County pursues Church Slough ramp

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has launched a public comment process for a permit that would allow Flathead County to construct a public boat ramp on Church Slough.

A draft environmental assessment is out for public comment until March 25, and a meeting will be held on the matter at Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters on Meridian Road in Kalispell March 18 from 7 to 9 p.m.

A boat ramp would be the end result of a dispute several years ago between a local rod and gun club, Flathead Wildlife Inc., and a developer who owned property on the slough.

The developer sought to have Flathead County abandon an old public right-of-way that provided access to the slough, and the club objected, threatening litigation.

The issue was resolved when the developer donated land to provide future public access, and that is what the county now proposes.

At an estimated cost of about $25,000, the county is looking to build a “pretty standard” concrete launch, said Jed Fisher, Flathead County’s weed, parks and recreation and building director.

“We do want a launch there,” Fisher said.

The project would also involve installing a vault toilet, privacy fencing for neighboring properties, garbage cans, picnic tables and parking space for six to eight vehicles and trailers,

Fisher said some neighbors in the area already have expressed opposition to the project, some raising concerns about the size of boats that would be allowed to use the access.

At one point, Fisher said, the county was considering a limit on the boat motor horsepower that would be allowed, possibly 10 horsepower or less. But that decision will be deferred until after Fish, Wildlife and Parks completes its public comment process.

Fisher said questions arose about the effectiveness of a horsepower limit when the slough can easily be reached from the main stem of the Flathead River by boats of all sizes and types.

Another reason for the county to reconsider a horsepower limit: The local chapter of Walleyes Unlimited “has expressed an interest in” paying for half the project cost, but the chapter is “very concerned” about any motor restrictions at the access, Fisher said.

Some neighboring property owners are simply concerned the access will turn into a nuisance, Fisher said.

But he said he believes that will not happen if the site is properly managed.

Whatever opposition comes forward, it will be met with strong advocacy for the access.

Flathead Wildlife leaders are urging their members and other anglers and boaters to support the county’s project.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com