The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is seeking comment on a proposal that would allow state officials to close waters to recreation during a fire emergency.

The new rule seeks to authorize FWP to adopt temporary emergency closures of public waters to boating, floating, swimming, fishing and other uses when firefighting efforts on or near the water creates a danger to public health and safety.

A temporary emergency closure helps ensure public safety as fire-fighting crews with aircraft scoop water with large buckets while hovering over the surface of a river or lake. Under the proposal, FWP can lift the closures as soon as conditions improve and when public safety is no longer a concern in the area.

The new rule is also necessary to prevent delays in firefighting efforts, officials said.
For more information visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click Recent Public Notices.

Comments, which must be received by April 24, can be sent to Jessica Snyder, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or via e-mail to jesnyder@mt.gov.For information call 406-444-4594.