Washington Donates Conservation Easement On Smith River To State Of Montana

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HELENA - Mike Halligan, Director of Government Relations for Washington Corporations, announced today that Dennis Washington will donate a conservation easement on 240 acres of prime recreation property along the Smith River to the State of Montana.  

"All Montanans are beneficiaries of this extraordinary gift," said Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.   "In a state blessed with so many natural treasures, the Smith River is one of Montana’s crown jewels."  

Schweitzer, Attorney General Mike McGrath and Fish Wildlife and Parks Director Jeff Hagener were on hand for the announcement in Helena.  

"This is a stunning site on one of the most scenic river corridors in Montana," McGrath said.   "Dennis Washington’s generosity will guarantee countless opportunities for Montana’s recreationists. This gift will benefit Montanans for generations to come."

The 59-mile Smith River float between Camp Baker, near White Sulphur Springs and Eden Bridge, near Ulm, is hugely popular with floaters and anglers.   There are 27 boat camps and 52 camping sites along the river.  

"It’s hard to improve on a Smith River float," Hagener said, "but the addition of almost a quarter of a mile of riverfront will certainly add to the public’s enjoyment of the river."  

The easement encompasses the entire 240-acre parcel, located at the mouth of Deep Creek, between the existing Parker Flat and Paradise Bend campsites and includes land on both sides of the river.   About 80 percent of the property along the river corridor is private land.  

The Washington Companies have a strong corporate culture that emphasizes corporate civic responsibility,” Halligan said.   “As the owner of the Companies, Dennis Washington sets the bar high and leads by example.   As we analyzed our options, it became clear to us that the highest and best use of our property was in the public domain in perpetuity.

"We’re proud to be able to help make the public’s recreation and fishing experience on this world-class river even better." Halligan said.

“We’re called ‘The Last Best Place’ for a reason, Schweitzer said, "and the addition of this parcel to the public domain will only enhance that well-deserved reputation."

The donation will be presented to the FWP Commission for its endorsement at the commission’s June 14 meeting in Columbus.

The Smith River is the only permitted river in Montana, requiring both public and private use only by permit.   For the 2007 season, 5,012 people applied for permits and FWP issued 844.   The "typical" float season is from mid-April until about July 4, depending on rainfall, snow pack and irrigation.