Proposed Felt Ban in Montana

I have been informed that there is legislation afoot (no pun intended!) to ban felt soled wading boots by our "esteemed" Senator Ron Erickson, a Democrat from Missoula  (see the link below).  Rubber soled boots are not the cure-all to invasive species.  I believe rubber soles will only aid in spreading invasives because anglers will be lulled into a false sense of security.  Furthermore, rubber soled wading boots pose a serious safety concern.  You can view my opinion on rubber soled wading boots in a previous blog entitled "To Felt of Not to Felt".

I encourage everyone to write a opposition letter to the Montana Senate.  If you are a Montana resident please send/email a letter to your senator.  If not, please send/email a letter to the following below. I have sent an email to my senator, Sen. Bob Lake, R-Hamilton, as well as all the senators listed below. It is my job to inform you.  Now do your job to be proactive!

President of the Senate: Jim Peterson (R-Buffalo) jimpetersonranch@gmail.com


President Pro Tempore: Bruce Tutvedt (R-Kalispell) tutvedt@montanasky.us


Majority Leader: Jeff Essman (R-Billings) jessmann@mt.gov


Majority Whips: Taylor Brown (R-Huntley) taylor@northernbroadcasting.com 
                           Chas Vincent (R-Libby) cvvincent@hotmail.com


Minority Leader: Carol Williams (D-Missoula) cwilliams@montanadsl.net


Minority Whip: Kim Gillian (D-Billings) glonky@aol.com

Link to the proposed bill:  http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2011/lchtml/LC1760.htm