By Michael Howell
Just as he promised, Fort Owen Ranch owner Roy Capp has placed concrete blocks along the town’s right of way as it crosses his property allowing public access to River Park. The concrete blocks were placed to prevent vehicles from accessing the river bank to launch boats from that right of way. In response, the mayor of Stevensville has asked for and received approval from the town council to design a fishing access site, i.e. boat launch, located entirely on the town’s property, just to the north of the current parking lot and restroom area in River Park.
Mayor Jim Crews noted that he and other town officials along with state Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials and other members of the public looked at three or four potential FAS sites in the area of the Stevensville bridge and found good points and bad points about all of the alternatives. He said that he and the town’s Streets and Alleys Supervisor Ed Sutherlin had scoped out the potential site on town property again and were under the impression that it “might” work and was worth consideration. But, he said, there was a lot to be done in order to put together a good plan and determine the real feasibility, such as obtaining a floodplain permit and perhaps other permits, and planning the details of the boat launch and the roadway in, as well as parking.
“It’s going to be a lot of work,” said Crews, “so I’m asking, does the Council consent to my proceeding with this planning process.” He also stated that whatever is planned may have to be financed by the town as well.
“It might end up being a town funded project,” he said.
The Council unanimously approved a motion to allow the Mayor to proceed with planning an FAS at the Stevensville River Park.