Comments sought on Blackfoot River float-in sites proposal

MISSOULA - The Bureau of Land Management’s Missoula Field Office, in partnership with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, is asking for public comment on a proposal to allow overnight and/or multi-night float trip experiences at four float-in sites along the Blackfoot River.

No float-in sites currently exist on BLM-managed lands, and only a few sites exist on private or other public lands.

Collaboration over recreation on the Blackfoot River has existed since the 1970s with the development of the Blackfoot River Recreation Landowners agreement and the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor which begins at Russell Gates Campground and ends at Johnsrud Park.

The Blackfoot River Float-In Campsites page on the bureau’s ePlanning site can be found at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/1504583/510. Members of the public are invited to share their thoughts on the proposal until July 2 by emailing BLM_MT_Missoula_FO@blm.gov.

“Working collaboratively with Montana FWP, landowners, and the public over decades has resulted in high-quality river recreation experiences for the public in the Blackfoot River Recreation Corridor,” said Acting Missoula BLM Field Manager Maggie Ward. “We appreciate being a part of this diverse group and will continue to emphasize public access to Blackfoot River recreation opportunities.”

The Blackfoot River Recreation Landowners agreement, last updated in 2015, resulted in the public being allowed to recreate on private land up to 50 feet above the high-water mark during the day and camp at designated areas. As part of the agreement, parking areas and boat put-ins/take-outs were also developed on private land.

In 2010, Montana FWP identified the need for float-in camping sites in the Blackfoot River Recreation Management Plan along certain stretches of the river, specifically in the reaches that the BLM manages as well as a couple others.

“Additional float-in sites will give the public more opportunity to experience the Blackfoot River in a unique way,” said Chrissy Oschell from Montana FWP.

For more information about the float-in plan, please contact Maria Craig at (406) 329-3914.