There is another reason, beyond recreation and conservation, why we wish to preserve our rivers. It’s a quieter reason: At the river we find healing, release, solace, a physical manifestation in front of us that says plainly, “The only way is forward. Just keep going.”
MTU Applauds Public Lands Bill Passing the Senate
The United States Senate has voted to advance S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. Important to Montana, the bipartisan legislation would restore the Land and Water Conservation Fund and enact a mineral withdrawal to prevent new mining claims in the headwaters of the Yellowstone River. The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives where sportsmen and women are urging quick passage.
“This bill is the product of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle working together. Montana’s entire Congressional delegation have been strong supporters of LWCF and Senator Tester and Senator Daines deserve our thanks for helping to finish the job and advance this legislation through the Senate,” said David Brooks, Executive Director of Montana Trout Unlimited. “We will still need to fully fund the program, but permanent LWCF authorization will benefit hunters and anglers for generations to come.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is our country’s premier conservation, fishing and hunting access program, helping to secure fishing access sites across Montana and funding willing-seller public land acquisitions such as in the Tenderfoot drainage, an important tributary to the Smith River in central Montana. Also included in the package is the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, which would prohibit new mining claims on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park, including the North Fork of Sixmile Creek drainage, which supports an important population of native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
“Montanans benefit greatly from this legislation, but sportsmen and women around the country are also winners,” continued Brooks. “Dozens of provisions create new wilderness areas, wild and scenic river sections, national conservation areas and minerals withdrawals, making this one of the most important pieces of public lands legislation in a generation. The strong bipartisan support for this proposal from Montana’s delegation and throughout the country is noteworthy and we urge the House of Representatives to act quickly to send the package to President Trump’s desk.”
MTU Gov’t Affairs Director, Clayton Elliott, speaks out on AIS funding
The Montana State Legislature is grappling with funding mechanisms to support aquatic invasive species prevention. Anglers should be eager to pay their share in fighting AIS. Clayton Elliott states,“Outdoor recreation and the angling community is a significant industry in Montana that stands to lose a lot, just like agriculture, our municipalities, etc, etc. The difference is we’re the only ones being asked to pay. The burden can’t just be on anglers and recreationalists.”
Discovery Ski Area supports MTU with fundraiser
For a second year, Discovery Ski Area offered $10 from each lift ticket sold on February 3, 2019 and The Trailhead of Missoula provided great gear for giveaways. Snow pack is essential for good skiing and for coldwater fisheries! Thanks to everyone who came out to support our organization.
Trout Line – Winter 2019
Follow the link to read the full electronic version of Montana Trout Unlimited’s quarterly newsletter.
Position Announcement: Jefferson Watershed Project Manager
Montana Trout Unlimited is seeking a project manager for the Jefferson Watershed. TU Project Managers hold unique and diverse positions depending on the needs and opportunities in different watersheds. In short, people in these positions “make things happen on the ground.” In that spirit, we are hiring a self-motivated and highly capable person to identify, plan, and implement water conservation, fish passage, and stream restoration projects to benefit aquatic resources and fish populations in the Jefferson River watershed. The Project Manager will work closely with local agricultural communities to seek opportunities to reconnect coldwater sources to mainstem rivers and restore coldwater habitat on private lands, as well as coordinate with agency land managers to conduct similar work on public lands. The Project Manager will be responsible for all aspects of this work. In addition to working with private landowners and agency staff, this position will also engage other TU staff, TU chapter volunteers and chapters, and partner organizations working in the watershed. Experience with stream restoration, contractor oversight, and hydrology are key qualifications. Excellent interpersonal skills and communications –verbal and written – are a must.
A significant focus will be placed upon partnership-building with the Chuck Robbins Chapter of TU (Dillon, MT) and the George Grant Chapter of TU (Butte, MT), as well as local land trusts, conservation districts, state and federal agencies, landowners, watershed groups, and other non-profit organizations. In addition, the successful applicant will be expected to seek out, apply for, and obtain funding to support project work and core operational costs. The Project Manager will work closely with other TU Project Managers in the state to obtain experience and coordinate efforts. Ideally the successful candidate will live and work out of an office in Dillon, MT or the surrounding area. This position will require frequent local travel for field work.
We will begin reviewing applications February 8, 2019. The position will remain open until filled. View the full position description here.
Interested in applying? Follow this link to the application portal.