An update from Senator Jennifer Fielder

One of my major goals as a legislator is to find ways to ensure responsible management and access to our natural resources on the federally managed lands in Montana. We have the science and ability to strike a balance between protecting the environment, reducing catastrophic fire hazards, and harvesting renewable resources from the land. Achieving that balance will require a great deal of focus, but many something different needs to be done, and it will be well worth the effort.

I was pleased to find an amazing level of bi-partisan support for this idea when I introduced Senate Joint Resolution 15 which immediately attracted 60 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle including several foresters and Tribal representatives. After undergoing several weeks of intense legislative scrutiny, SJ 15 came through the process with an astounding 86% approval rating.

As a result of its successful passage the legislature will soon commence an interim study, with the full support of our state government, to find the customized solutions that work best for Montana. More details will come as the study proceeds, but here is the overview text of SJ 15:

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY EVALUATING THE MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN FEDERAL LANDS, ASSESSING RISKS, AND IDENTIFYING SOLUTIONS.

WHEREAS, Article II, section 3, of the Montana Constitution provides that all persons have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment; and

WHEREAS, Article IX, section 1, of the Montana Constitution mandates that the state maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, over 25%, or 25 million acres, of land within Montana is managed by the United States Forest Service and the federal Bureau of Land Management; and

WHEREAS, management of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands in Montana has a significant and direct bearing on Montana’s environment, education funding, economy, culture, wildlife, and the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, federal funding and the capacity for responsible management of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands are in serious jeopardy while critical threats such as beetle kills, invasive species, watershed degradation, access restrictions, and catastrophic wildfires continue to escalate; and

WHEREAS, government officials have a vested interest and fundamental duty to ensure our abundant public lands and natural resources are managed responsibly and prudently.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

(1) identify measures that will help ensure that public lands within Montana are managed responsibly and prudently for present and future generations;

(2) evaluate public lands presently managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management; and

(3) prepare a report and recommendations to the Legislature, including:

(a) an assessment to analyze available information pertaining to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands within Montana and identify significant concerns or risks associated with these lands relative to:

(i) environmental quality;

(ii) economic productivity and sustainability;

(iii) public health, safety, and welfare;

(iv) consistency with state and local objectives;

(v) ownership and jurisdictional responsibilities; and

(vi) other aspects as considered appropriate by the assigned interim committee;

(b) a survey of county commissions whose counties contain 15% or more land area under the management of the Forest Service and/or Bureau of Land Management, incorporating their responses into the report;

(c) identification of solutions and goals to improve concerns or risks identified by subsection (3)(a);

(d) investigation of all lawful mechanisms, including actions implemented in other states, that may aid in achieving desired goals; and

(e) recommendations to agencies and the Legislature of necessary actions to achieve solutions and goals.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2014.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 64th Legislature.