Three Forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River Planning Update

Only about once in a generation does a Wild and Scenic river go through a process to update its Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP). Here in the Flathead, the North, Middle and South Forks of the Flathead River are our only Wild and Scenic Rivers, and therefore have the benefit of a management plan to guide their protection.

Designated by congress on October 12, 1976 (Public Law 94-486), the 3 forks of the Flathead Wild and Scenic River are currently managed under the 1980 Flathead River Management Plan.  For the last couple of years, the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park have been drafting an updated CRMP for these rivers with extensive input from the public. A proposed action was released to the public in the late summer of 2019, where feedback was requested and incorporated.

This year the draft CRMP and Environmental Analysis  is expected to be released and approved by the agencies as the new CRMP for the Three Forks. The CRMP is a really important document as it sets goals and benchmarks for these rivers and guides restoration and management objectives for the next generation. Your participation in this process is encouraged and we hope you join us in seeing the plan put to action. This new CRMP will help guide FRA’s stewardship activities that will help protect and enhance the three forks for current and future generations.