BEFORE THE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.9.206 pertaining to McLean Game Preserve

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NOTICE OF REPEAL

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On December 11, 2014, the Fish and Wildlife Commission (commission) published MAR Notice No. 12-405 pertaining to the proposed repeal of the above-stated rule at page 2907 of the 2014 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 23.

 

2. The commission has repealed the above-stated rule as proposed.

 

3. The commission has thoroughly considered the comments received. Three comments were received, two in support and one opposed. A summary of the comments received and the commission's responses are as follows:

 

Comment 1:  The commission received two comments in support of repealing ARM 12.9.206. One comment stated the repeal could allow hunting to alleviate game damage concerns on cultivated crops. The other comment felt the designation of the game preserve status was unwarranted given low numbers of wildlife sightings and limited wildlife habitat.

 

Response 1:  The quality and quantity of wildlife habitat within the McLean Game Preserve has changed.  Landowners may now allow hunting on their property.

 

Comment 2:  The commission received one comment in opposition of the rule repeal citing a concern about the potential loss of wildlife habitat. 

 

Response 2:  The commission believes the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat has changed within the game preserve. The commission is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife habitat statewide and does not believe repealing the rule designating the McLean Game Preserve will have an effect on wildlife habitat.

 

 

/s/ Dan Vermillion                                 /s/ Zach Zipfel

Dan Vermillion                                      Zach Zipfel

Chairman                                             Rule Reviewer

Fish and Wildlife Commission                                    

 

         

Certified to the Secretary of State March 2, 2015.