Improvements planned at Blanchard Lake

A significant upgrade is proposed for the parking lot and boat launch at Blanchard Lake due to increased use.

The 10-acre lake two miles from Whitefish is a popular site for fishing, boating, bird watching, and viewing wildlife.

According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks draft environmental assessment, the parking area at the fishing access is too small for the amount of use it currently receives. Recreationists are often forced to park on Blanchard Lake Drive and walk down a steep and narrow road to the lake, causing safety concerns.

Erosion of the road has caused sediment to flow into the lake, while also creating a rough surface at the boat launch.

Proposed improvements include the development of an upper parking area along Blanchard Lake Drive, and construction of a trail between the upper parking and the existing parking area. New signs and an automatic entrance gate will be installed, and the drainage of the access road and boat ramp will be improved.

Minor amounts of dust or turbidity in Blanchard Lake are anticipated during construction. A minimal amount of trees would be removed to create the upper parking area and trail.

The timing of construction would be adjusted  to avoid disturbance of loons during their nesting period.

Work is anticipated to begin this fall if the project is approved.

Public comment will be taken through Sept. 14. Email comments to Todd Garrett at tgarrett@mt.gov, or call 406-752-5501.