FWP Invites The Public To Help Update The Smith River Management Plan

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has created a new web page to make it easier for the public to continue participating in the process of updating the Smith River State Park and River Corridor Management Plan. The original plan was adopted in 1988 and last updated in 1996.

The Smith River web page at fwp.mt.gov will provide continuous updates on the process of drafting an updated plan, and public comments may be submitted at any time by email or phone. Issues under review include how boat camps are selected, the permit allocation system, food storage, human waste management, and the pet policy.

The 60-mile Smith River float annually attracts about 4,500 applicants for about 900 float permits. The peak of the float season runs from mid-May to early July. On average, it’s a four-day float that begins at Camp Baker near White Sulphur Springs and ends at Eden Bridge near Cascade.

  According to a comment log completed by Smith River floaters, many people say they are satisfied overall with their river experience, said Colin Maas, FWP Smith River State Park Manager.

“We went into this planning process knowing that there are some challenging management issues to consider, but it has been good to hear that many people are generally happy with how the Smith is managed," he said.

FWP has appointed a citizen advisory committee, including private floaters, anglers, outfitters, landowners, county officials and agency representatives, to help draft the updated management plan which is expected to be available for public review in the spring of 2008.

Those with an interest in the plan may visit the FWP Smith River Management web page at fwp.mt.gov . Click "Smith River Planning Process" to view advisory committee meeting minutes, answers to frequently asked questions, and the draft management plan when it is completed.

Comments may be made at any point during the process from the web page, by email to: csperry@mt.gov, or by phone: (406) 444-3888.