Rivers and Recreation
FWP Seeks Comment on Possible Changes to Floating the Smith
A shift in policy and lottery system could make access to river easier, officials say.By Bea gordon, 8-11-10
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is looking for input on proposed changes to the system for a highly coveted permit to float the Smith River in central Montana. Superb scenery, a blue-ribbon trout fishery, remote setting, and a 59-mile stretch of undisturbed water combine to make the river one of the most desired floating spots in the West. Popularity led the FWP to institute a permit lottery to curtail the number of visitors and protect the stretch from degradation a few years back.
But the organization wants to make the trip more accessible and so its proposing changes to the biennial rule that would make it easier for people to get a permit.
“There’s been an increase in the number of people applying—it’s been steadily going up since we first instituted the permit system,” says Linda Howard of MSP. According to Smith River State Park manager, Colin Maas, FWP usually gets around 5,000 applications for 850 permits. So in any given year, you have roughly 17 percent chance of floating the Smith—acceptance rates that are lower than some seen in the Ivy Leagues.
The changes aim to increase floater opportunities without jeopardizing the fishery or scenery. Among these is a proposed one-year waiting period for those who successfully obtain a float permit during peak season (mid-May to mid-July). Applicants would be free to join other trips or apply outside of peak season, but would need to wait before reapplying under their own name.
Permits would also be limited to applicants over the age of 12. Asked to respond to criticisms that this proposed amendment would discourage young outdoor enthusiasts from getting in time on the river, Howard pointed to misuse of the current system.
“There were some kids under the age of 12 who are very engaged in the permitting process, but we feel like our system has been a little abused,” she said. “There have been applications from kids just over a few months old and I’m pretty sure they don’t really care too much about floating.” But, Howard continued, we still want kids to get out and float—they can join any trip.
Other changes include the implementation of a super permit lottery that would mimic the system used for big game licenses. It also calls for schedule modifications for outfitter trips and the reallocation of all cancelled peak-season permits. Potential floaters would also see a $10 nonrefundable application fee and modest increase in fee for residents and non-residents alike.
For further information regarding the proposed rule changes, visit the FWP website or call 406-444-3750. Comments can be emailed to smithrulecomments@mt.gov or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Attn: Biennial Rule Comments, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. They need to be submitted by September 24.
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