Boats, berries & bears

Summertime in Montana brings warmer temperatures, blue skies, and blooming wildflowers. This summer, however, much of Montana is blanketed in smoke, and the lack of moisture paired with record heat waves is causing some unexpected consequences.

Seeley Lake has always been a destination for fishing and water-based recreation in the summer- for both locals and tourists alike. This summer, particularly, the conditions have created a perfect storm, bringing humans and bears closer together. My hypothesis is that the hot weather, along with diminished COVID-19 regulations, has brought more people outside to cool off in the water.

Many folks have purchased new (or at least new-to-them) boats, too, adding congestion on the lakes. At the same time, mountain huckleberries have struggled at higher elevations but flourished down low (i.e. in the area's popular campgrounds and day use areas). Unfortunately, the bears traveling down into the valley floor have also encountered unsecured garbage, chicken coops, and other attractants. There you have it, more humans + more berries + bears = conflict.

And if you've noticed a little more chaos on the lakes, I think it can be contributed to an increase in boat users (whether they be first time users or seasoned pros) in addition to a need to brush up on some of the common regulations and boater courtesy. FWP wardens have received several complaints from the area's popular lakes (Seeley, Placid, Salmon, Alva & Inez) regarding noise, wakes and safety violations. Below is an abbreviated list of the most common violations boaters should be aware of:

1. Water skiing and other towed recreation is not allowed between sunset to sunrise.

2. Water skiers must not approach within 50 feet of swimmers.

3. When operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski, a "no wake" speed must be maintained within 200 feet of a dock, swimmer, non-motorized boat or anchored vessel. (Think about the river channel up from the bridge on Boy Scout Road, where this rule would apply).

4. Motorboats and PWC may not emit a noise in excess of 86 decibels. (Wardens are now equipped to measure decibel levels and may do so when warranted.)

5. No person shall place any permanent or anchored water obstacle on the waters of this state without a permit issued by FWP (including a pier, floating dock, slalom course, or navigational aid/bouy).

6. All watercraft operating on public lakes and reservoirs greater than 35 acres are limited to a "no wake" speed from the shore to 200 feet from the shoreline.

When enjoying the water the rest of the summer, be courteous, keep music at a reasonable level and keep our waters and public access areas clean.