Big Pine Fishing Access Site to Host Summer Wildlife Program Series in Montana
OutdoorHub 06.14.12
Plan to visit Big Pine Fishing Access Site (FAS) near Alberton on several Saturdays this summer to learn more about wildlife in the Fish Creek area. These Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks programs are free and open to audiences of all ages.
Evening programs are presented fireside and kick off Saturday, July 14 with a 7 p.m. talk on bears given by Dr. Charles Jonkel of the Missoula-based Great Bear Foundation. Jonkel will discuss bear identification, how to live and travel safely in bear country and share some interesting facts about bears that call Montana home.
Then, on Saturday, July 28, bring the kids for a hands-on wildlife safari program offered at 10:30 a.m. This program is geared to kids from six to ten years old.
And join Mike Thompson, FWP Region 2 Wildlife Manager on Saturday, Aug., 18 at 7 p.m. for a program entitled, “An Inside Look on What Lives Outside.” Thompson will share population data gathered in recent surveys of the area’s birds, elk, deer, mountain lions, bears, and wolves. He will also discuss how the nearby Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area, acquired in 2010, now fits into overall wildlife work in the area, and what managers envision for the future of the place.
Big Pine FAS offers day use access and overnight camping spots. Volunteer coordinator for these evening programs, Valerie Bayer, says that these events are a great way to cap off a day of fishing or picnicking or a fun way to enhance a camping trip.
To reach Big Pine FAS, take I90 Exit 66 and then head south to Fish Creek Road. Follow the signs to Big Pine, approximately 4.5 miles from the exit. Visitors should park in the lot to the left when entering the campground.
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a fireside s’more treat while you listen to the program. For more information, contact Bayer, at 406-722-1533 or FWP at 406-542-5500.
