Stop SB 497 and Protect Montana’s Public Stream Access,
Contact Your State Senator Immediately
We need your help to protect the integrity of Montana’s Stream Access Law. Contact your state Senator and ask them to vote NO on SB 497 immediately!
Montana’s treasured Stream Access law is being substantially revised and weakened by a bill that is being shoved through the Legislature at the 11th hour before transmittal. This bill erodes Montanan’s right to access streams and rivers for fishing, hunting, floating, and other outdoor recreation. It opens the door to allowing individual property owners, counties, or other governmental landowners to block a citizen’s access to our waters. A draft of the bill is available here.
THIS BILL WILL BE VOTED ON BY THE FULL SENATE TOMORROW! If you care about having the full access to waters of the state that Montanans have enjoyed for decades and want to pass on to the next generation, let your Senator know that you strongly oppose SB 497 today!
To find your Senator’s contact information, click the HERE. Locate and then click on your place of residence on the map by using the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ symbols to zoom. Your Senator’s contact info will be displayed in a pop-up dialog box. Please call or email them as soon as possible and tell them to protect Montana’s right to public access.
We hope all interested members of the public take the opportunity to protect Montana’s public outdoor heritage.
16 Comments.
MT Backcountry Hunters and Anglers makes it easy to take action with a form letter:
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/public_access_attack_2023?utm_campaign=defend_access_sb_497&utm_medium=email&utm_source=backcountryhunters#/332/
Thanks for your post. The intended direction of public access will favor the donor class.
Any idea if this bill got passed or not?
Thanks
Bill did not pass Nate.
Any plans to head over to Helena to show our support to crush this thing?
What were the results of the vote?
I am not from MT, but this is the result of COVID migration and the rush to Montana due to A River Runs Through It and Yellowstone. “Donors class” indeed.
Ohh, it’s been an issue far, far before Covid DJ.
What is an example where this will have an adverse reaction compared to the current system? I already can’t nor do I expect to walk across someone’s back yard to launch my raft.
Thank you
High water mark. Bridge entry to river or stream. Access through property. The legislation would end historic access points. Restrict access to public lands.
The measure passed on a Republican-led 7-4 party-line vote.
The bill died on a 36-14 vote
Here is the SB page with results of SB 497. https://apps.montanafreepress.org/capitol-tracker-2023/bills/sb-497/
Passed through Senate committee Tony. Did not pass the entire body vote.
Thank you Mark.
Regards from the Upper Delaware River.
TR
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https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/state/legislative-digest-for-day-43/article_6221ff71-8cfc-52a9-a61a-ee2dfdc130ae.html
being a non-resident native I have no say..I do support organizations that buy up land to be set aside for all to use..Pheasants Forever is a good example..not all land is good for pheasants but all is good habitate for something