Missoula Meeting Planned to Discuss Smith River Management Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking comment on a draft recreation management plan and environmental assessment for Smith River State Park and river corridor, popular among boaters, campers and anglers who apply annually for a permit to float the 59-mile-long stretch of river.

FWP will host a community open house Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Missoula to discuss the draft plan and EA.   The public is invited to stop in any time between 5-8 p.m. at the Best Western Grant Creek Inn, 5280 Grant Creek Rd. in Missoula.

The draft management plan and EA address several key issues identified by an advisory committee, FWP staff, and Smith River floater-comment logs. The draft plan would establish a random selection process for boat camps; retain pit toilets and implement a voluntary human waste pack-out program; prohibit pets on float trips; and establish a minimum age requirement for permit applicants.

Comments may be submitted in writing at the open house, via e-mail to smithcomments@mt.gov, or online at fwp.mt.gov—click "Smith River Plan." Mail written comments to: Smith River Plan; Montana FWP Headquarters;   P.O. Box 200701; Helena., MT 59620-0701. Copies of the Smith River management plan and EA are also available from most FWP offices, or by calling 406-444-3750.   The deadline to comment is Jan. 30, 2009.

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