Public Hearings Scheduled On Alberton Gorge Land Exchange

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Two public hearings will be held soon in Billings and Big Timber on a proposed land exchange that would put Alberton Gorge near Missoula, a popular fishing and whitewater recreation area, into public ownership. Public meetings were held in Superior, Helena, Missoula and Fortine earlier this month. Written public comment will be accepted until July 31 by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The land exchange is a collaborative effort involving Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Power Company and River Network, a private nonprofit river conservation organization. The proposed plan would preserve a 306-acre tract for public use, including about seven miles of whitewater along the Clark Fork River. The land would be managed by FWP. Anglers, sportsmen and more than 30,000 whitewater enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists use the area each summer. Public hearings are scheduled in the following locations from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 25 FWP Billings Headquarters 2300 Lake Elmo Drive Billings July 26 Big Timber Ranger District US Hwy. 10 East Big Timber People may comment during the public hearings or send written comments by July 31 to Darlene Edge, FWP Field Services Division, P.O. 200701, Helena, MT 59620. Fax: 406-444-3023 or e-mail: dedge@state.mt.us . A summary of the draft Environmental Assessment prepared for this land exchange is available on the fwp web site at fwp.state.mt.us under "Notices." The draft Environmental Assessment may also be reviewed at the following locations:

• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Headquarters, Helena, Montana
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 1 office, Kalispell, Montana
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 2 office, Missoula, Montana
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 3 office, Bozeman, Montana
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 5 office, Billings, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Kootenai NF Supervisor’s Office, Libby, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Gallatin NF Supervisor’s Office, Bozeman, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Helena NF Supervisor’s Office, Helena, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Lolo NF Supervisor’s Office, Missoula, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Region 1 Office, Missoula, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Big Timber Ranger District Office, Big Timber, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Superior Ranger District Office, Superior, Montana
• USDA, Forest Service, Ninemile Ranger District Office, Huson, Montana