Walleye debate continues on Noxon Reservoir

NOXON - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced that a revised environmental assessment will be prepared to respond to overwhelming opposition about a proposal to suppress the population of walleye in Noxon Reservoir. The proposal would be conducted over a period of six years and concerns a species that they consider undesirable and illegally introduced.

According to FWP, based on the amount of questions and comments concerning the original draft environmental assessment, measures to revise the draft were undertaken to clarify the objectives of the proposal. The original draft was released for public comment for 30 days on February 28.

After a public meeting was held in Thompson Falls on March 19, many anglers that support the presence of the walleye expressed their opposition to the proposal. According to FWP, a total of 431 comments were received with the overwhelming majority opposing the suppression effort.

Based on the level of opposition and the many questions surrounding the methodology of suppression, the period for public comment was extended through April 19. The revised EA will seek to address the concerns of those in the community and provide additional information.

The position of FWP is that the walleye is an illegally introduced species that threatens the well being of native species within the Noxon Reservoir. FWP maintains that the methods of suppressing the walleye including the use of gillnets and electrofishing will leave native species largely undisturbed.

Anglers who come to the area specifically to fish for walleye are staunchly opposed to the proposal. Representatives from the Noxon Warm Water Fisheries Association maintain that the fish are here and the revenue generated from anglers coming to the area will be lost if the walleye are eradicated.