Top Retired MT Wildlife Brass Chime in on Front Protection
Thursday, August 12, 2010
HELENA, Mont. - A new push for protection on the Rocky Mountain Front comes in the form of a letter to the state's congressional delegation. It is signed by 15 retired wildlife experts and land managers in Montana, including three former directors of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP).
Retired FWP Front area supervisor Mike Aderhold added his name to the letter. The Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act was unveiled last fall, and Aderhold says he and his co-signers are hoping a member of the Montana delegation will step up and sponsor it.
"It's the most-diverse area in the State of Montana for wildlife. It's in good condition now, and we'd like to keep it that way."
The proposal has been criticized for restrictions on motorized access, and because some think there should be more statewide input. One section of the act deals with noxious weeds, which have been a growing problem on the Front. Aderhold says the solution involves tools, strategies and resources.
"Things like aerial mapping; an integrated approach where you're doing several things at the same time to contain noxious weeds. We could do more on that front."
The Act would designate new wilderness areas, and preserve recreation and hunting access. FWP has calculated that $10 million are spent by sportsmen along the Front each year.
The Act, and letter, are posted at www.savethefront.org.
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