Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks just completed a major enhancement project at Gartside Reservoir Fishing Access Site in Richland County, but it would not have been possible without the vision of the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership group and help from many area businesses, organizations and volunteers.
In November 2015, FWP was approached by members of the chamber’s Leadership group with the idea of enhancing recreational opportunity at Gartside. Gartside FAS is a very popular destination for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and picnicking located near Sidney. The idea was to improve an existing two-track road that provided access to the north side of the reservoir, according to Region 7 Fishing Access Site Program Manager Jamie Hould.
In addition, multiple existing parking and picnic areas would be improved by providing gravel, barrier posts and picnic tables. The objective was to create more space for families to recreate and enjoy. The project cost was estimated at $70,000, but because of donated work and materials and volunteer labor, it came with little or no cost to FWP.
The project was created and spearheaded by Michele Seadeek, Duane Beiber and Anil Kara, members of the Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2015, with oversight by FWP. A concept plan and estimate was developed by FWP design and construction staff and provided to the Leadership team.
The team had a goal of completing the project by June of 2016.
“With multiple fundraising efforts, generous donations and volunteer work from local businesses and organizations, they were able to meet that goal,” Hould said.
“It is pretty amazing to see what they were able to accomplish in such little time,” he said. “This is a project that FWP would not have been able to complete without help. Gartside is a great resource for the area communities, and it’s neat to see the people of those communities come together to take care of it.”
Hould expressed thanks to the Sidney Leadership Task Force, Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, Richland County Road Department, Boys & Girls Club of Richland County, Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Richland County Pheasants Forever, Walleyes Unlimited-MonDak Chapter, Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative and White Drug. He credited all of the donors, volunteers, businesses and organizations that generously supported the project.
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