Late yesterday afternoon Montanan Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) announced the schedule of events related to the kickoff of the process in developing a Recreation Management Plan for the beloved Madison River.
Since the announcement of this enterprise a few months ago, there’s been a fair amount of pub chatter and otherwise thoughtful discussion invested (maybe even a little teeth gnashing) in the pre-process. From our perspective, as the undertaking has already been spun into motion, it’s high time to get the official festivities rolling.
Of note, key first steps are a series of public meetings to nail down the key issues and the formation of the Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee. Download an application here (midpage) if you’re feeling appropriately informed, knowledgable and bureaucratic today.
From yesterday afternoon’s press release…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2012
Contact: Cheryl Morris, 406-994-6359MADISON RIVER RECREATION PLANNING UPDATE:
PUBLIC MEETINGS SET, CITIZEN ADVISORS SOUGHTBOZEMAN—Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host four public meetings in the upcoming months as the first step towards developing a recreation management plan for the Madison River. FWP is seeking input on how the public views recreational use on the river. This information will be used in the preparation of a draft management plan, which will then be circulated for additional public comment. The goal of the plan is to help preserve the quality of recreational experiences and protect natural resources.
FWP is also seeking applicants to serve on a citizen advisory committee that will be asked to develop recommendations for managing recreation on the Madison River. The committee application form and information about the planning process are available on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/recreation/management/madison/default.html. Applications are due by March 16, 2012.
The Madison River is highly valued for the quality of its recreation opportunities and is often the most heavily fished river in the state. Due to this popularity, concerns have been raised about congestion on the water and at access sites, as well as social conflict between different user groups.
The scheduled public meetings are as follows:
Ennis, Wednesday, February 15, 6-8PM at the Ennis Middle School
Bozeman, Thursday, February 16, 6-8 PM at the Comfort Inn
West Yellowstone, Tuesday, February 28, 6-8 PM at the Holiday Inn
Whitehall, Thursday, March 1, 6-8PM at the Whitehall High SchoolIf you are not able to attend one of the scheduled meetings you may complete an online survey at fwp.mt.gov/recreation/management/madison/default.html or comment by sending an email to mrrp@mt.gov. Comments will be accepted throughout the planning process.
For additional information on the Madison River Recreational Plan, please visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/recreation/management/madison/default.html. Any questions may be directed to the River Recreation Manager, Cheryl Morris, at 406-994-6359.
PLEASE consider making it to one of the meetings or take the survey (albeit a brief and somewhat weak one) online. If you’re a Madison fan or ever plan to fish the river some day, your input is critical.
A few useful links to tuck away….
FWP’s Madison River Management Plan Page: Outlines the process, provides schedule of meetings, application for Citizen Advisory Committee membership, and provides links to other surveys completed in the past.
FWP’s Madison River Survey page: Simple survey, 5 minutes or less. Your opinion counts.
Further comments can be emailed to mrrp@mt.gov as well.
Much, much appreciated. Plenty more to come.
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