Fish and Wildlife Commission Rejects ‘Quiet Waters’ Proposal
Five-member commission unanimously denies request to limit personal watercraft on certain rivers
By Dillon Tabish
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously rejected a proposal to prohibit personal watercraft, such as JetSkis and Wave Runners, on certain rivers, including part of the Flathead.
After months of public debate among a divided sportsmen’s community, the five-member commission rebuffed the Quiet Waters initiative at its meeting on May 26.
During a public hearing before the vote, a majority of residents who spoke up expressed disapproval of the initiative, which would have set new restrictions targeting personal watercraft, defined as recreational watercraft that a rider sits or stands atop, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner. Kayaks, canoes and other traditional motorboats would not have been impacted.
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a national sportsman group headquartered in Missoula, is spearheading the initiative. The group was asking Montana to implement new rules for certain waterways to address growing conflicts and safety and environmental concerns. The group says new advanced motorized boats are utilizing Montana’s waterways that were previously inaccessible to motorized use.
The initiative sought to expand limitations on 17 stretches of rivers and creeks across Montana, including the Flathead, Stillwater and Whitefish rivers. The commission sided with those who said the restrictions would create outsized limitations for recreationists. Opponents, including a group of state lawmakers from the Flathead Valley, say the proposed changes will hinder recreation opportunities, hurt local businesses and infringe on public access.
A motion to extend the public comment period for another six months was denied before the commission approved a motion to deny the proposal.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission is now made up of Tim Aldrich in District 1 (Northwest Montana), chairman Dan Vermillion in District 2 (Southwest Montana), Richard Stuker in District 3 (North-Central Montana), Logan Brower in District 4 (Northeast Montana) and Shane Colton in District 5 (Northeast Montana).