Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment on a proposal to refinish the exterior surfaces of three historical buildings at Bannack State Park.

The buildings include the Montana Hotel, the Church, and the School/Masonic Temple. Under the proposal, zinc paint, a purified boiled linseed oil base with a zinc oxide additive, would be applied. Zinc paint was commonly used at the time when these buildings were constructed.

After the paint is applied, FWP proposes to let the boards weather naturally, and with time, they should blend into and conform to the ghost-town appearance promoted in the park's management plan. This presents a preservation solution that is long lasting, easy to maintain, cost effective and historically accurate.

A draft EA has been prepared for this proposal, and public comments on the EA will be accepted until April 27. To see the EA and learn how to submit comments, click here.