FWP Seeks Tips to Identify Kelly Island Gate Vandals

MISSOULA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are asking for the public’s help to identify three people who vandalized an entrance gate at Kelly Island Fishing Access Site last month, causing significant damage to the facility.

Just after 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, a group of three people leaving the fishing access site in one vehicle broke the automatic gate at the Spurgin Road entrance. The individuals forced the gate open in the wrong direction, breaking both control arms and causing extensive damage to the mechanism.

“Crimes like this one are often solved because of leads from the public,” game wardens said in a news release Tuesday.

Game Warden Brady Rhoda is investigating the incident and encourages anyone with information to contact him at 406-481-5826. Tips can also be submitted online at tipmont.mt.gov, where people may be eligible for a reward.

The vandalism adds to a concerning pattern of damage at western Montana recreation facilities this summer. In July, FWP sought public assistance after fireworks vandalism at nearby Milltown State Park forced officials to drastically reduce restroom hours. Rhoda also investigated those incidents.

FWP has released photographs of the damaged gate to help with identification. The images show the broken control arms and mechanism that regulated after-hours access to the popular Clark Fork River fishing spot.

The Kelly Island Fishing Access Site provides public access to one of the Missoula area’s most popular fishing locations. The automatic gate system is designed to control access during overnight hours while maintaining daytime availability for anglers and other recreationists.

“You can also visit tipmont.mt.gov for more information on reporting natural resource crimes and who to contact in your local area,” FWP officials said. “You may be eligible for a reward.”

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near Kelly Island on the evening of Sept. 21 or has information about the vandalism is encouraged to contact authorities immediately.