Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public comment on a proposal to purchase privately held mineral rights under a 14,149 acre portion of the Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area northeast of Deer Lodge.

The rights were not available for purchase when FWP acquired the WMA in 2010. If the purchase proceeds as proposed, FWP would own the majority of the mineral rights on the 27,616 acre WMA.

FWP ownership of these mineral rights would help ensure that no mineral exploration or extraction activities would occur under the WMA, which is in line with the property goals of protecting the area for fish, wildlife and compatible public access.

FWP is taking comment on the proposal through Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. A draft environmental assessment has been prepared for this proposal. Find the documents online at fwp.mt.gov under “Public Notices.” Or, request them by mail from Region 2 FWP, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; phone 406-542-5500; email shrose@mt.gov.

Comments can be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov under “Public Notices,” or should be directed to Sharon Rose by mail to the address above, phone to 406-542-5540, or email to shrose@mt.gov. Comments must be received by FWP no later than 5p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012.