FWP taking comments on fee change proposals

From FWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is taking public comment on two proposed rule changes: one on commercial use of fishing access sites and wildlife management areas and another that would increase camping fees at fishing access sites.

The change to the commercial use rule, viewable online at fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/rules/pn_0216.html, would affect the price of a filming permit for any FAS or WMA. Currently permits are progressively more expensive as the size of the filming crew exceeds 21. The new rule condenses this into one rate for these large groups and at the same time establishes a higher permit fee.

The FAS camping fee proposal would be a change to the biennial fishing access site rule, viewable online at fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/rules/pn_0217.html, and would increase the camping fees at FASs from $7 to $12 for fishing-license holders, and from $12 to $18 for non-license holders.

FWP will accept public comment on these proposed changes through Nov. 22. The Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider these comments when making a final decision on the proposed changes at its Dec. 8 meeting. Should the commission approve the fee changes, they will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2017 to Dec. 31, 2018.

Proposed changes can be found online at fwp.mt.gov, News then Recent Public Notices. Comments can be provided online, or sent by mail to FWP, Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620.