Changes will affect FWP proposals and commissioner amendments

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will simplify its approach to collecting public comment on agenda items beginning with the December commission meeting. The changes will ensure comments collected prior to the meeting will be seen by commissioners and collected in an efficient manner.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff collect public comments on behalf of the commission for agenda items prior to commission meetings. These agenda items are proposals presented to the commission by FWP.

This change incorporates two methods for collecting public comments: via physical mail and through an online portal established for each agenda item.

“Our online portal is operated by SurveyMonkey, which allows individuals to submit comments and upload attachments,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “The advantage of the online portal is that the technology automatically compiles every comment and attachment into a single readable document. This ensures accuracy and minimizes the potential for human error.”

FWP and the Fish and Wildlife Commission are separate entities. However, under Montana law, the commission is responsible for making specific decisions related to the work conducted by FWP. This includes approving hunting and fishing regulations, land purchases, and various rule changes.

The public process for items on the commission agenda begins with FWP proposals that are open for public comment approximately two months prior to a commission meeting. Commissioners can propose amendments to these proposals, which also go out for public comment. Additionally, commissioners may propose amendments during commission meetings. The commission accepts public comments during public meetings as well.

The next Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4.

For more information on the Fish and Wildlife Commission, including public comment opportunities, past meetings and recordings, and details on the seven commissioners, please visit the FWP website.