Before the Blackfoot River gets loved to pieces, it might get some new rules for who can play on it - and where and when.

A draft environmental assessment issued last week considers using permits to control traffic on the 12-mile reach between the Harry Morgan and Russell Gates fishing accesses.

Other ideas being tossed about in the draft Blackfoot River recreation plan include restricting camping to designated sites, redesigning fishing access sites and expanding opportunities for overnight camping trips.

Putting those ideas forward doesn't mean they'll be instituted, noted Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks river recreation manager Chet Crowser. But as more people use the Blackfoot, which flows 132 miles from its headwaters between Flesher and Rogers passes near the Continental Divide to its confluence with the Clark Fork River at Milltown, changes may be needed so that users continue to enjoy a high-quality experience.

"We're trying to manage for larger volumes closer to Missoula, and as you go upriver, provide opportunities for lower volumes of use," Crowser said. "Some areas would look much like they do now, with tubing and all that continuing from Whitaker Bridge down to town. From Harry Morgan down to Russell Gates, that's where we've talked about a proposed permit system. That box-canyon section is tight, it's popular for fishing, and it's hard to pass in there."

Located along Highway 200 between Lincoln and Missoula, the Blackfoot River is one of 12 renowned "blue ribbon" streams in Montana and is one of Montana's most popular rivers for recreation. About 65 percent of the land along the river is private, with the rest being a mix of state, federal and nonprofit ownership. FWP has 14 parcels, most of which are fishing access sites.

"In general, there's a feeling the Blackfoot needs some parental guidance," said Bruce Farling, director of Montana Trout Unlimited in Missoula. "The use has just skyrocketed over the last few years, and so have the problems."

The Blackfoot has benefited from a public-private management relationship dating back to the 1970s, Farling said. But as boating numbers have grown and land ownership has changed, that voluntary relationship needs some new attention and maintenance.

An estimated 75,000 people float, fish or otherwise play on the river each year. Most of them use the lower 20 miles, including Whitaker Bridge, Johnsrud State Park, Angevine and Marco Flat. No permits are being considered for that area.

Instead, the 25-member River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow Committee is looking for ways to encourage good behavior and ethical use of the waterway. Its day-use popularity has occasionally resulted in drunken traffic jams at boat put-ins, excessive trash dumping, and conflicts over camping and picnicking sites.

The favorite fishing section, known as Reach 3 in the environmental assessment, would only get permits as a last resort, Crowser said. Other options include limiting the parking at popular access sites or expanding public education programs to encourage more polite river use.

If permits were imposed, they would not be a lottery system like what now controls access to the Smith River. Rather, it would probably be a first-come, first-served reservation basis. Crowser said a balance would also be sought between commercial guides and private boaters.

The advisory committee held 30 meetings from June 2007 through May 2009 to develop recommendations for managing recreation and now is seeking public input on its proposal. Its membership included anglers, boaters, private landowners, commercial outfitters and conservationists along with state and federal land managers.

The public is invited to review and comment on the 59-page draft plan and EA. To view the plan go online to fwp.mt.gov and click on the "Blackfoot River Plan." Copies of the Blackfoot River management plan and EA are also available from the Missoula and Helena FWP offices, or by calling (406) 542-5562.

The deadline to submit comments is Nov. 16.

Reporter Rob Chaney can be reached at 523-5382 or at rchaney@missoulian.com.

Reporter Eve Byron can be reached at (406) 447-4076 or at eve.byron@helenair.com.