As cities become larger and more hostile, the desire of people to get away from it all for a while becomes more impelling. There must be 

 places provided for these recreationists. Quality recreation areas such as this one on Canyon Ferry Reservoir are literally becoming worth 

 their weight in gold. 



RECREATION AND PARKS 



The increased national interest in outdoor 

 recreation has been reflected in an accelerated 

 recreation and parks program in Montana. New 

 areas have been added and planning and 

 construction projects are going ahead in the 

 existing areas. Long range plans have been 

 developed for many of the areas in preparation for 

 the construction phase of the program as funds 

 permit. A comprehensive Statewide Outdoor 

 Recreation Plan, completed three years ago and 

 more recently updated, has provided important 

 overall guide lines for this work. 



In cooperation with the Bureau of Outdoor 

 Recreation and with matching funds provided by 

 the Land and Water Conservation Act, it has been 

 possible to accelerate the entire program from the 

 local to the state level. Matching funds have been 

 available to acquire and develop outdoor recreation 

 areas by local and state agencies. Over four and 

 one-half million dollars have been invested in this 

 program during its four year life and the results are 

 evident in areas and structures throughout the state 

 ranging from city swimming pools and playfields to 

 state parks. 



State Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas 



The total number of areas in these categories 

 has increased from 30 to 39 during the biennium. 

 These areas vary from some added to the system 

 for protection such as the famed Citadel Rock on 

 the Missouri River Recreational Waterway to an 

 important archaeological site such as the Madison 

 Buffalo Jump. 



Development of primitive boat access camping 

 areas along the Missouri River Recreational 

 Waterway was initiated by the acquisition of five 

 small key tracts. It is expected that minimum 

 development of these areas can be accomplished 

 early in the next biennium. 



Fishing Access Acquisition and Development 



This is a continuing program. Several new areas 

 were organized and development of the new and 

 existing areas was carried on as fast as funds would 

 permit. These access sites are designed to get the 

 fisherman to prime fishing Waters and in addition, 

 the attempt is being made to provide camping and 

 picnicking facilities wherever possible. 



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