Sportsman's Bridge Fishing Access Site Land Exchange and Easement
Apr 17, 2023 4:11 PM
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is recommending approval of a land exchange with Montana Department of Transportation as part of a bridge replacement project on the Flathead River in Flathead County. Sportsman’s Bridge spans the Flathead River on Highway 82 between Bigfork and Kalispell. Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) is located on the east bank of the Flathead River immediately south of the existing bridge. In 2009, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) nominated the 686-foot-long bridge for rehabilitation or replacement. MDT intends to replace the existing with a new, safer 706-foot-long structure.
FWP is asking the commission to approve the transfer of approximately 1.5 acres of department land at the Sportsman’s Bridge FAS to MDT. In return, FWP would receive the upgraded FAS including an easement for permanent access to the site via Hanging Rock Road secured by MDT contingent upon approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to dispose of the encumbered land.
The commission is scheduled to review the proposal at its April 18 meeting.