Montana State Parks Are Easier To Access Than Ever

Family and friends planning a trip to Montana this year can visit early by going to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks newly launched Parks and Recreation web pages at fwp.mt.gov .

The new pages are packed with information on recreation in Montana and images of the state’s natural, historical and recreational parks sites, including slide tours of Montana’s parks in the spring, fall, summer and winter.

New, easy to read pages supplement the state parks search feature with descriptions of the accommodations, special events and upcoming activities Newly designed recreation pages supply useful contacts for those interested in bicycling, horseback riding, boating, floating, kayaking, snowmobile riding and more.

The section on park rules, regulations and ethics includes an expanded lesson on   "Leave No Trace" principles. Montana’s State Parks are a partner with the Center For Leave No Trace Ethics, an education program that teaches outdoor enthusiasts how to protect the places they love.

Simple explanations of policies and permits makes life easy for those thinking of making special use of state parks including commercial users,   large groups, those who like to geocache, Smith River floaters, and those wishing to commemorate a loved one with a memorial.

Those with more than a recreational interest in Montana’s State Parks can learn about volunteering to help out at a state park and obtain an application to be a volunteer online. There is also information on the many state parks friends groups.

The parks management section includes the formal plans that guide the operations of Montana’s State Parks and the needs they meet, including histories of key parks and plans for the future.

Now that spring is nearly here, it is time to explore the new Montana State Parks web pages and send the Internet link to family and friends planning to vacation here this summer. Go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and click on Parks and Recreation.