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.
