skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, April 29, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

At least 4 killed in Oklahoma tornado outbreak; 10 shot outside Florida bar; AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments; Maine prepares young people for climate change-related jobs, activism; Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after a pandemic.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Ukraine receives much-needed U.S. aid, though it's just getting started. Protesting college students are up in arms about pro-Israel stances. And, end-of-life care advocates stand up for minors' gender-affirming care in Montana.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

More rural working-age people are dying young compared to their urban counterparts, the internet was a lifesaver for rural students during the pandemic but the connection has been broken for many, and conservationists believe a new rule governing public lands will protect them for future generations.

MT Sportsmen Not Happy: House Looks to De-fund Access Plans

play audio
Play

Tuesday, July 26, 2011   

MISSOULA, Mont. - The U.S. House is set to make a budget decision this week that could mean less money for Montana recreation and tourism projects. The Interior Department budget bill "de-funds" the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), bringing it to its lowest level ever.

Land Tawney, president of Hellgate Hunters and Anglers in Missoula, says it's important to understand the connection between that funding and state economics. Almost $345 million has come to Montana from the fund over the years for projects such as hunting and fishing access on the Rocky Mountain Front, and in the Gallatin and Flathead National Forests.

"I think it's even bigger than just the hunting and fishing community. I mean, you look at a poll that was done last year here in Montana, and 72 percent of the people supported full funding. So, full funding at 900 million."

The House funding plan is for $61 million, and Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg voted in favor of it last week. The LWCF is not tied to taxpayer dollars; the money comes from a small percentage of fees from offshore oil and gas drilling.

Billings Rod and Gun Club president Irv Wilke says his organization has just signed a letter to Rep. Rehberg, along with Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, opposing the funding cut. Wilke says an access project along Tenderfoot Creek would likely be put on hold, and that project has been in the works for several years.

"It's about time for outdoorsmen of Montana to get adequate funding to maintain the hunting and fishing access sites that drive a lot of our state's economy."

Sixteen hunting and angling groups have signed the letter to Congressman Rehberg.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
Some groups see disproportionately high rates of suicide, including veterans, racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Rates of suicide among young people have increased by about 36% in roughly the last two decades and the surge has caught the attention of federal poli…


play sound

Members of Nebraska's LGBTQ+ community and their supporters saw positive actions at both the state and federal level this month. At the state level…

Social Issues

play sound

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…


New Mexico is the second sunniest state in the nation after Arizona, creating maximum opportunities for solar development. (KristinaBlokhin/AdobeStock)

Environment

play sound

New federal funding aims to revolutionize solar energy access within New Mexico's Native American communities and benefit the state overall. The …

Health and Wellness

play sound

Nevada health-care providers, patients and advocates are responding to the U.S. Supreme Court case that'll determine the future of the Emergency …

Environment

play sound

A Knoxville-based environmental group is advocating for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expansion, currently awaiting House approval…

Environment

play sound

State officials in Maine are preparing the next generation for climate change-related activism and careers. A new state-run website helps young …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021