A permit will be issued for the Natural Resource Damage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to complete a restoration project in the South Fork of Spotted Dog Creek to improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat.

Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2) will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.

FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.

Special conditions of the SPA 124 permit include:

1. The project shall be monitored after subsequent high water. Re-planting and channel maintenance will be completed where necessary.
2. FWP fisheries staff (Caleb Uerling) shall be notified at least one week ahead of channel de-watering to facilitate fish salvage.
3. Beaver habitat structures shall maintain surface water connectivity over structures at a grade appropriate for fish passage. Coordinate a post-project inspection of structures with FWP fisheries staff (Caleb Uerling).
4. No in-stream work shall be completed prior to 7/15/2025 except for the temporary crossing on the unnamed tributary to the South Fork of Spotted Dog Creek.