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BLM and NorthWestern Energy Team Up for New Floating Dock at Kobayashi Beach

Montana-Dakotas
Western Montana DO
Media Contact
Chelsea Lair

Dillon, Mont. – Exciting news for boaters and outdoor lovers! The Bureau of Land Management and NorthWestern Energy are kicking off the construction of a brand-new floating dock at Kobayashi Beach. This project is part of a temporary flow change at the Madison development.  

Construction is set to start on Sept. 3, 2024. NWE will lower Ennis Lake to about 4,839 feet to help with the new dock installation. This drafting will begin on Sept. 3, 2024, and the lake should hit that level by Sept. 5. The lake will stay at this level until Sept. 17 to allow for the dock work. Once everything wraps up, NWE will start raising the lake back to its normal height, which is between 4,840 and 4,841 feet.  

This project showcases multi-agency teamwork. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s license allows for these temporary changes when everyone’s on board, including agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.  

Good news for visitors: the Kobayashi Beach Recreation Area and boat ramp will stay open during construction, with one launch lane available at all times. While launching might be somewhat challenging with the lower lake levels, visitors can still access Clute’s Landing, just 5.5 miles away. The BLM and our partners are also looking ahead to 2025 for the installation of a new 60-foot floating dock that will make outdoor recreation experiences at the lake safer and more accessible for everyone. 

“This project is vital for enhancing visitor safety and improving access to our beautiful outdoor spaces. By upgrading the dock, we’re not just investing in infrastructure; we’re investing in the experiences of everyone who enjoys Kobayashi Beach,” Amanda James, Dillon Field Manager. 

To keep everyone in the loop, including Ennis Lake property owners, boaters, and local government partners, the BLM will post updates on the BLM Montana/Dakotas official social media accounts.  

If you have any questions, reach out to Chelsea Lair at clair@blm.gov. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.