A Change in Montana Stream Access?

Well "they" are at it again!  HB 309 attempts to further define a ditch.  The bill has made its way out of committee and has passed the second reading on the Montana House of Representatives floor.  The Montana Stream Access Law is very specific in banning any use of a ditch for public access.  This bill could prohibit access to waters that are now classified as public.  There is no need for this bill and it would only send us down that proverbial slippery slope.  I encourage everyone to write your Montana State Representatives.   Even if you are not a resident, I encourage you to write to the Speaker of the House.  This bill will affect residents and non-residents alike.  The following is a link to the Montana House of Representatives http://www.leg.mt.gov/css/house/.  It is time to let your voices be heard on this issue! The following two links are an article regarding this issue http://www.krtv.com/news/bill-defining-ditches-called-assault-on-montana-s-stream-access-/ and the bill itself http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2011/billhtml/HB0309.htm.