It was mentioned in a comment a few days back that Montanan’s should form their own stream access group, separate from the government or other political tethers that would hinder it’s main intent of protecting stream access rights for everyone. In reality that is exactly how Montana’s stream access law started, a grassroots group that came together, funded itself and started pushing. The laws that we have today are in large part due to the vision of this original group.
Reader Bob Lienemann was one of those early members and he has some good news, this coalition may be reforming including some of the original members. It’s crystal clear that this assault on Montana’s Stream Access law is not going to end and that we can not rely on anyone but our collective voices to protect them. Sooner or later the political landscape in Helena is not going to be in our favor and it’s obvious that we can no longer assume that our elected officials will act in our best interests. The Montana Stream Access Coalition, an idea whose time has come- again.
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Count us in.
I thought this was what PLWA was supposed to be doing, but they’ve been remarkably quiet about this when they were quite vocal last time. HB309 isn’t listed on their website. Actually, they don’t seem to have anything current on their website right now.
You are right, stream access needs its own voice
As most of you are aware by now, The Coalition for Stream Access has reformed and has been active on Facebook . All of us have learned never to let our guard down again and that “NOTHING IS WRITTEN IN CONCRETE”! We will not get caught with our pants down again!
I would personally like to thank all of you who stepped forward on this issue, especially Montana Trout Unlimited who went against their own National organization and took the lead in this battle that is yet to end.
Since we are all members of The Coalition and “Hyped Up” over the situation, it’s now time to express your feelings on how we can make The Coalition the most powerful and prepared organization ever to hit this Great State.
If you choose to comment on this site, I will pass your suggestions on to the Coalition Board, or you may choose to comment directly on Facebook. Remember, the Coalition for Stream Access has only one purpose and that is to protect our right to recreate on Montana waters. Let’s stay together on this one.
Bob Lienemann
I’d like to remind your readers that PLWA is still neck deep in the stream access fight. In fact, one aspect of the Ruby River Case against Madison County and James Cox Kennedy is coming to trial in January. The judge will determine the width of the road right of way on prescriptive easements for a road called Saylor Lane, which crosses the Ruby River. The other side contends that the right of way is the width of the bridge, which precludes river access.
To date, PLWA has spent over six figures pursuing this case, the most import in terms of stream access in decades. That cost will go up as we move forward. We are fighting a powerful foe with nearly unlimited resources and we desperately need your support. Please visit our website at http://www.plwa.org and make a contribution today.
Incidentially DJ, HB 309 is one of the first bills listed in the article titled The Sordid Six.
Ray,
Thanks for the update.
It is clear that some do not understand, as Ray says, how deep into the fight PLWA is. It is one thing to talk about it, but another to take action – and that action is usually an expensive law suit for which PLWA is usually the only plaintiff and bill payer. The Madison county case which brought about the bridge access bill is still not over. The hearing on the Seyler lane Bridge and prescriptive road access rights goes to trial January 9th. If access folks really want to support the cause a big check to PLWA would be the way to go. (Legal fees – at reduced rates – for the first part of the Madison county case )were over $125 K. )
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