Legislators honored by hunting and angling groups for conservation workA coalition of hunting conservation groups honored eight legislators Tuesday for work during the last session on public lands, access and wildlife issues.
Outdoor Channel TV personality Randy Newberg presented awards on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, Montana Bowhunters Association, Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Montana Wildlife Federation. The organizations credited lawmakers with a productive session improving funding and habitat for wildlife and fighting other legislation, specifically bills dealing with transfer of federal lands.
“I’m speaking for all the hunters and anglers across Montana that are grateful for all you’ve done this session,” Newberg said. “Because of you a lot of things have changed and changed for the positive.”
Receiving awards were an equal split of Democrats and Republicans from both chambers.
From the House, Rep. Ed-Lieser, D-Whitefish, was honored for working against transfer of public lands; Rep. Jeff Welborn, R-Dillon, for carrying the Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ licensing bill; Rep. Tom Jacobson, D-Great Falls, for work on access and block management funding; and Rep. Rob Cook, R-Conrad, for leadership on wildlife issues.
From the Senate, Sen. Chas Vincent, R-Libby, for work on public land management; Sen. Pat Connell, R-Hamilton, for work against federal land transfer and for sage grouse conservation;
Sen Mike Phillips, D-Bozeman,
for work on the Senate Fish and Game Committee; and Sen. Brad Hamlett, D-Cascade, for work on state management of sage grouse.
Newberg reflected on a recent trip to Washington D.C. and talking to a pollster perplexed by Montana’s voting record. The pollster could not understand how a state could vote 70 percent Republican for President and 65 percent Democrat for Senate.
“He obviously didn’t understand Montana, and what struck me is how much in Montana we understand the importance of an issue,” Newberg said. “Without the bipartisan work, we wouldn’t be here celebrating what has been a great session. I think those of you who worked hard set a whole new direction for where we can go in future sessions with these issues.”
Welborn noted the importance of wildlife habitat for sportsmen and the general public that simply enjoys wildlife. HB140 was able to get some needed funding to FWP for access and habitat, he said.
“It’s actually a very proud moment for me getting an award from all these groups,” Welborn said. “They’re all groups that don’t always agree, but when we do we’re able to move the ball forward for the people of Montana.”
https://mtstandard.com/news/local/legislators-honored-by-hunting-and-angling-groups-for-conservation-work/article_7da4c9d5-7190-5e86-b2cc-ad6216466bdd.html
