
Your Voice Could Save This Iconic Montana Feature—Act Now
A summary of the key information is provided at the bottom of the article.
BUTTE, MT - The Flathead River—one of Montana's most iconic and cherished natural wonders—is at a breaking point.

For the first time in over four decades, the U.S. Forest Service is launching an ambitious effort to rewrite the outdated management plan that governs the three forks of this Wild and Scenic River.
And they need you to weigh in.
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a Montana issue. The Flathead River isn’t just a recreational gem; it’s a lifeline for our state’s economy, environment, and identity. Every Montanan has a stake in what happens next.
A River in Crisis
Since the current plan was drafted in 1980, the Flathead has become a hotspot for adventure-seekers. From kayakers and anglers to campers and hikers, the river draws visitors in droves, and it’s taking a toll.
Erosion, pollution, overcrowding, and habitat loss are threatening to irreversibly damage this irreplaceable treasure.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Without immediate action, the Flathead River could lose what makes it so uniquely Montanan: its pristine beauty and wild nature.
If we don’t step up now, what will we leave for future generations?
How It Affects Every Montanan
The health of the Flathead River impacts all of us, from farmers who rely on clean water to sustain crops, to business owners whose livelihoods depend on Montana’s tourism economy.
Wildlife that Montanans hold dear—grizzly bears, trout, bald eagles—depend on the Flathead’s fragile ecosystem. And if you’re a taxpayer? The costs of neglecting these issues could skyrocket as restoration becomes more difficult and expensive.
The Forest Service Needs Your Voice
To tackle these challenges, the Forest Service is calling on all Montanans to help shape the river’s future. A series of public feedback sessions begins next week, offering a rare opportunity to make your voice heard on issues that could define Montana’s legacy.
This is your chance to speak up for cleaner water, sustainable recreation, and the preservation of one of Montana’s greatest natural assets.
Without strong public involvement, decisions about the Flathead’s future may be made without considering the full impact on our state’s people and environment.
The Time to Act Is Now
Montana is at a crossroads. Will we protect the Flathead River and all it represents, or let its challenges spiral out of control? The Forest Service’s plan will shape the next chapter of this river’s story—and your voice could make all the difference.
Don’t wait. Join a public feedback session, share your perspective, and help ensure the Flathead River remains a source of pride, wonder, and prosperity for every Montanan.
The future of our state depends on it.
Summary:
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input to update the decades-old management plan for the Flathead River, one of Montana’s most treasured natural resources. Increased recreational use has put significant strain on the river’s ecosystem, prompting a push for sustainable solutions. This effort impacts all Montanans, as the river supports wildlife, clean water, and the state’s economy. Public feedback sessions will begin next week, offering an opportunity for Montanans to shape the future of this iconic waterway.
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