It looks like Montana Stockgrowers Association lobbyist, John Bloomquist, wants to alter Kendall Van Dyk's stream access bill -- HB190 -- solely to save absentee billionaire buddy, James Cox Kennedy, from litigation.
So far, there's been no indication from anyone on the House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks committee that they'll support the amendments Bloomquist will be proposing in a hearing. But it's worth keeping an eye on to see if there's anyone mendacious enough in the committee to carry the amendments for Kennedy...
In any case, HB190 seems like it has the potential to finally put stream access controversy to rest. It's a compromise bill worked out between ranchers and anglers, and has a broad base of support. And for that Van Dyk deserves praise. I'm curious to see how it fares among House and Senate Republicans...
