First dock proposed for Wild Horse Island

Officials at the Montana State Parks Department want to know how the public feels about installing a first-ever dock near Wild Horse Island.

The project is explained thoroughly in a Draft Environmental Assessment for a Proposed Public Dock Installation at Wild Horse Island State Park on Flathead Lake near Polson, MT.

The public can comment on the proposed project until 5 p.m. May 30.

The proposed project would place a floating 8’x60’ dock at Wild Horse Island in Skeeko Bay and would provide public access for loading and unloading passengers as well as provide administrative access for work crews engaged in natural resource management and general park maintenance.

During the shoulder season, the dock would be available for visitor boat mooring.

State Parks administrators said that to access the park, visitors typically beach their boats and disembark by climbing over the bow and leaping to shore, which officials believe can make access hazardous, particularly for visitors that are physically challenged.

Additionally, Montana State Parks staff frequently conducts work at the park that entails off-loading of equipment and supplies, which is also considered a hazard without a dock.

To view a full copy of the environmental assessment visit stateparks.mt.gov and click “Public Notices.”

The public is invited to comment online at stateparks.mt.gov and click “submit comments.”

The public can also submit comments by email to agrout@mt.gov or by regular mail to: Flathead Lake State Park Ranger Station, 8600 MT Hwy 35, Big Fork, MT 59911.