FWP Extends Comment Period For Draft Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan
MFWP
MFWPs is extending the public comment period through Dec. 16, 2009 on a draft recreation management plan and environmental assessment (EA) for the Blackfoot River.
“The Blackfoot River is
important to a lot of people, and we’re finding that we continue to get a lot of good questions and input even as the end of the original 30-day public comment period draws to a close,” says Lee Bastian, FWP’s Region 2 State Parks Supervisor in Missoula. “We decided to extend the
comment period for another month so that we are able to engage everyone that is interested.”
The draft Blackfoot River management plan and EA address several key issues identified by a citizen advisory committee, FWP staff and public input. The primary proposals include continuing to manage for high volume summer use downstream from Whitaker Bridge;
management actions to address congestion on the water in the upper sections of the river; restricting camping to designated
locations in high-use reaches of the river and exploring opportunities for overnight float trips; and a permit allocation system that could be used in the future if conditions become undesirable on certain stretches of the river.
The public is invited to review and comment on the 59-page draft plan and EA any time by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. Copies of the plan and EA are available online at fwp.mt.gov . Click “Blackfoot River Plan.” Copies are also available from the Missoula and Helena FWP offices, or by calling 406-542-5562. Comments may be submitted in writing at the Web site listed above, via e-mail to blackfootcomments@mt.gov , or mail written comments to: Blackfoot River Plan; Montana FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road; Missoula, MT 59804.
The draft management plan, which builds upon work established in the 9-year old Blackfoot River Recreation Management Direction, is based in part on the recommendations of the River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow (DRAFT) citizen advisory committee. The
25-member committee was appointed to represent the interests of private floaters and anglers, the outfitting industry, private landowners, and the various agencies that play a role in managing recreation.
The final plan will be based on public comments, the results of the EA, and input from staff.
