MISSOULA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking review of its proposal to develop a new Fishing Access Site (FAS) on upper Rock Creek. The proposed Westslope FAS would provide boat access and parking.
The new FAS would be located on upper Rock Creek, near stream mile 32 and approximately 14 miles west of Philipsburg, just off Highway 348. The proposed site would be on 1.5 acres of private land that has a conservation easement on it that allows for this type of development for public use and access.
FWP Regional Fisheries Manager, Pat Saffel, says that currently, vehicle and trailer parking is concentrated along nearby roads, causing safety and congestion issues, and pioneered boat ramps are damaging some of the streamside habitat in the immediate area. This proposal would direct public use to a designated area and would reduce traffic congestion and streambank degradation.
If developed, Westslope FAS would provide the only developed FWP-managed FAS on Rock Creek, a popular stream for fishing, floating, and wildlife viewing.
To review the draft EA, go to FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov, under “Public Notices.” Or, request information and comment: Region 2 FWP, Attn: Westslope EA; 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; by phoning 406-542-5540; or by emailing shrose@mt.gov. Comments must be received by Wednesday, July 14, 2021.
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