Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the following environmental assessments (EA) and proposals. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Boulder Forks Fishing Access Site Bridge Replacement draft EA
Boulder River Ranch, LLC is proposing a project to build a temporary road and bridge at locations inside Boulder Forks Fishing Access Site (FAS) to remove and replace an existing bridge access over the Boulder River. Ranch access is through a legal easement with FWP to the private bridge, portions of the proposed work will occur outside of the easement and in the FAS. The fishing access site was acquired by FWP in 1976. The FAS is about 71 acres and consists of improved infrastructure including a vault latrine, gravel roads with parking areas, a campground, fencing, a cast concrete boat ramp and signage.
Comment deadline: July 21
Westslope Cutthroat Trout Restoration in Harley Creek draft EA
FWP proposes to conserve westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus lewisi (WCT) in Harley Creek by constructing a fish barrier that will isolate 5.5 miles of habitat from downstream non-native fish populations, removing non-native fish upstream of the constructed barrier and expanding the nonhybridized WCT population in the tributary Graveyard Gulch to the restored habitat. FWP is considering the proposed action to prevent the loss of a unique genetic lineage of WCT native to north central Montana, expand the current range and add stream mileage to the WCT conservation goals for the Belt Creek drainage, and reduce the likelihood of listing WCT under the Endangered Species Act).
Comment deadline: July 22
Askin Pond Rainbow Trout Stocking checklist EA
FWP proposes to stock rainbow trout into Askin Pond, which is a newly constructed 0.8-acre town pond in a public park near Belgrade. Rainbow trout are not native to the drainage but are widely distributed throughout the Gallatin drainage and permitted for stocking in other town ponds and private ponds throughout Region 3. FWP proposes to initially stock about 500 fingerling rainbow trout once a year. The stocking rate could be adjusted depending on growth rates, angler harvest and angler satisfaction.
Comment deadline: July 23
Melius private pond checklist EA
A private landowner in Hamilton has applied for a private fish pond license. The pond is a 0.1-acre groundwater pit fed by a spring. The applicant is seeking a license to plant rainbow and/or westslope cutthroat trout into the pond for personal use and enjoyment. The pond has an outlet that flows directly into Blodgett Creek but is screened to prevent planted fish from escaping the pond. Both species requested for the license are already present in Blodgett Creek and pose little risk should they escape.
Comment deadline: July 25
Cornwell Private Pond License Review draft checklist EA
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brown trout, rainbow trout and largemouth bass. The landowner is currently permitted to stock rainbow trout and largemouth bass; however, a new permit and environmental review are required to permit brown trout to be stocked in this pond. The pond is a 2.4-surface-acre pond located near Vaughn.
Comment deadline: July 28
Columbia slimy sculpin translocation to Sleeping Child Creek checklist EA
FWP proposes to transfer wild Columbia slimy sculpin from the Skalkaho Creek drainage to Sleeping Child Creek. Sculpin are native to the Bitterroot drainage, including Sleeping Child and Skalkaho creeks. Multiple studies have shown that sculpin populations in the Bitterroot River basin are declining due to increasing stream temperatures.
Comment deadline: July 28
Roosters for Recruitment pheasant releases draft programmatic EA
FWP has administered a pheasant release program since 1987, whereby pen-raised pheasants are released on private lands for population augmentation and increased hunting opportunity. In March of 2021, a new pheasant release program was established to support recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts in Montana, which aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success, and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages. This EA only will consider releases in suitable habitat on certain state, federal and private lands. The most desirable sites would be those fairly close to accessible roads and population centers in order to maximize access for hunters. Pheasant releases would occur a few days prior to the youth pheasant opener, which is generally the third or fourth weekend in September. Releases may continue throughout October and into November.
Comment deadline: July 29
Hieronymus Pond Fishing Access Improvement Project checklist EA
The City of Hamilton is planning to install two new fishing access points to Hieronymus Pond, which is a 3.6-acre pond located in Hamilton. The proposed project aims to improve fishing access to the pond by adding one ADA dock and one additional fishing dock. Along with this, the project aims to improve shore fishing access through shoreline vegetative management.
Comment deadline: July 30
Carter Ponds Improvement checklist EA
FWP is proposing to install two 500-watt electric generators into the upper and lower Carter ponds located in Fergus County. The project would minimize winterkill risk of recreational trout fisheries at the Carter Pond complex by installing electric power to operate aerators at each pond.
Comment deadline: July 30
Medicine Stab Pond Access Improvement checklist EA
The Blackfeet Nation is planning to improve access to Cemetery Lake (Medicine Stab) located in Browning by adding an ADA accessible dock to the pond. The project will enhance Cemetery Lake, a 13.86-acre community pond, by constructing a T-shaped floating fishing dock to improve angler access and recreational opportunities. The dock and surrounding area will be designed to preserve shoreline vegetation and reduce erosion while providing safe, high-quality fishing access.
Comment deadline: July 30
Montana Audubon Center Community Pond EA
The Montana Audubon Center Community is planning to upgrade the aeration system in Deep Mill Pond located in Billings. This project will improve the long-term health and reliability of the Deep Mill Pond fishery through installation of a 12-foot Koenders windmill-powered aeration system. Deep Mill Pond is a 2.5-acre community pond located on the Montana Audubon Center campus, with a maximum depth of approximately 13 feet and a total volume of 12.8 acre-feet.
Comment deadline: July 30
August 19 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting agenda items
Agenda items for the Aug. 19 commission meeting are now open for public comment. These include:
- Selection of Organizations to Auction Licenses
- Future Fisheries Improvement Program - Summer 2026 Cycle
- Upper Missouri CAC - Member Appointment
- Northshore WMA Agricultural Lease Extension
- 2026 Nongame Workplan
- 2026 Furbearer/Wolf Hunting and Trapping Seasons, Quotas, and Regulations
- Temporary Closure - Kohrs Bend Fishing Access Site
- Stimson Timberland Legacy Conservation Easement
- Roosters for Recruitment Pheasant Releases
- Elk Hunting Access Agreement - Blacktail Breaks
More information about these agenda items and comment deadlines is available on the commission meeting webpage. Commissioners can submit amendments to any of FWP's proposals. Those amendments will be posted to the webpage as needed and will be open for public comment.