September 18, 2004

Rehberg: New monument map better distinguishes private lands

By BECKY BOHRER - Associated Press Writer

BILLINGS - U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg said a new map for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument will more clearly distinguish state and private lands from federal, marking a small victory for landowners irked by trespassers.

Rehberg made the announcement Friday, flanked by landowners from north-central Montana and after a conference call with Interior Secretary Gale Norton. He has been working to clarify the boundaries of the monument that was designated in 2001 by a presidential proclamation.

Rehberg, R-Mont., said the issue is not one of access but rather of federal officials "being willing to work with these people to find a compromise or consensus that will help them better accept this new Missouri Breaks monument that was dropped on them, in many cases, without any knowledge that their property was going to be included'' within the boundary line.

The monument designation only applies to land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management; however, in some places, the federal lands intermingle with private and state lands, the BLM says.

The original map had a boundary line drawn around the monument. That line has been removed, said monument manager Gary Slagel. The new working map uses colors to distinguish between private, state and federal lands, he said.

The hope, Slagel said, is to make the monument area clearer to the visiting public.

Matt Knox, a Winifred-area rancher, said he hopes it will. Knox said trespassing has been an issue for him and other landowners, and that more clearly designated lands on maps "will make our lives a little easier."

Rehberg said that, while the map is a help for landowners, the issue of monument management remains up for debate. He also said it would take legislation to change the boundary itself.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press