Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves Forest Service-backed gate at Blankenship gravel bar after repeated high-water incidents
Summary
Flathead County authorized a gate on county right-of-way at the Blankenship gravel bar to reduce rescues and environmental harm after U.S. Forest Service officials described recurring incidents and ineffective signage.
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners on April 10 approved an encroachment permit to install a service gate on county right-of-way at the Blankenship gravel bar near Blankenship Bridge after hearing from U.S. Forest Service staff about repeated safety and environmental incidents.
"We have someone get stuck in either in the river itself or get stuck behind high water, which then requires... some kind of response from the Forest Service, and our law enforcement partners," said MJ Bridal, district recreation staff for the Hungry Horse–Glacier View Ranger District. Bridal said temporary closure signs and sandwich boards have not stopped people from driving around closures, and that a physical closure in the most effective location would reduce dangerous situations and the need for rescues.
County staff noted the gate would occupy county right-of-way, a placement allowed under the Montana Code Annotated as referenced in the meeting record, and said staff had coordinated with the Forest Service and Flathead County Road and Bridge. Commissioners moved and approved the encroachment permit; the motion record states the permit was carried with affirming votes.
Why this matters: the gate aims to reduce repeated high-water rescues and environmental impacts on a frequently used gravel bar. Forest Service staff said incidents occur "pretty much like clockwork" during high-water periods over the last four years and that temporary signage alone has been ineffective.
The record indicates county staff and the Forest Service will coordinate gate placement and signage and work with law enforcement on closure protocols.
