Monday, August 4, 2025

Montana FWP Announces Members of Fish Creek Collaborative Trails Planning Group

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is pleased to announce the members of the newly formed Fish Creek Collaborative (FCC) citizen advisory group. The group is tasked with guiding the development of a plan for a multi-use trail system for the Fish Creek area in western Montana by providing input on development, management, and conservation priorities.

The Fish Creek area considered in the planning includes the state park, wildlife management area, fishing access sites, and other surrounding lands. This effort aims to ensure a balanced approach to recreation, conservation, and sustainable use.

Members of the collaborative represent diverse recreation interests and geographic perspectives pertinent to the Fish Creek area. Collectively, the group brings valuable experience in trail usage, stewardship, and a diversity of recreation types. Following a comprehensive selection process, the following individuals have been appointed to serve on the FCC.

FCC members:
Paige Boyer, Stevensville

Ken Brown, Missoula

Ben Deeble, Missoula

Jerry Hatcher, Saint Regis

John Kittelson, Missoula

Jim Merifield, Missoula

Hayley Newman, Missoula

John Stegmaier, Missoula

Sharon Sweeney, Huson

Jane Whetzel, Alberton

Advisory Panel Members:
The FCC Advisory Panel includes agency staff, government representatives, and subject matter experts who serve in an advisory capacity. Panel members provide specialized knowledge and guidance to the FCC members.

Amy Helena and Sierra Farmer, Montana DNRC Representatives

Christopher Gauger and Laura Johnson, U.S. Forest Service Representatives

Denley Loge, State Legislature Representative

Jody Loomis, State Parks and Recreation Board Representative

Willy Peck, Mineral County Representative

Throughout the planning process, the FCC will participate in a site visit to the Fish Creek area and host public workshops to engage with stakeholders. For more information about the Fish Creek Collaborative and updates on upcoming meetings, visit: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fish-creek

The FCC is part of FWP’s implementation of the Fish Creek Recreation Strategy, finalized in 2024, which aims to enhance recreational access while conserving wildlife habitat and natural resources. The strategy called for developing a site-level plan for a multi-use trail network serving both motorized and non-motorized users.

For more information on the FCC, contact:

Cody Kenyon, FWP

406-542-5533

ckenyon@mt.gov