Montana State Parks Tentative Biennial Fee Rule Available For Public Comment

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a tentative biennial rule that will set State Parks fees through 2003. The FWP Commission approved the tentative rule during its September 6 meeting in Helena. Written comments must be received by November 2. The FWP Commission will meet November 8 to approve a final rule. Among the changes is a proposed increase for the resident State Parks Passport from $20 to $24. The second and third passports purchased would increase from $10 to $15. Also included in the tentative rule changes are fee increases at Bannack, Lake Elmo and Spring Meadow State Parks. Seven additional fishing access sites were also added to the sites where an overnight camping fee is charged. With the proposed addition of these seven sites, 38 of the 320 FAS sites in the state would charge for camping. In another change, four years ago the Commission approved a moratorium on new commercial users of the fishing access sites within the Alberton Gorge on the Clark Fork River west of Missoula, from St. Johns to Forest Grove. This rule limits use of FWP FAS’s to 29 registered outfitters who used the river prior to Jan. 1, 1998, with no limit on the number of launches permitted. Though the Commission passed it in 1999 with the understanding it would continue into the future, this rule was inadvertently left off of the 1999 Biennial Parks Fee Rule. Rules relating to the Smith River addressing issues of interest to private landowners, private floaters, and Smith River outfitters and guides will be discussed at the FWP Commission meeting October 12. Those wishing to comment on the tentative Montana State Parks biennial rule will find it on the FWP web site under Public Notices. A copy of the rule may also be requested by calling 406-444-3750 or by writing to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: State Parks Biennial Rule, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. Written comments must be received by November 2. Send comments to: FWP, Attn: State Park Biennial Rule or emailed to:treilly@state.mt.us.