Fort Peck hatchery

may increase production

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said today that comments on two funding options show strong support for allowing the Fort Peck Multi-Species Fish Hatchery to raise and stock more fish.

Busy month at caverns

WHITEHALL -- June has a variety of offerings from Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. This week there are two Junior Ranger Tours being offered on Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

The tours will be interactive and offer children from 6 to 15 the chance to earn a Junior Ranger Badge. These tours are $15 for accompanying adults and $8 for children and require reservations.

Saturday evening, a free slideshow on park flora and fauna is being held at the main visitor center at 7 p.m. This show should take about an hour and will be held instead of a wildflower walk this week.

Next Saturday, June 28, the caverns will hold a wildflower walk. On Tuesday, June 24, there will be an outdoor photography program held at the park's amphitheater at 8 p.m. This is a free program for Montana residents and registered campers.

For additional information and reservations for Junior Ranger Tours call Lewis and Clark Caverns at (406) 287-3541.

Outdoors-Woman

workshop slated

The 15th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held July 11-13 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula.

The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival shelter, cast a fly, use a map and compass, learn to shoot a rifle and cook a Dutch-oven treat.

New this year is a partnership with the University of Montana's Rural Institute on Disabilities MonTECH program to supply adaptive equipment at the workshop. The adaptive devices will enable women with physical disabilities to participate in the rifle, archery and fishing classes.

The $200 fee includes class instruction, meals and lodging. Partial scholarships are available. Space is limited and classes are filled as registrations are received.

Teachers who attend the workshop can receive continuing education credit from the Office of Public Instruction. The workshop is designed for women, but is open to anyone 18 years of age and over with a desire to learn new skills.

To receive more information and to register, provide your name and mailing address to the BOW Coordinator at: FWP-BOW, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620; call 406-444-2615; or email Liz Lodman at: llodman@mt.gov.

Smith River management plan maybe ready by fall

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said that a draft management for the Smith River State Park and River Corridor is underdevelopment and the public may have an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan as early as this fall.

The draft plan will be based on the recommendations of a citizen advisory committee that is helping to update the existing management plan. FWP will adopt a final plan based on the recommendations of the committee and comments from the public.

The public may participate in the development of the management plan by checking the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov for details and updates. The new plan will provide direction on how boat camps are selected, the permit allocation system, food storage, human waste management, and the pet policy.

The public may comment at any point during the planning process by going to "Management Plan" under State Parks on the FWP web page at fwp.mt.gov, or by sending an email to: csperry@mt.gov, or by phone: (406) 444-3888.

Beginning kayaking for women topic of class

Women interested in kayaking are invited to a one-day beginners class sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The two sessions, June 28 and 29, will be held at Hyalite Reservoir, south of Bozeman in the Gallatin National Forest, beginning at 9 a.m. each day.

Participants will work with a variety of stable, non-tippy kayaks including sit-on-top kayaks and sea kayaks. Participants should be able to swim and will be required to wear their own life jacket or one will be provided. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

A registration fee of $20 covers the class and lunch. Space is limited. For registration information, contact Liz Lodman at: FWP, PO Box 200701, Helena MT 59620, by phone: 406-444-2615, or by e-mail: llodman@mt.gov.

Commercial Use Permits

FWP reminds those planning commercial activities on sites managed by FWP that commercial-use permits are required.

Examples of commercial uses include guided angling and whitewater rafting, guided walks and tours, guided trail rides, boat rentals, and commercial photography.

Water-based outfitting and guiding at most FWP fishing access sites requires a $100 annual permit available online at fwp.mt.gov under Online Services, and from most FWP offices and businesses that sell licenses.

Applicants must provide an ALS number, available from any FWP office or license provider, and an outfitter or guide license number if they are certified by the Montana Board of Outfitters.

A special restricted-use permit is required for commercial use on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Blackfoot, Madison, and Smith rivers, the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River, and at Montana State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas.

Further information may also be obtained by contacting Charlie Sperry at: 406-444-3888, or by e-mail: csperry@mt.gov.