Blog: Energy development vs. wildlife

Public Lands Energy Development

By Skip Kowalski, Stevensville, board president, Montana Wildlife Federation
Excerpts from the Montana Standard October 16, 2013

"Preparing for big game hunting in Montana is an annual ritual. We’re getting gear in order and making room in our freezers. We’re studying maps, scouting locations and making travel plans. Many of us will find our ideal hunting spot in one of Montana’s greatest treasures: its vast tracts of public land. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that public lands will continue to provide the hunting opportunities that we expect. With rising development pressures on our public lands, it is important that we find balance to prevent additional losses of habitat and hunting and fishing opportunity.

"Despite the value of wildlife recreation on public lands, there is an imbalance between energy development and habitat protection.

"Can we restore balance between lands committed to energy development and protected for fish and wildlife? With help from Congress and the President, the answer is yes.”  More...