Projects and Issues

Montana Wildlife Federation Considers Bridge Access Options

The Montana Wildlife Federation board of directors, including representatives of its affiliate clubs, has decided after the failure of the Bridge Access Partnership Bill (Senate Bill 78) in the 2007 Legislature to explore aggressive options that will clarify the public's right to access streams at public bridges.

"MWF does not take lightly the increasing challenges to the public's right to access our rivers and streams," said MWF executive director, Craig Sharpe. "We consider this a serious undertaking but put simply - the people of Montana want to be able to access their waterways."

MWF is now carefully exploring the details of running legislation codify the Montana Attorney General opinion issued in 2000. That decision declared that the public has a right to access streams and rivers at public bridges and its 60ft. right-of-way. MWF is attempting to work with the various interests including stockgrowers, private landowners, agricultural operators, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Trout Unlimited and its affiliate clubs to craft collaborative legislation.

An examination of newspaper clippings, letters to the editor, supporting positions and statements by Montana's major newspapers, and support from a long list of individuals indicate that bridge access is a significant issue that Montanans do not want ignored and want the question of legal clarity resolved.

"This is not part of any grand scheme, as some opponents claim, to chip away at private property rights, nor is it anti-landowner or an effort to expand public access to streams," Sharpe said. "The recreating public, landowners and the counties should clearly understand their rights."

Recognizing that a citizens' ballot initiative may not necessarily be the best path to resolve the issue, MWF views this effort as an opportunity to bring together river recreationists, counties, landowners and citizens in an organized fashion to consider the outcomes.

"It's clear to us that the attorney general's opinion gives the public legal access to our streams at public bridge crossings and rights-of-way. It's the law of the land. However, it's time we make this clear in statute and resolve all the other related issues such as intentional barriers that prevent the public from reasonable access," said MWF, president Chris Marchion. "As part of this review process we want to hear from waterway recreationists that are having problems with stream access and those locations."

Montana Wildlife Federation is the largest and oldest statewide nonprofit wildlife conservation organization of hunters and anglers who work to protect Montana's wildlife, lands, waters and public hunting and fishing opportunities. "We owe outdoor recreationists and our constituents - hunters and anglers - this work. Our direction is in the best interest of the Public Trust and public good," said Marchion.

The political influence that hunters and anglers have fought for, earned and built will be tested over and over in the future. Forged in the unity of our hunting ancestry, Montana Wildlife Federation will continue to proudly represent and empower sportsmen, sportswomen and outdoor enthusiasts. We vow to work across the aisle and to enlist decision makers from all parties. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leave for all people a living legacy and access to this legacy.