Craig FAS is one of the most heavily used sites in Region 4. It receives extensive use because of high angling pressure associated with that section of the Missouri River. Day-use and over-night camping at this site are very popular, and the property requires considerable maintenance. The high level of use also has resulted in occasional noncompliance with site rules.

FWP proposes to develop a campground host pad at the Craig FAS. The proposed pad would create a location for a campground host to reside during the busy summer months. The host would help tackle maintenance requirements and increase site rule compliance. In addition, the Craig FAS campground host would assist with maintenance at nearby Wolf Creek Bridge FAS.

The campground host pad is proposed to be developed in a location that currently does not support a campground site, and therefore will not reduce current campsite capacity. It would include a paved drive-through campsite and hookup to electric, sewer and water on the south end of the property. In addition to the campground host pad, proposed site improvement will include paving an existing campsite on the north side of the existing campground area. This won’t increase campsite capacity because the site already receives visitors, but the proposed improvement is anticipated to draw increased use.

Also, within the campground area, FWP proposes to develop two new tent campsites and two new accompanying single-vehicle parking spaces for the campsites. The tent site development is proposed to include the addition of a fire ring and picnic table for each site. Additionally, within the Craig FAS day-use area it is proposed to develop and add two to four single-vehicle parking spots on the southeast side of the existing day-use parking lot. During peak use, there currently is not enough parking space at the Craig FAS.

The draft environmental assessment can be viewed online at fwp.mt.gov. Copies of this environmental assessment will be distributed to the neighboring landowners and interested parties to ensure their knowledge of the proposed project.

Comments on the draft EA will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. Comments can be emailed to fwpr4publiccom@mt.gov or can be mailed to FWP Craig Campground Host Pad Comments, 4600 Giant Spring Road Great Falls, MT 59405

-fwp-