The 479-page document is disappointing. It is less a plan, which implies action and measurable objectives, and more a detailed catalogue of existing management in all the state's major watersheds. As a basic inventory, it's a good product. But there is little in the document that provides fresh insight on future management goals and how they will be met. In short, though valuable as a reference document on current management direction - but lacking in measurable data on fishery trends - the plan falls short of expectations created by FWP managers. 

Nonetheless, we recommend you scan part II of the document (found here) for the waters that concern you and then submit comments.  Also, in your own words comment on these points: 

• Compliment FWP for cataloguing existing fishery management in one reference document but ask them to name the document appropriately.  

• Express disappointment that FWP's significant investment in manager and field biologist time in creating the document didn't result in a significant new tool for improving fishery management decisions. (Issues where FWP should push for better proactive management include; native trout management, artificial fishponds, aquatic invasive species, improving habitat, managing instream flows and hatchery management.) 

• Tell FWP to better describe, emphasize and commit to the importance of wild fish management, the backbone of Montana's best-in-the-nation trout program.

• Request that the agency not ignore the value of existing classifications that have served the state well, such as designation of "Blue Ribbon" and "Red Ribbon" streams. 

• Urge the department to highlight the negative impacts from illegal introductions and modify descriptions in its water-by-water tables in this way: 1.) in descriptions of "Origin" of a fishery, identify illegally stocked species as "illegally introduced;" 2.) make it clear that "conservation" populations of certain species are also generally recreational fisheries; and 3.) clarify that all illegally introduced species targeted for "suppression" should not also be managed with "general" regulations because it is contradictory. 

Send your comments by Oct. 26!

For more information, to read the plan or to submit online comments click here. 

Send written comments to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Attention: Fish Plan Comments

1420 E. 6th Ave.

PO Box 200701

Helena, MT 59620-0701

For more information contact Mark Aagenes at mark@montanatu.org