Montana State Parks is proposing specially designed campsites for bicycles at four state parks in Northwest Montana.
The park locations are Whitefish Lake State Park; Wayfarers State Park near Bigfork; and Placid Lake and Salmon Lake state parks near Seeley Lake.
The existing sites would be enhanced with a bicycle rack, additional bear-resistant food lockers, a potable water hydrant, and a 12-foot by 16-foot covered shelter with picnic tables, a bicycle maintenance stand and two electrical outlets. The new sites would accommodate up to 10 tent spaces and include a fire ring and the same amenities proposed for the enhanced existing bicycle campsites.
The proposal would be funded by $200,000 from the Montana Department of Commerce. Because these are shared group sites that do not require space for a motor vehicle or camper parking, camping fees would be lower than standard campsite fees. Shared group bicycle sites would be available on a first come first serve basis. The sites would also be available to campers arriving by other non-motorized means such as hiking or kayaks.
The proposed improvements at existing sites and construction of new shared group bicycle campsites at two additional state parks would address the increasing demand to accommodate touring bicyclist and help support bicycle tourism in Montana.
The public is invited to comment on the draft environmental assessment. The public comment period will be open for 30 days. Comments are accepted through Friday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. To view the environmental assessment, visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmental-assessments/pn_0051.html