Decision notice released for state park

THOMPSON FALLS – Montana State Parks announced last week that a decision notice has been issued regarding improvements to facilities and fish habitat at the Family Fishing Pond in Thompson Falls State Park.

The decision is to move forward with proposed improvements to the fish pond.

The project will increase the surface area of the pond by a total of 1.1 acres and improve the facilities available to those accessing the state park.

Regional Manager Dave Landstrom of Montana State Parks was excited about the project and its positive impact on Thompson Falls State Park.

“We are very comfortable there aren’t any negative impacts and quite a few positive impacts with this project,” Landstrom said.

Landstrom added in addition to increasing the surface area of the fishing pond, the improvements will include dredging the pond deepening the body of waters maximum depth to 20 feet.

He also noted the project will help to increase habitat for animals within the pond.

“Ideally this project will allow us to have fish in the pond that will survive longer,” Landstrom said.

According to Landstrom the pond is stocked with approximately 500 fish annually.

Other improvements to the pond area include two universally accessible fishing platforms, a picnic shelter, improved signage and improved vehicle parking.

The improvement project will also include the removal of a causeway that currently divides the pond and construction of a trail from the parking area to and around the pond itself.

Currently the pond is only accessible via a rough footpath that in areas can pose difficulty for individuals with mobility challenges.

Re-vegetation of the site will take place as needed once construction is completed.

Landstrom was quick to note this project would not have been possible without assistance from Avista Corp.

“The only reason we ware able to do this project is because of Avista Corp,” Landstrom said.

A public comment process for the proposed project was open from May 1 through June 4 of 2015.

During this time frame seven public comments were received in support of the project while none were received opposing the improvements.  

The improvements will be made through collaboration between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Avista Corp.