HELENA – Fish and wildlife officials have passed Montana’s first-ever statewide fisheries plan, though critics say it’s confusing and doesn’t go far enough in areas.
The Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission adopted the plan last week after 10 public meetings and a year in the making.
Commissioners say the plan puts together seven regions with different fisheries and guides how they will operate in the future.
Montana Trout Unlimited conservation director Mark Aagenes says parts of the plan are good but his members are confused by much of it. He says the plan does not highlight how habitat will be protected or address artificial ponds.
He says there is not enough about the illegal introduction of fish and native versus non-native species.