January Means Smith River Permit Applications – MFWP
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Headlines – Region 4
When the new year arrives, it will be time to start thinking about summer floating trips on the Smith River.
Applications will be available Jan. 4 at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices or on the FWP website: www.fwp.mt.gov. Applications must be postmarked or submitted no later than Tuesday, Feb. 16.
FWP’s online licensing system might be just the ticket for anyone who wants to apply at home, but an ALS number is required.
For those folks who previously bought a hunting or fishing license, the ALS number is printed on the license top. For those without an ALS number, the online system will assign one.
To apply online, starting Jan. 4 go to the department’s web site. Then under the state parks logo click on Smith River permit.
Applications are also available at any FWP regional office.
Starting in 2010 a new Smith River management plan will take affect. The plan includes two changes next year: A first come, first served policy at the river’s Camp Baker launch site and a pet prohibition for floaters.
The Camp Baker policy states that official registration and campsite selection for floaters will begin 7:30 a.m. the day before a scheduled launch.
The no pet policy prohibits dogs and other pets on all Smith River floats.
The management plan is also online under state parks at the FWP web site.
Typically, several thousand floaters annually apply, with about 800 getting the permit they seek. The peak float season runs from early May to early July. For more information contact the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840