Tester to Park Service: Cancel Bighorn River boat launch projects

Senator says extended closures of two river access points will hurt economy, public access

(U.S. SENATE) – Citing boat launch closures on the “front end of Montana’s world famous fishing season,” U.S. Senator Jon Tester is asking the National Park Service to cancel the paving of parking lots at two popular river access points in the Bighorn River National Recreation Area.

The paving projects are scheduled to close the Afterbay Dam boat launch for six weeks, beginning next Monday.  Once completed, the Park Service will begin paving the Three Mile River Ranch boat launch, which will take an additional four weeks.  During the closures, visitors will not be allowed to park vehicles or use the boat ramps.

“While I appreciate upgrades to our nation’s public infrastructure, I expect such projects to work in sync with Montana’s proud outdoor traditions and our small businesses,” said Tester, chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.  “The bottom line is closing two popular river access points at the beginning of Montana’s fishing season is harmful to our economy and limits public access to public land.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bighorn River pumps nearly $51 million into Montana’s economy every year.

“It’s unfortunate this decision was made without input from the many anglers and small businesses,” Tester added, noting that some visitors are already canceling trips to the Bighorn River.

Numerous Montana fishing businesses and organizations have raised concerns about the planned closures, and brought their concerns to Tester.

In his letter, Tester suggested that the Park Service organize a meeting with stakeholders and with the contractor to discuss alternatives for resuming the paving projects.

“A number of Montana outfitters, shops and organizations share my belief that the National Park Service should cancel this project for now, and meet later to discuss rescheduling it at a more appropriate time,” Tester wrote.

The contract to pave the river access points has been awarded to a Wyoming company.

Tester’s letter to Superintendent Case appears below.

Superintendent Jerry Case
Bighorn National Canyon Recreation Area
P.O. Box 7458
Fort Smith, MT  59035

Dear Superintendent Case:

I write on behalf of sportsmen across Montana who are raising concerns over plans by the National Park Service to pave the parking lots at the Afterbay and Three Mile access points along the Bighorn River.  It is my understanding that these projects will result in closures as long as 6 weeks on the front-end of Montana’s world-famous fishing season.

It’s unfortunate this decision was made without input from the many anglers and small businesses who often rely on these access points.  I also understand that the contract for this project has already been awarded to an out-of-state firm.

While I appreciate upgrades to our nation’s public infrastructure, I expect such projects to work in sync with Montana’s proud outdoor traditions and our small businesses.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bighorn River pumps nearly $51 million into Montana’s economy every year.

The bottom line is closing two popular river access points at the beginning of Montana’s fishing season is harmful to our economy and limits public access to public land. Some visitors are already canceling trips to the Bighorn.

As chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and after consulting with numerous Montana businesses, I’m asking you to cancel this contract.

I further suggest that in the coming weeks, a meeting be scheduled with stakeholders, the contractor, and the National Park Service to work out a schedule for when the project could best be resumed.  Coincidentally, a meeting with river interests is already schedule for May 18 in Fort Smith.

A number of Montana outfitters, shops and organizations share my belief that the National Park Service should cancel this project for now, and meet later to discuss rescheduling it at a more appropriate time.

I am aware that you have suggested an alternative plan of starting with work at Three Mile.  But in conversations this morning, many affected businesses and organizations agree that cancelling the project is the best option at this time.

Thank you, and I look forward to your response as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
(s)
Jon Tester
United States Senator