Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks :: State Parks News (RSS) http://fwp.mt.gov/news/rss/parks/default.html Most recent 25 news releases en en 2012 Smith River State Park Float Permit Applications - Deadline is Wednesday, February 15 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0527.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is reminding the public that permit applications to float the Smith River State Park and River Corridor must be submitted by Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:41:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0527.html 2012-02-09T18:41:00Z Out-of-State Snowmobilers Reminded to Obtain a Montana Permit http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0526.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is reminding non-residents planning to snowmobile in Montana this year that they should obtain a $25 non-resident permit. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:46:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0526.html 2012-02-03T17:46:00Z Travelers’ Rest State Park Storytelling Series on Tap for February http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0525.html Visit Travelers' Rest State Park near Lolo and engage in the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through storytelling during the cold winter months. The one-hour programs begin at 11a.m. on all Saturdays through the end of March. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:29:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0525.html 2012-02-01T16:29:00Z 2012 Montana State Parks: Non-Resident Annual Passes Available http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0524.html (Helena, MT) –Visitors to Montana State Parks who are non-residents can now purchase a 2012 State Park Non-Resident Annual Pass to visit any of Montana’s 54 state parks. The Non-Resident Annual Pass costs $25 dollars per vehicle for the first vehicle and $20 for additional passes. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:56:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0524.html 2012-01-17T21:56:00Z Montana State Parks Launches New AmeriCorps Program http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0523.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) has launched a new AmeriCorps program. Montana State Parks AmeriCorps will include 23 members serving in state parks during the year, to preserve and promote Montana’s natural and cultural resources. Six members were sworn-in this week, in Condon, Montana during their program orientation. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:37:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0523.html 2012-01-12T19:37:00Z Discover History through Storytelling at Travelers' Rest State Park http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0522.html Visit Travelers' Rest State Park near Lolo and engage in the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through storytelling during the cold winter months. The one-hour programs begin at 11a.m. on all Saturdays during January, February and March. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:46:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0522.html 2012-01-05T20:46:00Z 2012 Smith River State Park Float Permit Applications - Available Starting Tuesday, January 3 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0521.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that permit applications to float the Smith River State Park and River Corridor will be available beginning on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Permits required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge are issued each year through a lottery. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:57:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0521.html 2011-12-27T19:57:00Z 2012 Recreational Trails Program Grants Awarded - Record Number of Applicants http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0520.html (Helena, MT) - Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that 52 trail organizations, local communities, tribal entities and more will receive Recreational Trails Program (RTP) federal grant awards for trail projects in 2012. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0520.html 2011-12-13T16:20:00Z Book Now for Spectacular Holiday Candlelight Tours at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0519.html (Whitehall, MT) – Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is encouraging the public to book now for the spectacular holiday special event of candlelight tours inside the caverns. See the magic of one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest by candlelight. The public can experience the magnificent stalactites and stalagmite formations by lantern. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:58:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0519.html 2011-12-09T15:58:00Z Makoshika State Park: Temporary Road Completed http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0518.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that construction of the temporary, gravel road at the switchbacks of Makoshika State Park has been completed. Heavy rainfall this past spring created soil sloughing causing the existing road at the switchbacks to be damaged and closed. The temporary road will provide a new and safe connection for general public vehicle access and maintenance of the communication towers in the upper areas of the park. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:41:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0518.html 2011-12-05T22:41:00Z Giant Springs and First Peoples Buffalo Jump are Recruiting for AmeriCorps: Earn Money for College, Gain Job Skills and Give Back to Local Communities http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0517.html (Great Falls, MT) – Montana State Parks announced today that Giant Springs State Park and First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park are currently recruiting for AmeriCorps positions, where members can earn money for college, gain job skills and give back to local communities. Montana State Parks is launching its first-ever AmeriCorps program in January. Members will help enhance volunteer and interpretive programs, and create public awareness and outreach with local communities. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:29:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0517.html 2011-11-28T19:29:00Z Bannack State Park Now Recruiting for AmeriCorps: Members Earn Money for College, Gain Job Skills and Give Back to Local Communities http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0516.html (Dillon, MT) –Montana State Parks announced today that Bannack State Park is currently recruiting for an AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps members can earn money for college, gain job skills and give back to local communities. Montana State Parks will launch its first-ever AmeriCorps program in January, where members will help enhance volunteer and interpretive programs, and create public awareness and outreach with local communities. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:25:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0516.html 2011-11-28T19:25:00Z Milltown Now Recruiting for AmeriCorps: Members Earn Money for College, Gain Skills and Give Back to Local Communities http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0515.html (Missoula, MT) - Milltown, an upcoming Montana State Park, is currently recruiting for an AmeriCorps position. AmeriCorps members can earn money for college, gain job skills and give back to local communities. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:21:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0515.html 2011-11-28T19:21:00Z Chief Plenty Coups State Park Re-Opens Monday, Nov. 21 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0514.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that Chief Plenty Coups State Park will re-open on Monday, November 21 after a temporary closure related to construction updates and maintenance. Underground maintenance and replacement of the fire protection system lines that run from the Chief Plenty Coups Home to the Visitor Center have been taking place. Also, due to flood damage this past spring, Visitor Center basement restoration and flood mitigation work are being completed. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:37:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0514.html 2011-11-18T19:37:00Z Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Changes to Smith River Biennial Rule http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0513.html Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) seeks public comment on proposed changes to the Smith River State Park and River Corridor Biennial Rule that applies to Smith River float trips. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:50:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0513.html 2011-11-17T21:50:00Z Outdoor Recreation Federal Grants Available - Apply by March 2012 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0512.html (Helena, MT) - Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that Land & Water Conservation Fund Program federal grants are available to local, public and outdoor recreation projects in Montana. Applications are due by March 16, 2012. “It’s exciting to have this federal funding to help strengthen outdoor recreation projects in our state,” said Tom Reilly, Assistant Administrator for Montana State Parks. Cities, counties, school districts, conservation districts, Indian tribes, and others are eligible to apply. Typical facilities funded in the past include ball fields, campgrounds, golf courses, ice-skating ponds, picnic facilities, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and playground equipment. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:36:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0512.html 2011-11-08T17:36:00Z Chief Plenty Coups State Park Temporary Closure: Re-Open November 21 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0511.html (Helena, MT) - Montana State Parks announced today that Chief Plenty Coups State Park will be temporarily closed for construction updates and maintenance, effective November 7 through November 20. The State Park will re-open November 21, 2011. Underground maintenance and replacement of the fire protection system lines that run from the Chief Plenty Coups Home to the Visitor Center will be taking place. An archeological consultant will be on site to monitor. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0511.html 2011-11-04T21:00:00Z Makoshika State Park: Construction to Begin on Temporary Road http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0510.html (Helena, MT) - Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that construction of a temporary, gravel road at the switchbacks of Makoshika State Park will begin next week with completion estimated at 2 weeks from the start date, weather permitting. Heavy rainfall this past spring created soil sloughing causing the existing road at the switchbacks to be damaged and closed. The work on the temporary road will be performed by a private contractor and once completed, will provide a new and safe connection for vehicle access farther into the park. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:07:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0510.html 2011-11-03T19:07:00Z Montana State Parks Announces New AmeriCorps Program - Recruiting Members Now for 2012- http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0509.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that it is now recruiting members for a new AmeriCorps program launching in January of 2012. Montana State Parks AmeriCorps will include 23 members serving in state parks to help preserve and promote Montana’s natural and cultural resources. “We are very excited to partner with this outstanding national service program,” said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks. “Our new AmeriCorps members will help our parks enrich educational opportunities, increase volunteerism, and expand community outreach.” Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:31:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0509.html 2011-11-01T19:31:00Z Online Campsite Reservations Now Open to the Public for Summer 2012 http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0508.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks announced today that the public can now book campsite reservations for 2012 online at stateparks.mt.gov or by phone at 1-855-922-6768 for the summer season. The summer reservation season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. The reservation window allows campers to plan their camping visit up to 9 months in advance. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:46:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0508.html 2011-10-20T17:46:00Z FWP’s Dave Bennetts Wins Innovative Thinker Award http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0507.html Dave Bennetts, a Park Manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Kalispell, has received the Innovative Thinker Award for 2011. Only three FWP workers statewide received the award. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:56:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0507.html John Fraley 2011-10-14T19:56:00Z Makoshika State Park - Road Access Update http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0506.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that a temporary road will be constructed at Makoshika State Park this fall, weather permitting. Heavy rainfall this past spring created soil sloughing causing the existing road to be damaged and closed. The work on the temporary road will be performed by a private contractor and once completed, will allow vehicle access farther into the park. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:00:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0506.html 2011-10-14T19:00:00Z First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park Vandalism Causes Earlier Closure http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0505.html First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will change the hours for vehicle access to the upper viewing area of the park beginning Thursday, October 13, 2011. The new hours of access for the winter season at the upper area will be 10am-4pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 12pm-4pm Sunday. The new hours will be the same as the gate hours for the visitor center. The reason for the change in hours is a string of recent incidents of vandalism and theft which have caused significant property damage and loss at the park. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:49:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0505.html 2011-10-14T15:49:00Z Visits to Montana State Parks for 2011 Summer Season Higher than 5-year Average http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0504.html (Helena, MT) – More than 1.2 million people visited Montana State Parks during the 2011 summer season (May through August) which is a one-percent increase over the average visitation numbers of the past 5-years, according to new data released today by Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov), a division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “These numbers just reinforce the fact that state parks are a valued way to spend time with our family and friends camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and enjoying our state’s heritage,” said Chas Van Genderen, Administrator, Montana State Parks. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:41:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0504.html 2011-10-11T18:41:00Z State Trails Advisory and OHV Advisory Committees to Meet in Helena http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0503.html (Helena, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that the State Trails Advisory Committee (STAC) will hold a meeting on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters located at 1420 E. 6th Avenue. The Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee will meet directly after the STAC meeting from 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. at the same location. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:52:00 GMT http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/parks/nr_0503.html 2011-10-07T17:52:00Z