2023 Montana's independent nonprofit news source. Williams is both a hunter and an angler, and according to the Interior Department press release, she grew up on a farm. While there, she focused on natural resources law, public land and resources law and wildlife law. Following the 2009 delisting, FWP issued regulations each year explaining to hunters and trappers what they could and could not do in pursuit of wolves. Try to imagine Trump Act II and that law just thrown under the rug.. Last year, her agency announced a review to determine whether wolves in the Northern Rockies should regain federal protection under the landmark statute after Montana and Idaho launched the most aggressive wolf hunts in recent history. We want to reduce wolf numbers.. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In 2020, during Williamss final year as FWPs director, Montana began using a new system to estimate its wolf population: the integrated patch occupancy model iPOM, for short. On July 20, the day The Intercepts wolf investigation went live, Cam Sholly, the superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, sent a letter to Montanas game commissioners arguing that using telemetry to hunt wolves violated the fair chase principle, which holds that human hunters do not take unfair advantage of nonhuman prey, and requested that this prohibition be re-inserted into your regulations.. If you dont know how many wolves there are on the land, he asked, then how are you going to evaluate the threats to that population?. For the past year, MacNulty has delved deep into the modeling system that served as the basis for politicians calls to make deep cuts to the wolf population. After her graduation from beauty school, she moved to Havre, MT, to be near her sisters. DOI and the bureaus do not guarantee that outside websites comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. She was confirmed in a bipartisan 16-to-4 vote in February. When Williams appeared before lawmakers in November, the issue never came up. We dont have ads, so we depend on our members 35,000 and counting to help us hold the powerful to account. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Whoops! Under pressure from environmental organizations to appoint a confirmed leader at FWS, President Joe Biden nominated Williams the following month. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Williams will become the second major Montana appointee to work under U.S. Walker of Kalispell and Kelly (Sabra Boucher) Brandon of Havre; grandchildren, Peyton, Jackson, and Robert Walker, and Tyson and Macy Brandon; sisters, Peggy (Larry) Bannor of Duluth, MN, San Dee Nan Eliason of Arizona, and Judy (Nick) Burns of Bemidji, MN; former daughter-in-law, Cindy Brandon of Havre; and numerous nieces, nephews, including Randy Bannor, and cousins. Published Apr 13, 2022 3:45 PM EDT. Were always respecting private property rights, recognizing tribal sovereignty, and I think America the Beautiful amplifies these efforts and its how we can get work done to conserve this countrys land and waters. Every little piece and investment allows people to build support for the refuges and to see that we care about investing in them, too, people and communities. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. She adored her children and grandchildren, and their happiness was her priority. Another piece of the Great American Outdoors Act is that it also funded 70 wage-grade positions around the country. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. No shouting. On March 8, 2022, Williams was sworn in as the 23rd Director of the U.S. Interior received a large amount of funding from the federal infrastructure bill. Ive gone from appreciating the on-the-ground piece of [bear management] and really knowing the importance of place and taking that knowledge and thinking of it in this broader perspective. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). He had neither the uniform nor the vehicle of a government official. View the profiles of people named Martha Williams. Martha Williams, the current principal deputy director at USFWS, also told the U.S. Senate committee she believes conservation is a shared responsibility. Hydrologists are looking to this winter and spring for a potential rebound from Montanas widespread drought this year. Former Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Director Martha Williams has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new director of the U.S. USFWS Director Martha Williams spoke about federal efforts regarding partnerships with local and state agencies to reconnect Warm Springs Creek with . It was like a slow decay, Ausband said. In the portion ofMontanathat abuts Yellowstone Park, the death toll of 19 wolves marked a342 percent increasefrom the previous decades annual average of four. Williams is the second Montana woman to assume a high-profile leadership role in President Bidens Interior Department. Williams was confirmed by voice vote Thursday night before the Senate adjourned. Montana news with context and care. The Montana Wildlife Federation, a Helena-based conservation organization, cheered the announcement. She was a loving woman who enjoyed music and attending concerts, and watching sports, especially when her grandchildren were playing. She also convened a major rebranding of FWP, designed to make the fish-and-wildlife agency relevant to customers who might never fish or hunt but who appreciate and advocate for Montanas wild places. Thats a really important part of what we do. Montana news with context and care. Prior to teaching at the University of Montanas Alexander Blewitt III School of Law, she was the Interior Departments deputy solicitor for parks and wildlife. And how do we support all the partners it takes to have a species on the landscape that stays recovered. Martha Williams, director of Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, told the Environmental Quality Council the disease has so far had no discernible effect on the sale of hunting licenses, and that special hunts to help combat the disease's spread have sold out quickly. Support homegrown news. For Hawkaluk, the trajectory of wolves within Montanas bureaucracy reflects the contentious politics that surrounds the animals. Lawmakers suspended their rules to allow for House Bill 971s introduction and passed the measure along party lines. Dave Parsons, a retired wildlife biologist who led the FWS reintroduction of wolves in the Southwest in the 1990s, was one of the few voices of public dissent. More recently, bison management has been on her radar. In his letter over the summer, Sholly, the Yellowstone superintendent, described a lack of scientific data and low confidence in Montanas wolf-counting methodologies. of would-be replacements plays out. Martha Williams, the former head of Montanas Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the new director of the U.S. He parked, stepped out of the vehicle, and raised above his head what looked like a radio antenna. Get your insiders look into what's happening in and around the Capitol. We secured a 30-minute phone interview with her, which has been edited below for brevity and clarity. FWP game wardens looked into the report and found no functional telemetry equipment or evidence of violation, Morgan E. Jacobsen, a spokesperson for FWPs southwest region, said in an email in July. Grizzlies have twice been delisted in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem only to be overturned in federal court due to issues with genetic connectivity and regulations at the state level. Martha Williams, the former director for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, told the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that wildlife conservation was a shared responsibility. Williams returned to FWP as director the following year. MW: Our charge is implementing the Endangered Species Act, so were always going to pay close attention, and the fact that we are in litigation, that we have a 12-month finding that were currently working on, means that were even more involved in thinking through management alternatives. Thats a total collective effort. "The strength of this agency is it. How big it is, I dont know.. Martha Williams, nominee to lead the U.S. Paulette M. Pidge Williams, 78, passed away due to natural causes at Northern Montana Hospital on Sunday, May 16, 2021. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. In her earlier years, she was a wonderful cook and enjoyed socializing. In fiscal year 2021 ending in June, state trust lands produced $107.3 million, up from $92.1 million in the last fiscal year. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to get unbiased, independent Montana news sent directly to you. Martha Williams is an American attorney and government official who is the current director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. HELENA Former Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park Director Martha Williams was sworn in as Director of the U.S. The guides sent witness statements to an FWP game warden. Whether someone likes the initiative or not, I think its principles are so solid because they build on what weve all collectively learned works. Were thinking about access across the board and how to we allow people to feel that they belong in the outdoors on our public lands and on our wildlife refuges. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act, Williams is arguably the most important official in Washington for saving wildlife amid the ongoing mass extinction crisis. I think a lot of folks of whatever view on wolves are probably a bit concerned about opening the can of worms. And so here we stand.. Speaking in a personal capacity and not as a representative of her former or current employer, Hawkaluk said the committee ultimately determined that years of wolf hunting and trapping regulations in Montana misrepresented the law, and that the problem related to the species in need of management categorization developed in the early 2000s. Sign up for theCapitolizednewsletter and stay up-to-date on the latest legislative developments during the session. She was the first woman to serve in that role, where she managed nearly 700 full-time-equivalent employees and oversaw the administration of more than 50 state parks. Martha Williams, the current principal deputy director at USFWS, also told the U.S. Senate committee she believes conservation is a shared responsibility. Has your perspective of grizzly management changed with your office? In that role, she mediated a number of contentious issues, including implementing a wolf hunting season and expanding visitor services. Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho under the law in 1995, after a government extermination campaign led to their near-total extirpation decades before. Martha has a wealth of knowledge and experience in managing public wildlife, public lands and waters, and striking that balance between people and wildlife in the many complex issues around these incredible resources.. Outdoor Life: Lets lead with grizzly bears, which are still under federal endangered-species protection though population benchmarks for recovery have been met. The infrastructure will support many of these America the Beautiful projects, funding things like fish passage structures and habitat restoration projects that help create jobs and help build communities. Polly was born on December 19, 1942, in Bagley, MN, to Olaf and Julia (Hanson) Amundson, the youngest of five girls. OL: While were on the topic of recovery and management of predators, lets talk about wolves, which were removed from federal protection but which have been aggressively managed under state authority, to the degree that some have petitioned that Western wolves be returned to federal protection. But ultimately, Its all about not needing to list and about getting species to recovery. Prior to heading FWP, she taught at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana, working for a time as a solicitor at the Department of Interior, and was a lawyer at FWP from 1998 to 2011. The Biden-Harris administration today announced that the Department of the Interiors U.S. 00:04:49 Ms. Martha Williams, Montana Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks, Director . Lucky for us at USFWS, it fits squarely within our wheelhouse in delivering conservation. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. How Williams navigated the requirement is unclear. It recognizes private property rights. Given her her legal experience and background in state-level resource management, and the Services wide-ranging authority and influence over Americas wildlife, habitats, and our hunting and fishing culture, Outdoor Life wanted to hear how Williams views both her new job and the priorities of the agency. Democrats said it will weaken Montanans right to participate in government decisions. Greg Gianforte's cabinet was also named today. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. In March, Daines, the Republican senator and proud backer of last winters wolf hunt, urged Williams to take bold action on the Endangered Species Act not to relist wolves but to delist grizzly bears. Because the people who want to see a reduction in the wolf numbers are very serious about it.. As the supervisory period wore on, however, the money ran dry. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Once in Havre, she began working for Just Plain Janes salon. Can you talk through ways of easing that conflict? Your contribution supports quality independent journalism no matter the season. Book Description A scandalous past. MTFP is rooted in Montana, and its readers like you who help our newsroom grow. Martha Williams Montana's director of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving up to take similar reins at the federal level. Learn more about climate change , and wildlife, Williams co-directed the universitys Land Use and Natural Resources Clinic and co-supervised the Public Land and Resources Law Review and the Environmental Law Group. They are recovered, every single objective criteria has been met, Lummis said, asking if USFWS will require additional criteria to delist the bears. Just award-winning local journalism for the people, by the people. Martha has spent her entire career standing up for Montanas public lands and has proven herself to be a thoughtful, nonpartisan steward who works collaboratively with folks on the ground to make positive change, he wrote. As for using telemetry in wolf hunts, Jacobsen added: This would not be lawful while in the act of hunting under Montanas statute on two-way communication.. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Williams was the first woman to lead Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks under former Democratic Gov. She also served a term as the Vice President of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Without public notice, the prohibition against using radio telemetry equipment was also gone. Greg Gianfortes cabinet was also named today. She served on the committee that Williams convened to review regulations. In the portion of the state that abuts Yellowstone Park where longstanding quotas on wolf kills were eliminated entirely the death toll of 19 wolves marked a 342 percent increase from the previous decades annual average of four. Donate during our spring fundraiser and support quality independent journalism. Steve Bullock, will be taking a high-profile position with the U.S. She then spent two years as a deputy solicitor for the Interior . Ecotourism guides werent the only ones concerned about the issue. Absolutely. The Intercept is an independent nonprofit news outlet. It seems to me that sportsmen and women have a conflicted relationship with the USFWS. And I talk about the America the Beautiful a lot because its such a priority for this administration. FWP, meanwhile, said its Helena-based special investigations unit was conducting a separate investigation into the wolfs killing. In an emailed statement about Williams confirmation, Montana Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat, said the agency is in good hands. Please reload the page and try again. Ms. Martha Williams, Montana Department of Wildlife, Fish and Parks, Director Senator Mike Lang, Senate District 17 . Following those stints in government service, Williams returned to the University of Montana as an assistant professor specializing in public lands and wildlife. Donate during our spring fundraiser and support quality independent journalism. That same year, Tester, the Democratic senator from Montana, attached a rider to a federal budget bill that reversed the courts decision to reject delisting and prohibited any other judge from undoing the reversal. Martha Williams, the former director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, was nominated to the U.S. Amanda Eggert studied print journalism at the University of Montana. Her new desk might be in Helena, but Martha Williams sees her new job as director of Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks more as a road trip. Williams earned a bachelors degree from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Montana School of Law. Steve Bullock, according to a . Gianforte stacked the most important posts in Montanas wildlife decision-making apparatus from Williamss old job atop FWP to the commissioners who create policy for the department with campaign contributors, a former running mate, and representatives of aggressively pro-wolf hunting interests. Montana and Idaho now under legal obligation to reduce their wolf populations, and lawmakers have made clear their intent to cut those numbers to the bone. We all play roles in this important American model, and it is with a strong commitment to collaborative conservation that we can achieve our collective goals.. Despite the many opportunities already offered under the law, Republican lawmakers and a subset of hunters and trappers had long argued that Montanas regulations did not go far enough. Williams was the first woman to lead Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks under former Democratic Gov. [1], Williams graduated from Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, Maryland,[2][3] then earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor from the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana. Id like my son to learn how to do restoration projects and have employment opportunities in that arena into the future. OL: Wildlife refuges, like many national parks, are showing their age. Before the transfer of management authority could happen, however, the states needed to prove that they had a regulatory framework in place to support continued wolf recovery. Greg Gianforte announced on Wednesday his pick for state health department director.Gianforte tapped Adam Meier to lead the, Montana Public Radio | Sign up for theCapitolizednewsletter and stay up-to-date on the latest legislative developments during the session. Preceding her appointment, she served as the Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from 2017 to 2020. As State Director, Williams delivered leadership that embraced the diversity of Montanas natural resources and outdoor recreational values that also incorporated public expectations and values into the agencys direction. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Biden Administration. My primary concern on the surface is not her as an individual, Parsons told me. Representative Rhonda Knudsen, House District 34 . Martha Williams, who until recently served as the director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks under former Gov. No shouting. There was a problem saving your notification. Lawmakers suspended their rules to allow for House Bill 971s introduction and passed the measure along party lines.