Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission Tentatively Sets Smith River Special Use Rule

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a proposed clarification to a section of the Smith River rules.  

The clarification would provide for closer monitoring by FWP of floats landowners are allowed to take on the river within their private property boundary. The monitoring would include improved landowner reporting, boat tags on all landowner craft and landowner-designated float- group leaders.

No changes are proposed to public- or outfitter-launch opportunities, landowner- maintenance, outfitted or commercial floats, or day-float opportunities allocated to landowners.

The Smith River offers a popular 60-mile floating opportunity that requires private floaters to apply for a float permit each winter in advance of the floating season.

Before the FWP Commission makes the tentative Smith River Special Use Area Rule final in December, the public is invited to comment at two open houses to be scheduled in Helena and Great Falls in early November.

The text of the proposed rule is available on the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us   under Public Notices or by calling 406-444-3750.

Public comments must be received by Nov. 14 by email to: treilly@state.mt.us or in writing to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Parks Division, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.