FWP developing visitor amenities at Somers Beach State Park on Flathead Lake
FWP File Photo
Somers Beach State Park
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News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving forward with development plans for Somers Beach State Park on the north shore of Flathead Lake.
FWP is modifying its preferred plans for the new 106-acre state park based on public input. The development will include day-use amenities, such as trails, picnic areas, and a hand launch area for boats, as well as overnight lodging opportunity with three rental cabins. FWP will also enhance an additional 922 feet of park shoreline with an erosion control beach.
The complete development plans are outlined in a final decision notice and environmental assessment published April 17 on the FWP website under: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices.
In finalizing its environmental assessment and issuing a decision notice, FWP modified the preferred development plan, Alternative C, and removed proposed tent campsites. FWP is also constructing vault latrines instead of flushing restrooms and not building an entry station or natural playground. If costs exceed available funding, the group picnic shelter and the hand launch may be excluded from construction and installed later.
In fall 2021, FWP acquired the Somers Beach property with plans to add it to Montana’s state park system. Interim developments were completed, including an access road, parking lot, and erosion control beach. In spring 2022, FWP launched a public planning process to help guide future use and development of the state park. A public scoping survey collected nearly 1,300 individual responses with approximately 80% coming from the Flathead Valley. FWP hosted in-person and virtual open houses in summertime to build on information gained from the public survey. Input from the open houses and survey helped FWP staff develop the draft environmental assessment. In January 2023, FWP released a draft environmental assessment with three development alternatives, including a preferred alternative. FWP received 202 correspondences during a 30-day public comment period, and responses to comments are available to review in the final decision notice.
Montana’s newest state park is in an area of high recreational demand. The park is comprised of lakeshore, wetlands, floodplain, and uplands, and is situated between the federal Flathead Lake Waterfowl Production Area and the townsite of Somers. The intent of developing recreational amenities is to guide and enhance use in a way that minimizes visitor impacts and conserves important natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Benefits include improved accessibility, opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing and interpretive and educational programming.
Learn more at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/somers-beach.
REMINDER: A seasonal closure started March 1 along a large portion of the north shore of Flathead Lake between Bigfork and Somers to support migrating and nesting birds.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Flathead Lake WPA spans 7 miles of shoreline along the north end of Flathead Lake. This property closes to public access annually March 1 through July 15 to reduce human disturbances during the breeding, nesting and brood-rearing period. This closure includes the open beaches along the shoreline of the WPA.
Shoreline and offshore habitats are critical for migrating birds to rest and nest. The north shore of Flathead Lake supports an abundant variety of birds year-round, particularly during migration when tens of thousands of mixed waterfowl species rely on the area’s grassland, wetland, and shrubland habitats. More than 200 bird species use the area. The National Audubon Society has declared the north shore an Important Bird Area, the organization’s official designation for places that provide essential habitat for bird populations.
Human disturbance, including walking near birds or nesting areas or letting dogs run off leash, can cause serious harm during these vulnerable periods. These types of human activities disrupt breeding and non-breeding birds by interrupting vital activities such as feeding and resting. Disturbances can harm nests, lead birds to abandon active nests or prevent them from establishing a nest.
Public access to the north shore beach remains open at Somers Beach State Park and Osprey View property along Holt Drive near Bigfork. Parking is limited along Holt Drive. Access at both sites is restricted to state land and the section of beach that is state land. Beach closures remain in effect starting at the boundary of the federal WPA.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at Somers Beach State Park and Osprey View.
