Skip to main content

Wildland Recreation Program

Wildland Recreation Program

Empowering the Tribes through Responsible Stewardship and Accessible Recreation.

Our mission is to protect the cherished recreational resources vital for the sustenance, cultural enrichment, and economic diversity of the Tribes. We achieve this by actively maintaining and monitoring tribal recreation resources, encompassing wilderness and primitive areas, developed recreation sites, and the pristine Flathead River corridor, through judicious management activities.

We are committed to expanding recreational opportunities by implementing innovative development projects guided by land use management plans and mitigation strategies. In addition, we actively foster a culture of conservation through our visitor education outreach programs and mass media initiatives, promoting responsible outdoor recreation practices.

Furthermore, we take pride in administering comprehensive management plans and seamlessly coordinating activities that influence the quality of recreational experiences, as well as the timing and distribution of use. Through our collective efforts, we endeavor to ensure that these invaluable resources remain both protected and accessible for generations to come.

Contact Us

Program Manager: Todd Espinoza

Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext 7289

Email: todd.espinoza@cskt.org

Work Project Coordinator: Joe Santos

Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext 7290

Email: joe.santos@cskt.org

Recreation Technician: Darshan Bolen

Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00am – 5:30pm

“The earth does not belong to us; we belong to the earth. Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.” – Chief Seattle.

Eligibility

The Flathead Reservation is available to members and non-members in most areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to various trailheads on the Reservation?

There are maps for sale in our office in Polson (406 6th Ave. E., Polson, MT 59860). Various trail hiking apps will show you where trail heads are, however there are issues with land status information provided by those maps. You may wind up on a tribal members private land instead of tribal recreational land, or follow trails that doesn’t actually exist!

Do I need a Conservation License to recreate within the Flathead Reservation on Tribal lands?

Yes you do, your permits can be bought online at ols.fwp.mt.gov or call (406) 675-2700 ext 7231 for info and locations to purchase them.

Do I need a Conservation License to boat on the flathead Reservation side of Flathead Lake?

No you do not, but if you are fishing it is required to have your tribal fishing license. Which can be purchased online at ols.fwp.mt.gov or call (406) 675-2700 ext 7231 for information and locations to purchase them.

Do my kids under the age of 12 need a Conservation, Fishing or Camping License to recreate, fish or camp on tribal property within the Flathead Reservation?

No, anyone under the age of 12 is not required to have a license on the Flathead Reservation.