Management of proposed, expanded parking for Sha-Ron Fishing Access Site out for review

Comments due to FWP by July 6

EAST MISSOULA – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public review through July 6 of its proposal to acquire recreation management responsibilities for an expanded parking lot for Sha-Ron Fishing Access Site (FAS) that is currently under consideration.

The proposed project is a cooperative effort between Missoula County, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and FWP to better accommodate recreation use and safety concerns at Sha-Ron FAS. 

Sha-Ron provides a boat launch and access to the Clark Fork River just east of Missoula, and use of the site, especially during the summer months, has grown significantly over the past 10 years. The existing parking area only holds 25 vehicles, and overflow parking along nearby Highway 200 creates safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians walking along the busy road to the access site.

Under the proposal, the expanded parking lot would be built on MDT land, located just north of the existing Sha-Ron site. MDT would then issue a recreation permit to FWP to manage the site, including the new parking area and portable toilet facility.

Missoula County, the other project partner, would construct and fund the new parking lot. The new lot is proposed to provide parking spaces for 68 vehicles and would be connected to Sha-Ron by a short walking path.  The existing parking area would continue to accommodate parking for vehicles and boat trailers.  Construction of the new lot is proposed to take place in the spring of 2023.

To review the draft EA, go to FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov, under “News and Public Notices.” Or request information and comment: Region 2 FWP, Attn: Sha-Ron Overflow Parking Lot EA; 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; by phoning 406-542-5517; or by emailing lflynn2@mt.gov. Comments must be received by Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

The EA for FWP’s portion of the project only covers acquiring the recreation permit from MDT.  However, FWP will collect comments related to the design and construction of the parking area and share those comments with Missoula County.  The public can also share ideas on parking lot design and construction by visiting Missoula County’s online source for current County projects: missoulacountyvoice.com.

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