Our View: Tell FWP your thoughts tonight

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks seems to be at the center of some of the state’s most controversial issues.

The department handles some of the issues that touch the hearts and pocketbooks of most Montanans.

FWP has always been in charge of hunting and fishing regulations, and even the slightest change in those rules can set off a rash of controversy.

In recent years, a host of other issues have come forth. Wolf hunting, bison relocation, open spaces, gun silencers and land purchases have created furor after furor.

Some of the controversies have resulted from legitimate differences of opinions, but beyond that, many foes of FWP have argued that the agency has an imperial attitude and tends to look down at common folk.

Two issues on the Hi-Line brought FWP to the forefront:

• Ranchers opposed the relocation of bison from the Yellowstone Park area to Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Bison relocation means a lot to Native Americans who still revere the animals and have sided with the FWP’s decision to support the relocation,

• FWP purchased the Milk River Ranch in northern Hill County for what some people thought was an excessive amount, prompting many farmers and ranchers to close their land to hunters.

Hopes for quieting the turmoil came earlier this year when Gov. Steve Bullock named Lou Hagener to head the agency. He had previously headed the agency during quieter times.

Many saw the Havre native’s appointment as a sign that tranquility may return to the department.

Even though his family is the deepest of Democratic blue, he was respected, even admired by Republicans.

Lawmaker after lawmaker during the recent legislative session praised Hagener, even as they voted to strip his agency of many of its powers. Most of these bills were defeated or vetoed by Bullock.

At 6:30 p.m. today, Hagener and Commission Chairman Dan Vermillion will hold an open house at Great Northern Inn. They have invited all interested people to show up.

It would be great if people of all backgrounds and beliefs — hunters, hikers, cattlemen, wildlife supporters, farmers and Native Americans — could show up for a discussion of key issues.

FWP has put its hand out to the public. We hope the public shows up to voice its opinion.