New Rules Approved for Blackfoot River Public Access

New rules have been approved for the Blackfoot River Corridor that stretches from Russell Gates to Johnsrud Fishing Access Site.

"It will allow people 50 feet above the high water mark for day use activities," said Fish Wildlife and Parks FAS Program manager Christine Oschell . "It will also restrict camping only to designated areas. We do have float in campsites in the Blackfoot Corridor that are available by reservation. We will be adding to that this summer, we have three and maybe four new sites that we will set up this season."

There is lots of extra space for the public to play on, but there are some general use rules that need to be followed.

"Examples of those are no fires unless in designated areas. Our float in campsites do allow fires, but with fire pans only," Oschell said. Also, no fireworks and no shooting of firearms unless for legal hunting. The rule will officially be published on July 17, but we are asking people to abide by those rules now."

Oschell says a lot of the land that is now accessible is on private property and reminds the public to be courteous and safe while playing along the Blackfoot River.