Input sought on off-road vehicle use at Fish Creek

The term off-highway vehicle includes all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. Off-highway vehicle use zones are posted or designated for off-highway vehicle use.

Local residents who uses an off-highway vehicle in the Fish Creek area is asked to provide input on future use in the popular destination.

In September, several organizations gathered at the Big Pine fishing access in Fish Creek State Park for an on-site tour of the region. This tour included the Fish Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) that is under the watch of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the lead organization of the planning process.

Global Park Solutions is working with the University of Montana to assist FWP through the complex gathering of information. The next meeting asking for public input will be held in the Mineral County Commissioners Office on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be a zoom link for those that cannot attend.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear from individuals and user groups about current and future OHV use in these areas while considering the primary purpose and goals of the wildlife area (i.e., to provide high quality summer and winter habitat/range for wildlife species, specifically elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer).

The information gathered will help guide any further recreation planning efforts for Fish Creek. Comments are being solicited by contacting Travis Anklam, Center for Natural Resources & Environmental Policy, University of Montana travis.anklam@umt.edu or (406) 529-2066. The zoom link can be obtained from Ryan Klimstra, Missoula Area Biologist with FWP. ryan.klimstra@mt.gov or (406) 431-0362.