Hearing coming up on Whitefish River restrictions

People with opinions about boating on the Whitefish River are invited to a special Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission hearing Thursday.

The 6 p.m. meeting at Whitefish City Hall, 418 Second St. E. is to consider amending boating rules on the river through Whitefish.

The Whitefish River currently has a no-wake restriction from the outlet of Whitefish Lake to the JP Road Bridge. 

The proposed amendment would restrict river traffic to manual- and electric-powered watercraft from the railroad trestle south of Whitefish Lake 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 people may submit their data, views or arguments either orally or in writing at Thursday’s hearing.  People also submit comments 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, go to  http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/armRules/pn_0150.html

The state commission will analyze comments and make a final decision on the petition on June 12.