FWP Delays Release of Madison River Recreation Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced it will delay the release of an environmental assessment associated with a draft Madison River Recreation Plan, due to funding and staffing uncertainties.

The effort to draft a plan has been under development for the past year. The plan incorporated recommendations from the Madison River Citizen Advisory Committee that addressed social conflict, congestion, and public safety on the river and at fishing access sites. The committee's recommendations can be viewed on the Madison River Recreation Plan webpage.

The decision to postpone the release comes after careful consideration of the cost to implement the committee’s recommendations while recognizing FWP's uncertain funding future. FWP will seek a fee increase during the 2015 Legislature as an alternative to $5.7 million in budget reductions and elimination of services. It's been about 10 years since the last resident license fee adjustment. For information visit the FWP website.

FWP will evaluate whether to release the Madison River Recreation Plan's environmental assessment following the legislative session.