BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the repeal of the emergency rule closing the Yellowstone River from the Yellowstone National Park Boundary to the Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site

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NOTICE OF REPEAL OF EMERGENCY RULE

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

          1. On June 13, 2022, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (department) adopted an emergency rule closing the Yellowstone River to all recreational use from the Yellowstone National Park boundary to the Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Site, published as Notice No. 12-562 at page 1025 of the 2022 Montana Administrative Register, Issue No. 12. There was a drastic spike in water flow on the Yellowstone River that caused water to channel and flood multiple portions of the river. Persons recreating on the Yellowstone River would be at risk of injury or drowning. This situation constituted an imminent peril to the public health, safety, and welfare to anyone using the river.

 

2. As this situation no longer constitutes an imminent peril to public health, safety, and welfare, the department is repealing RULE I  YELLOWSTONE RIVER EMERGENCY CLOSURE. However, river levels continue to be high and at potentially dangerous levels. Closures of the fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River remain in effect.  Therefore, RULE II YELLOWSTONE RIVER FISHING ACCESS SITES EMERGENCY CLOSURE remains in effect. Check the department website for updates and more information regarding closures and restrictions on specific fishing access sites. 

 

3. The repeal of Emergency Rule I is effective June 24, 2022.

 

           4. The special notice requirements of 2-4-303, MCA have been met. All committee members and staff of the Environmental Quality Council, with addresses provided on the Montana Legislature's website (leg.mt.gov), were contacted by e-mail on June 24, 2022.

 

 

/s/ Mike Volesky                                                       /s/ Kevin Rechkoff

Mike Volesky                                                            Kevin Rechkoff

Chief of Operations                                                  Rule Reviewer

Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks   

 

Certified to the Secretary of State June 24, 2022.