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HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen thanked elected officials, stakeholders, and other officials for a recent tour of the Fish Creek recreation area in Mineral County. More than 20 individuals participated in the field trip, which lasted more than 50 miles. The trip highlighted efforts to improve recreational opportunities, specifically with a trail plan for hiking and biking. Officials also noted the opportunities for motorized and non-motorized use.
“It’s always a beautiful day to explore Montana’s public lands,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “This trip, in particular, was a great look at the efforts of numerous organizations and individuals to increase recreation opportunities for family, friends, and neighbors visiting northwest Montana.”
Local elected officials Rep. Curtis Cochran (R–St. Regis), Sen. Denley Loge (R–St. Regis), and County Commissioner Roman Zylawy joined Secretary Jacobsen on the trip, as did officials with the Western Montana Trail Riders Association, Citizens for Balanced Use, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP).
Secretary Jacobsen, who serves on the Montana Land Board, noted the dozens of views from the ride, which provided a clearer picture of the potential for recreational trails while preserving the plant and wildlife habitat across the region. Officials also presented the Secretary with multiple areas that have introduced concerns about wildfires due to an abundance of vegetation overgrowth.
“We need to be thoughtful about the balance of our state lands,” said Secretary Jacobsen, “considering the recreation opportunities while preserving our remarkable wildlife species and mitigating wildfire threats. Fish Creek is another beautiful piece of Montana that we can all enjoy. I’m grateful to Senator Loge, Representative Cochran, and all of the organizations and individuals who made this trip happen. I look forward to seeing the project progress and can’t wait to hit the trails for the first time with my fellow Montanans.”
Montana FWP announced earlier this year it was seeking interested persons to serve on the Fish Creek Collaborative, which will provide recommendations regarding the “development, renovation, maintenance, management, usage, and promotion of recreational trails,” including the Fish Creek Trails Plan.
Interested Montanans can find more information about Fish Creek and the trails plan on the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fish-creek.
