Sportsman’s Bridge has seen a host of attention this year with the opening of a new fishing access site and construction beginning on a new bridge replacement.The bridge update is long awaited, with conversations about how to update the 1950s-era bridge circling for almost two decades before construction began this year. The new bridge will feature two 10-foot shoulders, a notable improvement from the current tightly built structure.
In advance of the bridge, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Montana Department of Transportation (DOT) opened a new 18-acre fishing access site on the Flathead River.
The site, now on the west side of the river, opened in early August. It features a concrete boat ramp, 11 standard vehicle parking spots and 39 truck and trailer parking stalls, with approximately 1,000 feet of river shoreline. Those changes enhance “safety and capacity for recreationists,” FWP officials noted in a late July press release.
Since its opening, however, not all users have agreed the changes to the access site are improvements. One Facebook commenter called the boat launch a “downgrade,” typing up concerns about boulders that now line parts of the shore. Others have shared their gripes about the slope of the new ramp causing difficulties loading and unloading boats. Still, others seem not to mind the changes.
While I continue to weed through the various feedback, toss me a line if you have thoughts on the new fishing access site.
I’m Zoë Buhrmaster. Let’s get to the rest of the Daily Roundup.
Rape Trial Begins for Former Flathead Youth Hockey Coach
Jami Leslie James, 50, is accused of sexually assaulting three players who were under age 10 at the time of the alleged incidents. He is standing trial in Butte-Silver Bow County.
Meet Magnolia, a 7-year-old feline with “Beauty, Charm, and Biscuit-Making Skills.” A social butterfly, Magnolia gets along well with human and non-human friends. She’s into cuddles and when she’s feeling extra happy, that’s when the kneading skills come out.
To find out more about Magnolia and other pet adoption opportunities at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana go to: www.humanesocietypets.com. To donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, visit the organization’s donation page here.
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