CSKT increases recreation fees, closes areas for tribal use only

Skyward recreation pressures have helped spawn a hike in camping and use fees — and a handful of public closures — on Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal lands.

Effective March 1, the fee increases include a four-fold jump in annual camping costs on Flathead Reservation lands and a doubling of the tribes’ annual reservation resident conservation license, among other fee gains.

The CSKT annual camping stamp will increase to $100 for all resident types. The license will not be required for those camping with a member spouse or parent, according to a CSKT release issued Tuesday.

For reservation residents, the annual conservation license will increase to $40. The conservation license is required for general recreational uses in addition to camping.

Nonresidents of the reservation will now pay $100 for an annual conservation license, $80 for a three-day permit or $105 for a combined three-day fishing and conservation license.

Out-of-state residents will pay the same for annual and three-day conservation licenses. They will have an additional option for a one-day combined conservation and fishing license at $80. A three-day combined license for out-of-state residents will cost $146.

Discounts apply for recreationists experiencing disabilities. The changes remain effective through Feb. 28, 2023.

“No one likes change, of course,” Stephanie Gillin, CSKT Natural Resources Department information and education program manager, said while discussing backlash from the now-final fee hikes through early next year.

Compared to spendy camping fees elsewhere covering just one weekend, Gillin said, the increased annual costs for CSKT camping and conservation remain minimal.

“We don’t feel it’s significant,” she said. “With our non-Montana residents, they might have a different opinion, but they’re the ones [who] actually aren’t as negative.”

She said increased recreation pressures helped prompt CSKT also to close for member use only its popular Twin Lakes Recreation Area; the Hog Heaven Range and Chief Cliff area; and a portion of the North Salish Range dubbed the Irvine Lookout Area.

Boats and flotation devices are also now prohibited at Safe Harbor Marsh, according to CSKT.

Signs are being posted. The closures allow CSKT members seclusion, for example, to collect plants and practice other cultural activities — free of crowds.

“We’ve seen an increase in activities in those areas, and our tribal members, our culture committees have shown an interest in protecting those areas a little more,” Gillin said.

CSKT said in the release that added fees will be used for additional game wardens and outdoor recreation staff to help maintain tribal lands.

“This is important to protect our tribal lands for future generations, and protect our natural resources,” Gillin added. “That’s why we felt we needed the increase in fees.”

She said contact the CSKT Permit Office for specific boundaries of the respective closures.

Fishing fees in waters including Flathead Lake have not changed, nor have fees for non-member bird hunting on the reservation, according to the tribes.