Citizen Group proposes

The Swan Sites Homeowners group along the Swan River has petitioned the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to amend the boating regulations for a reach of the Swan River from the outlet of Swan Lake to the confluence with Bear Creek.  This four mile stretch contains Class II whitewater popular for kayak instruction, canoeists, tubers, fishermen and swimmers. Montana FWP is accepting public comments on this proposal through January 30, 2004.

Comments can be submitted electronically or via U.S. Postal Service.  Be sure to reference the no wake amendment. 

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
Attention Ed Kelly
490 Meridian Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
ekelly@state.mt.us

RE: Swan River No Wake Zone, Amendment to ARM 12.11.640

American Whitewater filed a letter supporting the no-wake amendment to the boating regulations.  Ideally, this reach would be closed to motorboats in it’s entirety for public safety and wildlife protection reasons. The channel is narrow with numerous boulder obstructions making it difficult to navigate in motorized craft.  Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reluctant to close the section to motorized craft opting instead to limit the wake. 

American Whitewater has been working locally with the Swan Sites Homeowners Group on river access, parking, and public safety.  This is a great example of whitewater boaters solving issues cooperatively with a homeowners group adjacent to a navigable waterway.