The new Smith River Management Plan released Monday would retain pit toilets while implementing a voluntary human-waste pack-out program; ban pets; establish a minimum age of 16 to apply for permits; and establish a random process for assigning boat camps.

People have until Jan. 30 to submit comments on the plan and the Environmental Assessment, or EA, which accompanies the document.

Currently, the Smith River is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks under a plan adopted 12 years ago.

"We want to invite Montanans and others to help us identify the best practices for managing this beloved recreational resource," said Chas Van Genderen, FWP interim Parks Division administrator. "FWP's goal is to deliver a plan that provides clear management direction for the Smith River and strikes an appropriate balance between public use and the enjoyment and stewardship of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources that make the Smith River a very special place."

Last year, a record number of people -- more than 5,800 -- applied for about 900 Smith River float permits. The peak float season is from mid-May to early July, and it typically takes about four days to float the 59-mile stretch that begins at Camp Baker near White Sulphur Springs, and ends at Eden Bridge near Ulm.

That increase in the number of people floating the Smith is one reason for updating the plan. The total number of floaters was 4,180 in 1998 compared to 4,836 in 2008. The average group size was 6.47 in 1998, compared to 7.37 in 2008.

The draft management plan is based in part on the recommendations of the Smith River Citizens Advisory Committee, which met 12 times during the past 16 months. The committee included two Smith River landowners, two county commissioners, two river recreationists, two Smith River outfitters, two FWP staffers, and two U.S. Forest Service representatives.

"The draft plan establishes a vision for recreation management of the Smith River," Van Genderen said. "The environmental assessment evaluates several management alternatives, including making no changes to existing management approaches."

Members of the citizen committee grew frustrated at times with the state officials working on the plan, and at a tense meeting in October accused them of "hijacking" their efforts to help create a new management plan for the Smith River.

Committee members weren't able to be reached late Monday for comment. However, one of the biggest concerns -- making floaters pack out all of the human waste -- is voluntary under the proposed plan.

The EA analyzes expected impacts on biological, physical, social, economic, cultural, aesthetic and administrative factors.

The public is invited to review and comment on the 129-page draft plan and EA through Jan. 30, 2009. Copies of the plan and EA are available online at fwp.mt.gov. Click "Smith River Plan."

FWP will host five open houses in January to discuss the draft plan and EA. The meetings all take place from 5 to 8 p.m., and will be held:

• Jan. 12, Helena, Red Lion Colonial Hotel, 2301 Colonial Drive

• Jan. 13, Great Falls, Civic Center, 2 Park Drive S.

• Jan. 14, White Sulphur Springs, Senior Citizen Center, 101 1st Ave. SE

• Jan. 21, Missoula, Best Western Grant Creek Inn, 5280 Grant Creek Road

• Jan. 22, Billings, Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane

FWP Director Joe Maurier will make the final decision on the plan, although any proposed changes or modifications to the number of people who can float the river, user fees or public use regulations need the approval of the FWP Commission.

Most changes or modifications are expected to be accomplished within five years of the plan's adoption.

Public comment

Click here to comment on the Smith River Management Plan.

Copies of the Smith River management plan and EA are available from most FWP offices, or by calling 406-444-3750.

Comments must be received by Jan. 30, and may be submitted in writing at the open houses; via e-mail to smithcomments@mt.gov; or by following the link above.

Mail written comments to: Smith River Plan; Montana FWP Headquarters; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.