The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing on April 10 at 6 p.m. to consider amending boating rules on the Whitefish River. The meeting will be held at the Whitefish City Hall, 418 Second Street East.
The Whitefish River currently has a no wake restriction from the outlet of Whitefish Lake to the JP Bridge. This amendment would further restrict the river as follows: –The Whitefish River is limited to manually and electric powered watercraft from its confluence at the railroad trestle south of Whitefish Lake outlet to the bridge on JP Road.
The City of Whitefish submitted the petition to restrict motorized boating to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in part to “provide a unique quiet and safe refuge for locals and visitors who are seeking an alternative recreational experience.”
Concerned persons may submit their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing on April 10. People can also submit comments from now through April 18 to: FWP, Region 1 Office, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901; FAX: 257-0349; or email at cjust@mt.gov.
To view the proposed amendment in its entirety, go to the following link: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/armRules/pn_0150.html
The FW Commission will analyze comments and make a final decision on the petition at their June 12 meeting.