Whitefish city government was turned away Thursday in its pursuit of nonmotorized regulation for a stretch of the Whitefish River that runs through town.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 2-2 on the proposed regulation, effectively killing it for now, but also voted to start a new public comment period for a compromise regulation recommended by regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks managers.

The proposed compromise would involve a seasonal closure on motorized watercraft from July 5 to Sept. 30. Whitefish had sought a year-round ban on motorboats.

Regional Supervisor Jim Satterfield said the vote means there will not be a new regulation on the river this summer. The new comment period has to be posted and it won’t be finished until late July. Department staffers then will have to analyze the comments that are received before approaching the commission with any new recommendations.

The proposed regulation would have applied to the stretch of river between the BNSF train trestle to the JP Road bridge. There has been a no-wake rule in effect on that stretch since 1989.

About six people spoke against the regulation by teleconference from Kalispell, with common themes being that they enjoy using motorized watercraft on the river and are not aware of any problems caused by motorized watercraft.

Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld, city council member Richard Hildner and City Manager Chuck Stearns were in Helena to speak in support of the regulation for which the city petitioned.

Muhlfeld said the city did not support a compromise on the regulation because the city already compromised by seeking a regulation that would have allowed electric motors on the river.

He pointed out that there was “overwhelming” support for the rule at a public meeting held in Whitefish.

Satterfield said that is true, but among 200 comments that were submitted, “there was almost perfectly divided” input for and against the rule.

Commission Chairman Dan Vermillion pointed out that the entire City Council, representing the community, petitioned for the rule, and he found that “fairly compelling.”

Commissioner Richard Stuker said he could not support the regulation but he might support the compromise, “although I do have reservations about that also.”

Commissioner Gary Wolfe, who represents Northwest Montana, said he doesn’t use motorized transportation in his outdoor recreation pursuits but he is concerned about ending traditional watercraft access that landowners along the river have long enjoyed.

He added that some of those residents may have even purchased their properties with river-access amenities as a consideration.

Commissioner Matthew Tourtlotte said it makes sense that the city would want a regulation that would put an end to “the sound of motors, the smell of motors going right through the city.”

Commissioner Larry Wetsit was not present, and the four who were split the vote. But Vermillion pointed out that the original proposed regulation could be considered in the future, as might the  proposed compromise, which involves having a seasonal closure on motorized watercraft from July 5 to Sept. 30.

Asked if there have been problems with motorized watercraft on the river in light of the no-wake rule, Satterfield said, “We’ve had very little, if any issues raised by the public with regards to reckless boating or high-speed boating.

“Am I going to bet my life that nobody’s ever ripped up and down that river? No.”

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at jmann@dailyinterlake.com.