Smith Applications

Sun., Jan. 23, 2000

By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508

River running

The deluge of nearly 4,000 applications for permits to float Montana’s Smith River has flooded the small regional office in Great Falls.

Applications to float the river this year are being routed to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Helena.

The 60-mile stretch through Smith River State Park from Camp Baker west of White Sulphur Springs, Mont., to Eden Bridge is prized by floaters and anglers. To avoid congestion, only nine groups are allowed to launch each day of the float season.

The deadline to apply for a launch date is Feb. 15. Applications must have original signatures that cannot be faxed or photo copied.

Applications are available on the Internet at http:\fwp.state.mt.us. Click the parks icon.

Montana residents pay $20 for a permit. Nonresidents pay $40. Those who draw permits must pay an additional $15 for each resident age 12 and older in the party on the float. Nonresidents must pay $35 per person.

Only one application per person is allowed. Drawing results will be mailed by March 3. Refunds will be mailed by March 15.

Daily management of the Smith River program will remain in the department’s Great Falls office, (406) 454-5861.

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Smith Applications

Jesse Tinsley

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