Expansion of the Pine Grove Pond Fishing Access is one step closer following a public comment period.

The addition of 4.26 acres to the popular fishing pond north of Kalispell was the subject of an  environmental assessment by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

After reviewing public comments, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recommended that the land acquisitions be pursued pending Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission and Montana Land Board approval.

Two parcels of land would give additional access to the Whitefish River and provide a buffer between the busy fishing pond and neighboring private land. The proposed addition would access nearly 750 feet of river shore.

The Flathead Land Trust initiated the project to enhance this popular community asset by ensuring the undeveloped land will remain as open space and continue to function as forested riparian habitat.

“We are excited to help add to such a popular family recreation area that will be valued by the community for generations to come,” said Laura Katzman of Flathead Land Trust.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks also proposes to accept the donation of .33 acres of land adjacent to the existing parking area and construct a parking area to provide additional parking and reduce vehicle congestion along the access road.

The Street Family Trust offered to donate this piece of land for parking.

Robin Street built the five-acre pond and donated a 13-acre parcel for the Pine Grove Pond Fishing Access that opened in 2011 off of Rose Crossing.

Ten public comments were received on the fishing access expansion: Nine favored the proposal and one expressed concerns about law enforcement issues related to the additional acreage.

The decision notice is available at Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters, 490 N Meridian, Kalispell; on the website fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices or at Flathead County libraries.