The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to purchase property to create a new fishing access site at Bailey Reservoir, located about 25 miles west of Havre in Hill County.

The proposed purchase includes about 55 acres of rangeland and 47 surface acres of the reservoir. In addition, FWP is seeking approval to accept ownership of an adjoining five-acre parcel that the Great Falls Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited is proposing to purchase with the option of donating the land to the agency.

The reservoir was built in the late 1960s in conjunction with the former U.S. Soil Conservation Service to create fisheries and waterfowl habitat and to provide public recreational opportunities. The reservoir has become a popular destination for kids’ fishing clubs, as well as local anglers.  FWP acquisition of the property would ensure Bailey Reservoir remains open and accessible to the public in perpetuity.

In addition to the acquisition of the property for a new Fishing Access Site (FAS), FWP would complete a variety of improvements, including repairs on the access road, parking area and boat ramp.  If approved, the acquisition would take place this summer, and the various improvements would be completed in 2013.

A 38-page Environmental Assessment detailing the creation of the proposed Bailey Reservoir FAS is now available for public review on the FWP web site at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotice/ or by calling 406-228-3700 for a hard copy. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on May 4.

A meeting to discuss the proposal is set for 6:30 p.m. on April 17 at Havre’s Duck Inn.  Hard-copy comments can be sent to: Attn: Bailey Reservoir Acquisition, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 54078 U.S. Highway 2 West, Glasgow, MT 59230. Electronic comments can be submitted to jelletson@mt.gov.