Governor Judy Martz recently signed an executive order which created the State Park Futures II Committee. This committee, made up of five legislators and four citizens, will be reviewing the state of the State Parks System over the next year, reporting to the governor and the Legislature by the close of 2002.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Governor Judy Martz joined a nationwide movement to waive fees at Montana State Parks over the Veterans Day Weekend. "Montana is joining in a nationwide move to make it easier for Americans to draw strength from the natural wonders and beauty around them during this time of tragedy and uncertainty," said Gov. Martz. Martz said Montanans are blessed with many places to turn in times of need. Some of the most outstanding are preserved as Montana State Parks. U.S.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Logan State Park, located on Middle Thompson Lake 45 miles west of Kalispell on Highway 2, has undergone a $400,000 facelift. The entrance road has been rerouted to provide safer roads and camping spurs have been paved. A flush toilet with shower facilities is now available, one camp site has been made handicapped accessible, and camp sites were lengthened to accommodate larger units. In addition, all the tables and fire rings were replaced.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

The Parks Division is pleased to introduce Woody Baxter as our new Regional Park Manager in Region 6 (Glasgow). The position is a new one for northeastern Montana and completes the goal of having a permanent Park Manager in each of the seven administrative regions of the state. Woody is a long-time FWP employee who previously managed the Blackfoot River program in the Missoula area.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

At the end of June, the Parks Division received 18 grant applications for outdoor recreation projects from local communities. Successful applicants will be funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a federal grants program administered by FWP. Eligible applicants include; incorporated city or towns, counties, school districts, or tribal governments.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

I have a terrier, and like all terriers he isn't too bright when it comes to skunks. The following recipe is the best I have found for de-skunking a dog. Unfortunately, I have had lots of practice. Mix the following: 1 qt. Hydrogen Peroxide 1/4 c. Baking Soda 1 tsp. liquid dish soap Either wash or just wet the dog, then mix the above and apply.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Hell Creek State Park, a water-based recreation site, is located on the south shore of Fort Peck Reservoir, some 26 miles north of Jordan. The tremendous fishery of Fort Peck is what brings the majority of visitors to the park. The increased popularity of the Fort Peck fishery is reflected by the ten-fold increase in recreational visits to Hell Creek since 1994.During tournament weekends and during the peak fishing time in June and July, the park is host to over 100 camps.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

The Recreational Trails Program, administered by your State Parks Division, will provide $1.4 million for Montana trails over the next two years. These funds can be used for all types of trails including non-motorized, motorized, multiple use, community, rural and back country. Public agencies and private trail clubs are eligible to receive money from this program. Earlier in 2001, FWP provided $714,000 to 41 trail projects.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Nine students from various colleges around Montana did some "on the job" training in state parks during the summer months.As they completed requirements for their major course studies, they learned how to apply what they learned in the classroom to the field. The Parks Division, in turn, received some excellent products and services as a result of the students' time spent working at various locations around the state.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Montana Governor Judy Martz announced the State Park Poster theme for 2002. The theme this year will be, "Montana State Parks A symbol of Freedom, Inspiration and Hope." With tragedies like those that took place on September 11 th , it is comforting to know that we have many rich resources of recreation in Montana that provide a special place for contemplation and reflection. Parks are a place of unity for families and can provide a place of respite from a troubled world.
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

December 12 - Chief Plenty Coups State Park Christmas Stroll 22-23 -Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Candlelight Tours 26 - Bannack State Park Ice skating at Bannack 29-30 - Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Candlelight Tours …
(Parks - November 30, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is looking for persons interested in serving on the Recreational Steering Committee for the Blackfoot River.  The Recreational Steering Committee is a volunteer citizen's advisory group designed to assist FWP in long range planning for future river recreation on the Blackfoot River.
(Parks - November 28, 2001)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 121, which includes a portion of Sanders County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, November 27, 2001.   This hunting district will reopen to the winter season of mountain lion hunting on December 1, 2001.
(Headlines - November 26, 2001)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 340, which include portions of Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, November 21, 2001.            This hunting district will reopen to the winter season of mountain lion hunting on December 1, 2001.
(Headlines - November 20, 2001)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council will meet November 28-29 in Helena at the Super 8 Motel, 2200 11 Ave.  The Council, a group of landowners, hunters, and outfitters appointed by Gov. Judy Martz, will discuss elk management strategies, outfitter industry issues, and public hunting access incentives.  The Council will meet Wednesday, November 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. for information briefings, with work sessions scheduled for Thursday, November 29, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 350 and 318, in portions of Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, November 20, 2001. These hunting districts will reopen to the winter season of mountain lion hunting on December 1, 2001.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 283 and 285, which include portions of Missoula and Powell counties, closed at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, November 14, 2001.  These hunting districts will reopen to the winter season of mountain lion hunting on December 1, 2001.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission adopted fishing regulations for the 2002-2003 fishing seasons at its Nov. 8 meeting in Helena. Most of the changes adopted by the Commission were distributed to the public for review and comment in August, September and October.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission adopted the final annual rule for 2002 Nonresident Combination hunting licenses at its Nov. 8 meeting. The main changes from 2001 are an increase in the price of the Outfitter-Sponsored Big Game Combination License from $975 to $1,100, and an increase in the price of the Outfitter-Sponsored Elk Combination License from $875 to $1,000.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved a final biennial rule that sets State Parks fees through 2003. The resident State Parks Passport will go from $20 to $24.  The second and third passports purchased will increase from $10 to $15 each.  Montana State Parks Passports can be purchased at FWP regional office or on line at FWP’s web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks   or on www.discoveringmontana.com .
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

            The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved revisions to the big game license drawing bonus point system to clarify that bonus points are awarded only when a participant in a license drawing is unsuccessful.  The revisions also make it clear that an individual may not "purchase" or be awarded a bonus point without applying for a license awarded through a drawing.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

            Montana’s big game hunting seasons for deer and elk, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat all close November 25.  The big game seasons will not be extended, said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials.             The 2001 Montana fishing season on rivers and streams will close November 30.  Details and exceptions on the few larger rivers that remain open year round are available in the Fishing Regulations.  Montana lakes remain open the entire year.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

            Volunteers at Montana’s State Parks are often the smile behind the welcome to a State Park.  Volunteers may be campground hosts, working on maintenance projects, planning special parks events, or doing a variety of other essential jobs.  "During 2001, volunteers donated work equivalent to that of 13.5 full time employees on the payroll," said Debbie Cheek, Montana State Parks field support supervisor.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

This year’s Montana State Park’s poster contest theme "Montana State Parks—A Symbol of Freedom, Inspiration and Hope" was launched this month.  The deadline for entries is Friday, April 5, 2002. "We thought that this year it would be appropriate for the poster contest theme to reflect our renewed awareness of how precious our way of life is," said Debbie Cheek, FWP Parks Division field administrator.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

Hunters in Montana will be required to successfully complete a bear identification test beginning next year to obtain a Montana black bear license, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission decided at its Nov. 8 meeting in Helena.
(Headlines - November 19, 2001)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council will meet November 28-29 in Helena at the Super 8 Motel, 2200 11 th Ave.  The Council, a group of landowners, hunters, and outfitters appointed by Gov. Judy Martz, will discuss elk management strategies, outfitter industry issues, and public hunting access incentives.  The Council will meet Wednesday, November 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. for information briefings, with work sessions scheduled for Thursday, November 29, from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Headlines - November 14, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering up to $100,000 in federal wildlife conservation funds to organizations and individuals seeking to complete a variety of native fish and wildlife conservation projects in Montana. The funds -- to be spent in 2002 and early 2003 -- are being offered by FWP via the federal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program created by federal legislation last year.  Only one year of funding was approved under the federal legislation.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

            The growing popularity of 16-channel two-way radios is pushing this technology into the field with hunters, potentially increasing technology-related hunting violations.  Montana law prohibits the use of two-way radio communication in hunting or chasing big game animals or in attempting to avoid game check stations, FWP enforcement personnel or in other unlawful activities.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

            Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteer advisory committee members for the State Trails Advisory Committee.  The committee advises the agency on the expenditure of up to $735,000 of Recreational Trails Program funds, discusses recreational trails issues and recommends solutions to trials issues.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

            Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a Snowmobile Safety Instructors workshop Dec. 1-2 at the White Sulphur Springs Senior Center, 101 First Ave. SE.             The course, offered at no charge, is to certify or recertify Snowmobile Safety Instructors to teach the Montana Snowmobile Safety course in their communities.  This course trains instructors to teach snowmobile safety, troubleshooting, riding techniques and ethics and winter survival skills, including avalanche awareness.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

On the heels of one of the driest summers on record in northern Montana, a $1 million grant promises to soon bring more water to the Hi-Line. "This is the largest grant we’ve seen for farmers and ranchers on the Hi-Line to conserve potholes and prairie," said Jim Stutzman, project leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission awarded the grant for the "Montana Hi-Line Prairie Wetland Project" in September.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

Larry Peterman, a 29-year veteran of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, was recently named the agency's chief of operations. Peterman, 56, was promoted from his post as FWP's Fisheries Division administrator, which he's held since 1990. Peterman replaces Rich Clough, who retired in June.  Peterman began is career with FWP in 1972 as a fisheries biologist in Miles City. In 1978, he became the agency's water resource supervisor and later FWP's resource program manager.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

            Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds trappers and others that Montana’s furbearer season for beaver, mink, muskrat and otter is now open and runs from Nov. 1 to April 15, 2002.  The season for bobcat, fisher, marten and wolverine runs Dec. 1 to Feb. 15, 2002 in the western portion of Montana and from Dec. 1 to March 1, 2002 for bobcat in the rest of the state.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on proposed changes in landowner floating opportunities on the Smith River.  The FWP Commission approved the tentative biennial rule during its Oct. 12 meeting in Helena.  The Commission will adopt a final rule during its Dec. 13 and 14 meeting. The changes proposed in the rule would provide expanded floating opportunities for landowners along the Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

            The recent death of an elk hunter in western Montana has made all hunters more aware of the tragic consequences of unexpected encounters with grizzly bears and other predatory animals in the wild.             "As unusual as incidents of this kind are, the tragedy has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on hunters and others who spend time outdoors," said Glenn Erickson, FWP’s wildlife management bureau chief.
(Headlines - November 09, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering up to $100,000 in federal wildlife conservation funds to organizations and individuals seeking to complete a variety of native fish and wildlife conservation projects in Montana.  The funds–to be spent in 2002 and early 2003--are being offered by FWP via the federal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program created by federal legislation last year.  Only one year of funding was approved under the federal legislation.
(Headlines - November 07, 2001)

An adult female grizzly bear and two cubs that mauled and killed a hunter were shot and killed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials today at 9:30 a.m. on the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area, 38 miles northeast of Missoula. "We are confident we’ve removed the bears that mauled Timothy Hilston," said Bill Thomas, FWP information officer.
(Headlines - November 02, 2001)

          By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, Hunting District 424, which includes portions of Lewis and Clark County, will be closed to all hunting of either-sex elk, effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, November 2, 2001.  The season will remain open for brow-tined bull elk until November 25, 2001.
(Headlines - November 02, 2001)

      By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 442, which includes portions of Lewis and Clark and Teton counties, will be closed to all hunting of either-sex elk, effective one hour after sunset on Saturday, November 3, 2001.  The check station quotas have been met.      Elk hunting remains open for brow-tined bull elk until November 25, 2001.
(Headlines - November 02, 2001)

The Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area, 38 miles northeast of Missoula, is closed to all access due to grizzly bear danger, according to Bill Thomas, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks information officer in Missoula.  FWP officials believe a hunter found dead on the WMA on Wednesday was mauled by a grizzly bear.  The WMA was posted as closed and officials set traps Wednesday night The WMA will remain closed as state and federal wildlife officials work to locate or trap the bear.
(Headlines - November 01, 2001)

  The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 320 and 333, which include portions of Madison, Silver Bow, Gallatin and Jefferson counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, November 3, 2001.  These hunting districts will reopen to the winter season of mountain lion hunting on December 1, 2001.
(Headlines - November 01, 2001)