Your opinion about the proposed Montana Quiet Waters Rule (read the docs here) still matters; The Montana Fish and Game Commission meets on Friday the 26th to consider (among other things) approving the rule.
From a recent Montana TU email –
The Montana Fish & Game Commission will consider approving a draft rule that would pro-actively reduce potential conflicts with motorized use on a number of Montana rivers at its May 26 meeting. For Commissioners to pass this rule, they need to know there is public support for it. CONTACT THE F&G COMMISSION TODAY AND TELL IT YOU SUPPORT THE QUIET WATERS RULE.
The rule will not completely prohibit motorized use on any river where it currently occurs on a regular basis, though it does increase regulation on a few for safety reasons or for reducing conflicts where non-motorized use is heavy. For example, the rule proposes limiting motorized use on the Yellowstone River from the national park to Reed point to 10 horsepower craft only during the popular floating and low-water season between July 15 and September 15. The rule would also close all Bitterroot River tributaries to any motorized use. Similar speed or wake restrictions for the Flathead and Missouri, as well as closure of small tributaries, are being proposed in the Quiet Waters rule…
The full docs and maps are available at the link above.
We agree with those who are emphasizing the need for the rule to be proactive and prevent more conflicts between the majority of river and waterway uses who wade, float and swim and those using motorized craft. It’s not an attack on motorized craft users (hell, we do it ourselves now and again) – it’s a tacit acknowledgement that there are still some places that deserve to remain quiet and reachable only by investing the time in floating with the meandering river or by the effort put into bending oars or blades.
Email the commission (QuietWaters@mt.gov) and throw your two cents in.
