Welcome to the Montana BLM
Welcome to the Montana BLM
I call this file "tidbits.html", updated 12/21/2007, last update 01/31/2008
As a Whistle Blower, I help keep BLM mgrs in Montana "honest"
just my way of saying "Thanks!" (see start.html for details)
If it wasn't for folks like former BLM DSD Janet Singer, Diane Friez, Robin Stoebe ...you probably wouldn't be here
Look for more "tidbits" in 2008; until the US Department of the Interior puts its'
Montana Dakotas BLM house in order, revealing bits of insider information
will continue to become public knowledge.
For all previous "tidbits" entries (such as Ethics violations, Prohibited Personnel Practices,
Funds Diversions, Discrimination, Articles written by former BLM'ers etc.)
click these links (Large Files!)... WhistleBlower 2000
WhistleBlower 2001
WhistleBlower 2002
WhistleBlower 2003
WhistleBlower 2004
WhistleBlower 2005
WhistleBlower 2006
WhistleBlower 2007
Look below - for 2007 - Current/New entries
Welcome to 2007! The Dept of Interior & the Montana BLM just keep on making "news"...
Keeping busy...had all the kids home for Christmas,x-country ski's and snowshoes in Jan!
working on the book, rough draft stage but Chapter 1 is done, may take all year but it will get done, promise ;>)
(Global Warming?)...I recommend you watch "An Inconvenient Truth" if you haven't already.
And Still No one notices...when I started this web project BLM managed "264" million acres, now it's "258" million acres...
don't you wonder where that (6) million acres has gone??
In the News:
Do you really want these people to continue managing your public lands???...they've screwed up the Indian Trust accounts
and now this...we are talking seriously bad management (& bad managers) here to the Nth degree...
Interior Dept Chief Johnnie Burton Knew of Oil Lease Royalties Error Costing Taxpayers $Billions (3) Years Ago (Interior - MMS)
BLM Busted for Booting WhistleBlower (BLM - NV)
Bush Lifts Ban in Alaska Fishery (Interior)
Bush Lifts Oil & Gas Drilling for AK's Bristol Bay
"inclined to raise fees, close campgrounds...make it harder for people to access their lands...", good qualifications?...
Montanan Gail Kimbell to Head USFS
New USFS Chief Named
Feds to Take Wolves Off Endangered List (Interior USFWS)
WY Targets Wolf Packs
You Be the Judge - Vote for the Worst Judges of 2006
Rate the Courts - Vote for the Worst Federal & State Judge(s) of 2006
the answer to a pay raise should be not only no! but hell no!!...
Chief Justice Roberts Calls for Judges' Pay Hike
When Governments Act Like Thieves
ProSe Solidarity Pledge Online Petition
Introduction of the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act of 2007 (S.185)
Justice Dept Concealing Report That It Leaked Confidential Info
just a litttllleee too far to the right ;>)...
A Nation Held Hostage
Experts Blast Latest Climate Change Report - Ice melting faster
"Greenest Airline in Europe..."
Scientists' Report Documents ExxonMobil's Disinformation Campaign on Global Warming
How Climate Change is Hurting Cold Water Fish
...until 2007 breaks that record ;>)...
Climate Experts Worry as 2006 is Hottest Year on Record in U.S.
Climate Resets "Doomsday Clock"
Nuclear Threat to World Rising
Poll:US Image Around World Sharply Worsens
(Posted 01/30/2007)
Concerned about access to public lands?...scaled back access and increased user fees...
you may want to google the Forest Service and RSFMP; the recreation site facility master planning policy initiative
An Excerpt from "The Uncivil Service"...
"When the BLM moved from the Novell LAN implementation to implementation of IBM Unix hardware and software
in the failed ALMRS Modernization effort (lands records databases) in the mid 1990's, a pre-ALMRS readiness review
of the respective BLM state organizations noted this unique interaction and sharing between the Montana District Office computer specialists
and gave Montana a plus in the readiness review as a result.
I take credit for this though none was ever given by the Montana BLM management or state level IRM manager,
Robin Stoebe, as to how this teamwork and interaction came to be."
In the News:
Interior Survey Report Finds "Wall" Between Field Staff, Leaders (IG)
Anadarko, Interior Dept. $60Billion Royalties Mediation Fails
Ethics Violation Involving Former Interior Official & Justice Dept Official (Griles)
Justice Official Bought Vacation Home With Oil Lobbyist
Justice Dept Interior Oil-Program Probe Includes Staffers in Denver
Interior Official Keeps Job Despite Failing to Fix O&G Fees Problem
Interior Official Says Big Oil-Royalty Giveaway Just A Mistake (Oopsie!)
Interior Negotiating With Big Oil to Recoup Lost O&G Royalty Revenue
Norton Will Join Shell Oil
Budget Boost Proposed for Parks (Interior budget)
Utah Parks are Winners in Bush Plan
BLM Pulls 4 Drilling Leases (BLM - CO)
BLM Aims for Phased-In CBM Drilling (BLM - MT)
Proposed New Standards for CBM Water Discharge (WY)
BLM Grazing Fee Down from 2006 ($1.35 per AUM)
Rancher Cited for Interfering With Hunter on Public Land (BLM - WY)
BLM Seeks Land Swap for Access (2000acres for 30acres) (BLM - WY)
Permit Sought for Carbon Dioxide Pipeline (BLM - WY)
Military Lowers Standards and Grants More Waivers for Criminal Records to Boost Recruiting
Federal Appeals Court Says GitMo Detainees Can't Challenge their Indefinite Imprisonment
Definition:Fascism
Progressive Democrats of America
Florida J.A.I.L.
Report:In US Record Numbers Are Plunged Into Poverty
Bee Colony Collapse in US Studied by Montana Univ
Welcome to Montana!
Left in the West (Montana Blog)
Montana Forum: Politics & Elections
Hiring New Police Officers Getting Difficult (Billings PD)
(Posted 03/02/2007)
"When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross...", Sinclair Lewis
Spring has come to the West side...
lots of outdoor chores, flower beds and garden, prep for spring hunting, recently some LTE's...
I'm staying busy...and still working on the book.
Have been Checking/fixing links on gferren.150m.com...blackfoot is only a basic template, bulk of data is on 150m
In the News:
still wonder why Norton retired...
Ex Deputy Interior Secretary Pleads Guilty in Abramoff Case (Griles)
Interior Leases Challenged in Court (BLM - UT)
Griles Hid His Ties to Abramoff
US to Lift Yellowstone Grizzly Protection (Interior)
Plan to Gut the ESA (Interior)
We Are Getting Ripped Off/O&G Leases: Minerals Management Service (Johnnie Burton)(MMS/Interior)
Indian Trust:Tribes Want the Accounting
Fed Judge Tosses Bush Rules Governing NF's
take a look...you'll like this one...or maybe you won't ;>)...
Vets Aren't Buying Bush's B.S.
Policy:Exclusions from Bush Appearances
Demand Apology from Bush to the Denver 3
Chiquita has Colombian Terrorists on Payroll
Definition:Democracy
Draft Bill Moyers for President
Definition:Socialism
US Man Jailed for 11 Years(and still counting) for Contempt
Welcome to Montana!
Montana Senate Judiciary Panel Backs Bill to Abolish Death Penalty
Former Montana Governor Racicot Linked to Abramoff Scandal
2007, Montana SJ 17:Opposition to and Protection from NAFTA
Recent LTE's
Mineral Independent response to Les Wood
Clark Fork Chronicle response to Rep Hendrick column
(Posted 04/05/2007)
May - Spring Black Bear hunting - And one less black bear walking the west side...pic and story to come.
Does the name Kevin Ring ring a bell from last years election? He was the Team Abramoff member who Rep. Dennis Rehberg
directed Carter County, Montana to hire as a lobbyist in order allegedly in order to get Highway 232 paved.
If the pattern holds, don't be surprised if you see Mr. Ring coming to an agreement with the government sometime soon.
Last Friday he resigned from his law firm the same day that Rings former boss DoLittles house was raided by the FBI
Last year, Neil Volz resigned from the same firm, Barnes & Thornburg, before coming to a plea agreement with prosecutors
and helping bag former boss Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH).
FBI Searches Republican Lawmaker's Home (Kevin Ring)
Still working on the book...check out this Excerpt from the sworn EEO investigation testimony of Tim Murphy, April 1999
...Q: Were you aware that Mr Ferren was involved in giving a statement during Janet Edmonds' complaint?
At the end of '98 A: No, I -- I know she had a complaint that actually involved me…
EEO Statement
And with Glenn's departure, that control has been lifted…
(note the following cover your ass statement by Murphy regarding software and hardware (IRM) control (gf)...
IM MT-020-2000-002 12/2/1999 To: MCFO Employees From: MCFO Manager Subject: Software Policy (excerpt)
In order to prevent computer and network problems, virus concerns, and software license issues, only designated IRM
staff will install hardware and software. This includes downloading trial software, commercial software, freeware,
etc. from the Internet. In order to prioritize the IRM workload, please use email for network and computer issues.
Signed by: Timothy M. Murphy Field Manager
In the News:
"The Interior Department has been a source of shame to this government too long,"...
Interior Battle Stalls Federal Nomination of Lyle Laverty (USFWS&NPS)
Interior Official Keeps Job Despite Failing to Fix Oil,Gas Fees Problem
Oil Lease Loophole Probed (Interior)
how did Norton get away "clean"??...
Interior Scandal Trickles Down (Griles - Abramoff case)
National Park Fees Headed Up (NPS)
BLM Montana Table of Organization as of 1/2007 (employee info)
Latest Indian Trust News - re: New Judge
Interior Reviewed Studies Weighing Risks to Polar Bears (Arctic Warming)
Interior Dept Official Julie MacDonald Disparages Endangered-Species Recommendations
Interior Dept Official Facing IG and Congressional Scrutiny (Julie MacDonald)Resigns
Bush Appointee Said to Reject Advice on Endangered Species
TRCP Campaign (BLM SEIS - Montana)
Report:Drilling Squeezes Hunters,Habitat (BLM - MT/WY)
Interior Dept Drilling Leases Prompt Lawsuit (BLM - UT)
Are Mobile Phones Wiping Out Our Bees?
Taking the "Fund" Out of Superfund
UN Climate Chief Says Time Short
where is Montana??...
The West's War on Warming (WRCAI)
Welcome to Montana!
House Republican Leader Lange Lashes Out Against Montana Governor in Profanity-Laced Tirade
Letter to Editor regarding Term Limits 5/07
Info on Montana Term Limits
(Posted 05/03/2007)
Summer is here, gonna get hot!!! new records to be set...
There was a plan in 2005 to move Larry Hamilton and 16 to 19 others from NIFC to DC,
under pressure from Sen. Larry Craig Clarke reconsidered...(Idaho Statesman Archives)
In the news:
it's not what you know, or what you did, but who you know ...at least in the good O'USA...
Idaho Gov Asks for Leniency for Griles (Interior)
Abramoff's "our guy at Interior"...
Griles Seeks to Escape Jail by Working for Disney
Udall Amendment to Interior Budget Bill Would Thwart RS2477 Public Land Giveaway
New Grazing Rules on Public Lands Blocked (BLM)
gov't loses $1Billion in Royalties...
Burton Retires - Cruickshank Appointed Acting Director for Oil&Gas Leasing Program (MMS)
Bush's BLM Pick - Caswell (Clarke Resigned in Feb)
Former BLM State Director Ann Morgan Testifies BLM is Too Pro Drilling
TRCP Appeals Atlantic Rim Decision (BLM - WY)
BLM Oks Gas Drilling on Roan Plateau (CO)
Bill Targets 1872 Mining Law
1872 Mining Law: Time for an Update?
BLM Montana Table of Organization - Stats on Employment
in Eastern Montana they ignored rancher and driller "user-created trails"...
BLM Wants to Close "user-created" Trails in SW Montana
Why Isn't Idaho in the Gas Boom? (BLM - ID)
Fatal Wildfire Brings Policy Questions (FS)
Latest Indian Trust Case News
PEER - News Clips
US Seeks G8 Climate Text Changes
Oil Spill back in the 1980's...and Exxon Still Won't Step Up...
Court Stands by Exxon Valdez Damages
(Posted 06/21/2007)
Margaret Raper/MTSO/MT/BLM/DOI To MT MCFO ALL 07/06/2007 10:27 cc AM
Subject: Personnel Change
As of last Tuesday, Louise de Montigny has resigned from her position with the BLM.
We wish her the best of luck and good fortune in her future endeavors.
Until we determine how we will fill behind her, Todd and the range staff
are covering what they can of Louise's priority workload.
Contact Todd if you have any questions about who is taking what of the workload.
If you have any other questions or concerns, as ever, feel free to come talk with me.
...why would there be questions or concerns?...Louise you can reach me at 406-678-0795
Almost the end of July already!!...too much to do...wood cutting, fishing, pre-season scouting hikes
a new grandchild, company coming to visit, the book and a new scanner (GF)...
In the News:
No Go on BLM Nominee (Caswell)
BLM Nominee Urged to Fix Relations with States, Ethics Problems (Interior - BLM - Caswell)
if people like griles were let's say castrated and given 20 years in federal prison, there might be less of 'em in our gov't...
take note gavin frost, diane friez, tom lonnie, "the montana gang" - we know who you are...
Interior's Griles Gets 10 Months for Lies (gets minimum term- 5 of that 10 in a halfway house - and he cried)
Gale Norton Urges Light Sentence for Griles
Private Dinosaur Dig Stopped - Survey Shows Dig on Federal Land (BLM - MT)
No Violations Found in BLM Shooting Incident (BLM - MT)
Groups Sue to Block Drilling (BLM - WY)
Ranchers Question Rules of Engagement in Murphy Complex Fire (BLM - ID)
Craig, Otter Critize BLM Fire Management (BLM - ID)
All is Well in the World of Cody Interagency Dispatch Center (DOI)
NIFC Directs Fire-fighting Efforts (7/14/07 - Tim Murphy)
Interior News Release on Caswell Nomination to Direct BLM - 5/30/2007
BLM Lands Credited in Summer Blockbuster (BLM - CA)
Tahoe Blaze Puts Focus on Homeowners' Prevention Efforts
Raging Tahoe Fire's Roots:150 Years of Forest Abuse/History of Mismanagement (USFS)
House Democrats at Odds Over Energy Bill
...it only took (6) years!...
Papers Detail Industry's Role in Cheney's Energy Report
Leaving No Tracks - Cheney (Interior)
Warming Waters to Drive Fish South (Warming in Southern Hemisphere)
FILIBUSTERED:How the Right is Obstructing America's Progress
Welcome to Montana!
Welcome to Montana Plant Life!
Montana Natural Heritage Program
Billings Police Dept - Jury Awards $1.3 Million in Civil Suit
FS Says Dam, Contaminated Sediment Must Be Removed (BF River near Lincoln MT)
and it's only July!!!...well I did think that BLM MCFO was pretty well gone-to-hell when Tim Murphy & his gang was there...
Another Temp Record Falls in Miles City (110 degrees)
Montana Outdoors:Sportsmen's Group Does Battle with Cabela's Over Land Sales
(Posted 07/26/2007)
There was company, then bow season started and a week of the flu...
In the News:
rewarded for his role in the hatchet job on my career - Rick Hotaling BLM Butte FO Mgr...
BLM RMP Comment Period Extended (Hotaling)
before my time, but by my time, his influence over MT BLM ethics was gone...replaced by the likes of Hamilton & Lonnie...
BLM's Zaidlicz Defined Ethics in Government
TRCP Sues Interior to Block New Oil Wells in SC WY (BLM-WY)
BLM Proposes Private Control Over "Public" Access To Missouri Breaks (BLM - MT)
Complaints, Accusations Fly Over Western Fires
The Wealthy Get an Extra Shield for Wildfires (Insurance)
Halted Rule for Forests Revived (USFS)
Bush Admin Forestry Official Mark Rey Faces Contempt Hearing
Interior Still Seeks NPR-A Drilling (BLM - AK)
Public Comments Support Ban on Snowmobiles (NPS)
Group Warns of Rampant Drilling Plans in MT/WY (BLM)
Scientists See Suspect in Mass Deaths of Bees (virus)
Wrong Trout Stocked to Save Native Species (Colorado)
Scientists Warn On Climate Tipping Points
Times Atlas to Reflect Environmental Disasters
Cleaning Up After Bhopal Gas Tragedy - Not Begun
The World's Worst Polluted Places 2007
Warming Opens Northwest Passage (10X Ice Melt in 1 Year)
Scientists:Arctic Ice Ebbs to Record Level
A (Business) Call for Mega Military Project
Editors Confirm Soldier's Claims
Troop Morale Fading in Iraq
Vet Group Challenges Army Recruiting Practices
US District Court Judge Throws Out City's Illegal Immigrant Law
Most Corrupt Members of Congress Report
FBI Tapes AK Senator Stevens as Part of Sting
America to McCain...go away old man and die somewhere quietly...
McCain to MoveOn:Get Out
Welcome to Montana!
Officers Say Complaints Led to Grief (Romero)
Deputy Tells of Retaliation Claims
honestly...you are screwed when it comes to your "rights" at work...
Lawyers Offer Advice on Rights at Work
Taser Used on Man in District Court (Fagg)
(Posted 09/21/2007)
Ok, it's an obsession...close but not close enough during bow season so I'm still hunting hard for a bull elk
I've wore out some shoe leather, hunting high & low in places where few humans go (smile)
In the News:
*Interior IG also investigating Accenture, consulting firm, for a "flawed Information Mgmt system"...
IG Finds Broad Failures in Interior Oil Program (MMS)
MMS Director to Focus on Fixing Problems
Luthi Has Work Cut Out For Him (MMS)
IG Report Blasts MMS
Scientists See Politics in Interior Spotted Oil Plan (FWS)
Interior Dept - Cozy With Oil Companies
hiring based on minority status or sex is discrimination - and is practiced daily by Interior/BLM...
No Fear Act Notice
Interior - Diversity - Rights
Laverty Gets Backdoor Into Position (FWP)
Indian Trust Fund Trial Ends After 10 Days
Agents Killed 1.6 Million Animals in 2006 (AG Dept)
Spike in Drilling Permits Raises Concerns (BLM - MT)
Judge Dismisses Rancher/BLM Lawsuit (BLM - WY)
BLM pulls proposed energy leases (BLM - CO)
NRG to Submit First New Nuclear Reactor Application in 30 Years
Media Matters on Vote to Condemn MoveOn
West's Wildfires Are Getting Bigger and Burn More Aggressively
Warming Could Wipe Out Half of All Species
Exxon Makes $10Billion Profit every (3) Months and won't pay $2.5B in punitive damages, dragging feet for 18 years...
SC Justices to Examine Punitive Damages in Exxon (1989) Oil Spill
Welcome to Montana!
Montana Wilderness Cave is 2nd Deepest in North America
Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act...
Rehburg Testifies Against Wilderness Bill/Baucus Opposes Legislation
(Posted 11/02/2007)
Another Year almost done!...Merry Christmas!
The Uncivil Service - Chapters 1 & 2
In the News:
7 Decisions on Species Revised (Interior/FWS)
Four Proposals Try to Tap One Fund of Oil Fees
Government Cannot Halt Oil Incentives, Judge Rules (Interior)
Court Ruling Could Save Oil Firms Billions
Roan Energy Opponents Say Public Is On Their Side (BLM - CO)
House Votes to Rewrite 1872 Mining Law
The Widening Chasm on Energy
Judge:Reconsider Sage Grouse Ruling (FWS)
Judge Orders Grouse Listing Reconsidered (FWS)
9th Circuit Appeals Court Blocks Bush Logging Rule (FS)
Report:US Prison System A Costly Failure
Home Foreclosures Hit All Time High
Eco-Villains of 2007
Fielding's DangerFinder - Land Mines
American Federation of Government Employees
Welcome to Montana!
Shooting A Dog
Tipping the Scales (U.S. Magistrate Richard Anderson's)
US Magistrate Judge Richard Anderson Retires
(Posted 12/21/2007)
See you in 2008