Tribe limits public recreation access to slow virus

by Lake County Leader
| April 9, 2020 9:57 AM

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council recently passed a resolution to limit access of its lands for recreation.

Tuesday, March 31, the Tribal Council ordered the temporary suspension of recreation on tribal land to non-residents of the Flathead Indian Reservation.

This resolution also restricts residents of the Reservation to day-use recreation only. These modifications are similar to restrictions that are currently being implemented throughout the state of Montana to minimize exposure and community spread of the COVID-19 virus.

March 17, the Tribal Council passed a resolution proclaiming a state of emergency on the Flathead Indian Reservation because of the deadly virus. Then, on March 26, 2020, Tribal officials enacted a resolution directing social distancing and asures to protect the public.

For community residents who chose to recreate on Tribal Land, officials remind them that Tribal conservation permits are required for individuals 12 years of age and older. Fishing permits are also required for non-member residents 14 years of age and older, both can be purchased on-line.

For more information, go to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website at www.fwp.mt.gov.

Tribal officials also want to remind community residents when recreating that trails are not cleared

and spring is when bears are emerging from their dens.

The Tribal Wildlife Management Program highly encourages people to carry bear spray while recreating. Bear spray should be readily accessible and the user should know how to use it.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Natural Resources Department is also asking that community residents tread lightly while recreating on Tribal land. During the “shelter in place” order, outdoor recreation is one of very few activities allowed, as long as social distancing is implemented.

Tribal Game Wardens are working regular shifts and will be out patrolling daily.

For more information, contact the CSKT Natural Resources Department’s Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation in Pablo at 406-675-2700, ext. 7241, or at 406-883-2888.