If you plan to recreate near the water at a Montana State Park this summer, don’t be surprised if you are asked to complete a visitor satisfaction survey. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will survey visitors this summer at Montana State Parks near Kalispell, Whitefish and at Tongue River Reservoir State Park in southeastern Montana to gather information about how well these parks are meeting the needs of visitors. "Our visitors are aging, the RVs and boats they bring to parks are getting bigger and more comfortable, and public-recreation access is becoming a bigger issue for Montanans," said Joe Maurier, Parks Division administrator. "We need to know if the state parks system is responding adequately to those changes." Surveys were conducted last year at Salmon Lake and Placid Lake state parks near Seeley Lake; Black Sandy near Helena, Cooney State Park near Joliet, and Hell Creek State Park on Fort Peck Lake near Jordan. Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed said the quality of their water-based state parks experience had become better or much better in the past five years. State park visitors said they would like to see more ammenities, such as boat ramps and docks, electrical and water hookups, flush toilet and shower facilities, and paved roads. Many people would also like to see a reservation system for some but not all campsites, more accessibility for people with disabilities, more concessions, and more group camping and picnic sites. Among the concerns park visitors identified were the number of personal watercraft, noise and the unsafe operation of watercraft. Dogs off leash were also found by 21 percent of visitors to be unacceptable. FWP invested over $2.25 million last year to revitalize State Parks, including electrical hookups at Hell Creek State Park and new campsites at Cooney State Park. In northwest Montana, FWP improved campsites at Wayfarers State Park and upgraded restroom and shower facilities at Logan State Park. Placid Lake State Park received road and campsite paving. "We need to ensure that Montana State Parks fit the bill when it comes to providing enjoyable recreation and vacation opportunities that are close to home," Maurier said. "All Montana State Parks visitors can help by offering their feedback this summer when approached to complete the satisfaction survey." Questions about the state parks survey may be sent by email to: Mike Lewis at mlewis@mt.gov .
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