MISSOULA — After a weed crew hired by Powell County was filmed driving through the Blackfoot River, the state has fined the county for not getting the required permit.

Powell County issued a press release saying it had received a letter from the state of Montana on Aug. 11 informing the county commission of a violation of the Stream Protection Act.

The county had hired a contractor to spray weeds along the upper Blackfoot River. But on Aug. 4, in addition to spraying weeds along the riverbank, the contractor had driven an amphibious Sherp ATV for 10 miles through the Blackfoot River .

A Missoula fishing guide caught the weed crew on video, and the incident was reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks because threatened bull trout use the Blackfoot River.

In its release, Powell Coun

See Full Page