News you can use
News you can use
U.S. Bureau of Land Management officials patrol the Missouri River in Upper Missouri River Breaks Management. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks law enforcement officers joined BLM and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement rangers on patrols of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument over Memorial Day weekend. The rangers patrolled more than 100 miles of the river and provided information about safety and regulations to more than 50 boats. Seasonal boating restrictions go into effect Thursday in the monument.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management officials patrol the banks of the Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks Monument over Memorial Day Weekend. Seasonal boating restrictions on the monument go into effect Thursday.
Press release
FORT BENTON - As paddle fishing season winds down, the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument begins seasonal boating restrictions along segments of the river designated as wild and scenic.
Starting Thursday, June 15, seasonally restricted segments include:
• Pilot Rock to Deadman's Rapids (River Mile 52 to 84.5): Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speeds, every day.
• Holmes Council Island to Fred Robinson Bridge (River Mile 92.5 to 149)
- Motorized watercraft travel downstream only at no-wake speedsThursday Friday and Saturday.
- No motorized watercraft travel Sunday, Monday and Wednesday
In these segments, upstream travel by motorized watercraft is limited to administrative, emergency or law enforcement watercraft. A no-wake speed is defined as a speed where no white water occurs in the path of the vessel or in waves created by the vessel.
Open segments allowing motorized travel upstream and downstream all year long are:
• Fort Benton to Pilot Rock (River mile 0 to 52)
• Deadman's Rapids to Holmes Council Island (River mile 84.5 to 92.5)
Seasonal restrictions will be in effect until Sept. 15. Depending on water levels and the size of the boat, inherent dangers exist with gravel bars, rocks, and other hazards.
Campsites along the river are open, with most use occurring during the weekends. Coal Banks Landing Campground is the only site with a potable water system in operation. James Kipp Recreation Area is the only site with an RV dump station for a fee of $10 per use.
Monument staff have a few reminders for recreationists along the river:
• A lifejacket is required for each passenger in any kind of boat.
• Campers are advised to haul or stage potable water along their routes.
• Personal toilets are required for overnight campers.
• Expect to see cattle grazing along the river.
• To support nesting birds, camping is not allowed on islands until August.
• Avoid camping beneath large cottonwood branches.
• Always file a float plan with friends or a loved one.
• Be bear (and raccoon!) aware and responsible with food.
• Fees paid here stay here; the cash you leave in fee slips pays for maintenance of those exact boat ramps and camp sites.
The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center in Fort Benton continues to provide information and maps and guides for purchase, plus videos about the monument. The center's hours of operations are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, people can call the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center at 406-622-4000. To view maps, guides and regulations online, people can visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/montana-dakotas/upper-missouri-river-breaks .
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