Governor Appoints McKean To Fish And Wildlife Commission
Local journalist and author Andrew McKean, of Glasgow, was appointed by Gov. Steve Bullock to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Wednesday, Nov. 24.
The five-member commission has final say over major Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ decisions including hunting and fishing regulations, wildlife transplants and conservation easements.
McKean will serve along with Shane Colton of Billings, Richard Stuker of Chinook, Patrick Byorth of Bozeman and Tim Aldrich of Missoula.
McKean is the former editor- in-chief of Outdoor Life and is currently an independent journalist and project manager and director of Powerderhook, Inc. He also serves as an optics industry consultant. He told the Northern Plains Independent that he’s interested helping to balancing landowner interests and hunter access issues.
“I’m honored and privileged to be asked to serve,” said McKean. “There are a number of big issues on the horizon, including the state’s new elk management plan that will try to bring some balance between addressing landowner tolerance for elk, improving hunter access to especially problematic herds and ensuring equity in both antlered and antlerless seasons.”
McKean said he thinks the commission will also evaluate efforts to update licensing and hunter education processes.
“I expect the commission will discuss working on modernizing FWP’s licensing system, updating hunter education and ensuring that Montana continues to balance best-in-the-nation wildlife management with public access and participation,” said McKean.
McKean’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of former commissioner Logan Brower. Brower, a school teacher, moved from Scobey in commission District 4 to Helena, making him ineligible to continue to serve.
The appointment means McKean may serve the remainder of Brower’s term until 2023. He faces confirmation in the Montana Senate when it meets early next year.
