support public lands, public access, wildlife, and a citizen’s right to sell their land by clicking HERE (get link from ZACH).
If you’d like to help speak up for our public lands and wildlife, contact Central Montana Field Rep. Marcus Strange at mstrange@mtwf.org or 458-0227.

Montana Wildlife Federation Applauds Senate Passage of Great American Outdoors Act

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For Immediate Release

June 17, 2020

Contact: Alec Underwood, Montana Wildlife Federation, alec@mtwf.org, 406-303-0494

On Wednesday, the United States Senate voted to pass S.3422, the Great American Outdoors Act. If passed through the House of Representatives and signed by the President, this bipartisan legislation would fully fund one of America’s most important conservation tools: the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It would also address a multi-billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog within our National Parks and forests.

LWCF has directly benefitted public lands and Montana communities, securing new public access, maintaining wildlife habitat and investing in projects that are essential to the quality of life for Montanans. For hunters and anglers, the program is a valuable tool for acquiring new public lands and fishing access sites.

“A big thank you to Senator Tester and Senator Daines for getting GAOA over the Senate finish line. We are incredibly grateful for Sen. Tester’s decade-long dedication to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Sen. Daines’ leadership in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has been vital to the bill’s passage. We’re on the cusp of a historic, bipartisan victory for outdoor recreation in Montana that will ensure critical investment in our public lands for generations to come – during a time when we need access to our public lands and waters most,” said Alec Underwood, Federal Conservation Director for Montana Wildlife Federation. “MWF salutes the generations of Montana hunters and anglers who’ve advocated for full, permanent funding the past 60 years. Today’s Senate bipartisan vote to advance the Great American Outdoors Act gets us closer to seeing the full benefits of one of our country’s most important conservation tools.”

Outdoor recreation in Montana has emerged as one of the top economic industries in the state, supporting over 71,000 jobs and resulting in over $7 billion in consumer spending annually. This robust economic driver is directly dependent on having adequate access and high-quality recreation opportunities on public lands.

“Securing new public lands like the recent purchase of 13,000 acres in the Lower Blackfoot River corridor is a prime example of how valuable LWCF is to outdoor users,” said Adam Shaw, President of MWF affiliate, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers. “Whether it’s one of the hundreds of fishing access sites, or community parks, trails, and ballfields that have been funded by LWCF dollars, securing full and dedicated funding will solidify future investments in our public lands and give our outdoor recreation economy a needed boost.”

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S.3422 would also establish the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Fund to address the growing maintenance backlog within the National Park Service as well as on other federal lands. It would direct up to $9.5 billion to multiple federal agencies while creating needed, new jobs, and improving public lands infrastructure that is severely outdated.

The House of Representatives has introduced companion legislation, and Montana hunters and anglers hope that Representative Gianforte votes with three-quarters of Montanans who support full, dedicated funding for LWCF.

The Last Cast

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The current pandemic continues to impact all of us. During these unprecedented times protecting Montana’s fish, wildlife and outdoor heritage is more difficult than ever. That’s why MWF is one of the only sporting organizations in Montana to consistently act on climate change. It’s clear that climate change will continue to have major impacts on fish and wildlife habitat. Last year, MWF developed a short film, The Last Cast, about the growing impacts of climate change on Montana’s rivers and fisheries, highlighting some of the everyday people that depend on having healthy rivers for their livelihood and quality of life. Coming soon in May, MWF will be releasing the film, asking anglers from across the country to TAKE ACTION on climate change.

Supporting Those Who Support Us

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The Montana Wildlife Federation has long been blessed with an amazing network of affiliate partners. From the dark timbered mountains to the breaky badlands, in local communities statewide, our affiliates are working tirelessly to protect and enhance public access, habitat, and wildlife. It is safe to say that Montana would look drastically different without them.

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Dave Stone, Vice President for MWF affiliate Anaconda Sportsmen’s Club, showing off a beautiful 3-pound brook trout he recently landed.

We are so appreciative of the help we’re receiving during this difficult time. At this time, while we hope that you will continue to support us, we also hope that you consider supporting our affiliates in your local communities. Like so many others, our affiliates are canceling crucial fundraising events that enable them to do the work that benefits their local communities. These are the groups who are pulling fences, teaching hunters education, and speaking up for wildlife, habitat, and access during the legislature. The groups need your support.

MWF is mindful of those around us and the struggles they are facing. Our thoughts are with those in our state and our world who are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage everyone who supports us to also support our partners who make our conservation efforts possible and better your community. Do what you can, give where you can. We’re all in this together.

Practice Social Distancing Apply for Permits for Fall

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Photo by Kyle Mlynar.

Montanans are being encouraged to stay home as much as possible and for good reason. As we work to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it’s important to practice social distancing and stay at home as much as possible.  Eventually, life will return to normal. 

For Montana hunters, that will hopefully include a special hunt this fall for deer or elk. The thought of time spent with family and friends pursuing that big buck or bull is pretty enticing right now. Every year we anticipate the fall and hunting season; this year should be no different. 

Hunters have until April 1 this year to apply for special deer and elk permits. While it’s easy to sometimes let these applications go until the last minute, this year it’s imperative that hunters be proactive in applying early. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website can get overwhelmed under the best of circumstances and with many state employees working from home, there are sure to be some unseen hurdles.

Take the time to look over the hunting regulations, and go to www.fwp.mt.gov to fill out the applications for special permits. Think back to those areas that are most important for those hunting memories and try for those districts. We may be inside now, but when the fall comes, we’ll be ready to get outside and enjoy all that Montana has to offer.

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.