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Fort Peck Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks appreciates all the comments that were received as part of the planning process to address fisheries management on Fort Peck Reservoir for the upcoming 10-year period. This planning process was designed to maximize public input to help shape the Management Plan. Public comment opportunity kicked off in late 2010 with initial scoping that was intended to gauge public satisfaction with the previous Fort Peck Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan. Following extensive public notice, an on-line survey was completed which was followed up with a mail out survey sent to 1,500 randomly drawn warm water stamp holders. Responses to theses surveys were used to identify key components of the plan that the public identified as needing to be addressed.

Following incorporation of these responses and drafting a plan that reflected scoping comments, a draft plan was released in early June. This was followed by FWP hosting eight public scoping meetings throughout Eastern and Central Montana (Glasgow, Havre, Glendive, Miles City, Billings, Lewistown, Great Falls, Wolf Point). In addition, an online survey was designed to provide an efficient avenue to weigh in on the pertinent changes that were made to the Plan. Following release of the Draft Plan, a public comment period that was available from June 6th through July 31st, 2011. Four avenues for official public comments were provided; orally, standard comment form, email or snail mail. Links were provided to the draft Management Plan as well as a Summary of Changes that were made to the previous Management Plan were available.

The Tentative Draft Management Plan incorporates the public's demands for a quality fishery as well as biologically sustainable targets that will guide this fishery for the next 10-year period.  The Tentative Draft Plan was approved by the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission at the October 13th meeting in Helena, MT.

The Final Draft will undergo a 30 day comment period (October 18, 2011 through November 19, 2011).  Pertinent comments received during this period will be reviewed and incorporated into the Plan.  The Final Draft will be presented to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission at the December meeting for approval.

Again, thanks to all of you that took the time to submit your comments. We appreciate your interest in the long term management of this world class fishery. Feel free to contact us at the following address or email comments to the email address below: