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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.
Bergeron Private Pond License Review EA
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, brown trout and westslope cutthroat trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond was originally permitted in 2023 for rainbow trout, which are still currently present in the pond. The landowner is currently permitted to stock rainbow trout; however, a new permit is required to add brook trout, brown trout and westslope cutthroat trout to the species allowed to be stocked in this pond. The pond is a 0.25 surface acre pond located in Belt.
Comment deadline: May 6
John Owen Fishing Access Site Name Change Proposal
FWP proposes to change the name of John Owen Fishing Access Site (FAS) to John and Nancy Owen FAS. The FAS is located along the Bitterroot River near Stevensville. The FAS is currently named after John Owen who arrived in the Bitterroot Valley in 1850 and established a fort close to where the FAS is today. FWP proposes changing the name to John and Nancy Owen FAS because Nancy Owen was also an important part of the area's history. FWP plans to construct new infrastructure at the FAS during spring/summer 2025, which will include new signage.
Comment deadline: May 9
Bring Em (Lower Pond) Private Pond License Review
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 0.90 surface acre and located west of McAllister, approximately 930 yards south of South Meadow Creek. South Meadow Creek flows into Ennis Lake and contains brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout.
Comment deadline: May 15
Bring Em (Middle Pond) Private Pond License Review
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 0.90 surface acre and located west of McAllister, approximately 0.5 mile south of South Meadow Creek. South Meadow Creek flows into Ennis Lake and contains brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout.
Comment deadline: May 15
Jack Creek Private Pond License Review
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 0.85 surface acre and located east of Ennis, approximately 250 yards south of Jack Creek. Rainbow trout are not native to Jack Creek but were legally stocked. Rainbow trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence.
Comment deadline: May 15
Bannack State Park ADA Upgrades
The goal of this project is to improve accessibility and opportunity for all visitors to enjoy Bannack State Park, especially those guests with mobility challenges. This project will specifically implement changes that will improve parking, access to the latrine, and access to the entrance of the park for people with disabilities. The reconfiguration of these elements provides opportunities to make additional improvements to this part of the park that will benefit all users including a larger and more pleasant picnic area, an interpretive plaza, and a more welcoming entrance.
Comment deadline: May 15
Walker Road Private Pond License Review
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 0.25 surface acre and located north of Bozeman, approximately 500 yards north of Bostwick Creek, which is a tributary to the East Gallatin River. The East Gallatin River contains Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. The pond is fed from a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of a rock armored spillway. The intermittent discharge of the pond is directed towards a vegetated swale on the property. Rainbow Trout are not native to the East Gallatin River but were legally stocked. Rainbow Trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence. 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 (2025). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.
Comment deadline: May 16
FWP Central Services Facilities Upgrades
FWP owns and manages approximately 11.93 acres at 930 West Custer Avenue in Helena. The facility accommodates a combination of administrative and public service functions, including the Helena Area Resource Office (HARO), Montana Outdoors Magazine staff, FWP fleet management, procurement, and warehouse space for shipping, receiving and storage. Other facility uses include aquatic invasive species equipment management and Helena area parks and outdoor recreation maintenance shops. FWP conducts facility condition assessments of department owned administrative facilities on a two-year cycle. Assessments have identified significant deferred maintenance recommendations for aging structures at this facility. Funding has been appropriated, and authority granted by the 68th Montana Legislature, to begin to address needed improvements at this facility. The proposed project will, as current and future funding allow, remove and replace existing buildings at the Custer Avenue facility and HARO with new, more efficient buildings and site improvements. Improvements will consolidate office, public information, retail sales, maintenance shop and warehouse facilities.
Comment deadline: May 30