Decision Notice Flathead Lake Islands Recreation Management Proposal

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) released a proposal to restrict and improve management of public recreation on the Flathead Lake Island Wildlife Habitat Protection Areas (WHPAs), to include actions on Bird, Cedar, Douglas, and Goose Islands. Comments were accepted from October 21 through November 22, 2021. A total of 46 submissions were received via email, mail, and an online survey. 

The intent of the proposed actions is to reduce impacts of recreation on the islands and to help ensure the management goal of WHPAs to conserve wildlife habitat is retained. Based on an extensive review of public comments and best management practices, FWP recommends Alternative B; however, some actions have been revised from what was originally proposed in response to public comments.  

Noting and including the responses to public comments, the draft EA will become the final EA and together with this decision notice will serve as the final documents for this action.

Related Documents

• Flathead Lake Islands Proposed Recreation Management Decision Notice (PDF)
• Flathead Lake Islands Proposed Recreation Management Draft EA (FWP Public Notice)
• Flathead Lake Islands Recreation Management Plan News release (FWP News Release)
• 2009 Flathead Lake Islands Management Plan (PDF)

Copies of the Decision Notice will be available for public review at FWP. Please direct requests and questions to Dillon Tabish at Dillon.Tabish@mt.gov or via phone: (406) 751-4564.