Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has issued a Decision Notice to adopt as final the Draft Environmental Assessment to renew a management agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation for management and operations of Intake Fishing Access Site (FAS) 16 miles north of Glendive on Highway 16.
The Intake FAS operated on a 50-year agreement that historically included two parcels: (1) The ‘Intake Area’ north of the river and (2) ‘Joe’s Island’ south of the river. The Intake Area includes a boat ramp, day use area, campground, and potable water system. Joe’s Island is a primitive area with no infrastructure. The proposed new Management Agreement would be for 50 years and include the Intake Area. Joe’s Island would not be included and would revert to Bureau of Reclamation management.
FWP prepared a Draft EA that was available for public review and comment from July 23-Aug. 7 on FWP’s Public Notice webpage: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices, by individual request, and through notice to identified interested parties. FWP did not receive comments during the public comment period.
This management agreement would allow FWP to continue daily operations and management of Intake FAS. The site receives 20,000 visits per year, with the heaviest use during paddlefish season (May-June). FWP would continue to operate and maintain Intake FAS, including the campground, boat ramp, picnic area and associated infrastructure that FWP has constructed over the last 50 years. Joe’s Island would be excluded from the agreement as it sees very low use, is difficult to access and is in the flood zone.
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