The following article is from KXLH:
Montana Senate committee tables “the ditch bill”
by Marnee Banks (Helena)
On Tuesday the Senate Agriculture committee killed a bill which fishermen are calling an assault on Montana’s Stream Access Law.
On March 8, 2011 hundreds of anglers and recreationists filled the Capitol opposing a bill defining ditches.
Supporters of the bill say it prohibits recreating in ditches with irrigation equipment on it. Critics say it so broadly defined ditches that some of Montana’s favorite fishing holes would be off limits.
Tuesday in an 8 to 3 vote the Senate tabled the bill.
Montana Senator Taylor Brown (R-Huntley) moved the bill be tabled.
“There are some of them especially in Agriculture that thought well maybe we should have a better decision of ditch. Myself, and Senator Ripley and Senator Moore and others that worked on this finally reached the decision that maybe the law is adequate regarding what a ditch is. It seems to work for most, not all, but most,” Brown says.
The bill had previously passed the House in a 57 to 43 vote.
For more great coverage of the Montana Legislature, visit KXLH’s website.
Source: KXLH
Posted by Haylie Shipp
