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Committee hears bill to let FWP enforce landowner 'ranch rules' on enrolled private lands
Summary
Senate Bill 83 would let Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks help enforce landowner-drafted rules on private property enrolled in public-access agreements; supporters say it will protect voluntary access, opponents and some senators urged clearer language about limits on agency authority. The committee later tabled the measure in executive action.
Senate Bill 83, introduced by Senator Barry Logie, would authorize Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to assist private landowners by enforcing “ranch rules” on parcels enrolled in public-access agreements, supporters told the Senate Judiciary Committee. The sponsor said the change is intended to help ranchers who allow public hunting and other access but are frustrated by repeat rule violations.
The bill’s supporters framed it as a tool to preserve voluntary public access. Christy Clark, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, told the committee that access programs depend on landowner cooperation and that “rules without enforcement…
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