500 rally against lands transfer

HELENA – Some 500 Montanans filled the state Capitol rotunda Monday for a rally denouncing proposals in the Legislature to transfer federal lands to state management, which some argue would improve management. "Not on my watch," said Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, shouting into the microphone to thunderous applause and calling the proposal a "silly scheme." About 140 people traveled to the "keep public lands public" by bus from Butte, Billings, Great Falls, Bozeman, Missoula and Livingston. The transportation was arranged by the Montana Wilderness Association and the Montana Wildlife Federation. Supporters of state management of federal lands were on hand during the rally as well, with some carrying their own signs indicating the state would do a better job managing federal lands. They set up an information area in the balcony in the lobby and passed out information. Signs they put on the wall talked about the increasing threat of wildfires and other problems for which they blame poor federal management. "I'd be surprised if they're spreading much factual information down there," Paul Fielder said of opponents of the idea of state management of federal lands. Fielder is the husband of state Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, who is leading the effort to study state management of federal lands...more