After collecting and reviewing public input, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is recommending the acquisition of 772 acres of forestland along the Flathead River near Columbia Falls to protect public recreation access, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality. Known as the Bad Rock Canyon project, the property is located off U.S. Highway 2 and would be protected as a Wildlife Management Area.

FWP produced a draft environmental assessment that detailed the proposed project and accepted public comment from Aug. 10 to Sept. 8, 2021. FWP received 209 formal comments, all in support of the project. The comments are attached to a decision notice that is posted online at https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices.

FWP will forward its recommendation to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission for a decision at its Oct. 28 meeting. If approved, the project would go before the Montana Land Board for final review at its Nov. 15 meeting.

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