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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.
FWP is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2025-2026 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Applications for fishing contests were approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the FWP Fisheries Division in Helena. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, and/or require additional access site maintenance when needed.
Comment deadline: Sept. 10
Indian Road Site Development Project
FWP proposes to develop approximately 2 acres of land owned in fee title by FWP along the Missouri River for the purpose of improving public access to the Missouri River. Proposed developments include a single-wide concrete boat ramp, designated gravel parking area, gravel access road, boundary fencing, and informational signs. Development of the site will greatly improve boat access to this stretch of the Missouri River for boaters and floaters and discourage the spread of aquatic invasive plants. The improvements would be made in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation which operates the Indian Road Campground adjacent to the project site.
Comment deadline: Sept. 11
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Water System Replacement Project
Montana FWP proposes to install a new water system at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park to better serve the public and staff. The new system will provide not only the upper visitor center with a more updated, reliable system, it will also combine all the water systems in the park, thereby improving the water system for the main visitor center and maintenance shop as well.
Comment deadline: Sept. 11
Bannack State Park Warming Hut
FWP proposes to construct a canvas wall tent on a permanent platform just across the road from the ice-skating pond. The tent would have benches, an electric heat source, hot drinks, and skates to borrow, just as the existing warming room does. It would also have a porch with seating where visitors can enjoy the winter sun and beautiful views of the eastern end of the park. The tent would be packed away during the summer months to extend its life, but the platform and seating would be available to visitors year-round for picnics, wildlife watching, or just resting and enjoying the ambience of Bannack. The tent could also be set up and used for special events like Bannack Days.
Comment deadline: Sept. 11
Selway Fishing Access Site Addendum
Selway FAS is a small 0.79-acre day-use site on the northern edge of Dillon on the Beaverhead River. The existing site is day-use only and has a boat ramp, latrine, picnic tables and a parking area. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) owns the Selway FAS parcel, and FWP operates it under a no-cost Recreation Permit. Downstream of Selway FAS and across Laknar Lane is another MDT parcel that the public also uses to access the Beaverhead River watch birds and otherwise recreate. This second MDT parcel is undeveloped aside from a foot path and consists mostly of grasses and some trees. This project is a proposal to include the adjoining 2.5-acre MDT parcel into the existing management agreement and Recreation Permit for the Selway FAS.
Comment deadline: Sept. 11
A draft of FWP’s 2025 Montana State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is ready for public review and comment. The SWAP identifies Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitats, describes threats that impact those species and habitats, highlights conservation actions to address those threats, and outlines a monitoring plan. States submit SWAPs to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a 10-year cycle and are required for states to be eligible for grants through the State Wildlife Grant Program. FWP and its conservation partners use the SWAP to guide conservation work in Montana, drawing upon the plan to prioritize projects, apply for funding and implement actions that address specific threats to fish, wildlife, and their habitats. Public comment will be considered before the final document is submitted to the U.S. Fish a& Wildlife Service in October 2025.
Comment deadline: Sept. 14