By Michael Hoyt, Corvallis
It was highly unethical of Chuck Denowh to use the Missoulian’s Guest Column to spread misinformation about FWP’s scientifically-based findings regarding the future possibility for free-roaming bison in Montana.
His implication that FWP’s finding “dramatically intensifies conflict over wildlife management in Montana” is pure baloney. His statement that FWP is advancing the agenda of a radical, out-of-state environmental group is pure poppy-cock.
The specialists (scientists) who work for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) began researching free-roaming bison eight years ago. They held public hearings and solicited written comments from concerned groups and individuals. Those scientists reached a conclusion based on solid scientific evidence AND on the wants and needs of Montana’s citizens.
Mr. Denowh’s claims that FWP’s finding will “force free-roaming bison onto private property.” He seems to have forgotten that Montana is a “fence-out” state. If I don’t want my neighbor’s cows (or free-roaming bison) on my property it is my responsibility to fence them out.
What I find most astonishing is Mr. Devowh’s foolhardy statement that it is “the thousands of Montanans who provide habitat to wildlife.” He obviously has no understanding of the simple fact that, it is nature’s complex ecosystems (yes, even including wildlife) which provide a home and support for human existence on Earth.
Because he disagrees with MWP’s findings and without relying on a single fact, Mr. Denowh blames FWP for doing the bidding of an extreme-environmentalist out-of-state organization. In doing so, he revealed what he truly is, one of our state’s most notorious backroom political operatives.
A more complete and unbiased understanding of bison management in Montana is available on FWP’s website at http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/bison/.