[BILLINGS, Mont.] – The Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC) held its annual meeting on November 15 in conjunction with the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Annual Convention & Trade Show in Billings. The meeting brought together industry leaders to hear from officials from the National Public Lands Council, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) State Trust Lands, and Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.

“As this year comes to an end, we have many things to celebrate from a public lands perspective but also have much work ahead,” said Vicki Olson, MPLC Chair. “Moving into 2022, many ranchers continue to face challenges related to drought, past successful policy efforts like the advancements and changes to the National Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act have been rescinded, and we have seen the repeal of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. We must be vigilant and continue to tell our stories of resource management, conservation, and stewardship that Montana cattle ranchers exemplify.”

The MPLC membership held its election for the upcoming year. Craig Iverson of Winnett was re-elected to a three-year term representing the eastern district. Additionally, Richard Stuker of Chinook was appointed to serve a three-year term representing the Montana Grass Conservation Commission. Both MPLC Chair, Vicki Olson of Malta, and Vice-chair, Craig Iverson, will continue to serve in the organization’s leadership roles.

The Montana Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC) is the state’s only organization dedicated to representing Montana public lands grazing users and is the lead state organization in monitoring, initiating, and coordinating actions on priority public lands issues in the state while pursuing legislative and regulatory actions that are the most effective for Montana cattle ranchers.

CONTACT:
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
406-442-3420
[email protected]

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