GUEST COLUMN: Hope for natural resource policy in new year

In Helena, Gov. Steve Bullock just signed Republican Rep. Alan Doane’s House Bill 597, which serves to unlock some of the nearly 2 million acres of currently inaccessible public lands in Montana. The new plan is the first of its kind in any state. It allows the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to purchase access easements from voluntary sellers. Thanks to keystone funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Wildlife Federation and other conservation groups, the plan is now a reality — and exactly the forward-thinking initiative that Montana needs.

Meanwhile, in D.C., U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte recently introduced the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act (H.R. 4644), a bill that mirrors a Senate version previously introduced by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. If passed, the legislation would prevent 30,000 acres of public land north of Yellowstone from being mined, something Montanans have supported for years.

On the other side of Capitol Hill, Tester has committed to tackle the deeply concerning issue of chronic wasting disease in our wild deer and elk herds. This was the first year that CWD was found in Montana’s wild deer herds, so the issue is really hitting home now. The time to fund research and take proactive steps to combat the disease is now, and we should applaud Tester for taking the lead on this.

Tester also recently cosponsored a bill aimed at streamlining recreation access and permitting on public lands. The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act, among other improvements, would instruct state and federal land management agencies to offer joint permits valid on both tracts of public lands.

And finally, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines cosponsored a bill to reauthorize and expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, “Open Fields,” which rewards landowners who open their gates to sportsmen. Hunters and anglers list public access as the No. 1 hurdle to hunting and fishing, so opening as much land as possible should be a priority.

Speaking of access, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is one of the most important programs for Montanans, providing public access, conserving wildlife habitat and providing recreation opportunities in local communities. Unfortunately, the program is set to expire in 2018. Tester and Daines have been champions of LWCF legislation in prior years, but we are counting on all three members of Montana’s congressional delegation to step up for sportsmen by supporting and advancing permanent reauthorization for this vital program in 2018.

As we reflect on these recent wins and advances for conservation and public lands in Montana, it’s important that we offer credit where credit is due. Equally necessary, we must also continue to hold our elected officials accountable when their actions deserve criticism. As we enter the new year, they should remember: Public land owners are watching. We’ll continue to demand quality habitat, public access and the responsible management of our natural resources in 2018 and beyond.