Some Clarification on Quiet Waters

I've referred to the Quiet Waters Initiative as a bill, which is not completely accurate. I've learned that it's actually a rule change. Departments like Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are in a position to make "rule changes" without them going in front of the legislation in the interest of speed and efficiency. It also gives the department latitude to make adjustments to the rule changes on the fly as circumstances change and as they get more of a feeling of the general climate of individuals the rule may affect without having to go to a vote either in the legislative session or general elections. Why is this important? Because the power in making such changes goes not to those we elect to vote on the changes nor does it go to us but to a department committee.

In defense of FWP, they are holding hearings for public commentary on these changes across the state. They have also set up an email so that folks who cannot attend one of those hearings, can make their voice heard. I have faith the department doesn't want to make changes unless they are certain the change is warranted and is in the best interest of the resource and its users. However remember, just because it may not benefit you doesn't mean the changes are not in the best interest of the resource, the majority of the users, or the State.

Generally speaking, hearings for these rule changes don't generate as much interest as hearings in front of the legislators because people may not believe there is as much impact from those changes. Given the feedback I've received as well as some of the comments written in the Independent Record, I would believe there is a substantial interest on this matter. Some people are opposed to the changes. Some people are for them and many people oppose them for different reasons. This is not a bill that has an all or nothing sum. It's a rule change that can look very different after the department sorts out the various attitudes being expressed at these hearings. This is why it's so important for folks to attend.

And here's the deal, I understand my opinion on this may not be consistent with "Joe Public," because I have an economic stake in the matter. But I do believe in the process and I believe that people from every different perspective should have the chance to express themselves. In the end, we hash it out and do what seems to be most appropriate, taking all the players into account. Not everyone is necessarily going to be happy with the outcome but I can tell you, after spending the amount of time I spend on the water, seeing some of the absolute inconsiderate nature of the actions of a few, (both the Joe Public as well as the guide/outfitters,) there is legitimacy behind the proposed changes.

In the our most recent podcast, Scott Hirschi and I discuss these rule changes. Please check it out and feel free to engage in the discussion and then attend the hearings. There may be enough interest in this to where there needs to be an actual bill proposed that would go to a vote. Maybe that's what we should push for.

Quiet Waters Initiative: New Restrictions Being Proposed on Montana Rivers: Scott and I discuss the Quiet Waters Initiative; what that means for boaters and anglers. We also talk beer from Ten Mile Creek Brewery and a follow-up on the zebra mussel issue. ...

Once again, here is the link for emailing comments on this:

QuietWaters@mt.gov

And here is the schedule for the upcoming hearings:


On January 9, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., the commission will hold a public hearing at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 5 Office, 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of the above-stated rules.

On January 11, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., the commission will hold a public hearing at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 Office, 4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of the above-stated rules.

On January 11, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., the commission will hold a public hearing at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of the above-stated rules.

2. The department will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this rulemaking process or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the department no later than December 9, 2016, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Kaedy Gangstad, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana, 59620-0701; telephone (406) 444-4594; or e-mail kgangstad@mt.gov.
Keep 'em where they live...