This case is a right-to-know and open-meetings case stemming from the August 10, 2021, meeting (the August 10 Meeting) of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. After six public records requests Wolves of the Rockies sent to the Department Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks had not produced any of the requested information, a timeline for production, or an estimate of the costs to produce the information.
Right to Know Violations

The right to know claims are fairly straightforward: FWP failed to produce the requested public information, or an estimate of the time it would take to respond and the potential costs. This action violated § 2-6-1006, MCA and Article II, § 9 of the Montana Constitution.

In either case, under the Public Records Act, or a Dorwart claim, FWP and the
Commission violated Plaintiff’s Right to Know by failing to provide the documents, or an estimate of the timeline and costs, in a “timely manner” pursuant to § 2-6-1006(2), MCA.

Kim Bean, Vice President Wolves of the Rockies. “It’s unfortunate that we have to turn to litigation to hold this agency accountable; and to have our voices heard along with the less than 1% of constituents that appear to be helping them make policy for our wildlife. We are not done.”
Consent Decree
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs, Wolves of the Rockies allege the State of Montana, by and through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks ( collectively "Defendants") violated their rights under the Montana Constitution and its implementing statutes by failing to produce public information and failing to properly notice and conduct public meetings.
WHEREAS, the parties have agreed to resolve their claims without the need for additional litigation.
WHEREAS, by entering into this Consent Decree, Defendants admit they violated the Plaintiff's constitutional rights.
~Protecting all Yellowstone & Rocky Mountain Wolves from slaughter~
For Additional Information and supporting documents Contact Wolves of the Rockies at: [email protected]
Marc Cooke: (406) 493-5945
Kim Bean: (970) 412-0905
Wolves of the Rockies is an all volunteer 501 c (3)