FWP collecting comments on draft reservoir plan

Fish Wildlife and Parks is collecting public comment on the draft Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan.

The management plan guides fisheries management for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs and Missouri River sections from Toston to Canyon Ferry and below Hauser Dam. The Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the draft plan for public comment at its meeting last Thursday.

The draft plan was crafted from extensive public scoping throughout 2018 and 2019, including several open houses, an online survey and a citizen workgroup who identified management alternatives. The plan is intended to guide management for the next 10 years, but there are mechanisms to allow the plan to be more responsive to sudden changes in the fisheries.

The department will accept comments until Nov. 17. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or via mail to Reservoir Plan, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620.

To view the draft plan or to view additional information regarding development of the draft plan, please visit http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/fisheries/upperMissouriRiverPlan.html .