In 2021, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks initiated a focused update to the recreation management plan because of changing conditions including a significant increase in visitor use and demand. The process to update the plan included input from an advisory committee of citizens and stakeholders and an environmental assessment in accordance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act with multiple opportunities for public comment. Following are the four primary management issues addressed in the environmental assessment:
Since the Decision Notice for the Environmental Assessment was issued in 2022, FWP has focused staff time and resources on implementing the management directives outlined in that decision record. For example, the State Parks and Recreation Board approved new human waste pack-out regulations in 2024 and FWP has been implementing the regulations. The final step to updating the Recreation Management Plan was incorporating the key management directives outlined in the decision notice that are already being implemented, as well as updating figures, statistics, and conditions.
Main Supporting Documents
Background and Timeline
June 2021 – Planning initiated and FWP convened Smith River Planning Advisory Committee (PAC)
FWP convened the Smith River Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) to help identify key management issues and provide feedback as alternatives were developed for the Environmental Assessment. FWP also consulted with key tribal representatives given the importance of cultural and heritage resources associated with the Smith River. The PAC included former members of the Smith River Advisory Council, a Parks and Recreation Board representative, and additional members selected to reflect a diversity of interests connected to the Smith River and surrounding area. Members included:
Sarah Calhoun: Business owner and community leader, White Sulphur Springs
Colin Cooney: Trout Unlimited, Helena
Triel Culver*: Interested citizen, Billings
Carol Hatfield: USFS representative, White Sulphur Springs
Jane Kollmeyer*: Interested citizen, Helena
Joe Lamson*: Interested citizen, Helena
Brian McGeehan: Smith River outfitter, Bozeman
Michael Meloy*: Smith River landowner, Helena
Ned Morgens*: Smith River landowner, New York City
Mary Moe*: FWP Parks and Recreation Board member, Great Falls
Jennifer Stepleton: Montana Business Assistance Connection rural economic development specialist and former BLM river ranger, Helena
*Former Smith River Advisory Council Member
November-December 2021 – Environmental Assessment (EA) developed and released for public comment
FWP drafted the EA to evaluate management options for the four primary issue areas listed above. The EA was issued in November 2021 and included a formal 30-day public comment period, during which FWP received 104 public comments.
To complement the formal EA public comment period, FWP hosted two virtual (online) public information sessions in December 2021. These sessions provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about the proposed management actions outlined in the EA and to ask questions. Formal comments were accepted through the EA public comment period.
February 2022 – Decision Notice issued for the EA
The EA process, public comments, PAC input, and agency review informed the final 2022 Decision Notice, which includes a summary of comments received and the department’s responses. This decision record finalized management direction for the four issue areas addressed through the EA.
2022-2025 – Implementation of Decision Notice directives
Following issuance of the 2022 Decision Notice, FWP focused staff time and resources on implementing priority management actions identified through the decision record. Key implementation and related actions included:
January 2026 — Plan update compiled and published for public reference
The 2026 Recreation Management Plan Update consolidates the management direction established in the 2022 Decision Notice into one updated plan document, while maintaining the full decision record and supporting materials from the 2021–2022 Environmental Assessment process.
Questions?
For more information, contact:
Colin Maas
Recreation Manager, Smith River State Park
406-454-5857
cmaas@mt.gov