Brad Johnson on Environment

Industry stakeholder input on land use policy

I suggest the creation of an advisory group comprised of DNRC staff, faculty members from the MSU Extension Service, one selected by the Montana Stock Growers' Association, one selected by Montana Farm Bureau and an at-large industry representative selected by the Governor.

There is much to be said for including industry stakeholders and Montana agricultural economists at the start of the review process rather than waiting to have them offer comment on a "finished product". The State Land Board owes it to all Montanans to assure a more systematic and inclusive approach to the management of this critically important public land use issue.