(Helena, MT) – Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill released a series of proposals aimed at protecting Montana’s outdoor sporting heritage.
Hill’s comprehensive series of policy proposals, titled ‘Protecting Montana’s Outdoor Sporting Heritage,’ were developed in collaboration with sportsmen, landowners, and other stakeholders.
“I have met with landowners, hunters, anglers, wildlife biologists, game wardens, and ranchers in every corner of the state – and what they tell me is that we need some changes. The system is broken; the trust is gone and conflict has replaced cooperation. We need to focus on the basics, and bring trust and integrity back to the system,” said Hill.
“Our legacy of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation has depended on a series of vitally important but sometimes fragile relationships. Unfortunately, right now the relationship between landowners, sportsmen and Fish, Wildlife and Parks is broken,” said Hill.
One of Hill’s top priorities is changing the leadership and direction at Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
“My first priority as Governor is to change the agenda of Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. For the future of Montana wildlife management and our culture of hunting and fishing, it’s critical that we rebuild a positive, productive, and trusted relationship among landowners, recreationists, and the agency, “ said Hill.
Other portions of Hill’s plan include:
Predator Management – Wolves, Grizzly Bears, and Mountain Lions
· Reduce the number of wolves and aggressively manage all predators.
Bison
· Suspend efforts to establish wild, free-roaming bison around Montana.
Access Montana
· Improve sportsmen access by expanding landowner participation in the Block Management program. Then manage it to improve the hunting experience.
Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Administration
· Conduct an audit of all special revenue accounts to make sure the funds have been spent appropriately.
· New leadership who will emphasize restoring relationships and regain the confidence of agency personnel.
Enjoying Montana’s Outdoors
· Restore and reaffirm Montana’s enjoyment of the outdoors. Partner with a wide range of private and non-profit recreation organizations to create innovative ways to attract young people, recreationists of all types, and returning hunters and anglers.
“Montana’s rich outdoor recreation experiences and our outdoor heritage have made our state a special place to work, live, and raise a family. It is up to all of us to keep it that way, and my administration will make the protection of our outdoor sporting heritage a priority,” said Hill.
Today’s announcement will be followed by series of listening sessions, focused on sportsmen issues, that Hill will host in communities around Montana.
RICK HILL: Protecting Montana’s Outdoor Sporting Heritage can be viewed here: http://www.rickhill2012.com/issues/sportsmens-issues
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Source: Rick Hill for Governor
Posted by Russell Nemetz
