Outdoor news
Canyon trail
The Gateway to Glacier Trail organization will hold their monthly meeting at Freedom Bank in Columbia Falls on Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. They are currently planning a Pedal/Paddle for Paths event for June 21. The group is raising funds for a separated bike and pedestrian path connecting Columbia Falls with Bad Rock Canyon. For more information, contact Sarah Dakin at 406-892-5512 or sarahbow@bresnan.net.
Public comments
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking comments though June 23 on some upcoming hunting seasons and additional proposals related to sage grouse and wolves. One wolf proposal would create a statewide annual quota of 100 wolves that could be taken by landowners without a license if wolves are a potential threat to human safety, livestock or pets. For more information, visit online at http://fwp.mt.gov and click Hunting. Online comments are preferred. Written comments can be mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Attn: Wildlife Public Comments, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701.
FWP Commission meets
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet at Montana FWP Headquarters, 1420 East Sixth Avenue, in Helena, on Thursday, June 12, at 8:30 a.m. Final decisions will be made on a petition to expand no-wake rules on the Whitefish River in Whitefish, how officials will respond to unauthorized placement of live fish in public waters, mountain lion quotas, white-tailed deer antlerless B licenses and other proposals. The full agenda and additional information is available online at www.fwp.mt.gov, click “For Commission Information.”
Firewood cutting
The Hungry Horse Ranger District will open up 12 miles of forest along the west side Hungry Horse Reservoir Road, from the dam to Lid Creek, for firewood cutting through Friday, June 27. Firewood cutting and gathering will be restricted to designated areas clearly marked with signs saying, “Entering Firewood Cutting Area” and “Leaving Firewood Cutting Area.” A personal-use firewood permit is available for a minimum of four cords of wood for $20. For more information, call 406-387-3800 or visit online at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/passes-permits.
Without barriers
The 21st annual Fishing Without Barriers Day will be held on Flathead Lake on Thursday, June 12. Anglers with disabilities will be hosted for free fishing trips on charter boats and other boats provided by volunteers. The event includes a special barbecue and a lake trout fish fry and lots of prizes. The event is sponsored by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Crossing the Barriers Committee, and the Montana Charter Boat Association. Hidden Harbor will provide boat launching, and Woods Bay RV Park and Campground provides picnic facilities. There are still slots available for anglers with disabilities, especially for anglers under 18. To register, call FWP at 752-5501.