Smith River Applications Available

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Smith River permit applications for the 2001 float season are now available at all Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices. Applications postmarked on or before Feb. 15 are entered into a random drawing. The application fee for Montana residents is $20, which may be paid by personal check, cashier’s check or money order. For non-residents, the cost is $40, which may be paid by cashier’s check or money order. Non-residents may not use personal checks. "For the 2000 float season, 4,294 people applied for permits," said Joe O’Neill, FWP Smith River manager. "That’s the highest number since 1992, when permits were first required, yet low water this past summer dropped the number of actual floaters to 2,596 - the lowest number since 1992." A complete review of last year’s activities is listed in the Smith River annual report, which is available at FWP’s Great Falls office. To receive a copy, call (406) 454-5861. Only one application per person is allowed for residents or nonresidents. Drawing results will be mailed out by the middle of March. Refunds will be mailed by the end of March. If no word is received by mid-April, applicants may contact FWP in Great Falls at (406) 454-5861. The Smith River float application is also available on the Internet at www.fwp.state.mt.us by clicking on Parks. Applications may be printed and then filled out and returned with a signature in regular mail. The Smith River applications cannot be emailed, faxed or photocopied because the application must show an original signature.