CSKT lands, boat launches only open to tribal residents due to COVID-19

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

It includes the closure of boat launches at Blue Bay and Salish Point to non-reservation residents.

“Those launches are only open to reservation residents,” Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe Fish and Wildlife Department Manager Tom McDonald. “We’re not trying to limit people fishing in the lake, but we do want to limit travel from people outside the county.”

McDonald said he realized spawning perch drew anglers from all over Western Montana, but “let’s not spread coronavirus.”

“Our intent is to have people recreate closer to home,” McDonald said. “Anglers launching from Yellow Bay is a longer trip for anglers, but it’s an option.”

McDonald also said he hopes Governor Steve Bullock lifts some of the travel restrictions soon so CSKT can get the Mack Days fishing tournament started again.

“We will extend it as well, if we need to,” McDonald said.

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.