October 31, 2024

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance (GTMA) submitted comments today on the renewal of five outfitter and guide permits for the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River. While we supported guided recreation on national forest lands, we expressed concern about the Forest Service's proposal to automatically renew these permits for another 10 years. We disagreed with the 10-year renewal because the Forest Service is about to begin developing a new Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP). We also expressed concern about potential negative impacts on sensitive species like grizzly bears and bull trout, and suggest that scientific analysis of recreational impacts should inform capacity limits.

NPCA and GTMA additionally recommended consideration of whether the current permits, which have remained largely unchanged for 40-50 years, meet present public interest. We suggested creating opportunities for niche outfitters, including women or minority-owned businesses and nonprofits serving underrepresented demographics. While acknowledging the permits cannot wait for CRMP completion, we supported conditional renewal that would allow for changes based on the revised CRMP findings, including possible reductions in use days or other permit modifications.

GTMA submitted additional comments and suggestions. To learn more about our views on the renewal of five outfitter and guide permits for the North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River, read the full comments here.