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Montana Public Lands Council leadership attend spring conferenceMontana Members of the Montana Public Lands Council attended the 2008 National Public Lands Council Spring Conference at the Capitol on March 31 through April 1. Approximately 100 people representing 13 states gathered in Washington, D.C. for issues updates, industry information and agency visits. Montana's representation included: Larry Pilster, MPLC chairman; George Trischman, MPLC vice chairman; Lynn Cornwell, Johnnie Schultz, MPLC board members; and Jay Bodner, MPLC secretary/treasurer. "The conference was very successful," said Larry Pilster, MPLC chairman. "We had good representation from Montana. It is important that our state is represented on all of the issues that face public lands. It is worthwhile to be in D.C. and actually meet the people, face-to-face, who are working with the issues everyday, and let them know where we stand." The MPLC, in conjunction with Montana Stockgrowers Association, is the leading organization in the state supporting ranchers on federal land issues. The mission of MPLC is to develop and coordinate unified policy positions and pursue legislative and regulatory actions that most effectively represent Montana public lands grazing users. MPLC works closely with NPLC in Washington, D.C. on a number of national issues affecting federal lands grazing. The two-day event kicked off with a welcome from NPLC president, Dave Nelson, followed by an issues briefing from NPLC executive director, Jeff Eisenberg. A bipartisan discussion panel on resource and farm bill issues was held next. Staff members for Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) were on the panel to offer remarks and answer the attendee's questions on the farm bill, wilderness bills, and the extension for grazing permit renewals. In addition to these updates and discussions, senate and agency visits were also held at the U.S. Department of Interior with Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, and with Melissa Simpson, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment. Brian Arroyo with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who works with the Endangered Species Act, gave an update on the potential status review of sage grouse. Each one of the states within the sage grouse range will be asked to submit updated activities. Montana will work with Fish, Wildlife and Parks to ensure that all conservation efforts are recorded and submitted. Arroyo mentioned that species recovery depends on working partnerships and focusing on species that are not listed so they don't become listed. Jim Douglas, director of fire aviation with the Bureau of Land Management, talked to the members about the upcoming fire season. He said those interested in contracting equipment need to get inspections and get on the contractors list prior to fire season. Many members also voiced concerns over post fire rehabilitation costs and low success rates. U.S. House of Representatives and agency visits were on the agenda for the second day. Attendees met with Lyle Laverty, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior. They had the opportunity to hear his thoughts and ask questions about important issues facing the council. Next, the group met with Congressman John Mica from Florida. Congressman Mica is a ranking member on the transportation and infrastructure committee. He is very concerned with the Clean Water Restoration Act and urged the group to talk with their respective congressional delegates about opposing this legislation. The conference came to a close with a reception at the Capitol Hill Club for all the participants.
Date: 5/8/08 Advertisement
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