Montana

FWP to repeal rule requiring liaison with nonprofits

Published

2 months ago

March 19, 2024

FWP to repeal rule requiring liaison with nonprofits

Laura Lundquist

(Missoula Current) Partly due to an ongoing lawsuit, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to eliminate a decades-old rule requiring the department to consult with citizen organizations on its projects and responsibilities.

On Friday, FWP will take verbal comment on the elimination of a rule that requires the department to maintain liaison with citizen organizations active in wildlife and sportsmen’s issues.

Written in 1976, the rule says staff will participate formally or informally with various groups, including “Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Wilderness Association, Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Sierra Club, Environmental Information Center, Northern Rockies Action Group, various state and local outfitter and guide organizations, local unaffiliated rod and gun clubs, or any other citizen organization.”

The Feb. 8 release announcing Friday’s meeting said FWP wants to repeal the rule, because “it is archaic and no longer reflects how the commission or the department engages with the public in decision-making processes.”

At first blush, the repeal might appear to be an attempt to reduce public participation in the department’s decisions.

Jim Vashro, a retired FWP regional fisheries manager, said FWP manages a public trust – wildlife – for all citizens, so it needs all the communication tools it can get. He sees the rule as important to maintaining the exchange of ideas with the various groups and building understanding and support for proposals from both sides.

“It’s critical that (FWP staff) engage with the people who use the resource,” Vashro said. “Communication is always key. The department would probably still do communication (if the rule is repealed), but it’s nice having that ARM rule just in case something happens.”

During the past few years, there have been several examples of proposals that the department had to walk back because it didn’t ask for input from sportsmen first. For example, the commission had to reverse a 2022 decision to put a daily limit on the number of kokanee caught in Georgetown Lake after fishermen protested.

Another example was when hunters pushed back against a December 2021 proposal to reduce by half the number of special either-sex elk permits and restrict them to public land in eight elk districts in eastern Montana that are over population objectives. During the commission meeting, more than 40 hunters from various groups spoke against the proposal, which many suspected had a connection to the United Property Owners of Montana, a small but deep-pocketed private-property-rights group.

Some concerns about limited public information and input were validated when, during an October 2023 court settlement of a lawsuit alleging that the FWP commission lacked transparency, FWP attorneys acknowledged that the commission’s secretive practices constituted constitutional violations of public participation and the public’s right to know.

The final decree required the commission to attend training on open-meeting laws, post all public comments on proposals, and use only public-issued email addresses and telephones for commission business.

“It just shows that people care about how decisions are made. Without the rule, (FWP) could merely listen to one group, just make a decision, and there’d be no recourse for the other groups,” Vashro said. “Now I agree that, more and more, they use online resources, and in many cases, that’s a good way to meet. But it doesn’t promote good conversation – it’s kind of a one-sided deal.”

But some sportsmen’s groups are not so sure that the rule is still needed. Some say that the rule doesn’t keep FWP from listening to just one group. And now, there are so many more organizations and diverse demands in Montana than what existed in 1976 that interacting with them all is almost impossible. But one group in particular has complained that FWP violated the rule because it hasn’t interacted with them: the United Property Owners of Montana.

Following the previously mentioned December 2021 meeting where resident hunters helped defeat the elk tag proposal, the United Property Owners of Montana sued FWP and the FWP commission in April 2022. They alleged that FWP has failed to keep the elk population under control and that the FWP commission made an unlawful decision in February 2022 when it voted to maintain a limit on the number of hunting permits in nine eastern Montana hunting districts, all of which surround the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

In June 2022, a coalition of Montana hunting and conservation groups filed to intervene on behalf of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks against the United Property Owners of Montana. The coalition includes Missoula’s Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, Helena Hunters and Anglers, Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Bowhunters Association, Montana Wildlife Federation, Public Land Water Access Association and Skyline Sportsmen.

The case has moved slowly since then, although oral arguments are finally slated for the end of the month in Fergus County. One of the claims that the United Property Owners of Montana has made in the lawsuit is that FWP staff have never attended one of their meetings, therefore it violated the rule.

If the rule is repealed, that claim becomes moot. And it avoids the risk that other groups would challenge the department with similar claims. Some sportsmen see value in that and dismiss concerns about any loss of communication, saying that groups can still reach out to department staff or submit public comments, as long as FWP adheres to Montana’s public participation laws. Only time would tell if the department or Montanans would notice a difference.

FWP did not respond to requests for comment. FWP paralegal Regina Reynolds has been scheduled to conduct the online hearing on Friday at 10 a.m. FWP will accept written comments until March 25.

Contact reporter Laura Lundquist at lundquist@missoulacurrent.com.

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Montana

University of Montana to host career fair at new dining center

Published

4 hours ago

June 1, 2024

Press Room

University of Montana to host career fair at new dining center

MISSOULA — The University of Montana will be hosting a career fair on campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4 outside UM’s new dining center on the west end of the Oval.

This campus-wide hiring event will feature over 50 career opportunities, ranging from UM Campus Dining, Athletics and UM Housing to Facility Services and more.

“UM Campus Dining provides an inclusive culture, great work-life balance and wonderful co-workers,” said Kacey Gardipee, associate director of Residential Dining. “Working for UM Campus Dining gives you and your family the best benefits in Missoula! Looking to further your culinary career? The new dining center offers seven micro-concepts showcasing cuisines from around the country and world.”

Representatives from UM Human Resource Services will provide guidance on the recruitment process and answer any questions about job openings currently listed at www.umt.edu/jobs.

In anticipation of the grand opening this summer, UM Campus Dining, the event sponsor, is looking to fill over 24 positions across campus.

Tours of the new dining center, which will open to students and visitors in August, will be provided every hour. Available positions for UM Campus Dining include cashiers, cooks, sous chefs, dishwashers and sanitation technicians and facilities specialists.

UM is committed to “Mission First, People Always,” emphasizing teamwork and collaboration across departments to enhance its educational and work environment.

Employment at UM comes with numerous benefits, including extensive health coverage, free shift meals for Campus Dining employees, partial tuition waivers for employees or their immediate family members, a respectful and collaborative work environment that values diversity, opportunities for advancement, a commitment to safety and well-being, comprehensive retirement plans and a high standard of professionalism.

UM is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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Montana

From his Montana ranch, a retired lawmaker is angling for a comeback in a crowded House race

Published

12 hours ago

June 1, 2024

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From his Montana ranch, a retired lawmaker is angling for a comeback in a crowded House race

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Montana

Contested primaries across Montana's new state legislative districts

Published

19 hours ago

June 1, 2024

Press Room

Contested primaries across Montana's new state legislative districts

HELENA — In addition to all the statewide elections Montanans will be voting in this year, they’ll also be choosing 125 state lawmakers.

Half of the Montana Senate and the entire Montana House will be up for election, and we already know there will be some differences in the Legislature when they arrive for their 2025 session.

The most obvious change for many Montana voters will be that the legislative districts they live in may have changed. This will be the first election cycle under the new district lines that the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission finalized last year. All 100 House districts and 50 Senate districts have to be redrawn every ten years, after the release of federal census data, to account for shifting populations.

MTN News

Along with the new lines, there are also going to be more contested legislative primaries this year than in 2022. Out of the 125 races, 44 feature at least two Republican candidates, and 15 have multiple Democrats. That’s compared to 31 contested GOP races and 13 Democratic primaries last election.

Cascade County alone has seven contested Republican primaries, and Flathead County has six. Gallatin, Missoula and Lewis and Clark Counties each have three contested Democratic primaries.

The new lines have many incumbent lawmakers shuffling around and seeking to represent a wholly or partly different district. In addition, in 23 races, an incumbent is facing at least one challenger.

Four districts across the state have two current lawmakers facing off in their primaries – all of them Republicans.

Current Reps. Caleb Hinkle, R-Belgrade, and Jennifer Carlson, R-Manhattan, are running against each other in House District 68, in northwest Gallatin County. Additionally, former House Speaker and Senate President Scott Sales is also in the GOP primary there.

Two House members – Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls, and Rep. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton – are facing off for an open Senate seat in Senate District 13, which covers Chouteau County and much of rural Cascade County.

In Ravalli County, Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, is running for reelection in Senate District 44. She’s being challenged by Rep. Wayne Rusk, R-Corvallis, as well as a third GOP candidate, Brad Davis of Victor.

In Senate District 38, which covers Powell, Granite and Jefferson Counties, Sen. Becky Beard, R-Elliston, is running for a full term after being appointed to the Senate. The other candidates in the primary include Rep. Greg Frazer, R-Deer Lodge, and Jeremy Mygland of East Helena.

Also of note this year, Gov. Greg Gianforte is weighing in on GOP legislative primaries, giving his endorsement to 58 candidates across the state – including 24 in contested races, and 3 challengers to incumbents. Gianforte backed Sales over Hinkle and Carlson, Kyle McMurray over Rep. Jane Gillette and Randyn Gregg over Rep. James Bergstrom.

Montana Legislative Primaries with Multiple Candidates:

Republicans:

House District 2 (Southern Lincoln County and Marion): Thomas Jenkins, Tom Millett
House District 7 (Kalispell): Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, Shaun Pandina
House District 8 (Evergreen): Rep. Tony Brockman, Lukas Schubert
House District 9 (Lakeside and Somers): Lee Huestis, Steven Kelly
House District 11 (Eastern Flathead County): Ed Byrne, Rob Tracy
House District 16 (Glacier County): Rolland Heagy, Elaine Utterback Mitchell
House District 18 (Toole and Pondera Counties and part of Teton County): Rep. Llew Jones, James Coombs
House District 19 (Great Falls): Derren Auger, Hannah Trebas
House District 20 (Great Falls): Rep. Steven Galloway, Elizabeth Nikolakakos
House District 21 (Black Eagle): Rep. Ed Buttrey, James Osterman
House District 22 (Great Falls): Rep. George Nikolakakos, Jim Whitaker
House District 23 (Great Falls): Pete Anderson, Josh Denully, John Proud, Eric Tilleman
House District 26 (Chouteau County and parts of Cascade County): Rep. Russ Miner, Dana Darlington
House District 28 (Hi-Line): Eric Albus, former Rep. Wayne Stahl, Mark Wicks
House District 29 (Northeastern Montana): Miles Knudsen, Valerie Moore
House District 33 (Dawson County and southern Richland County): Rep. Brandon Ler, Kathy Hoiland
House District 38 (Musselshell, Golden Valley and northern Yellowstone Counties): Rep. Greg Oblander, Nancy Kemler
House District 40 (Lockwood): Mike Vinton, Josh Visocan
House District 47 (Billings): Thomas Mahon, Stephanie Moncada
House District 53 (Yellowstone County): Rep. Nelly Nicol, David Austin
House District 55 (Carbon County): Rep. Brad Barker, Lisa Bennett, Mary Horman
House District 63 (Bozeman): Joe Flynn, Mark Lewis
House District 68 (Gallatin County): Rep. Caleb Hinkle, Rep. Jennifer Carlson, former Sen. Scott Sales
House District 70 (Beaverhead County): Mike Klakken, Shannon Maness, Mary Ann Nicholas
House District 76 (Powell and Granite Counties): Rep. John Fitzpatrick, Dave Kesler
House District 77 (Broadwater County, Three Forks and Manhattan): Rep. Jane Gillette, Kyle McMurray
House District 78 (Central Montana): Rep. James Bergstrom, Randyn Gregg
House District 79 (Lewis and Clark County): Demetri Joslin, Jill Sark
House District 83 (Helena and East Helena): Wes Feist, Christopher St. Jean
House District 84 (Helena Valley): Rep. Julie Dooling, Jon Jackson
House District 85 (Southern Ravalli County): Rep. Michele Binkley, Kathy Love
House District 86 (Hamilton): Rep. David Bedey, Robert Wallace
House District 88 (Northern Ravalli County): Kim Dailey, Greg Overstreet
House District 90 (Mineral County and parts of Missoula and Sanders Counties): Curtis Cochran, Steven Delisle, Jeff Stanek
Senate District 5 (Southern Flathead County): Marquis Laude, Rep. Matt Regier
Senate District 13 (Chouteau County and parts of Cascade County): Rep. Josh Kassmier, Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway
Senate District 15 (Northeastern Montana): Gregg Hunter, Rep. Rhonda Knudsen
Senate District 17 (Southeast Montana): Mike Newton, Rep. Bob Phalen
Senate District 27 (Laurel): Sen. Chris Friedel, former Rep. Vince Ricci
Senate District 35 (Madison and Beaverhead Counties): Mark McGinley, former Rep. Ray Shaw, Tony Tezak
Senate District 38 (Powell, Granite and Jefferson Counties): Sen. Becky Beard, Rep. Greg Frazer, Jeremy Mygland
Senate District 44 (Northern Ravalli County): Sen. Theresa Manzella, Brad Davis, Rep. Wayne Rusk
Senate District 45 (Mineral County and parts of Missoula and Sanders Counties): Rep. Denley Loge, AnnaMarie White
Senate District 47 (Missoula): Abigail Maki, Erica Siate

Democrats

House District 3 (Whitefish and West Glacier): Former Rep. Debo Powers, Guthrie Quist
House District 31 (Fort Peck and Fort Belknap): Rep. Frank Smith, Lance FourStar
House District 58 (Livingston): Jamie Isaly, Dean Williamson
House District 62 (Bozeman): Rio Roland, Josh Seckinger
House District 63 (Bozeman): John Hansen, Peter Strand
House District 65 (Bozeman): Brian Close, Anja Wookey-Huffman
House District 79 (Lewis and Clark County): Emily Harris, Luke Muszkiewicz, Anne Woodland
House District 82 (Helena): Pete Elverum, SK Rossi
House District 84 (Helena Valley): Michele Crepeau, David Williams
House District 97 (Missoula): Melody Cunningham, Lisa Verlanic Fowler
House District 100 (Missoula): Rep. SJ Howell, Tim Garrison
Senate District 16 (Fort Peck, Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s): Former Rep. Bridget Smith, Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy
Senate District 21 (Crow and Northern Cheyenne): Former Rep. Rae Peppers, Rep. Sharon Stewart-Peregoy
Senate District 36 (Butte and Anaconda): Former Rep. Sara Novak, former Sen. Jessica Wicks
Senate District 46 (Parts of Missoula, Lake and Sanders Counties): Jacinda Morigeau, CB Pearson