FWP seeking input on proposed donation of property on Lake Five

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking input on a proposed donation that would add four acres of forested shoreline property to a public fishing access site on Lake Five near West Glacier in Flathead County.

Paul’s Memorial Fishing Access Site is currently 10 acres in size and provides access to boating, fishing, and other water-based recreation on the 164-acre lake. FWP is accepting public comment on a proposed donation from private landowners adjacent to the access site.

The FAS currently includes 150 feet of shoreline, and the proposed addition would add an additional 250 feet of shoreline to accommodate shore-based recreation and reduce crowding and safety hazards at the existing boat ramp and dock. The addition would be accessible to the public from the current FAS parking area on a walk-in basis.

FWP’s ownership would be subject to a life estate held by one of the donor’s family members. FWP would not possess the property until the death of that family member. FWP is not proposing any development or improvements on the forested property and any future improvements would be subject to a separate environmental assessment and public process.

Lake Five is located within a high-use recreation corridor and Paul’s Memorial FAS provides the only public access to the lake. The access site is managed for day-use only and a seasonal on-site host is provided to manage visitor use, night closures and perform routine cleaning and maintenance during the summer months.

The proposed donation is outlined in a draft environmental assessment that is available to read at https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices. Comments can be submitted to FWP through 5 p.m., Jan. 15, 2023, by email to tpowell@mt.gov, or by mail to Tony Powell, 490 N. Meridian, Kalispell, MT 59901.