Implementing House Bill 190

Presidents Message

Now that the Bridge Access Bill is the law of the land,we need to help implement it.

There are two possibilities we need to avoid:

1.) Nothing Happening ...A lack of interest or an attempt to avoid controversy resulting in nothing being done.

2.) Someone else taking the initative and doing things that are not consistent with the law which says the FW&P and C.C. consult with landowners in order to come up with what, where and how many access structures are adequate.

Here in Billings PLWA intends to work with the FWP and County Commissioners to craft a process that will open these access points in a timely manner. We will start with the Citizens Advisory Committee at Region 5 FWP and go from there.

At the very least we can help with an inventory of sites with perhaps a priority system from the vantage point of the public.

I would encourage members to contact all Regional FWP Offices and offer help and ask some questions about a schedule. It wouldn't hurt to attend a C.C. meeting and ask some of the same questions.

Keep in mind that the law only applies to County Roads. We have asked about State Highways and will let you know.

You can also point out that once a person reaches the easement on the stream( that extends from one high water mark to the other) the Stream Access law allows you to portage around any man made obstructions in the shortest and least obstrusive manner. In the absence of multiple access facilities, the Bridge you just came from becomes a man made obstruction blocking your passage either up or down stream and you are allowed to portage around the fence that lacks an access facility.

The point here is to encourage multiple access facilities unless the stream is so small that one can easely wade across it.

LETS KEEP THIS ON THE FRONT BURNER

John Gibson

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