Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking input on river recreation issues to help inform recommendations for how to manage these activities moving forward.

“Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, floating or swimming, we want to know what you think are important issues surrounding river recreation and any ideas the public might have on how we can improve river recreation management,” Deb O’Neill, acting Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division administrator, said in a release.

To gather public input, FWP is hosting three virtual public workshops during which participants can ask questions and share their thoughts on trends and challenges regarding river recreation in Montana.

The input gathered will be used by the River Recreation Advisory Council.

Membership for this council was solicited this summer and the council members will be announced soon, according to FWP.

One of the council’s key tasks will be holding discussions on managing river recreation opportunities, to include considerations for protecting natural resources and ensuring high-quality experiences for all river users across Montana, according to FWP.

“Montana’s rivers are a treasure, offering numerous recreational opportunities. However, the rising popularity of river activities in certain areas has led to challenges, such as conflicts among users and different types of recreation. Additionally, FWP has received feedback about congestion on waterways and at access sites. While most agree on the importance of protecting aquatic and terrestrial resources, opinions vary on the best methods for managing river recreation,” according to FWP.

The virtual workshops begin start Sept. 3.

Registration is recommended but not required.

By registering, FWP can track who is interested in river recreation issues and provide updates as they are available.

To register and for links to the virtual meeting, click here.

Workshop Schedule:

• Sept. 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend live, the workshops will also be streamed on the FWP YouTube page and posted to the RRAC webpage.

*Photo by The Electric