Popular Western Montana Pond Scores Some FWP Cash For Upgrades

Your short, scenic walk to the water is an interpretive trail that tells the story of how the Salish helped Lewis and Clark in their Bitterroot journey.

POND UPGRADES

A highlight of a gorgeous park, Hamilton's Hieronymus Pond is getting some love from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The pond is one of several for which FWP recently approved a total of nearly $60,000 in funding to enhance angling opportunities at local ponds. The funding will come from FWP’s Community Pond Program and is matched with $35,000 from outside sources.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT HIERONYMUS POND

At Hieronymus Pond, an ADA-compliant fishing platform will be installed along the north end of the pond and a standard fishing platform on the west end. The project is intended to improve the angler experience through access and habitat improvements. Montana FWP accepts applications for the Community Pond Program each year until February 1.

MORE ABOUT THE PARK

According to "Visit Bitterroot Valley," ten interpretive signs along a trail ringing the 66-acre park take a creative approach to subjects ranging from native birds to sign language and Salish games. The large Corvallis Canal runs along the east side of the park and warbler species and black-headed grosbeaks can be spotted along both sides of the canal in the thick shrubbery. Osprey, bald eagles and moose can also commonly be seen in this park. A 2-mile narrow loop trail passes a footbridge over the canal (to the pond and picnic areas) and leads to the Bitterroot River, where spotted sandpipers, common mergansers and American dippers can be seen.

Visitors are greeted by a Veteran’s memorial near the entrance.

LOOK: Do you see faces in these photos?

Pareidolia refers to the ability to see recognizable shapes, often faces, in random objects. Take a look at the photos below and see if you can identify any faces or shapes. Some are easy to spot, while others might be more challenging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz