This is your March 4th edition of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West.
Note - this is not a comprehensive list of legislation or issues that chapters are working on, but rather a spotlight in the moment of what is moving. There are many more bills and issues BHA's chapters are grappling with, and those will be added to the Spotter when they are strategic to surface.
Jump to specific states using the links below:
ALASKA
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
IDAHO
MONTANA
NEVADA
NEW MEXICO
OREGON
WASHINGTON
WYOMING
UTAH
ALASKA
Bills that Alaska BHA supports:
HCR1, Establishing the Joint Legislative Task Force on Sport Fishing Service Providers in Southeast Alaska.
Trawling is a major concern in the commercial fisheries of Alaska. In the sport fishing industry, there is also continued concern with the concentration of service providers, that is likely to get worse as tourism in Southeast Alaska continues to grow. To date, long-term stability in the sport fishing service industry has not been addressed, while fish populations continue to decline. Long-term stability is a goal shared by sport fishermen, sport fishing service providers, other resource user groups, and the residents of Alaska. Alaska BHA supports bringing a task force together to address these issues which need undivided attention.
Bills that Alaska BHA opposes:
SB 105: "An Act relating to the lease and sale of state land for recreational cabin sites; and providing for an effective date."
SB 105 is aimed at expanding opportunities for Alaskans to lease or purchase land for recreational cabins. SB 105 presents an opportunity to obtain land and put lands in Alaskans' hands, so they build their own recreation cabins and own their own parcels. This bill further limits Alaskan’s ability to enjoy these areas for our outdoor passions and pursuits as hunters, anglers, trappers, and foragers.
Passing this bill will mean loss of opportunity for public lands access that creates further limitation of resources that are the currently available to all Alaskans, on state public lands. Removing public lands from public hands is not in the best interest of the public. Alaska BHA urges the Senate Resources Committee to reject this bill as well as consider the precedents set by these types of bills, for all Alaskans.
Senate Resources Committee Hearing was cancelled on Friday 2/28 due to phone and internet outages in Juneau and Southeast Alaska as there is a damaged under-sea cable wire for AT&T and ACS providers. AK Chapter Coordinator, a local BHA life member, and six University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) students as well as the local UAS Whalesong reporter showed up to testify and cover this hearing in Juneau. Due to Alaska's geography, all other concerned residents must call or Zoom in, which was not possible due to the outage.
ARIZONA
Arizona BHA is fighting two more bills that are bad for public lands and conservation. However, the chapter is happy to see HB 2603 and HB2135 pass the House and HB 2588, a bad landowner permit bill get killed.
Bills that Arizona BHA OPPOSES
SB 1278, another Finchem bill, received a strike everything amendment in committee that would establish the Department of Natural Resources to oversee the acquisition and management of all state lands. It establishes the Commission on Natural Resources, administered by the Department, to administer the laws of the state relating to natural resources and would lay the groundwork for large scale transfers of federal public lands. Passed Senate Federalism, 2/17.
HCM 2012 is another attempt to curtail public land conservation. This resolution urges Congress to swiftly pass legislation exempting Arizona from the provisions of the Antiquities Act in the same manner that Wyoming was granted an exemption in 1950. Passed House Rules, 2/24
SB 1068, introduced by Sen. Finchem proposes requiring state government consent for any federal land acquisitions within Arizona. This bill is bad for conservation, and it isn't the first time that Arizona legislators have tried to assert state control over federal land acquisitions. Last year HB 2376 attempted to do the same thing - and made it all the way to the governor's desk - but hunters and anglers successfully advocated for it to be vetoed, citing the immense value of longstanding conservation programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Passed Senate third reading, 2/24.
Similarly SCR 1018 seeks the disposal of federally-held lands by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and opposes the federal 30x30 Initiative. This is another piece of legislation by Sen. Finchem that fails to reflect the overwhelming support Arizonans have for public lands, and one that ignores the 60+ sporting organizations who support the principles of 30x30 as outlined on huntfish30x30.com. Passed Senate Rules, 2/24
Don't let legislators erode our public lands legacy. If you live in Arizona, take action today to push back on this misguided overreach of state authority.
Additional bills that Arizona BHA opposes:
HB 2588 Private lands; taking wildlife; landowner permits; rules - Failed House third reading, 2/25.
HB 2083 Game and fish commission; membership - Passed House third reading, 2/20.
Bills that Arizona BHA supports:
HB 2603 Hunting; fishing; license; deferred prosecution - Passed House third reading, 2/25.
HB 2135 Unlawful camping; stock; wildlife; access - Passed House third reading, 2/20.
CALIFORNIA
California BHA recently submitted a letter along with many other hunting and conservation organizations opposing a Fish & Game Commission proposal that would have curtailed take of coyotes pursuant to Title 14 C.C.R. § 472. Engagement from the hunting community resulted in this agenda item being removed from the upcoming Fish & Game Commission meeting and referred back to the Wildlife Resources Committee for further discussion.
Bills that California BHA supports:
SB 427, Habitat Conservation Fund.
AB 764, Birds and mammals: nongame birds.
AB 902, Transportation planning and programming: barriers to wildlife movement.
SB 818 - Mountain Lions: pilot program: permitted houndspersons.
SB-601 Water: waste discharge.
AB-1038 Bears: hunting: use of dogs.
COLORADO
Colorado BHA strongly opposes HB 25-1258, Scientific Wildlife Management. While the bill has “scientific management” in it title, the proposed amendments to the Parks and Wildlife Colorado Revised Statutes would undermine both the universally accepted scientific model for wildlife conservation – the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation - and the Colorado wildlife professionals who implement it daily. HB 25-1258 revises the statutory language that states CPW “shall” use hunting and fishing as a wildlife management tool to “may.” If this bill were to be adopted, hunting and fishing would be optional for wildlife management in Colorado. It could even be eliminated.
Other bills that Colorado BHA opposes:
HB25-1215, the Redistribution of Lottery Fund bill. This bill would reduce the funding that Colorado Parks and Wildlife get from the lottery spillover and redirect them to other programs. In this very tight budget year we are unlikely to defeat this bill but are trying to get amendments that would reduce the redistribution.
Bills that Colorado BHA supports:
SB 25-053 to Protect Wild Bison bill. Currently bison are classified as livestock in Colorado under the purview of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Wild bison occasionally migrating from Utah have no protection. This bill would give bison a dual classification such that wild bison are under the purview of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. BHA supports this bill contingent on acceptance of amendments proposed by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill has yet to be calendared.
SB 25-168 to Prevent Wildlife Trafficking bill. After drug, human, and contraband trafficking, wildlife is the forth most trafficked item. Trafficking in these items are interrelated, the proceeds from one funding another and enforcement pressure on one moving the illegal activity to another. In Colorado, tortoises, snakes and other non-game wildlife are most trafficked. BHA supports this legislation but would request an amendment that the funding for this program not come out of sportsmen’s dollars.
SB 25-049, the Continue Habitat Stamp Program bill currently before the Colorado General Assembly. Since the inception of the Habitat Stamp in 2006, the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program has invested more than $205.2 million by securing conservation easements on over 300,000 acres, public access via easement on over 156,000 acres, Colorado Parks & Wildlife fee title acquisition on 35,000 acres, and river bank access along 393 miles of river bank. SB 25-049 would make the program permanent rather than being subject to periodic sunsets. Colorado BHA testified at the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee hearing where this bill passed with a 6-1 vote and was referred to Appropriations where it awaits preparation of the ‘long bill’ that includes all state funding.
IDAHO
Bills that Idaho BHA supports:
HB 101 (Held in Committee)- Amends existing law to establish requirements regarding the vacation of public rights-of-way that furnish access to state or federal public lands or waters; HB 101 would have promoted public access in Idaho by requiring that when counties decommission any highway or public right of way that has been fairly adjudicated to provide public access to federal or state public lands or waters, and equivalent access route must be put in place. Idaho BHA is disappointed to see this bill held in committee, but look forward to working with partners over the next year to get this important legislation moving again in 2026.
Bills that Idaho BHA opposes:
HB 196 - Mule deer doe hunt moratorium; Hb 196 is opposed by ID BHA as it would create a 5 year mule deer doe hunting moratorium throughout much of Southern Idaho. So far this bill hasn't gained any traction, and we hope to keep it that way as these decisions should be made by IDFG, not elected officials.
MONTANA
Montana BHA has brought two bills to the legislature this session and both have passed the House along with several other bills the chapter is supporting. At the same time, there are several insidious bills still moving that the chapter strongly opposes.
Bills that Montana BHA Opposes:
SB 307 threatens to eliminate $20 million in funding from critical programs like Habitat Montana, state parks, and public trails. This funding is crucial for the long-term preservation of Montana's outdoor legacy. If passed, SB 307 would break the bipartisan agreement made in 2021, undermining years of effort to secure stable, dedicated funding for these important programs.
Montana’s future relies on preserving the public lands, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that make this state special. We need your voice to oppose SB 307 and defend the 2021 funding agreement that supports Habitat Montana and other critical outdoor programs.
Draft/Bill #: SJ 14
Title: Resolution to release federal wilderness study areas
Draft/Bill #: HB 379
Title: Revising laws related to state land leases for commercial purposes and the sale of state land
Passed House State Administration Committee Friday 11-7 (after being tabled twice in the previous week)
Draft/Bill #: HB 676
Title: Generally revise state land and water laws
Passed Judiciary Committee 3/4/25
Draft/Bill # LC3968 / HB 354
Title: Revise penalties for criminal trespass while fishing, trapping, hunting, or collecting antlers/sheds/horns
Passed House 2/28/25
Draft/Bill # LC1821 SB 387
Title: Generally revise electric bicycle laws
Hearing in Senate Transportation, 2/26.
Draft/Bill #: HB 285
Title: Generally revise Montana environmental policy act
Passed House and referred to Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Draft/Bill: LC2548 / HB 176
Title: Require unlimited wolf hunting quota when population is at or above 450 wolves
Passed House and referred to Senate Fish and Game Committee.
Draft/Bill#: LC2221 / HB 216
Title: Allow FW Commission to issue deer and elk hunting licenses to private landowners within the Flathead Indian Reservation
Tabled in Committee 2/13/25
Draft/Bill #: LC1354 / SB 381
Title: Provide for Montana’s future homesteading act
Tabled in Committee 2/28/25
Draft/Bill #: LC0975 / SB 146
Title: Creating the private property protection act
Failed second reading in the Senate
Draft/Bill #: LC1709 / HB 647
Title: Prohibit state land leases to nonprofits
Tabled in Natural Resources Committee 3/3/25
Montana BHA opposed SB 209 (TABLED), a bill that would have revised term length of conservation easements and risked conservation and hunting/fishing access. BHA is grateful for Sen Tazek's request to table this bill in committee.
Bills that Montana BHA supports:
Montana BHA supports HB 283, introduced by Rep. Running Wolf, which would allow Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to raise funds for wildlife conservation through both raffles and auctions. At the same time the chapter supports HB330, introduced by Rep. Hinkle, which would add conservation funding for pronghorn and migratory bird species by allowing conservation groups to raffle or auction one pronghorn and one swan tag each year. Both HB 283 and HB 330 have passed the House and have been referred to the Senate Fish & Game Committee.
Montana HBA has partnered with bill sponsor Joshua Seckinger and a host of bipartisan co-sponsors to strengthen Montana's flagship Block Management program. HB 763 is a commonsense solution that cuts bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for landowners to participate. It compensates landowners for allowing public hunters to walk across their land to access otherwise landlocked public land—without requiring them to allow hunting on their property.
Draft/Bill #: LC2203 / HB 242
Title: Revise fines related to aquatic invasive species
Passed the House and referred to Senate Fish and Game Committee
Draft/Bill #: LC0506 / SB 63
Title: Revise law related to the use of motion-tracking devices while hunting
Passed the Senate and referred to House Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee.
Draft/Bill #: LC4148 / HB 450
Title: Generally revise bird dog training licensing laws
Scheduled for third reading in the House 3/3/25
Draft/Bill #: LC3165 / HB 202
Title: Generally revise laws related to the unlawful use of aircraft for hunting
Passed the House unanimously and referred to Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Draft/Bill #: LC0749 / SB 235
Title: Revising landowner preference qualifications for elk to require finalized land ownership of 640 acres or more of contiguous land
Passed Senate unanimously and referred to House Fish Wildlife And Parks Committee.
Draft/Bill #: LC4189 / HB 661
Title: Revise unlawful harassment and harm of game animal, birds, fur-bearers, and predators
Tabled in Committee
NEVADA
Bills that Nevada BHA supports:
AB 87 - Making an appropriation to the Wildlife Crossings Account. This bill appropriates $5 million from the State General Fund to the Wildlife Crossings Account. The funds are specifically designated for designing, constructing, and identifying new wildlife crossings and related highway features to improve wildlife movement across roadways.
AB 132 - Revises provisions relating to water. AB 132 proposes revisions to water appropriation requirements for guzzlers, which collect precipitation to provide water for wildlife. The bill increases the allowed capacity of these guzzlers from 20,000 gallons to 40,000 gallons and extends the maximum allowed pipe length from 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile, while ensuring the guzzlers are approved by the Department of Wildlife.
AB 101 - Edible portions. SB 101 revises the provisions regarding the waste of edible portions of game mammals, birds, and fish in Nevada, making it unlawful to waste any part of a mountain lion or black bear that is considered edible. The bill also eliminates the exception for carnivores regarding the removal of parts like heads and antlers, clarifies what constitutes "edible portions," and declares an existing regulation interpreting this term as void starting in October 2025.
AB 108 - Makes an appropriation to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account. AB 108 appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program Account for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The bill aims to support the Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program, which promotes outdoor education and recreational opportunities - including hunting and angling - across Nevada.
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico BHA remains committed to advocating for sound wildlife management, fair and transparent governance, and sustainable funding for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The chapter is pleased to report that SB 5 has successfully passed the Senate Floor debate and is now moving to the House for further consideration.
Bills that New Mexico BHA supports:
SB 5, Game Commission Reform. BHA continues to support SB 5, recognizing its importance in reforming the Game Commission, ensuring long-term funding, and strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in New Mexico. However, recent amendments introduced in the Senate Finance Committee bring significant changes that require further discussion and input from our community.
The amended bill includes a shed hunting license in statute ($500 for non-residents) which would undercut the Game Commission’s flexibility in managing this activity, setting an unfavorable precedent for future regulatory decisions of outdoor activities. It also includes a substantial increase in nonresident bighorn sheep tag prices for non-residents ($3,150 to $9,000). While New Mexico BHA supports efforts to secure sustainable funding for wildlife management, this excessively high price is prohibitive for non-resident hunters while providing nominal financial gains to the game department.
New Mexico BHA continues to support SB 5 and its core objectives, particularly the much-needed Game Commission reforms and sustainable funding mechanisms for wildlife conservation. However, the chapter recognizes concerns regarding these new provisions and their potential long-term implications. As SB 5 moves to the House, BHA is actively engaging with legislators and stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach—one that maintains conservation funding while keeping hunting, angling, and public land access fair and accessible.
SB 291, Enforcement of game and fish laws. BHA believes in fair chase, ethical hunting, and keeping our wild places truly wild. Strong enforcement is a key part of that mission. SB 291 helps ensure that conservation officers can do their jobs effectively: protecting our wildlife, waters, and our public lands.
OREGON
Oregon BHA opposed Curry County Commissioner's attempts to "assume its Constitutional management authority over all public forest lands" in the County by "invoking the inherent police powers of the state." Public opposition helped to rebuke this misguided resolution which was ultimately removed by Commissioners. This legally dubious scheme is part of a broader movement across the West to assert control over federal public lands through an ill-advised interpretation of the 10th amendment - a dangerous assertion that BHA has long pushed back against. As such, the chapter also strongly opposes HB 3575 which seeks to transfer federal public lands.
Bills that Oregon BHA opposes:
HB 3575 - Relating to the transfer of federal public lands; this Act tells the Department of State Lands to ask the U.S. government to transfer some U.S. public lands to the state. Oregon BHA strongly opposes transferring federal public lands and stands against this misguided legislation that could result in the privatization of public lands.
Bills that Oregon BHA supports:
HB 2978 is an essential investment in Oregonians’ collective future, strengthening collaboration between the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. HB 2978 would help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and keep motorists and wildlife safer by proactively identifying and addressing high-collision zones and offering improved data collection and targeted infrastructure (e.g., underpasses, overpasses). HB 2978 would also help protect habitat connectivity by maintaining viable migration routes and winter ranges critical for healthy herds and ecosystems. By focusing on projects that restore or enhance connectivity, Oregonian’s can ensure that Oregon’s iconic big game species—and many other wildlife—continue to thrive. Oregon BHA testified in support of this bill during a hearing on 2/5/25.
View the written testimony submitted by the Chapter and check out this coverage by the Public News Service in Oregon which quotes Oregon BHA Board member Karl Findling.
HB 2977 - Relating to funding to support species conservation; proposes a 1% increase in the transient lodging tax (TLT), specifically earmarked for State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) projects that recover Oregon’s imperiled wildlife. Based on the eight required elements for SWAPs, the plan addresses everything from landscape-level habitat restoration to proactive disease monitoring. The bill is currently in the House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water.
View the written testimony submitted by the Chapter.
HB 2342 - Relating to fees concerning wildlife; Oregon’s fish and wildlife face growing and complex threats, including habitat loss, chronic wastng disease (CWD), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and the impacts of climate change on migration corridors and water availability. ODFW’s ability to monitor and respond to these challenges depends on a stable and predictable revenue stream. This modest and necessary fee adjustment will help ensure that ODFW can continue:
- Scientific wildlife management to sustain healthy fish and game populations.
- Critical disease monitoring and response to protect Oregon’s deer, elk, and bird populations.
- Habitat restoration efforts that benefit all species, game and non-game alike.
- Public access programs that keep Oregon’s outdoor heritage strong.
View the written testimony submitted by the Chapter.
WASHINGTON
Washington BHA is tracking Governor Ferguson's budget proposal to the legislature which includes significant cuts to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to reconcile a $16 billion shortfall. Potential cuts include: staff furloughs, reducing or eliminating pheasant hunting, ceasing hatchery production at multiple hatcheries, and reducing activities from the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement which would impact enforcement and monitoring among many other proposed cuts. Related to the budget deficit, the chapter is tracking SB 5583, which would increase hunting and angling license fees. Washington BHA is willing to help improve some of the language and implementation of this bill to ensure it is a hunter and angler led initiative.
Bills that Washington BHA supports:
HB 1325 - Expanding enforcement options for certain fish and wildlife violations. HB 1325 aims to enhance enforcement capabilities for fish and wildlife violations in Washington by expanding penalties and improving clarity in enforcement procedures. The bill includes provisions to ensure more effective prosecution and accountability for violations, strengthening the protection of the state’s natural resources. Passed the House unanimously and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
SB 5203 - Relating to ensuring connectivity for Washington wildlife through safe passages. SB 5203 aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in Washington by promoting the construction of wildlife crossings and protecting critical wildlife corridors. It establishes funding accounts to support these efforts, with a focus on collaboration among state agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders to enhance wildlife safety and ecological connectivity. Unfortunately this bill died in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means after passing the Senate Committee on transportation.
Bills that Washington BHA opposes:
HB 1685 - Restructuring fish and wildlife governance. HB 1685 proposes restructuring the governance of Washington's Department of Fish and Wildlife by consolidating executive and administrative power under a director appointed by the governor with Senate consent. Died in House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources.
Grassroots activism from Washington’s hunters and anglers secured a step in the right direction for Washington Commission makeup.
In the last days of his 12-year term, former Governor Jay Inslee took a final step to undermine the public trust in Washington’s wildlife management system. By pushing through last-minute appointments to Washington’s Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Governor side-stepped feedback from Washington's conservationists, ignored critical input from Tribal co-managers, weakened the democratic process, and disregarded the very laws guiding these appointments.
Washington BHA strongly opposed this move and mobilized an action alert to the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources and Parks Committee, urging them to do what's best for Washington's wildlife. The voices of hunters and anglers were heard and those last minute appointments from former Governor Inslee were rejected by the Senate. Governor Bob Ferguson will now have an opportunity to make better appointments.
Read more about Washington BHA's efforts in this coverage by Outdoor Life and watch the chapter’s own Mandy Wittmier discuss the issue in more detail on HuntFishNW.
WYOMING
Wyoming BHA members helped to kill several bad bills during the 40 day legislative session with many of them targeting our shared public lands and public trust resources. As the session comes to a close this week public land owners in the Cowboy State should be proud of the positive impact they were able to have.
Anti-public lands bills that Wyoming BHA opposed
SJR 2 (Dead) which demanded the transfer of federal public lands in Wyoming to state control.
SF 105 (Dead) which sought to restrict private property sales and transfers to the federal government without legislative consent.
HB 118 (Dead) which would have prohibited “net gains” of federal land in Wyoming.
Thank you to the hundreds of BHA members who took action in opposition to these anti-public lands bills!
Read more about these bills and the broader move to remove and restrict federal public lands across the west in this coverage from Outdoor Life.
More bills that Wyoming BHA opposed:
Wyoming BHA opposed and testified against HB 109 (dead). HB 109 would have suspended hunting/fishing/trapping licenses if the license holder was convicted of hunting trespass and would have set a problematic precedent for restricting a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Wyoming.
SF 118, which would have authorized the transfer or sale of landowner elk, deer, and antelope licenses, was tabled by the bill sponsor and will not be heard in committee. BHA strongly opposed SF 118 and immediately mobilized grassroots opposition alongside our partners to push back against the privatization of public wildlife. Representatives from the state’s hunting community, including BHA's Wyoming chapter co-chair Buzz Hettick, met with the bill’s sponsor, co-sponsors and Wyoming Game & Fish to better understand the sponsor’s reasons for introducing the bill. The dialogue was productive, and emblematic of how we can come together in Wyoming to resolve differences and seek outcomes that benefit as many people as possible.
A massive number of BHA members and supporters took action to voice their opposition to SF 118. THANK YOU!
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers supports fair chase hunting; therefore, Wyoming BHA elevated the following for support:
Wyoming BHA supported HB 0331, as it helps protect the principles of fair chase hunting by prohibiting the use of motor vehicles to harass, injure, or kill predatory animals on public lands as a legal method of take. This isn't hunting and it's not an ethical pursuit of wildlife. HB 0331 sought to maintain the integrity of the hunting experience while supporting responsible wildlife management but it narrowly failed to make it out of committee and will likely be back in the future.
UTAH
With one week left in the 45 day legislative session, Utah BHA is engaging several bills that are still moving which could have significant impacts for hunters and anglers.
Bills that Utah BHA OPPOSES
HB 202 Private Landowner Big Game Revisions
Since our last update, this bill passed the House and is awaiting a vote by the Senate after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Committee. It has also been amended (substitute 4) to no longer guarantee two bull elk permits to landowners who own contiguous parcels between 4,000 - 8,999 acres. Instead, these landowners are eligible for up to two permits and the Division of Wildlife Resources must determine whether they are eligible to receive them. It also prevents any current CWMU or LOA operators from ever joining this program, which will protect the integrity of those existing programs. However, Utah BHA still opposes this bill as these landowner permits can still be sold and the public still doesn’t receive any tangible benefit. Use the link below to let your respective state senator know you oppose this bill as well.
HB 386 Attempts to Block Stream Access
This bill has not moved since our last update and still sits in the House Rules Committee, largely in part because of the outcry of Utah Anglers. However, now is not the time to get complacent - our legislative session doesn’t end until Friday, March 7, which leaves Rep. Chew plenty of time to try and push this through. Ensure that doesn’t happen by using the action alert below to let your representative know you don’t support the privatization of stream access!
Bills that Utah BHA SUPPORTS
HB 244 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Amendments
This bill provides additional protections for the Great Salt Lake wetlands ecosystem through the creation of the Bear River Bay WMA. The bill also removes restrictions on impoundments on the Willard Spur WMA and authorizes the DWR to be able construct structures only after forming and meeting with an advisory council consisting of affected stakeholders. HB 244 has successfully passed the House and is poised to pass the Senate after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Senate.
This bill creates a new revenue source to fund management of non-game species through reinstating royalties related to the brine shrimp industry and imposing a tax on wind electric generation facilities, solar electric generation facilities, and direct current transmission facilities. This new “Species Protection Account” will allow non-game species management to receive adequate funding support and ensure that revenues from hunting license and permit sales fund game species.
Lobbying to Fund Wildlife Crossings
In addition to the bills outlined above, Utah BHA is working with Utah Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wildlands Network, and PEW to create a special account dedicated solely for funding wildlife crossings. Chapter leaders will be visiting the capitol on Tuesday, March 4 to lobby legislators to create this account and ensure it’s funded between $5 - $10 million annually. This will enable the state to build the infrastructure necessary to maintain migration corridors and protect wildlife. Utah has been a national leader on this front since the state built the first wildlife crossing in the United States back in 1975. With mule deer populations under objective and development encroaching on crucial habitat, it’s crucial Utah continues leading the way by being the first state to create an annual fund. Click the link below to let legislators know you support funding wildlife crossings and protecting our wildlife.
UTAH IS NOT FOR SALE...AND NEITHER IS YOUR STATE
BHA vehemently opposes the recent legal maneuver by the State of Utah aimed at seizing control of 18.5 million acres of federal public lands - a move that could set a dangerous precedent for land management across the West.
A long-standing grudge against federal public lands – lands intended to be accessible by and for all Americans – has resulted in the State of Utah attempting to remove from the public domain one of the crown jewels of North American conservation: our public lands. Utah officials are seeking control of the entirety of unappropriated Bureau of Land Management territory, a profound misstep in the ideology of public land management and stewardship of natural resources in Utah. The proposed transfer of public lands to state control also raises grave concerns about the potential for increased commercial exploitation, increased costs to state budgets, diminished conservation efforts, and restricted public access. BHA stands firmly in opposition to this legal maneuver, which directly attacks the shared heritage of public lands and waters that provide hunting and angling opportunities for sportsmen and women.
Sign our petition to stand up for federal public lands and the freedom they provide to all Americans.
TAKE ACTION
Then, if you live in Utah, use this action alert to send a direct message to your elected leaders letting them know that local hunters and anglers will not stand for the transfer of our public land
Stay tuned for updates and bill breakdowns as we continue to monitor legislative sessions across the west.
About Devin O'Dea
Devin grew up abalone diving, spearfishing, and backpacking in CA before discovering a love of bowhunting and wing shooting. He worked as a marketing manager for a carbon division of Mitsubishi, but the allure of adventure and wild places led him to BHA