The Big Fork River Board (BFRB) was formed in response to the potential classification of the River into a National Wild and Scenic River. In July of 1989, Itasca and Koochiching Counties entered into a Big Fork River Joint Powers Board. In November 1989, the membership of the Joint Powers Board was modified to include representatives from the Cities of Bigfork and Big Falls. It was modified again in 11/27/01 to add additional members.  

The purpose of the BFRB is to formulate plans for the area under its jurisdiction and to protect the Big Fork River from uncontrolled and unplanned development through local zoning ordinances, compatible recreational development, donation or scenic easements for critical lands, and wise management of public lands along the River. Of equal importance to the Big Fork River Board are the protection of private property ownership rights and the continued use of the River by both residents and visitors. The management responsibility is jointly shared by the counties and cities exercising land use control and jurisdiction within the River corridor.   The Big Fork River is also a State designated canoe route.  Click HERE for information on the route from the DNR.  For general information on rivers, click HERE.

Management responsibility will be accomplished through this comprehensive management plan for the Big Fork River and will build a foundation for strong local controls.