This is an an alert to Lethbridge residents who are property owners at Echo Lake in Bigfork, Mont.
There is a proposed rule change on boating rules with a hearing scheduled on Feb. 19 in Kalispell at the Hampton Inn at 7 p.m. The Fish, Wildlife and Park Commission is proposing rule changes to establish no-wake zones during high water not just for Echo Lake but are now extending such a ruling to include both Abbott and Peterson Lakes, two lakes which boaters are able to access from Echo Lake.
Properties on Abbott and Peterson Lakes do not/did not experience damaging effects of high water when snowpack caused flooding conditions on Echo Lake two years ago. The proposed high water "definition" is unreasonable as well.
A ruling to prohibit activity on all three lakes would affect property values and recreational opportunities for homeowners situated on any of the three lakes; it also would have far-reaching effects on businesses who benefit from boaters who launch at a public access on Echo Lake - who also gas up, dine, etc. in the area as well.
Comments can be emailed to Fish, Wildlife and Park Commission: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mailed to 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901 no later than Feb. 22.
Anne Miller
Kalispell, Mont.