Meeting set to discuss changes to Wayfarers State Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will release a revised plan May 20 on proposed changes to Harry Horn day use area and Wayfarers State Park.

The state had proposed in February to build a regional administrative and maintenance facility at Harry Horn day use area in Bigfork. The state had also sought to make changes to Wayfarers State Park. After meeting with Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork the state decided to revise its plan, and has been working with CFBB leaders over the past two months on better alternatives for the parks. Harry Horn day use area, on the south edge of Bigfork, comprises about six acres of land that was donated to the Montana Department of Transportation about 15 years ago. The land was subsequently transferred to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The Horn family, in its bequest of the land, stipulated that the land be used for families and a day use area. The main entrance to Wayfarers State Park now runs through Harry Horn day use area, which has a playground and picnic area.

Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork leaders told the state in February that the state’s original plan violated the terms of the agreement of the Horn family.  The state has not released its new plan, but will have one available online soon at stateparks.mt.gov.

The meeting with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is at Bethany Lutheran Church, May 20, at 7 p.m.

CFBB president Paul Mutascio said the state has been working in earnest with local leaders to put forth a plan that reflects the Horn family’s intent. “I would encourage everybody to show up at that meeting,” he said.