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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the following proposals and environmental assessments (EA). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Spring Meadow Lake State Park Accessible Kayak Launch Development EA
FWP is proposing the Spring Meadow Lake State Park (SMLSP) Accessible Kayak Launch Development project to increase accessibility and opportunity at SMLSP. The proposed project would allow the launching and recovery of kayaks and other nonmotorized watercraft by people who are wheelchair bound or have other limiting disabilities that would preclude them from enjoying paddle sports without this adaptive infrastructure. SMLSP is well-known for its accessible trails, water recreation opportunities, gathering spaces and proximity to the Montana Wild Education Center and Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. With a strong foundation of ADA-compliant and Universally Designed infrastructure, SMLSP is an ideal site for FWP to advance its efforts to create more inclusive outdoor experiences.
Comment deadline: Sept. 24
Jefferson River Ranch LLC Private Pond License Review Main Pond
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 10.5 surface-acre pond located about 650 yards east of the Jefferson River, north of Twin Bridges.
Comment deadline: Sept. 25
Jefferson River Ranch LLC Private Pond License Review House Pond
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.70 surface acre pond located about 200 yards east of the Jefferson River, north of Twin Bridges. The pond is not connected to a natural waterway and is outside the Jefferson River floodplain.
Comment deadline: Sept. 25
Bull River WMA Forest Habitat Improvement & Fuels Reduction Project EA
FWP is seeking comment for a proposal to implement a forest habitat improvement and forest fuels reduction project on the Bull River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The project would promote and maintain a mosaic of open and closed forest cover and reduce hazardous fuels that could result in severe fire, which would increase understory forage production for big game and reduce fire threats to surrounding private property and homes.
Comment deadline: Sept. 26
Region 3 Cabin Relocation Project EA
FWP proposes to move six cabins from the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management area Sugarloaf Addition to Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Thes cabins were built in Anaconda approximately 20 years ago and brought to their current location, which was under private ownership at the time. FWP acquired the property in 2019, and the cabins in their current location could encourage vandalism and squatter issues. FWP has a need for these buildings at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park.
Comment deadline: Sept. 26
Mono Creek is a tributary to Wise River and contains a core (99% pure) population of westslope cutthroat trout. This population is threatened by hybridization with rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and therefore it is a priority to isolate these fish. A wooden barrier would be installed to isolate nearly 5 miles of habitat for westslope cutthroat trout and prevent hybridization. After installation of the barrier, fish would be removed using rotenone and then repopulated with salvaged fish from Mono Creek and adjacent populations. Once completed, this population would be considered protected and contribute to the goal of secure westslope cutthroat trout populations in 20 percent of their historical distribution. FWP’s action would be funding this project through the Future Fisheries Improvement Program, as well as permitting and project completion.
Comment deadline: Sept. 28
West Fork Rock Creek Instream Flow Water Right Acquisition
FWP proposes to acquire two historic irrigation water rights from the West Fork Rock Creek near Red Lodge changed to restore and protect streamflow in the West Fork Rock Creek and Rock Creek to benefit the wild trout fishery in both streams. The two water rights, Statements of Claim 43D 30155507 for 0.87 cubic feet per second (CFS) with a priority date of June 1, 1889 and 43D 3015551 for 1.92 CFS with a priority date of June 1, 1889, are very senior water rights in the Rock Creek basin. The acquisition of the water rights is contingent on the current owner successfully temporarily changing the two water rights to instream flow. This 10-year temporary change to instream flow is subject to approval by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. If the water rights are acquired, FWP can apply to renew the temporary change to instream flow every 10 years.
Comment deadline: Sept. 29
Alberton Gorge Recreation Corridor Forest Improvement Project
FWP is proposing forest management treatments on the Alberton Gorge Recreation Corridor for the purpose of reducing the risk of bark beetle infestations, reducing susceptibility to high severity fire, and restoring forest conditions to more ecologically appropriate species composition and structure.
Comment deadline: Sept. 30