New Flathead River management plan in works

The Flathead National Forest seeks public input as it begins preparing a Comprehensive River Management Plan for the Flathead River’s three forks.

These plans guide use and oversight for Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Flathead’s current plan dates to the 1980s. Chris Prew, Flathead National Forest Recreation Program Manager, said that it needs to be updated to incorporate changes in the law.

Crafting a new plan is expected to take three years. The work will begin with a public information meeting to be held Tuesday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the conference room of the Cedar Creek Lodge in Columbia Falls. The planning team will discuss the project and gather public input on management issues facing the river. Additional meetings will follow.

In the fall, Flathead plans to release scoping documents and begin the plan-drafting process outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act.

Visit www.rivers.gov to learn more about managing Wild and Scenic Rivers. For more information about the plan, please call Chris Prew at (406) 758-3538.

Reporter Patrick Reilly can be reached at preilly@dailyinterlake.com, or at 758-4407.