Friends of the Missouri Breaks Monument

A record number of river floaters spent time on the Wild and Scenic Missouri in 2003, but officials don't believe it is an indication that a huge spike in river travel will accompany the approaching bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's 1804-06 expedition.

According to the registration numbers, there were 6,034 floaters in 2003, compared with 5,410 in 2002 and 5,735 in 2001.

"I don't see that really as a big spike," said Wade Brown, Bureau of Land Management outdoor recreation planner. "We were pretty much right on last year's numbers through the end of July."

Brown said with wildfires burning in much of western Montana, many river travelers changed late-summer plans to trips on the Missouri River. The BLM also had a host at the Fort Benton Canoe ramp, which meant more evening trips may have been counted than in the past.

"We also saw a number of big groups," said Brown, who is stationed in Fort Benton. "That made August and September fairly busy months for us."

In 1998 and 1999 the number of visitors substantially increased. The following years, however, have shown little additional change, he said. Officials saw a surge in the number of people on the river with the popularity of Stephen Ambrose's best-selling book, "Undaunted Courage."

The biggest single day on the river was June 24, when 151 people launched from the various boat ramps on the Missouri. The 4th of July weekend also brought in big numbers, with 121 people launching July 4 and 103 people setting off on the July 3.

Larry Cook, an owner and outfitter with Missouri River Outfitters Inc., also said numbers early in the summer along the river were average, or even a little bit down from years past.

Jim Cummings, with Lewis and Clark Canoe Expeditions, said his numbers were down in 2003. He said he believes the expanded season count inflated the numbers.

Cummings said he, like most outfitters, is hoping the numbers pick up for the bicentennial.

With the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument designation and the approaching 2005 Fort Benton-Great Falls Lewis and Clark Signature Event, some tourism experts predict a surge in visitors along the Wild and Scenic River.

Most expect the number of floaters on the river to increase in 2005, but it isn't expected to substantially jump, said Dick Fichtler, head of the BLM's bicentennial efforts in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The numbers indicate that a lot of Lewis and Clark fans already are flocking to the river. Even when tourism has been dismal in spots, including national parks, the number of visitors on the river has remained pretty steady, he said.

Fichtler said he expects to see some of the biggest increases in land-based Lewis and Clark activities in 2005.

"There might be a lot of people who have a real interest but can't commit to an extended float on the river," he said. "I think we might have more folks who want to see the river, touch it from the shore and visualize what the Corps (of Discovery) saw as it went by."

He said tourists likely are going to visit the museums, interpretive centers and some of the other historic points along the trail.

"I think the increase in 2005 is going to be people on the trail and in the towns around the area," he said.

Fichtler said the BLM still is taking steps to prepare for more people on the river in 2005. Usually there is only one law enforcement ranger covering 149 miles of river. During the bicentennial, the BLM hopes to have eight law enforcement rangers on hand. River rangers also will be providing more visitor services, like onsite interpretation at some spots.

"We will try to move our resources around and bring in outside resources to provide a good, quality experience," he said.

Lee can be reached by e-mail at sleegreatfal.gannett.com, or by phone at (406) 791-1471 or (800) 438-6600.

White Cliffs of the Missouri River, BLM Photo

FRIENDS OF THE
MISSOURI BREAKS MONUMENT
224 W. Main, Suite 280
Lewistown, MT 59457

friends@missouribreaks.org