Statewide Fisheries Plan Meeting in Butte, Montana Oct. 4
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 09.28.12
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a public meeting in Butte next Thursday, October 4, to discuss and gather comment on a draft statewide fisheries management plan. The plan would establish goals and direction for fisheries management, habitat protection and improvement, fishing access and angling opportunities for the next six years.
The Butte meeting will be held at the Best Western Butte Plaza Inn, 2900 Harrison Ave. The formal presentation will begin at 6 p.m. followed by an open house.
FWP officials said the draft plan is a “road map” that would provide guidance to the public and decision makers for each of Montana’s river drainages.
“A key component of long-term plan is that is contains enough flexibility to allow for adaptive management based on changing circumstances within agreed upon sideboards,” said Bruce Rich, chief of the Fisheries Bureau for FWP in Helena.
The draft plan was recently presented to the FWP Commission and a final plan, based on public comment and an environmental analysis, is planned for release later this year.
The “Draft Statewide Fisheries Management Plan” presents information on topics ranging from wild fish management to hatchery fish stocking guidelines, among other programs. It focuses on
services proved by FWP as well as the history of Montana’s fisheries, management issues and concerns, and long-term goals and objectives for state fisheries programs.
Public comment can be submitted through Oct. 12. To review and comment on the draft plan visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov and click on “Statewide Fisheries Management Plan“. Comments can also be sent by mail to: Statewide Fisheries Management Plan, Montana FWP, 1420 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59620. For information, call Don Skaar at 406-444-7409.
