Fee Increases Proposed for Montana State Parks and Fishing Access Sites

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on fee increases proposed for Montana State Parks, including increases to entrance and camping fees, fees related to Smith River use and a new camping fee for the Thompson Chain-of-Lakes FAS in northwest Montana.

"Montana’s State Parks, even with today’s conservative management and maintenance, continue to cost more than we can generate with fees and existing funding sources," said Doug Monger, FWP Parks Division administrator. "The Commission’s action came following a recommendation from the Montana State Parks Futures II Committee that fees be increased as one of several steps necessary to get our State Parks back on a solid financial footing." The State Parks Futures II Committee was appointed by Governor Judy Martz to review the operations and management of the Montana State Parks system.

The FWP Commission also called for a review of Fishing Access Sites statewide to determine if camping fees would be appropriate at additional sites.   Any additional sites recommended for camping fees will be discussed at the FWP Commission meeting Oct. 3.

All user fees generated go to support Montana State Parks and Fishing Access Sites.   The tentative decision to increase fees comes in the wake of rising operation and maintenance costs, combined with funding shortages for these programs.  

The proposed fee increases will require revisions to the existing Biennial Fee Rules for State Parks, Fishing Access Sites, and the Smith River program.

Copies of the proposed new rules may be obtained by contacting the FWP Parks Division at 406-444-3752, or by writing to Montana FWP-Parks Division, 1420 East 6 th Ave., Helena, MT 59620-0701.   The proposed rules are also available for review and comment on the FWP website: click here for the Biennial Parks Fee Rule and click here for the Smith River Fee Rule.   The public may comment on the rules through Friday, Nov. 1.