Public land priorities shaping up

Montana’s study of federally managed public lands is set to wrap up within the next few weeks. Reducing catastrophic wildfire conditions, protecting multiple use access, and increasing economic productivity are the most serious priorities I see emerging from our effort.

Most Montanans realize our land offers abundant natural resources and treasured outdoor recreation opportunities. Unfortunately, federal policies have steadily reduced public access, use, and management to a point that harms our communities and our environment.  

That’s why Montana’s 2013 legislature ranked federal public land management as our state’s number two overall study priority. I was appointed to chair the bi-partisan working group which volunteered their time over the past 10 months to gather extensive data and testimony from federal agents, county commissioners, other states, citizens, and experts from throughout the country.

Transferring federally controlled public lands to state based ownership and management is the topic that has attracted the most attention. It’s a big idea that is hard for some to grasp at first. But those who have done the homework realize transfer of public lands (TPL) is legal, economically feasible, and it would be highly beneficial to our state. It is simply a matter of learning how and amassing the political will to do it responsibly.

For those who have questions, leading experts are available to give presentations about TPL in any community. Online information is available at www.americanlandscouncil.org. And information about the SJ-15, Montana’s study of federal land management can be found under the issues tab on my web site at www.jenniferfielder.us

One thing that has become clear is numerous communities, public land users, sportsmen, cattlemen, and industries throughout Montana and all of western America are experiencing unacceptable levels of access closures, economic depression, and declining -- but preventable, forest and range land health.

Unfavorable federal policies, relentless litigation aimed at obstructing resource management, and unwise budget priorities emanating from Washington DC are the root of the problems. I do not blame the agency staff who do their best to manage the resources. It’s not their fault we have lost key industries and inherited catastrophic level wildfire fuel loads that threaten our communities, our environment, our water sheds, utilities, and wildlife. Washington DC’s priorities just don’t match up with the realities of the rural west.

Here are a few astounding results from Montana counties who participated in the state study:

Over 90 percent of the counties reported wildfire conditions on federally managed public lands pose a SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH and SAFETY in their counties. 96 percent believe current fuel loads on federally controlled public lands could result in SEVERE, UNCONTROLLABLE, OR CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRES.

Sixty-eight percent said they desired MORE MULTIPLE USE ACCESS ROUTES on federally managed public lands. Only 19 percent reported an ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MOTORIZED ROADS to accommodate emergency access, facility maintenance, public access, and resource management.

No counties wanted to see a decrease in multiple use access routes, yet federal agencies consistently implement plans to reduce multiple use access.

Fifty-eight percent of Montana counties said AIR QUALITY FALLS BELOW ACCEPTABLE HEALTH STANDARDS due to wildfires originating on federally managed public lands. 64 percent said federal land management DIMINISHES WATER YIELD for their citizens.

Over 90 percent said payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) is less than actual taxation would bring. Economic analysis in other states shows federal PILT payments have been reduced to as little as 13 percent of what they should be.

Seventy-five percent said federal land management activities ARE NOT consistent with their county’s objectives.

So how do we turn it around? Western states have the ability to reduce wildfire fuel loads, protect access, and restore economic activity. We have the science and technology to generate positive revenues while optimizing the health of our forests, range lands, wildlife, air, and water. We simply need to put policies in place at the local, state, and national level that allow us to do so.

There are a number of ways we can bring about land management improvements to enhance our environment, improve our economy, and benefit our citizens. I encourage anyone who is sincere about advancing tangible solutions to work with me. I can be reached at sen.jfielder@legmt.gov or 406 210 5944.