Being in Montana provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. It is one reason that so many people visit the state, and certainly a big reason to live here. Much of that recreation wouldn’t be possible without public access to land, whether it be through water, national forest, state lands, block management, or conservation easements.
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has been a strong advocate for increasing public access to the average recreationist, in part through a historically successful program known as Habitat Montana. Largely funded through fees from hunting licenses, Habitat Montana secures land through conservation easements or outright purchase for the purpose of conserving key wildlife habitats, increasing sportsmen access, and protecting scenic areas. For over 25 years this program has worked to give sportsmen access to private lands for hunting and fishing, protect key land and water resources, and conserve wildlife habitat. As a lifelong Montanan and hunter, fisher, and hiker, I have personally benefited (as have many others with the same interests) from the increased access Habitat Montana has granted.
However, the Montana Legislature in the 2015 session suspended FWP’s ability to spend the money earmarked for this program for the next two years. The money is there, accumulating, with no way to be spent. For someone who enjoys the benefits of our outdoor way of life in Montana – which wouldn’t be possible without public lands – this is unacceptable. Let’s make sure the Legislature knows that Montanans care about public lands, and that defunding them is not an option. Restore Habitat Montana and let’s continue the fight to preserve our land, wildlife, and way of life for future generations.
Ian Cavigli
Bozeman