the Clark Fork, what they are seeking from their ^ 

 experience, why they do not go to the mainstem, how the 

 mainstem compares to their other favorite streams, 

 etc.)/ ^nd a discussion of existing uses and facilities 

 and future needs. Ideally, this survey would be coor- 

 dinated with a similar survey on Lake Pend Oreille in 

 Idaho. 



Develop and implement a basinwide recreation plan. 



a. Utilize the recreation survey data to plan for the 

 long-term recreational needs of the basin. The 

 plan should consider and provide for such activi- 

 ties and facilities as fishing access areas, RV 

 parks, camping, parks for the handicapped, nature 

 trails, bicycle paths, canoe pull-outs, boat ramps, 

 fishing, and other water-based recreation facili- 

 ties. 



b. Evaluate and encourage opportunities for special 

 community activities associated with the riverfront 

 in communities along the Clark Fork. Local govern- 

 ments, public interest groups, and recreation plan- 

 ners should convene workshops and public 

 information sessions to identify and encourage 

 appropriate recreational and waterfront development 

 programs. 



Program planning and site development will require major 

 investments. A variety of funding sources should be 

 considered, including special revenues from gasoline sales, 

 fishing licenses, bed taxes, state land lease fees, and tax 

 on recreational equipment, and grants-in-aid from interested 

 parties or businesses that would benefit from such efforts. '' 



Water Management Issues 



Water Rights 



Effective management of water resources in the Clark 

 Fork Basin in the coming years depends greatly on the 

 resolution of a number of water rights issues. Chief among 

 these is making a determination of the physical and legal 

 availability of water in the basin. This determination 

 cannot be made until the status of large hydropower 

 companies' water rights is decided and an accurate adjudi- 

 cation is completed. Other issues include the water rights 

 of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, new water use 

 permits, and water allocation alternatives. The following 

 actions are recommended: 



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