Under The Radar

A DEEP DIVE

Trespass Or Not

private vs. public interest

PRIVATE LAND - PUBLIC TRAIL

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.. Percolating under the corona-time and, becoming more of local interest than it should be, is the ongoing battle for access to isolated public lands.

THE SHORE OF UPPER TWIN LAKE

.. A couple of years ago the concerns were of national interest. Now they have become submerged by the political climate, a pandemic and, the malaise/fear of our population. AND, in truth, all politics is local. But the access question is still national and urgent.
.. We refreshed our memory with a re-read of a seminal piece by Monte Reel. It details the continuing saga of access and ownership and development in the Crazy Mountains, [READ IT.]
.. The U.S. Forest Service just announced, in a news release,  that the Porcupine Ibex Trail will be open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers on Friday, more than a year and a half after it was first proposed. The 2.7 miles of new trail will connect the Porcupine Cabin Trailhead to the North Fork Elk Creek Trail, [ READ IT - 2.]
.. Since last fall there has been development on private plots that use public access to facilitate construction ingress and egress, [READ IT - 3.]
.. In a rare, and mostly unseen, online letter, Kate Gervais reminds us all about the actions of out-of-state land owners and their hiding in the shadow of Greg Gianforte. Indeed, actions do speak louder than words, [READ IT - 4.]
.. As bad as it is - right now. And as bad as it is going to be - we should keep our eyes on the many balls we were juggling previously.

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.. Food prices are climbing. Gas prices are slowly dropping, (within the West Yellowstone Cartel.) Yes it's true all the prices are the same; after all only three families own all six gas stations. One family owns 3 -my, my, my. Just where is our FTC or ICC?

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WALLPAPER: JUST TOO PRETTY TO BURN !!

Scoped Out

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Plethora Of Staff

dyspepsia, eructation, egression.

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.. Of the nearly 100 people, (86, by count) in attendance at the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks scoping meeting last night, we counted 19 staff members from various agencies in attendance.
.. From uniformed and non-uniformed law enforcement personnel to uniformed and non-uniformed researchers, administrators, and employees, it was an overwhelming show of force.
.. The meeting generally followed the form of such events: Introductions, Presentations, Interruptions, Questions, Chaotic Mumblings, Discourteous Inattention, etc. There were a few interesting disjunctions in the verbal brickbats that stood out:

1] "This process started about 1999 when a group of concerned citizens approached the DFWP with their concerns about recreational usage of the Madison River."

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   "We are very early in this process. This is the beginning of this action. We want your input"

2] "We have been thinking about this problem for nearly ten years now.

vs

"We have no preconceived ideas how to address this problem and we're going to address the larger picture of the whole river."

3] "We are lucky that we are ahead of the curve in this action and can address problems and areas of conflict before they happen."

vs

" The conflicts between user groups and the conflicts with land owners have brought about this action."

4] "We are just trying to understand what you are saying. You seem to be talking about things that we just don't understand."

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"The science is the same and it should be easy to understand."

.. We can only observe that it's interesting that after 10 years of surveys, research, and cogitation that;  "the beginning of the process starts now."
.. It's also enlightening to find out that no ideas were generated by MFWP staff about how to address the perceived problems during that ten years.
.. My, my, how sweet it is that we are ahead of the curve and that the conflicts that originated this process are not really conflicts.
.. It seems that this whole exercise is designed to implement regulations about manners and morals. "Social Fishing Regulations" is an interesting bit of terminology that reflects the concerns of some nebulous group of insiders.
.. For instance, it's acknowledged that, save for the Whitefish population, the other fish populations are not being affected by the kinds of actions of user groups being addressed. Even the Whitefish population concerns, cannot be linked to the social behavior of river users.
.. Please note that the MFWP has a mission that seems to guarantee all of us the perfect recreational experience - or so it would seem - LINK.

.. We are naive in these matters, and certainly need to become better informed, but for now we can't see how regulation of river use can reduce littering - unless there is a removal of all river users - seems to be a public education and law enforcement issue.
.. We applaud the mentality that believes regulation of numbers and types of users will remove the idiot tubers, boaters, and fishing guides that run over your fishing line in a gentle shore-side pool - we just don't believe that it will work.
.. We have a hard time believing that any newly promulgated regulations will enhance the recreational experience of vastly  different individual users - unless it favors some users to the detriments of others.
.. We're going to watch this groundbreaking effort in social engineering through fishing regulations. Of course the anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists, and recreational specialists of this world are also waiting for this breakthrough regulatory plan.
.. Sadly, we had an attack of dyspepsia well into the meeting. Nausea accompanied our belching and farting and we had to leave just as the entertainment was reaching a crescendo. You'll have to read about the results of the meeting in the newspapers, or observations by bloggers who understand this stuff more than we do.
.. Here's the link to the MFWP page: LINK.

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D Minus One

WHAT'S THE FUSS ABOUT ?

As If You Don't Know

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.. Here are the "official" maps of the Madison River that will be discussed tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM in a plush conference room just 200' from our front door. We'll let you know if anything new crops up.

Two Down

TWO TO GO

The Charade Begins

join in if you choose

Courtesy Photo: THE MOOSE - 96

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.. It's apparent that quite a few folks are interested in the possible proposed actions for regulating recreation on the Madison River.
.. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has already determined that:

"The popularity of the Madison River has affected the quality of the recreation experience for some people. Their concerns include congestion on the river and at access sites, conflicts between user groups, trespass on private property, and littering."

.. Two public meetings have been held, (Ennis & Bozeman.). Two more are scheduled, (February 28, 2012 at 6:00 PM in West Yellowstone, MT at the Holiday Inn ==> 315 Yellowstone Avenue,  AND  March 1, 2012 at 6:00 PM in Whitehall, MT at the Whitehall High School ==> 1 Yellowstone Trail.)
..This is not a surprise move. This has been in the works for at least five years. The action has come to this point after careful preparation and savvy maneuvering by a few influential citizens and the staff of MFWP. You can read the first shots fired across the river:
1.) 2008 Madison River Resident Angler Survey, (PDF.)
2.) 2008 Madison River Landowner Survey, (PDF.)
3.) 2009 Madison River Onsite Survey, (PDF.)
4.) 2010 Madison River Angling Pressure Estimates, (PDF.)
.. While apparently laudable in it's conception and execution to date, one dares not ask about the impetus for the current action.
.. We make the following observations, & bring some questions to the fore:
A,] We are well along in the regulatory decision process. This is near the end not the beginning,
B,] Regulatory agencies stay in business by making and enforcing regulations,
C,] Verbal input at public meetings is interesting and entertaining: if you are serious about having your concerns addressed write them down and give them to the public employees running the meeting. Get their names and contact information. Keep in contact with them about your concerns being included for consideration.
D,] Just what is the meaning of: ". . . affected the quality of recreational experience . . ."? Is this a scientific investigation? Is this a resource impact issue? Are regulations aimed at protecting a resource that is within the province of the MFWP? Is individual recreation a Montana resource?
E,] Informal meetings, closed-door meetings, personal and group lobbying, and continued contact with public employees, (including elected officials,) have always been more effective than the "show-and-tell" gatherings around the region.
E,] Circumvention of regulations and regulatory processes is an American pastime. Folks and groups with the money, time and inclination are far more successful at this than folks without money, or time, or involved commitment.
F,] Regulatory agencies and their regulators have a mind set that leans towards restriction rather than enablement. ((For instance: restricting usage of a boat ramp rather than expanding the facility to satisfy demand.))
G.] Although apparently transparent the decision-making process is a slippery and secretive endeavor. It takes place in the minds of humans - 'nuff said !!
H.] It's well worth reading the MFWP "Administrative Rules for River Recreation Management" (PDF.) It is also well worth your time, (if you choose to participate in any meaningful way in the decision-making process,) to make your concerns address this document. Your case will be far stronger and decisions that are exceptions to these rules will need to be very well justified.
I,] Please be assured that new regulations will be promulgated. Know that the instigators of this action have been working for half a decade on getting their concerns addressed.
J,] If you desire participation in this arena remember that you are playing catch up, and you are out-gunned by money, influence, and connections. You can have your say - - it's just very tough !
K.] If you can't attend a meeting, (more importantly even if you do,) fill out the online questionnaire. Find it HERE.  Everyone interested should fill out the questionnaire. It's not good enough for your fishing buddy to voice both his and your concerns. It's not good enough to attend a meeting and not fill out the questionnaire.
.. The showcase element of this decision-making process is the "MADISON RIVER CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, (MCAC.)" This is an interesting bit of window dressing and as noted by the MFWP:

The MCAC serves in an advisory capacity. While the role of the committee is critically important, there is no guarantee that the Final Plan will follow the committee’s recommendations. The FWP Commission is the final decision-maker and shall consider the recommendations of the MCAC, the best available information, the environmental analysis, and input from the public and staff.

.. Should we add influential and monied interests as well? Do you know who is on the FWP Commission? When was the last time you spoke with them and voiced a concern about the Madison River?
.. Should you be intrigued with the workings of this current process you can apply to be on the MCAC. (Application HERE.) Then, again, how much time are you willing to spend to have your recommendations considered and not followed?

P.S. Don't tell anyone about this post

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Are They Listening ?

SENATE COMMITTEE

HEARS FROM PUBLIC

Vote To Follow

we can say it no better.

 

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.. The shouting is over. Opponents of HB 309 caused headlines. The Montana Senate and The Governor should be listening.
.. The committee must now deliberate and vote. We're waiting. There are better reports from Helena, Montana than we can write. Read them below:

===> Report, WILL FISH FOR WORK,
===> Report, NBC MONTANA, (with video,)
===> First person report, THE HEADHUNTER,
===> Google search, Montana HB 309.
.. And that's the way it is.

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Ex Post Facto

WATCH 'EM IN ACTION

The Reps On The Floor

and in committee
(P.S. snow for a few days)

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.. If you'd like to watch the public floor show that the Montana House of Representatives put on about HB 309 you can CLICK HERE. If you want to listen to it CLICK HERE.
.. Should you be interested enough to watch the Montana House of Representatives Agriculture Committee address this bill CLICK HERE. If you want to listen to it CLICK HERE. The committee session includes interested-party testimony.

.. These are long media clips provided by the State of Montana and should allow you to see the House of Representatives in action. The floor session is about 37 minutes long. The committee session is about 1 hour and 16 minutes long. [Requires RealPlayer.]
.. The first half of the committee session is given over to proponents of HB 309.
.. The time markers for opponents of the bill & of interest to fly fishers are:
==> Montana Wildlife Federation =  @ 25 minutes and 57 seconds,
==> Montana DFWP legal counsel = @ 29 minutes,
==> Montana Trout Unlimited = @ 37 minutes and 30 seconds,
==> Clark Fork Coalition = @ 45 minutes and 20 seconds.
.. When the Senate media becomes available we'll let you know. 
.. If you're up for a real YUK check out the Montana Cowgirl Post on Nutjob Bills in this current legislative session.

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*P.S.

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A Good Tool

SPAWNED IN OREGON

Nurtured By Rivermen

cherished by guides

ignored by sports

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(click on all images for high resolution views.)
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.. One of our neighbors just got a new drift boat. It's a significant event in the life of a professional guide. [And cause for a bit of chatter in the pubs of the neighborhood.]
.. He spends more than 200 days per year on the water. Over the past 11 years, (with the old boat;) that translates into about 2,200 days rowing. OR: 4,400 times on & off the trailer. OR: . . . etc. and that's a bunch of whatever!
.. The old boat, a good friend and tool, had withstood rivers throughout the West. It endured and excelled.
.. From the gnarly boulders of the Box Canyon on the Henry's Fork of the Snake River, to the soft pillows & swells, low bridges, and tricky currents of the Madison River, to the big and not so gentle tail-water of the Green River; the old boat had endured.
.. It was time! Time for a new office. Time for a new tool. Time for a new friend.

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.. These drift boats have a long and storied history, (dating back to the sea dories and McKenzie & Rogue River Boats -- with some attendant controversy as to origin as well.) They are a very good tool for getting fishers to the fish on big water.
.. Drift boats have to perform a myriad of tasks - and they must be rugged, nimble, and riverworthy. They become friends. The good ones become good friends.
.. Whether wood, aluminum, or fiberglass, they must do their job and get out of the way of the fisher. They should become a part of the background as the fisher stalks her prey.
.. Attention to design and detail allow the good boat to augment the task of fishing. The guide will get you there - a good boat will disappear in the process.
.. When booking a guide, few fishers ask "what boat do you have?" They assume, (rightly so,) that the guide has made the correct choice.
.. A secure platform for casting and fighting, a svelte shape for maneuvering, a stable ride from hide to hold, and river-worthy for all possible weather and river conditions: these are assumed and taken for granted.

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.. Outfitting a boat is a very personal endeavor. Details like secure/readily-accessible/convenient storage for the guide and guest are assumed by the visitor; but planned by the host.
.. Positioning and adjusting of oar locks and chair must fit the captain and the situation. Casting pulpits, passenger chairs, and rod storage need be attended to.
.. Boat designers and builders take care of some of these details, your guide will polish and refine them for their particular waters and customer's needs.
.. Details like padded rod holders for safe and secure storage of priceless sticks are a nice touch.
.. Sure grip carpet and flooring is often added so there are no slippery surprises.
.. There is very little frosting on these substantial and sturdy tools. Not much is needed.
.. A day on the river is not a pleasure cruise. It will, however, be comfortable, rewarding, and enjoyable if the details are taken care of. That's the job of your guide.
.. Next time out, notice; and enjoy, the convenience of a well detailed and outfitted boat. Ask about the boat, notice the particulars, and -- by the way, "STAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BOAT."

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.. The drift boat is an American original. Over 75 years of intense innovation, customization, and refinement is built into these nimble craft.
.. They are variable in their details and execution. They are "fit" to the waters that they ply. They reflect the personality of their rivers and captains.
.. Most folks can appreciate the beauty in both the form and function of these boats, (if they bother to notice at all.)
.. And, the more beautiful the boat, the less it is noticed. Like all good tools, they work, and work well.
.. Appropriate construction detail can make the difference between a 'drift boat' and a 'professionals office.'
.. The latter will accommodate a wide and varied series of situations and make the client comfortable with the river and the fishing.
.. On the trailer, off the trailer, bump the rocks, run the riffles, gallop the rapids, hold position, beach to fight a monster, --- this side, that side, slow for a difficult cast, steer to hides for client casting ability, --- into the wind, with the wind, -- driftwood, drifting logs, floating trees, sweepers, and a thousand other things happen in a day. The construction must be able to withstand it all.

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.. We get in a drift boat three or four times per season. We prefer the hidden places of dinky streams and twinkling fish.
.. We have, though, been spoiled when we do visit the big waters. We ride with the neighbors.
.. The neighbors boats are all different. They are all perfect. They disappear about the time we leave shore and only reappear when it's time for lunch or a bit of refreshment.
.. Our neighborhood is a "tough market." Our rivers draw fishers of all skill levels and from all corners of the globe. Our guides can't afford the luxury of not being prepared. They can't afford a boat that is just adequate. They have fish to catch, rivers to run, and clients to please. Yes, we've been spoiled: we love it.


.. The guide boats that fish our neighborhood waters are exemplary. From the South Fork of the Snake River, to the Henry's Fork, to the Madison River, Gallatin River, Yellowstone River, and beyond; you'll be able to tell a professionals boat - you just won't know it's there.

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Yellowstone's Hidden River

HIDDEN IN PLAIN VIEW

worms and flies just feet apart

segments seldom fished

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.. Just downstream from the Barn's Holes on the Madison River is a sinuous reach of this fabled river.
.. The river, in this reach, is at or near grade and begins meandering as if it was in an enormous meadow.
.. Giant sweeping curves with point bars and cut-off meanders characterize the river. This character is significantly influenced by the hydraulic damming effect of the bridge at Highway 191 and the lake level of Hebgen Reservoir.
.. Artesian springs and surface seeps punctuate the bank with wet and sticky bogs. These are hiding places for fry and incubators for damselflies and dragonflies and mosquitoes. Fish food all.
.. Additionally, the river is transected by the boundary between the Gallatin National Forest and Yellowstone National Park. This line, drawn on a map, is marked on the river banks with clear markers.
.. Two sets of distinctly different regulations and jurisdictions govern fishing and boating here.
.. Although we've never tried it, it's possible to drown a worm with one hand and swing a fly with the other and be perfectly legal, (depending on just how wide your stance is.)
.. The river is rich with weed beds and bugs. The gravel is well sorted and graded in this section as the suspended load of the river transforms itself into the bed load.
.. Erratic boulders are few, but frequent enough to provide predictable hides and slicks.
.. The horseshoe bends are delightfully deep and dark. The pools deliver clearly defined current streams and sort out the bugs for the fish. The banks are undercut and some of the holes are surprisingly cavernous.
.. Dark holes, in fact, are everywhere. Foam lines and back eddy's are easily fished if the angler positions herself correctly. The major swings of the river channel are east and west.
.. This allows fishing and catching at just about anytime of the day. Shadows come and go with the tick of the clock.
.. It's possible to stroll back and forth along the banks and fish the whole river without getting wet, (except for getting to the correct side of the river.)
.. The currents are tricky and the crossings can be treacherous. Spring is the hardest time to get position on the fish. The easy locations are often too sunny or too shallow, or too deep. This may be just the reason that so few fishers bother with this bit of water.
.. Despite the exceptional catching opportunities, guides seldom take their sports to this water. It's just too close to town. There are travel trailers to walk past. There are no rangers or traffic jams. It just is not "The Real Yellowstone." So be it.
.. That portion of the park/forest boundary that transects this water is just under a mile long. The river itself is just over 2 1/4 miles long in this segment.
.. The river within Yellowstone National Park is about 1 1/4 miles long and is comprised of four distinct segments, (0.57mi. + 0.15mi + 0.27mi. + 0.24mi.) as measured by the Google Earth path tool.
.. Much of the park water requires wading for proper positioning and catching. It's not easy, and the fish know what is happening. They are, nevertheless, not terribly spooky if wading is done gently and deliberately. A staff and good legs are prerequisites for success here in the spring.
.. The fishing pressure, on the forest waters, from the Baker's Hole Campground is intense during the summer and fall. Not so in the spring. Flies, gear and worms are all used with varying degrees of success on the forest waters.
.. Luck does not play a major role in this water. It's full of fish. What is important is the character of the bottom and it's relationship to the river level and discharge rate. Understand these factors and the fish just jump on the hook.
.. Because of it's meandering character the river has a bottom with deep runs at various positions within it's main channel. These dictate holding water and food conveyors. Of course, they change from day to day, week to week, month to month, & year to year.
.. We enjoy this water because it's possible to imagine that there really is some wilderness around the neighborhood. Despite the nearness of the campground, solitude can be found and enjoyed.
.. As you read this, migrant throngs of fishers are enjoying the Firehole River and singing it's praises. Yet, probably less than a half dozen folks visit this park water on any given spring day.
.. Saturday we fished for 4 hours and saw not a single other fisher and just a solitary hiker. Yesterday We had to share the park water with two neighbors and a visitor from Washington.
.. Right now there are mayflies here, but the queen of the hatches is the caddisfly. There are stoneflies here, but a woolly bugger does a better job than a rubber legs.
.. Come fall, the deep holes and undercut banks will hold an armada of submarines that run up from Hebgen Lake. This navy is well attended by gawkers and fishers on the shore and in the water. And, again, the park water is hidden from many because of regulation or difficulty of access.
.. Osprey, eagles, moose, bears, ducks and geese are an ever-present delight. It's possible to have an osprey take a fish from the run in front of you while you dodge the frightened moose as it scatters the mergansers by running across the river to escape a hungry grizzly.
.. There is usually nothing to fear from the Richardson's Ground Squirrels that inhabit the banks.
.. This is a beguiling little river segment. It's in plain view. It's a pain to fully access. It's full of fish; and it's seldom fished. It's just about two miles from home.
.. There's no traffic jam at the park gate. There's no gawker blocks watching critters. There's no visitors festooned with the latest and greatest gear splashing the water in front of and behind you. We like it.

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