By Robert Lucke
Folks who have driven by Bear Paw Lake this last week may have noticed that much work is being done on the handicapped access site just south of the Bear Paw pavilion.
Region Six state park's director, Woody Baxter of Glasgow, explained what is happening at the site.
"Before there was a fishing platform there that met ADA standards," said Baxter. "But it was crumbling away. The new one we are building now will be larger and will go out in the lake slightly further."
Baxter is unsure when the project will be completed.
"Two weeks ago I was told that it could be finished in two weeks, but it all really depends on the weather out there," Baxter said. "I hope to see it completed by the end of April."
Where the ice is out of Bear Paw Lake, anglers report large trout catches these days, mainly around the spillway of the lake.
At their April Park Board meeting, members were told that Baxter had ruled out cattle grazing around Bear Paw Lake for at least this season. Members had requested it because of the fire danger that high grass provides.
"There will be no grazing in that area this year," Baxter commented. "You know I am the new kid on the block and I have got to see this area this spring, summer and fall. I want to see how much of a hazard the grass is and look at the good and bad of cattle grazing in that area. I need a year. I just want to look at all the options."
Baxter is looking for community volunteers to work on ideas to develop area state parks. And he is looking for suggestions for state parks and fishing access sites in this part of Montana. Interested? Contact Baxter in Glasgow at (406) 228-3707.
