Painted Rocks Reservoir will reopen Friday, June 27, to boating, sailing, floating, and swimming.  The reservoir closed to these activities on June 3 due to failure of the log-boom safety structure across the spillway.   Inflows to the reservoir have decreased and water is no longer flowing over the spillway, reducing the safety hazard.   Water is expected to remain off the spillway unless there is a large storm.
(Fishing - June 30, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a proposal to restrict the importation of deer and elk parts into Montana from other states or countries with known cases of Chronic Wasting Disease. The proposed rule would make it unlawful to import dead deer or elk into Montana from any other location that has diagnosed CWD in wild game.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Anyone interested in where a certain species of bird can be spotted in Montana will find the answer in the 2003 edition of P.D. Skaar’s “Montana Bird Distribution” guide. This fact-packed guide to Montana’s birds is a project of the Montana Audubon, Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Montanans who checked the non-game wildlife tax check off on their income tax forms also helped fund the production of the guide.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' July/August edition of its color magazine, Montana Outdoors, features articles on the search for Montana’s largest trees, why the drought continues despite recent rains, the growing threat of biological invaders, the problem with “bucket biology,” and, just in time for Bannack Days, a haunting portrait of Bannack State Park. The issue also covers the growing controversy among anglers, kayakers, and floaters over river crowding.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Montanans can now show their support for Montana State Parks with a specialty license plate. A new State Park license plate, which depicts sunrise over a Montana park, will be available from all county treasurers on July 1. The plate, sponsored by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation, costs $20, plus a $10 one-time administrative fee paid to the county treasurer to cover production costs.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will begin accepting applications July 1 for $300,000 in shooting range grant funds authorized by the Montana legislature for local governments, school districts, private shooting clubs and nonprofit organizations.  “The Montana legislature increased shooting range grant funds for this next two-year funding cycle, so this is a great opportunity to improve shooting ranges in the state,” said Kurt Cunningham, FWP education bureau chief.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on Off-Highway Vehicle grant applications from clubs, and state and federal agencies requesting over $255,000. Funding for the grants comes from State Gas Tax and OHV registrations.  About $150,000 will be distributed among the successful applicants in fiscal year 2004.  FWP's Parks Division administers these funds with advice from the Citizens OHV Advisory Committee.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on 60 applications for Recreational Trail Program grants totaling $1.6 million. The applications were submitted by cities, counties, state, and federal agencies, and private associations. FWP will award $800,000 in grant funds for trails this year. A citizen-based State Trails Advisory Committee provides advice on the grant applications.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission set the final 2003 upland game bird seasons as follows: Prairie Grouse and Partridge Sept. 1-Dec. 15             sharp-tailed grouse and partridge Sept. 1-Nov. 1                 sage grouse Mountain Grouse Sept. 1-Dec. 15 Ring-necked Pheasant Oct. 11-Dec.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

The FWP Commission adopted tentative migratory bird regulations that would result in no changes for mourning doves and common snipe, but some season and quota changes for sandhill cranes.   Season dates for sandhill crane in the Pacific flyway would be adjusted from two, two-day weekend hunting periods to a continuous nine-day hunting period to begin on a Saturday. The proposed sandhill crane season would be Sept. 6-Sept. 14.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission is seeking public comment on possible duck and goose regulations for the fall 2003 season.   Duck seasons may be shorter, under federal frameworks, than in the past and bag limits   reduced.   Though precipitation has improved in some major duck breeding areas, population numbers suffered from drought conditions in the previous three years.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will drop the waterfowl hunting closure for the Flathead Lake Waterfowl Production area as previously listed in the Migratory Bird Montana Hunting Regulations.   The Flathead Lake Waterfowl Production area will be open to hunting.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission set the final moose, sheep and goat quotas for the 2003 seasons, with few changes from the tentative quotas set in May. Moose:    The FWP Commission approved the tentative moose quotas as final, including increases in antlerless moose permits in hunting districts 323-10 and 340-10.   The tentative proposal to reduce moose quotas in six FWP Region 3 hunting districts was also approved.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the tentative 2003 deer, elk and antelope permit quotas. Deer:  The tentative deer quotas in FWP Regions 1, 2 and 7 are unchanged from 2002.  The tentative deer quotas in FWP Regions 5 and 6 reflect the greatest change with antlerless mule deer B licenses and some antlerless whitetail deer B licenses increasing by 50 to 500 depending on the hunting district.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission approved the tentative lion seasons and quotas with no changes in FWP regions 2, 5, 6 and 7.   The statewide fall mountain lion season without dogs will be Oct. 26-Nov. 30. The winter lion season will be Dec. 1-April 14, 2004. The Commission approved the tentative recommendations in FWP Regions 1, 3 and 4 with some changes.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the 2003-2004 tentative furbearer quotas.   The proposed quotas are unchanged from 2002 with a few exceptions.   In Western Montana, the otter quota would increase in trapping district 2 from 13 to 18.   The bobcat quota in southwestern Montana’s FWP Region 3 trapping district 3 would increase from 175 to 200. Send comments to: FWP, Wildlife Division, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O.
(Hunting - June 27, 2003)

In August 1988, the Big Hole River was not a good place for the only fluvial, or river dwelling, population of Arctic grayling in the lower 48 states.   The river was virtually dry in places. The drought of 2000-2002 was worse. Unlike 1988, however, the Big Hole continued to flow at low levels during this drought because irrigators, anglers and others worked together to keep it flowing.
(Fishing - June 27, 2003)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, July 10, at the FWP Headquarters building on 1420 East Sixth Ave., beginning at 8 a.m. A work session will follow the regular meeting, beginning at 1 p.m., at Jorgensons Inn, 1720 11 th Ave.
(Headlines - June 27, 2003)

Forget the calendar, summer arrives in Montana July 4. It’s time to start planning where to celebrate that holiday weekend. For camping, water recreation, angling or history and culture, Montana’s State Parks offer some great opportunities. Special events scheduled at some parks will help make the weekend even more memorable. The parks have a $5 daily entrance fee and camping fees of $12 to $15 per night.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

For years boat operators have been required to carry a life jacket for each person on board the boat.   Children under 12 years of age must wear their life jacket.   In recent years, new technology has provided anglers with smaller floating devices, known as “float tubes” and “belly boats,” to access their fishing spots.   Float tubes and belly boats are not classified as a vessel, so anglers who use them are not required to carry a life jacket.
(Fishing - June 13, 2003)

High water can pose a danger to boaters anxious to get out on a river for a day of floating.   Boaters risk drowning or hypothermia if they fall into cold, swift moving water.   High flows also create overhanging brush or trees that act as sweepers that can “sweep” you out of your boat if you pass too close to the vegetation. “Boaters need to be vigilant when water levels drop as well,” said Ron Jendro, FWP boating law administrator.
(Fishing - June 13, 2003)

Much of Western Montana has special rules for boaters.   Boating rules apply to all Western Montana public lakes and reservoirs—any lake with legal public access—and to all lakes surrounded by Plum Creek Timber Company lands in FWP’s Regions 1 and 2. The rules include: ?          No-Wake Distance From Shore: A ll watercraft must maintain no-wake speeds within 200 feet of the shoreline of all lakes.
(Fishing - June 13, 2003)

Child-sized life jackets will be available for loan at 40 marinas, parks and public offices this summer.   Life jackets will be available in three sizes, to fit infants and children weighing up to 90 pounds.   All parents need to do is visit a loaner site, show a driver’s license, and return the life jacket to the same site at the end of the day or weekend.
(Fishing - June 13, 2003)

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park will be recognized as a "21 st Century American Heritage Park” by Americans for Our Heritage and Recreation in a ceremony July 2 at 1 p.m. at the park.   AHR is a nonprofit organization made up of conservation, recreation and wilderness interests.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

Governor Judy Martz announced the appointment of 16 members to the Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Council. The council, established by the Montana legislature in 1995, is comprised of landowners, hunters, and outfitters charged with oversight of Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks' Block Management Hunter Access Program.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

WAL-MART has donated $1,000 to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation for use by the TIP-MONT program.   TIP-MONT, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting crimes they observe involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

As the state’s wildflowers come into bloom, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other land management agencies and private landowners have one big concern in common—noxious weeds.   These imposters hidden in among the lupine, balsamroot and mountain bluebells spell disaster for grazing lands and wildlife habitat, not to mention State Parks, Fishing Access Sites and other recreation sites.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

They are called “aquatic nuisance species” or ANS--non-native plants or animals that take over lakes and rivers, damage ecosystems, and reduce the recreational and commercial use of waters.   These species came to North America from other continents, sometimes in the ballast water of ships, and once here, they spread by way of recreational boats, wading boots, and the aquarium and gardening trade.
(Headlines - June 13, 2003)

If more fun for less sounds good, vacation at a Montana State Park this summer.  Montana’s 42 parks offer exciting, affordable vacations all within an easy drive.      In a day or a few hours at a State Park you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

It should come as no surprise that the people who manage and care for Montana’s State Parks are some the most avid parks users. “Our State Parks are tucked away in interesting corners, spread along the shores of lakes and are sometimes even in caves, so it might be easy for the average person to just drive on by, but that would be a mistake,” said Chas VanGenderen, State Parks operations and management bureau chief.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Bring adventure to this summer’s vacation with a reservation for a cabin, tipi or yurt at a State Park.   For example, rent a one-room cabin at Lewis and Clark Caverns (406-287-3541). This peaceful, rustic retreat is a perfect way to keep a day of adventure going.   Each cabin contains one double bed, one bunk bed, table with chairs, electrical outlets and electrical baseboard heat.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Now the whole family can participate in choosing which State Park to visit next by taking an Internet tour of Montana State Parks. Go to the FWP home page at www.fwp.state.mt.us   and click on Parks and Recreation and then on Planning a Visit. This ‘virtual tour’ is an entertaining activity for kids and adults, with about 50 scenic shots of the parks and details on the facilities and features of every site.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Who generates millions in local spending, appreciates the beauty and scenic views of Montana, and willingly pays for firewood and special events? These characteristics describe visitors to Montana’s State Parks, according to research conducted by the University of Montana. The study shows State Parks visitors spent $179.5 million statewide in 2002.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

For the past 50 years, Makoshika State Park has awed visitors with its silent testimony to the world of dinosaurs and sub-tropical seas. Makoshika speaks of this ‘other’ world through the brownish-gray sediments of the Hell Creek Formation. The formation is stratified rock that dates back more than 65 million years ago to the time dinosaurs disappeared from earth.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

While many Montanans know Montana was home to dinosaurs eons ago, few realize important dinosaur discoveries here have provided information to researchers worldwide. Here are some dinosaur firsts compiled by Jack Horner, curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman.   ?          Dinosaur remains have been found in 48 of Montana's 56 counties.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

            Pictograph Cave State Park speaks colorfully and in many voices, even today.   Pictograph and its neighbor Ghost Cave, located near Billings, contained artifacts spanning thousands of years of inhabitation, with distinctive time periods layered one on top of the other.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

            In the area of Hell Creek State Park, north of Jordan, a careful observer can travel in time to visit the remains of a Montana ocean, a tropical beach, and a land once trodden by Tyrannosaurus rex .   To the untrained eye it doesn’t look like much.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

While traveling between the cataracts of the Great Falls of the Missouri on June 18, 1805, William Clark chanced upon a spring forcing its way to the surface mere yards from the river.   Clark mentioned it in his journal as the “. . . largest fountain or Spring I ever Saw, and doubt if it is not the largest in America Known . . ..”   He relayed the information to other members of the Corps of Discovery peaking their interest in the site.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

For the 33 members of the "Corps of Discovery," their camp Sept. 9, 1805 provided them a place to rest—a sanctuary along “ a fine bould clear running stream ” that Meriwether Lewis dubbed “Travellers rest.”   Here they left the valley and ascended the Bitterroot Mountains, the final range separating them from their ultimate goal—the Pacific Ocean.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Captain William Clark—July 25, 1805             A fine morning   we proceed on a fiew miles to the three forks of the Missouri   those three forks are nearly of a Size, the North fork appears to have the most water and must be Considered as the one best calculated for us to assend   Captain Meriwether Lewis—July 28, 1805             Both Capt. C. and myself corrisponded in opinion with rispect to the impropriety of calling either of these streams the Missouri and accordingly agreed to name them after the President of the United States and the Secretaries of the Treasury and state . . ..   In pursuance of this resolution we called the S.W. fork, that which we meant to ascend, Jefferson’s River in honor of that illustrious personage Thomas Jefferson.    the middle fork we called Madison’s River in honor of James Madison, and the S.E. Fork we called Gallitin’s River in honor of Albert Gallitin.   Two entries describing the same geographic location but each flavored by the measure of the men who wrote them, Clark’s straightforward, business like, Lewis assuming the mantel of proprietary nationalism, planting the flag.   One hundred and ninety-seven years later the headwaters of the Missouri is one of Montana’s State Parks and a national historic landmark.   A Lewis and Clark historical site that draws hundreds each year to stand at the confluence of the Madison and the Jefferson or the top of Fort Rock and marvel at this singular place that marks the beginning of the Missouri.             Recently my wife and I stood back in respectful silence at the confluence site as another couple descended the bank and waded out into the waters of the Madison and the Jefferson and gazed upstream.   When they came out of the water we passed each other on the trail and I asked how the water was.   The gentleman responded quickly, “It’s great.   You can’t say you’ve been to the headwaters of the Missouri unless you’ve stood in it.”   A pilgrim in search of the past, at peace with the destination, eyes lit by the fires of the imagination.   It was an intimate moment shared by strangers drawn to experience a sense of the past.               Missouri Headwaters State Park has much to offer anyone interested in history or anybody who is willing to stop and allow the natural beauty of the park to seep under their skins.   The Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, arrived on terrain that looked much the same with a few notable exceptions—the highway between Three Forks and Trident and Interstate 90.   But even these modern roads follow trails of Indians who traversed the region on their annual travels to the buffalo hunting grounds.               When you visit the park open yourself to the mystique of the confluence area.   It is a road from the past that carries on into the future generations who will stand where the Missouri River begins and marvel at how human history is woven into the landscapes that have shaped it. …
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks bear specialists say that campers, hikers and anglers are very likely to see a bear sometime this summer. "Grizzly bears continue to gradually expand into new areas and Montana’s black bear population is thriving," said Tim Manley, FWP grizzly bear specialist in northwest Montana. "I urge the folks I see when I’m out in the field to brush up on their bear facts and to be bear aware.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

Crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources occur year round. “Calls to TIP-MONT are always in season. Whether it’s hunting season, fishing season, or year-round recreation, we get reports of violations,” said Debbie Bingham, TIP-MONT coordinator. Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline (1-800-847-6668) enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting crimes they observe, including those on U.S.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

A visit to a Montana State Park is often an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s a visit to Bannack State Park for some history or to Flathead Lake for canoeing and angling. A $30 State Parks Passport provides unlimited access to all 42 State Parks for the season. Beyond opportunities to visit historical, cultural and recreational sites, many State Parks offer special events and presentations throughout the summer to increase the learning and adventure available in the parks.
(Parks - June 05, 2003)

With Montana's paddlefish harvest quota expected to be reached Saturday, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed today to close the 2003 paddlefish harvest season on the Yellowstone River and on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam on Saturday, June 7 at 10 PM. Catch-and-release fishing for paddlefish will be allowed beginning June 7, after 10 PM through June 30, but only at Intake Dam Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River.
(Fishing - June 05, 2003)