FWP seeking comment on Flathead Lake parcel

| July 9, 2009 11:00 PM

Bigfork Eagle

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on a draft environmental assessment concerning the potential purchase of about 70 acres just on the east side of the Flathead River.

The project, estimated to cost $1 million, would be paid for by the Bonneville Power Administration as part of an ongoing project that is part of the company's adherence to federal guidelines to mitigate damage to fisheries caused by the construction of Hungry Horse Dam.

FWP's Joel Tohtz said the 70 acres would be open to the public, but as it is adjacent to the federally managed Waterfowl Production Area, would be subject to the same closures to accommodate birds' breeding seasons.

"When it's done, it will look a lot like the WPA," Tohtz said.

There would not be a state park or boat ramp associated with the lakefront access.

Tohtz said any waterfront parcel that's able to be protected goes a long way toward helping the fishery not only in terms of habitat, but in terms of water quality.

"The North Shore receives everything from the whole valley so it's critical," he said.

Public comment will be taken until July 17 and Tohtz said people are welcome to contact the FWP office with any questions they may have.

"The decision to buy hasn't been made yet," he said. "But of our input received so far, it's all been supportive without exception."

Assuming the public is behind the project, a decision must be made quickly as the $1 million in funding disappears at the end of the federal government's fiscal year on September 30.

Copies of the draft are available at FWP HQ, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell; Montana State Library, 1515 E 6th Ave., Helena; Flathead County Libraries, 247 First Ave. E, Kalispell and 521 Electric Ave. in Bigfork, and the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices. The draft is out for a 3-week public review through July 17, 2009. Please direct questions/comments to Joel Tohtz, 751-4570 or e-mail to jtohtz@mt.gov, or Kris Tempel, 751-4573 or e-mail to ktempel@mt.gov.