Great Falls Tribune - June 18, 2001
Letter to the Editor by Wendy Whitehorn, Dutton, Montana

Recently, on Great Falls news stations, Rep. Dennis Rehberg stated: "Over 80,000 acres of private property were put within this monument designation. That's a new twist. Taking away people's access and rights to use their land as they have been accustomed to. Private property, it would be like taking away your home without due and adequate consideration and debate."

Oh no, not again! Not another Montana politician twisting the truth to suit his/her own political agenda.

When Gov. Martz tried it on the Roadless Rule, her sham was soon exposed by many, including this newspaper.

Now Rehberg is pulling the same kind of shenanigans and it's time again to have to set the record straight.

Over 80,000 acres of private lands were included within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument boundary, but for 25 years over 30,000 of those acres have been part of the Wild and Scenic River designation.

Those landowners have not been denied access to or use of their land. Monument status is no different.

To suggest otherwise is deceptive.

I attended the hearing in Lewistown June 2 where the majority spoke out in favor of keeping the monument intact. He repeatedly said he was there to listen.

So listen up Congressman Rehberg: Leave the Monument alone!