Flathead Wild and Scenic Rivers comment

Montana Sportsmen Alliance (MSA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the “Proposed Action for the Comprehensive River Plan for the Flathead Wild and Scenic River System”. This proposal quite thoroughly describes past and current uses of the Three Forks of the Flathead River.

Overall, this plan does a good job of describing past and current uses by various entities. However, the Proposed User Capacity (persons/day) seems high and unsustainable for many segments of the river system if other resources and wilderness experiences are to be protected.

For example, on two segments of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River (MU2 and MU3), the Plan proposes to increase the total outfitter and guide service days from the current 35,713 to 86,000. We do not see how this is sustainable, especially given that river use is increasing by non-outfitted users as well. We believe a serious comparison and analysis should be made between current fish numbers and distribution and what was present in the mid-1970s when the Three Forks of the Flathead River were designated under the Wild and Scenic River System. Bull trout numbers have definitely taken a major hit. Other effects on resources such as available camping spots, weed distribution, etc. should also be included. We at MSA ask that a much more conservative approach to the use of the Three Forks of the Flathead River be taken, especially in reference to its use by outfitters and guides. We thank you for this opportunity to comment.