Greg Schartz recalls the remote wilderness along the South Fork of the Flathead River as a place of solitude during his early horse packing trips 35 years ago. Over the years, however, this seclusion has been replaced by crowds, especially evident last Fourth of July when he observed around 70 people camping and the river bustling like a “bumper-car derby.” Experiences like these prompt Schartz’s active participation in shaping the new river management plan for the Flathead River’s three forks.
The U.S. Forest Service last updated the comprehensive management plan for the Flathead River system in 1980, under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. This act aims to protect outstanding free-flowing rivers. The North, Middle, and South Forks of the Flathead River were added in 1976, with the plan guiding decisions for over four decades. Efforts to revise the plan started in 2017 but faced delays due to the pandemic and funding issues. A proposed action document was released on Jan. 6, outlining desired river conditions, forming the base of a draft plan expected later this year.
While Glacier National Park has seen a surge in visitors, nearby rivers like those converging at Blankenship Bridge have also experienced increased activity. Known for its bustling summer boat traffic, the area once saw a school bus-turned-camper get stuck, highlighting the recreational pressures. The action document does not propose limiting people but identifies capacity thresholds that could impact the river negatively. For instance, the North Fork can handle 180 people daily, whereas the Middle Fork near Hungry Horse can accommodate up to 1,280 people daily.
Potential management actions include a permit program, phased implementation starting with the South and Middle Forks, and possibly banning motor vehicles from camping on gravel bars. Group sizes might be restricted to 50 people. The full list of potential actions is available online.
The Forest Service invites public comments on the document, which can be submitted online or delivered to Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger Station or the Forest Supervisor’s Office. Two public sessions are scheduled at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell on Jan. 21 and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
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