By Chuck Stranahan, Hamilton
The issue concerning hovercraft – or any other motorized pleasure craft – on the Bitterroot river was settled years ago. Jet ski operators (spurred by one business) tried the same thing – proclaiming their right to do something that was totally wrong.
I remember those hearings, about a quarter century ago. The issue should have been forever settled then.
Today, let’s look at hovercraft: Recreational hovercraft run on speeds averaging 35MPH and up to 70MPH.
No argument can be made for pleasure hovercraft operation on the Bitterroot that makes much sense if public safety and the terrain itself is considered. Search and Rescue or other mission-specific use by FWP local sheriff’s offices, maybe – pleasure boating? No.
In my view hovercraft operation by FWP-specific licensure should be limited to water bodies such as Flathead lake, maybe Clark Canyon, or other lakes and reservoirs with large open acres of water can accommodate high-speed pleasure boating that doesn’t interfere with other recreational uses or public safety.
I therefore strongly urge the commission to deny the use of recreational hovercraft on the Bitterroot River.