1. What is your view of the 2004 Attorney General Opinion regarding access to streams from county road bridges ?
We, as a legislative body, need to codify the Attorney General's opinion regarding stream access. Unfortunately, during the last session, SB78, which would have done just that, was not let out of the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Committee. Every Republican in the House of Representatives voted "no."
2. In your opinion are public property rights important - often as important as private property rights?
Public property rights are extremely important, especially to our urban constituents who want access to public lands.
3. Do you believe the state should be allowed to acquire water rights sufficient to allow major streams to function as natural aquatic systems?
Yes
4. Are you familiar with and do you support the Public Trust Doctrine?
Basically, the Public Trust Doctrine states that people own the wildlife, the landowner does not, and yes, I support that.
5. Should we consider the sale of water in Montana’s rivers to be moved out of state?
No
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 ?
Yes, hunting must be kept democratic. The Department works for the people and tag draws are fair and democratic.
7. What should be done to reduce elk populations that exceed optimum numbers as defined in current management plans?
We should do whatever we can to increase access and continue using the democratic process--tags drawn through Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Do not allow landowners to take control as that violates the Public Trust Doctrine.
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