For Immediate Release
4/23/13
SPORTSMEN LAUD MAX
BAUCUS’ RECORD ON PUBLIC ACCESS & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Encouraged by new commitment to
double-down and make Montana a better place
A broad spectrum of hunters and anglers from across Montana today
reacted to the announcement that Senior Senator Max Baucus will not seek
re-election in 2014 with disappointment, but were encouraged by his commitment
to ‘double-down’ on several home-grown conservation efforts before his term
expires.
“Senator Baucus has been a tireless champion of public access to public
lands, increasing sporting opportunities and ensuring a bright future for
Montana’s most iconic landscapes. His
efforts to secure the Gallatin Land Exchanges, to conserving the North Fork of
the Flathead River, to recent introduction of the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage
Act, are just a few of many examples to a lasting public access legacy from his
four decades of public service,” said Randy Newberg, host of outdoors
television show, On Your Own Adventures. “His retirement from the Senate is
reason to reflect on the many public access efforts his service in Congress has
provided to Montanans.”
“We owe Max Baucus a debt of gratitude for the work that he’s
accomplished over the last forty years
to ensure a bright future for Montana’s hunting and angling heritage and
sustainable economy, by improving and defending public access to public lands”
said Randy Newberg said. “His steadfast support of full funding for the Land
and Water Conservation Fund and his
ability to put Montana interests above partisan gridlock is how things should work in
public land policy,” Newberg Continued.
Although
Baucus will be missed, sportsmen were encouraged by his statements to redouble
efforts to pass the North Fork Protection Act and the Rocky Mountain Front
Heritage Act before his term expires:
“Max will be remembered for the way he brought
Montanans to together to hash out home-grown solutions for our land and water,”
said Joe Perry, a member of the Montana Sportsmen’s Alliance. “I’m
encouraged that the products of this home-grown collaboration will remain a top
priority. I hope we pass them soon to cement Max’s legacy.”
Prior
to the retirement announcement by Senator Baucus, over
1,000 sportsmen requested Montana’s congressional delegation work together to
pass the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act.
Jim Posewtiz, founder of Orion, the Hunter’s Institute said: “We also
remember, with great appreciation, Max’s role in the creation of the Canyon
Ferry Trust in the late 1990’s. At one point the effort to create the
Trust was nearly derailed by narrow opposing political ideology. Max was
able to stay the course and keep the effort focused on what was right for fish,
wildlife and public access. Each year since that trust has added to the Montana outdoor conservation legacy – and
because of the public trust nature of the venture, it will carry on in
perpetuity.”
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