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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.
Westslope Cutthroat Trout Restoration in Trapper and Rock Creeks, Big Hole River Drainage
FWP proposes to conserve westslope cutthroat trout?Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi?(WCT) in Trapper and Rock creeks to expand their range in each drainage by removing non-native trout upstream of constructed fish barriers. Historically, WCT, Arctic grayling and mountain whitefish were the only salmonid species in the Big Hole River Valley. In Trapper and Rock creeks, WCT were native and Arctic grayling likely used the streams seasonally. ?However, introductions of rainbow and brook trout have reduced and threaten these WCT populations through hybridization, competition and predation, respectively.?
Comment Deadline: July 11
Smith River State Park, Smith River Lane Utility Easement EA
This proposed easement is located adjacent to the Smith River State Park, on the hillside between the Trout Creek Boat Camps and the Bear Gulch Boat Camps. This project would establish a utility easement for NorthWestern Energy Inc. to install underground electric services across an approximate 40-acre area of this parcel and remove the existing overhead lines. Currently, NorthWestern Energy is providing service to the private residents located on Smith River Lane via an unrecorded easement.
Comment Deadline: July 17
Smith River State Park Boat Camp Landing Restoration Project – Phase 1?EA
The Smith River has long been one of Montana’s premier river recreation destinations. The increasing number of floaters combined with decades of use and annual high-water cycles has resulted in impacts to the boat camps in the corridor, particularly the landings where shoreline is lost annually, and steep cut banks have formed making access to the sites difficult. The purpose of the Smith River State Park Boat Camp Landing Restoration Project – Phase 1 is to address the riverbank erosion issues at four boat camps in the upper reach of the canyon: Lower Indian Springs, Upper Rock Garden, Lower Rock Garden and Lower Scotty Allen.
Comment Deadline: July 17
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to include brook trout and rainbow trout as permitted species on the license. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is on a spring drainage approximately ½ mile from the spring source. The pond is an excavated pit with a manmade dam. The outlet consists of a screened standpipe and earthen spillway that activates during periods of high flow.
Comment Deadline: July 17
Lone Pine State Park Forest-Thinning Project Draft EA
FWP is proposing a forest-thinning and tree-planting project at Lone Pine State Park. The purpose of the project is to improve the overall forest health and timber stand diversity of the park. A public meeting will be held at Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center in Kalispell, on July 1, at 6 p.m.?to review the proposed project and answer any questions.
Comment Deadline: July 19
Bull River WMA Forest Habitat Improvement and Fuels Reduction Project Scoping Notice
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: July 19
Yellowstone cutthroat trout introduction into Bokma Reservoir Draft EA
FWP recently entered a Private Pond Fishing Access Agreement to stock fish in Bokma Reservoir for public access?FWP is looking to supplement occasional stocking of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout into Bokma Reservoir when opportunity arises.
Comment Deadline: July 21