Meetings Set To Discuss Proposed River Recreation Rules

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Montanans will have a chance to discuss and comment on rules that could help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks manage recreation on the state’s rivers at a series of ten public meetings set to begin later this month.

  “The proposed river recreation rules are designed to provide FWP guidance on managing river recreation in order to prevent or resolve social conflicts,” said Charlie Sperry, FWP’s river recreation management specialist.   Meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. and are set for:

* July 26--Great Falls; FWP Region 4 HQ, 4600 Giant Springs Rd.

* July 27--Kalispell; West Coast Outlaw Hotel, 1701 Highway 93 S

* July 29--Missoula; Doubletree Hotel Missoula Edgewater, 100 Madison

* August 4--Helena; Jorgenson’s, 1714 11 th Ave.

* August 5--Butte; Red Lion Hotel, 2100 Cornell Ave.

* August 10--Dillon; University of Montana-Western, Mathews Hall, 710 S. Atlantic

* August 11--Bozeman; Holiday Inn, 5 Baxter Lane

* August 17--Billings; Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane

* August 18--Miles City; FWP Region 7 Headquarters, Industrial Site W

* August 19--Glasgow; FWP Region 6 Headquarters, Rural Route 1 – 4210

The proposed rules reflect the recommendations of the River Recreation Advisory Council, public comments on the council’s recommendations, and input from FWP and the FWP Commission.

Under the proposed rules, future river management decisions must consider the public’s interests and data on river conditions. A citizens advisory committee would help develop local management plans to include local interests and the unique characteristics of a river or stream. The rules also provide direction on issues such as river outfitting, resident and nonresident use, and rationing and allocation systems.

A copy of the proposed river recreation management rules can be obtained from the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/riverrecreation.asp , or by calling 406-444-3888.

Written comments must be sent by Aug. 31 by email to: csperry@state.mt.us or by mail to: River Recreation Management Rules, Attn: Charlie Sperry, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.