|
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft proposed projects, conservation leases and other items. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Freisatz Private Pond Application
A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock white crappie, black crappie, fathead minnows and rainbow trout. The groundwater-fed pond is 0.10 surface acres and located in the northeast corner of Billings. A screened PVC pipe serves as the outlet for the pond and will prevent escapement during normal operations. Although 5 Mile Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared fish are minimal. The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.
Comments due April 5.
Lewis and Clark Caverns Trail Realignment Project
FWP proposes to reroute a section of the Greer Gulch Trail at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. The current trail starts from the Upper Picnic area parking lot trail head and traverses a riparian area by means of a 100-foot bog bridge. This bridge is beyond its lifespan and has deteriorated beyond repair, becoming a potential safety hazard for trail users. The project would remove the old structure and reroute the trail to the adjacent hillside for approximately 50 yards. FWP also proposes to reroute short section of steeply graded trail (approximately 50 yards in length) on the Nature Loop Trail.
Comments due April 10.
Lewis and Clark Caverns Trail Realignment Project
FWP proposes to reroute a section of the Greer Gulch Trail at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. The current trail starts from the Upper Picnic area parking lot trail head and traverses a riparian area by means of a 100-foot bog bridge. This bridge is beyond its lifespan and has deteriorated beyond repair, becoming a potential safety hazard for trail users. The project would remove the old structure and reroute the trail to the adjacent hillside for approximately 50 yards. FWP also proposes to reroute short section of steeply graded trail (approximately 50 yards in length) on the Nature Loop Trail.
Comments due April 10.
Checklist EA for Prescribed Fire for Range Management at Rosebud Battlefield State Park
FWP, in conjunction with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is proposing a controlled burn at Rosebud Battlefield State Park as a vegetation management strategy to reduce fuel levels and promote the health of the park’s ecosystem.
Comments due April 13.
Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling Restoration in Winslow Creek, Red Rock River Drainage
FWP proposes to restore and maintain native westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and Arctic grayling in Winslow Creek. Winslow Creek is a tributary to the Red Rock River in the Centennial Valley in southwest Montana. Historically, WCT, Arctic grayling and mountain whitefish were the only salmonid species in the Centennial Valley. In Winslow Creek, WCT were native and Arctic grayling likely used the stream seasonally. However, introductions of rainbow trout eliminated the conservation population of WCT through hybridization, and barriers to migration have eliminated access to the stream for grayling. Rocky Mountain sculpin Cottus bondi are also present in Winslow Creek. A conservation population is defined as viable assemblage of WCT that have most recently tested genetically as ≥90 percent WCT. Within the conservation population designation, a core population is defined as containing <1 percent introgression from nonnative species.
Comments due April 20.
Public Comment Hearing on Proposed Repeal of Big Game Management Policy
In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.9.101 Big Game Management Policy. Public comment hearing will be held on April 19 at 10 a.m.
Comments due April 22.
B&C French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal
FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 11,612 acres of land owned and operated by the B&C French family. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.
Comments due April 23.
Mark French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal
FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 308 acres of land owned and operated by Mark French. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.
Comments due April 23.
Hartman Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal
FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 1,526 acres of land owned by Hartman Land and Livestock. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.
Comments due April 23.
Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Repeal
In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.2.306 department liaison. Public comment hearing will be held on May 3 at 9 a.m.
Comments due May 6.