We’ve been pestering Michael Gibson, Montana TU’s Outreach Director, over the past several days for TU’s spin on several issues related to the ongoing assault on Montana’s Stream Access Laws via HB 309.
Yesterday he very graciously answered 10 questions we posed about HB 309 and several other topics.
Untampered and uncensored responses follow, along with a short bio and picture proof MG is on our side.
Looking at current regulations, it appears clear that irrigation ditches are off limits to angling and other recreational activities. What are we missing?
Nothing. Current Montana law clearly states that access is not permitted on man-made irrigation ditches. What this bill does is broadly expand the definition of an irrigation ditch to the point where certain side-channels and sections of streams would be considered irrigation ditches and thus off-limits to stream access.
Montana TU would agree with FWP’s interpretation. This bill, if passed, would seriously erode Montana’s current stream access law.
Care to offer a thought about HB 309 being a ‘revenge bill’ related to the recent wrangling over Mitchell Slough?
Montana TU would like to put the divisiveness that the Mitchell Slough lawsuit caused in the Bitterroot Valley behind us, but yes, this bill is quite clearly an attempt to overturn the decision made by the Montana Supreme Court on Mitchell Slough.
State senator K. Van Dyk has suggested that he can round up the votes in the Montana senate to kill the bill; what do you make of his chances?
I hope he is right. Mark Aagenes, our Conservation Director, is working his tail off in Helena and doing everything he can to kill this bill in the Senate. Montana TU is fortunate to have a very dedicated and active volunteer membership that are making a big impact as well.
It would appear that if the measure moves through the Senate the final hope for defeat would be in the form of a veto from the Governor. What’s your read on the likelihood of a veto?
I think Governor Schweitzer has been very clear that he is a huge supporter of Montana’s stream access law. I am confident that we can count on his continued support.
There’s a fair amount of HB 309 induced angst in the angling community right now. What would you have anglers do now to help?
At this very moment, contact your State Senator and tell them to vote NO on HB309. Also, write a letter to your local paper. We have some very useful information on this and other legislative issues at the following link: http://www.montanatu.org/take_action/mt_legislature.htm
Montana HB 309 has been demanding a lot of attention lately. Are there any other issues pending in the legislature that the fly fishing community needs to know about right now?
Besides the gutting of Montana’s environmental protection laws, defunding FWP’s ability to do their work, making the endangered species act void in Montana and some really bad groundwater development bills, I can’t think of anything. Like I said, Mark is REALLY busy over in Helena. We post a hotlist of important bills we are working on and it can be accessed from the link above. If you are not on our mailing list, send me an email at michael@montanatu.org and I will make sure you get our action alerts.
The chatter about HB 309 has been damned sobering over the past few weeks. How about sharing something encouraging from Montana TU to make fisher folk smile?
There’s lots of snow in the high country! Should be a good runoff this year.
Been fishing lately?
I started working a new bird dog last spring so I spent a lot of my free time training him and then bird hunting all fall. I am really chomping at the bit to get after it this spring. The 50 degree days as of late are making me want to go sling some buggers around.
What do you consider your home water and what’s special about it?
That certainly depends on what day you catch me, but living in Missoula I would have to say the Clark Fork. It is a great fishery already and it is just going to get better now that Milltown Dam is gone. Plus, if I say the Bitterroot, all my friends in “the Root” will get pissed at me.
MG’s Bio –
Michael Gibson has been Outreach Director for Montana Trout Unlimited for the past six years. Before working to conserve, protect and restore Montana’s coldwater fisheries, he spent time producing outdoor programming on ESPN and the Outdoor Life Network. Prior to that, he was a fishing guide and trout bum in Missoula, Montana. He holds a degree in Biology, and fly fishing, from the University of Montana. GO GRIZ!
Many thanks, Michael, and kudos to the entire Montana TU team. Much appreciated.
Tags: Access
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