Citizen group looks at recreation at Fish Creek

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking individuals to serve on the new Fish Creek Collaborative, a citizen advisory group that will help guide the development of a multi-use trail plan for the Fish Creek area in western Montana.

The area is in the center of Mineral County which is over 93% public land and is a mecca for outdoor recreation. The new collaborative will assist the state in identifying trail-based recreation opportunities that balance public use with resource protection and long-term sustainability on the state park, wildlife management area, and other surrounding lands in the area. 

Members of the Fish Creek Collaborative will contribute input on how best to establish a multi-use trail system on lands in Fish Creek watershed. This is an invitation to be a part of the planning process rather than being handed the master plan after it’s signed, sealed and delivered. 

With more and more out of state license plates at the trailheads not to mention the in-state vehicles, it’s crystal clear that Mineral County has been discovered.

"It is important for Mineral County residents to participate in this process and help guide the management of the resources in their backyard,” shared Ryan Klimstra, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Missoula area biologist and member of the Mineral County Resource Coalition. 

As Missoula has grown, access to outdoor recreation within an hour’s drive has become a destination. Salmon Lake, Blue Mountain Recreation Area, the now expanding Marshall Mountain and the best surprises remain semi-secretively hidden in County 54. 

The Fish Creek Collaborative will be composed of individuals representing a broad spectrum of trail interests, including off-highway vehicle users, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, trail runners, conservation advocates, and local community members. 

The group will participate in two public workshops during the summer and fall of 2025. Meetings may be held in-person or virtually. Mileage and lodging costs associated with in-person meetings will be reimbursed by the state, if needed. Fish, Wildlife and Parks welcomes applications from anyone with an interest in trail-based recreation and the future of outdoor access in the Fish Creek area. 

No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to collaborate and represent their recreational interests in a constructive and inclusive setting. 

There is no time to ponder applying as the applications are due Wednesday, May 28. Those interested in the citizen advisory group can download an application from fwp.mt.gov/ stateparks/fish-creek.