Increasing recreation pressures have caused the rise in the cost of camping and use fees and a handful of public closures on Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal lands (Montana).
As per a report, starting March 1, the fee increase will include a fourfold increase in annual camping costs on the Flathead Reservation lands and a doubling of the tribe’s yearly resident conservation permit in addition to other fees increases.
It is expected that the CSKT annual camping fee will be raised to $100 for all residents. The license is not required for people camping with a member, spouse, or parent, according to a CSKT release issued Tuesday.
Reservation residents’ annual conservation license will be increased to $40. Conservation licenses are mandatory for all recreational activities and camping.
Non-reservation residents will now be charged $100 to purchase an annual conservation license and $80 for a three-day permit, or $105 to avail of the three-day fishing plus a conservation license.
Residents outside the state will have to be charged the same amount for the annual and three-day conservation licenses. They’ll also have the option to purchase a one-day combined conservation and fishing license for $80. A three-day permit combined for out-of-state residents is priced at $146.
Discounts are offered to recreationists who have disabilities. The changes are in effect until February 28, 2023.
No one likes change, of course,” Stephanie Gillin, CSKT Natural Resources Department information and education program manager, said while discussing backlash from the now-final fee hikes through early next year.
As compared to costly camping fees in other locations, which only cover the duration of one weekend, Gillin noted that the increased annual costs for CSKT conservation and camping are very low.
“We don’t feel it’s significant,” she said. With our non-Montana residents, they might have a different opinion, but they’re the ones [who] actually aren’t as negative.”
She noted that increased pressures for recreation led CSKT to shut down to members only the famous Twin Lakes Recreation Area, the Hog Heaven Range, and Chief Cliff area, and a portion of North Salish Range dubbed the Irvine Lookout Area.
Fishing boats and flotation devices are currently banned at Safe Harbor Marsh, according to CSKT.
The signs are posted. The closures allow CSKT members to remain secluded, for instance, to take care of their plants or engage in other cultural activities without the crowds.
“We’ve seen an increase in activities in those areas, and our tribal members, our culture committees have shown an interest in protecting those areas a little more,” Gillin said.
CSKT announced in its press release that the additional charges would pay for additional game wardens and outdoor recreation personnel to help ensure the preservation of tribal lands.
“This is important to protect our tribal lands for future generations and protect our natural resources,” Gillin added. “That’s why we felt we needed the increase in fees.”
Fishing fees in waters, including Flathead Lake, have not changed, nor have the costs for non-member bird hunting on the reservation, as per the tribes.