MISSOULA - The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is pondering a new set of recreation rules for a 12-mile stretch of the Blackfoot River.

The agency issued a draft environmental assessment last week that suggests using a permit system to control traffic on the river between the Harry Morgan and Russell Gates fishing access points.

Other ideas include restricting camping to designated camp areas, redesigning fishing access sites and expanding opportunities for overnight camp trips along one of the state's 12 blue ribbon streams.

Chet Crowser, the agency's river recreation manager, says changes may be needed so users can continue enjoying a high-quality experience.

He says the proposed rules are part of a management balancing act: Regulating the river for larger volumes of traffic in areas closer to Missoula, while managing for lower volumes of traffic up river.