Listening session to glean input about 10-year FWP plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a public listening session Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Kalispell to gather input on values, needs and priorities as it develops its 10-year plan, dubbed the “’15 & Forward” initiative.

The listening session will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell, 490 N. Meridian Rd. Refreshments will be provided.

The  event is the final session in the agency’s nine-stop tour to hear suggestions from the public as it creates a foundation on which to build programs and services that hold the most value for the state’s wildlife, recreation, cultural and park resources in the years ahead. The planning initiative is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

“It has been over 20 years since FWP last took a department-wide look at planning for the future and established its current vision for the 21st Century,” agency Director Jeff Hagener said. “It is time to update this document and set program goals and design services that reflect our current context.”

Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP by emailing FWP15andForward@mt.gov or calling Deb O’Neill at 406-444-3755.

Ideas can also be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov by following links to “Submit Public Comments” and “Doing Business.”