The public has many questions about the Smith River State Park and River Corridor Management Plan. We hope that you can find the answers to your questions below. If not, submit your questions as follows:
- Call Charlie Sperry at (406) 444-3888.
- Fill out this form to submit your questions via the website.
Q.How can the public participate in the planning process?
A.For the first part of the planning process FWP is working with a citizen advisory committee representating the various publics who have a connection to the Smith River. When the advisory committee has completed its recommendations, FWP will schedule official public meetings for people to review and comment on a draft management plan. The meeting schedule is not known at this time but will be posted on this website and announced in news releases. The public may provide input any time during the planning process. Use this website to submit comments online or mail comments to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Smith River Plan Update
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
Q.What is the role of the citizen advisory committee?
A.FWP appointed a citizen advisory committee to assist with the planning process. Committee members are a cross-section of the public and represent the interests of private boaters, outfitters, landowners, agencies, and the public. The committee’s role is to make recommendations to FWP. Ultimately FWP will make planning decisions based on the recommendations of the committee, comments from the general public, and input from agencies.
Q.How do I contact a member of the citizen advisory committee?
A.The easiest way to contact a member of the citizen advisory committee is to submit a comment online using this website. You can send an e-mail to the entire committee or indicate the name of the committee member you want to receive the comment and FWP will forward it to that person. You may also mail your comment to FWP at the address above.
Q.What is the timeline for the planning process?
A.The citizen advisory committee started its monthly meetings in June 2007. FWP anticipates that the committee will complete its work in spring of 2008. FWP will circulate a draft management plan for public review and comment. FWP anticipates a completed management plan in fall 2008. Any changes initiated by the new plan would be implemented beginning in 2009.
Q.How might the new management plan change the way the Smith is managed today?
A.FWP began the planning process with the assumption that many aspects of the current management plan are working well and are probably not in need of overhaul. Some management issues are of concern and may result in changes. What should be done about soil compaction and loss of vegetation at boat camps? Should the current human waste management system be altered to address resource impacts? What options might be employed to comply with a food storage order? These are a few of the challenging questions under consideration in the planning process.
Q.What is the Forest Service’s role in the planning process?
A.Of the 52 boat camps within the Smith River corridor, 28 are located on USFS property under the authority of the Lewis and Clark or Helena National forests. FWP and the Forest Service have a cooperative management agreement for the Smith River. FWP administers the Smith River recreation program and including managing use at Forest Service boat camps. The Forest Service continues to play an active role in resource management within the river corridor. Forest Service representatives sit on the advisory committee and will assist with development of the management plan.
