1. What is your view of the 2004 Attorney General Opinion regarding access to streams from county road bridges ?
I could not find a 2004 Attorney General Opinion on stream access, however the Attorney General's Opinion of 2000 is very clear and straight forward. I am in agreement with his five points of contention and believe it's terms should be put into legislation and made law.
2. In your opinion are public property rights important - often as important as private property rights?
Public property rights are very important, but equally important are private property rights. There will always be interpretations of "what was really meant" and that always must be decided in our court systems.
3. Do you believe the state should be allowed to acquire water rights sufficient to allow major streams to function as natural aquatic systems?
Water Rights! As the popular saying goes "Montanan's will fight over cards, liquor and women, but will kill over water. I don't know if there are any water rights left out there that have not been claimed.
4. Are you familiar with and do you support the Public Trust Doctrine?
I am familiar with the Public Trust Doctrine and support its principles.
5. Should we consider the sale of water in Montana’s rivers to be moved out of state?
Montana's Rivers "for the most part" originate in the mountains; however we also have rivers that come in from other states and countries. I do not believe our state should even consider the "sale" of water in Montana's river systems.
6. Should the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks remain the sole decision maker for the allocation of licenses and permits that determine who may legally hunt and harvest Montana wildlife ?
Montana FWP is and should remain the sole decision maker for the allocation of licenses and permits for hunting and fishing. They are "responsible" for the management of our wildlife.
7. What should be done to reduce elk populations that exceed optimum numbers as defined in current management plans?
Elk populations that are causing problems on private lands can only be solved with the cooperation of the land owners. I believe if the landowner does not allow for public hunting than the state has no obligation for any compensations to that landowner for property damage. That problem will not go away by throwing money at it. FWP and landowners must come to terms with any and all landowners who are experiencing over population.
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