New fish pond will open this spring
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has completed the acquisition of a property north of Kalispell that will be the site of a family fishing pond.
The acquisition of the Pine Grove Pond Fishing Access Site off Whitefish Stage Road recently was approved by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission and the State Land Board.
The project involved a donation of 13 acres by Robin Street, who worked closely with Fish, Wildlife and Parks managers in acquiring permits and organizing construction of the five-acre pond and site improvements.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks now owns the site and will maintain it as a family fishing pond. The pond is closed until an official opening in late spring.
The project involved a donation of 13 acres by landowner Robin Street, who worked closely with Fish, Wildlife and Parks managers in acquiring permits and organizing construction of the five-acre pond and site improvements.
Ames Construction dug and shaped the pond to design specifications as part of a gravel removal project.
The Flathead Valley Community College Heavy Equipment Programs worked on the road, parking lot and vault latrine as part of class training.
Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program provided fencing and Scouts and other groups will provide landscaping.
A dock and fishing platform and picnic tables will be added before the site is stocked with fish and officially opened in late spring.
A contribution of $20,000 from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust was made to the landowner toward the donated value of the property and site developments.
Fisheries Manager Jim Vashro said the pond will be a valuable addition to a series of are family fishing ponds, and it will be heavily used by the Hooked on Fishing Program for fourth-graders.
“This is an incredible donation and pond, probably the best family fishing pond in the state,” Vashro said.
“The pond is a real asset to the community and the Flathead owes a debt of gratitude to Robin and his family.”