FWP Seeks Comment on Proposed Blackfoot River Fishing Access Site

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public comment on a proposal to acquire a Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Blackfoot River. The proposed Scotty Brown Bridge FAS would provide access at river mile 45, between Clearwater Crossing and Ovando, south of Highway 200.  

The one-acre property, adjacent to the river and Scotty Brown Bridge, is currently under private ownership. Under the proposal, FWP would acquire the parcel in exchange for 7 acres of nearby FWP-owned land.  

The site has been managed by FWP under a cooperative landowner agreement since 2002.   The proposed exchange places land ownership and management under FWP and calls for a parking area redesign that would accommodate four vehicles and trailers.    Two additional parking spaces could be added at a later date, and a hand launch boating access would also be available at the site.  

As part of the agreement, the old county road right-of-way associated with the previous Scotty Brown Bridge would be formally abandoned.

A draft environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared for the proposal.   To request a copy of the EA, contact the FWP Missoula office at (406) 542-5500, email dschiele@mt.gov or follow the link under “Recent Public Notices” on FWP’s website: fwp.mt.gov.  

Public comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. April 23, 2007 and should be directed to:   Lee Bastian by phone at (406) 542-5517; by mail to FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804; or by email to lbastian@mt.gov .

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