The public is invited to comment on a clarification to a section of the Smith River rules at three open houses scheduled in early November in Helena, Great Falls and White Sulphur Springs.

The proposed clarification to the Smith River rule would provide for closer monitoring by FWP of floats landowners are allowed to take on the river within their private property boundary.  The monitoring would include improved landowner reporting, boat tags on all landowner craft except for maintenance floats and landowner-designated float group leaders.

            The open houses are scheduled from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.:

Nov. 4             Helena Fish Wildlife & Parks headquarters     1420 East Sixth Ave.

Nov. 5             Great Falls FWP Region Office                      4600 Giant Springs Rd.      

Nov. 6             White Sulphur Springs                                    City Hall, 105 West Hampton

 The Smith River offers a popular 60-mile floating opportunity that requires private floaters to apply for a float permit each winter in advance of the floating season.

The text of the proposed clarification to the rule is available on the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us under Public Notices or by calling 406-444-3750.

Public comments must be received by Nov. 14 by email to treilly@state.mt.us or in writing to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Parks Division, 1420 East Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.