Trump rolls back Obama-era rule for outfitters, guides

Outfitters and guides who do business on federal lands are now exempt from a 2014 executive order that changed the way these businesses pay employees.

President Donald Trump on May 25 signed the exemption that rolls back President Barack Obama’s order that raised the minimum wage for these workers to $10.10 per hour.

Trump’s exemption does not apply to lodging, food service or other businesses that operate on federal lands, such as national parks, monuments and recreation areas.

Rick Birdsell, who operates Northern Rockies Outfitters in Kalispell, said the news was good for his business.

“It’s good for what we do,” Birdsell said. “It’s a relief for outfitters, especially those who operate in the backcountry.

“The business is difficult to run with all the government rules, so it simplifies what we have to do.”

Birdsell said his employees previously were paid a set fee per day, whether it lasted five, eight or 13 hours.

“Most of my guides work for gratuities,” Birdsell said.

Aubrie Lorona, of Swan Mountain Outfitters’ Glacier Division, said the order will help the local guiding business.

“It could have been crippling for us. We don’t follow the same business model that a 9-to-5 operation does,” Lorona said. “It’s not that we’re against paying people a reasonable wage, but guides are with their clients for extended periods of time and this created a lot of angst on whether we’d be able to keep it going.”

U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke was supportive of the rollback, saying the exemption gives more flexibility to small guides and outfitters that operate on public lands.

“The order will have a positive effect on rural economies and American families, allowing guides and outfitters to bring tourists out on multi-day hiking, fishing, hunting and camping expeditions, without enduring costly burdens,” Zinke stated in a press release. “The outdoor recreation sector is a multi-billion dollar economic engine, and the more people able to enjoy our public lands, the better.”

Mac Minard, head of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, also supported the decision.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.