FWP plans to put parking area near Highway 2 for Bad Rock WMA

Hungry Horse News

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has released an environmental assessment for a formal parking area in the Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area.

The 12-spot gravel lot would be constructed on the east side of the WMA and the trailhead would be protected by a gate.

The WMA is closed to general public entry from late October to May 15. In October, it closes due to a youth hunting season, then in December it closes entirely to protect wintering wildlife until May 15.

The other five months of the year it is open to the public for hiking and bicycling on approved trails. FWP acquired the 772-acres of land, with much public support, in 2021.

Currently most users have been accessing the WMA from the south by parking at River Road, though that access is disputed by a neighboring landowner, the EA notes. The River Road site has inadequate parking as well and can get swampy.

This new lot would be within the WMA boundaries and would have no impacts, as it’s part of an old borrow area along the highway.

Construction is slated for September. There would also be interpretative signage installed.

Folks can comment of the proposed plan by contacting:

FWP biologist Franz Ingelfinger at fingelfinger@mt.gov or by mail at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 490 North Meridian Rd Kalispell, MT 59901.

The comment period ends June 27.