UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT TASK FORCE ELECTS CHAIRMAN, SETS DATES FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

Governor Martz Pleased with Progress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2001
CONTACT: Shane M. Hedges
Governor’s Office
406-444-5522

HELENA, MONTANA - Governor Judy Martz said today she's pleased with the progress her Upper Missouri River Breaks Task Force is making. In a meeting in Fort Benton on Wednesday, the task force met to elect a chair and set dates for public meetings regarding the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The task force of elected officials was appointed by Governor Martz to answer questions posed by Secretary of Interior Gale Norton.

The task force elected Blaine County Commissioner Art Kleinjan as Chairman of the Task Force. Kleinjan, a member of the Central Montana Resource Advisory Council, has been directly involved in discussions related to the upper Missouri national monument in his role on that council.

Additionally, the task force has set a strategy for receiving public input regarding the Secretary's questions. From now until August 10, the Task Force will take written public notice on the following three subjects pertaining to the monument designation; (1) What existing uses should be allowed, (2) what is the appropriate size of the monument and how should access to inholdings be addressed and (3) what are the impacts with regard to recreation/tourism and what special or unique area's need additional or special protection.

Comments should be mailed to Governor Martz, State Capitol, P.O. Box 200801, Helena MT 59620. All comments will be photocopied and directed to members of the task force for their consideration. Additionally, all comments will be presented to the Secretary of Interior in the final report, expected to be delivered by September 1, 2001.

The Task Force has also decided to hold three public meetings on these questions. The times and locations of the public meetings will be as follows:

Existing uses
Chinook MT, Motor Inn, July 31
Public comment from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Recreation/Tourism, Unique areas
Great Falls MT, Interpretative Center, August 1
Public comment from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Boundary size and Access to inholdings
Winifred MT, High School, August 2
Public Comment from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Task Force is encouraging the public to attend and to keep comments dedicated to the issue pertaining to the meeting of the day. Additionally, all comments should be presented in written form to provide a formal document of statement.

By allowing public comment to be collected during the entire month, it provides a forum in case individuals are not able to attend the public meetings. Only written comments will be considered in the Task Force's deliberations.

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