The State's Fishing Access Site Holdings Reviewed

Print

In a review of the state’s 320 fishing access sites, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has identified 1,100 acres out of a total 25,000 acres of leased and state-owned lands that don’t directly contribute to public access or other recreational opportunities.

"In most cases, these surplus acres were part of a package deal when we acquired a fishing access site," said Allan Kuser, FWP fishing access site coordinator.   "The review helped us identify locations where we might want to try to reduce the acres leased or investigate turning over management of lands surplus to a fishing access site, where appropriate, to another state or federal agency with adjacent holdings in the area."

The FWP Commission, during a briefing on the state’s fishing access site holdings, suggested that FWP continue looking to realistic ways of reducing those land holdings surplus to the purpose they were acquired for where it is possible and cost-effective.

FWP Director Jeff Hagener said, "FWP has no intention to close or sell any public land that provides access to Montana’s waters, or that provides for other recreation."

"Any future steps we take will require specific FWP Commission action on each individual property and the full public comment and involvement process that is standard for any proposed FWP land transaction," Kuser said.   Also, environmental assessments would be prepared for any proposed land disposal.

A complete list of the 35 individual locations and 1,100 acres identified in the fishing access site review can be obtained by calling Allan Kuser at (406) 444-7885.