John,
What concerns me is the vagueness of the bill and the possibility of using it as precidence in future legislation to enact more severe restrictions to access (I'm neither a lawyer or politician so my knowledge of the process is limited, at best). I'm basing my concerns on this and other recent actions like the change in regulations to allow increased motor boat access on the Henry's Fork; different state, but again, a special interest group with the resources to see legislation pushed through that benefits a small minority. Heck, I can understand why the folks who restored Mitchell Slough are upset; I don't necessarily agree, but I see their point. From what I've read, they put a lot of their own time and money into turning marginal habitat into a pretty good piece of water.
I'm a bit of a pessimist and tend to see the glass as half-empty; you're a lot closer to the situation and I trust your judgement. Having said that I do have a vested interest in the situation and will voice my concerns to the Montana state senators.
Regards,
Scott
Reply With Quote