Dock plan shelved for Wild Horse Island

Montana State Parks is postponing a plan to construct a public-access dock on Flathead Lake’s Wild Horse Island, citing concerns that the project would create negative impacts to private property and wildlife.

The state agency announced Wednesday that it is shelving the project for at least four years until further analysis can be completed.

About four-fifths of the 101 public comments submitted during the project’s environmental review expressed opposition to the plan.

The majority of Wild Horse Island is a state park, with some private property located along the shore. Currently, the only docks on the island belong to private landowners.

In a press release sent Wednesday, the state agency said it will spend the next four years collecting data on visitor impacts to the park, human/wildlife conflicts, trespass violations and safety concerns. Officials also will analyze the recently completed Peer State Analysis Report that explores how neighboring state park systems address similar water-based park units.

The dock was authorized last year by legislation sponsored by state Rep. Greg Hertz, R-Polson.

An environmental assessment had initially begun after the 2013 Legislature appropriated funding for the project, but it stalled after agency officials realized it would require explicit legislative approval.

In its most recent environmental review, the agency had noted possible controversy over changes to the “rustic and natural” character of the site.

Information gathered in the next four years, along with input from visitors and stakeholders, will determine if a subsequent proposal will be offered for public review.

To view the decision notice and draft environmental assessment, visit bit.ly/2cVfnpW.

The decision notice is subject to appeal, which must be submitted to the Montana State Parks administrator in writing and postmarked by Oct. 21.

The appeal must specifically describe the basis for the appeal and explain how the appellant has previously commented to the department or participated in the decision-making process. It must also suggest how Montana State Parks can address the concerns in the appeal.