FWP wants public input on non-motorized river designation

Local Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials would like public input on the proposal for a non-motorized designation for a stretch of the Whitefish River that runs through town.

Officials from the City of Whitefish and FWP met last week to discuss the proposal.

“We sat down for an hour and talked about the river and how it contributes to the city and our way of life,” Whitefish councilman Richard Hildner said on Monday.

FWP representatives support putting the proposal out for public comment through the statewide rule making process. Any recommendations from FWP would be made following that public process.

“They reconsidered their thoughts,” Hildner said. “They thought we had a strong argument on the social and economic impacts of the river.”

FWP said that while the no-wake rule currently in place adequately limits resource damage while providing safety, they also recognized the city’s desire for a quiet waterway.

“In talking with the City of Whitefish, they are interested in adopting this regulation to address social desires to create a unique opportunity for non-motorized users and feel there is major support for this proposed regulation,” FWP noted.

The city passed a resolution in November that proposes to restrict the Whitefish River to electric motors or manually powered vessels from the BNSF train trestle to the JP Road bridge.

The resolution passed with a 3-3 vote, with Mayor John Muhlfeld breaking the tie.

Hildner, who originally proposed the non-motorized waterway, said he was pleased to see the proposal move forward.

“The river provides a unique, quiet and safe refuge for those seeking an alternative experience from what is provided on Whitefish Lake,” Hildner said.

The item is on the Fish and Wildlife Commission’s agenda for Thursday, Feb. 13.