The attached Decision Notice addresses proposed actions for a project entitled Chadbourne Diversion Repairs and Fish Passage Retrofits. This Yellowstone cutthroat trout conservation project proposes to repair an aging irrigation structure that has had the added benefit of preventing wide-scale invasion of rainbow trout into the Shields River watershed. Built in 1908, the diversion has structural problems and rainbow trout can swim over the diversion at some flows. This project will restore the structural stability of the Chadbourne and add several retrofits that will make it impassable to rainbow trout. The EA included a selective fish passage component, which is no longer part of the project. Two comments were received during a 30-day comment period ending August 10, 2012. This Draft EA is available for review in Helena at FWP’s Headquarters, the State Library, and the Environmental Quality Council. It also may be obtained from FWP at the address provided above, or viewed on FWP’s Internet website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov . It is my decision to proceed with the proposed project, with the exception of the selective fish passage component.
(Decision Notices - 05/22/2013)

On June 5, 2013, at 6:30 p.m., the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission (commission) will hold a public hearing at the Seeley Lake Community Center, 3248 Hwy 83 North, Seeley Lake, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment and adoption of recreational use rules on Lake Alva, Harpers Lake, and Lake Marshall.
(ARM Rules - 05/09/2013)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP), Region One, is seeking public comment for a proposal to remove a northern pike population in Bass Lake and Mud Creek in northwest Montana using a combination of netting, trapping, and electrofishing, and restocking the lake with native westslope cutthroat trout. This project would be conducted within the Mud Creek watershed located approximately 6 miles southeast of the city of Eureka. The removal of northern pike would help restore native fish populations in the Tobacco River and Lake Koocanusa, which Bass Lake and Mud Creek feed. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is proposing to fund the project. The draft is out for a 30-day public review through June 8, 2013. Please contact FWP Fisheries Biologist Jim Dunnigan, (406) 293-4161, Ext. 200, or e-mail to jdunnigan@mt.gov with questions or comments.
(Restoration & Rehabilitation - 05/09/2013)

Region 2 FWP has issued a Decision Notice to proceed with its proposal to renew a lease of pasture on its Blackfoot Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (BCWMA) located in Powell County. The proposed lease between FWP and the Two Creek Ranch (Lessee) would exchange grazing on 1,050 acres of primarily non-native pasture on the BCWMA, for implementation of a rest-rotation grazing system on 1,000 acres of privately managed native grasslands that provide important elk winter forage. Additionally, infrastructure maintenance and weed treatment on the BCWMA would be performed by the Lessee. FWP will recommend to the FWP Commission at its May 9 meeting that FWP be allowed to proceed with this lease.
(Decision Notices - 05/07/2013)

This project is an application for a commercial fur farm for the purpose of raising and selling Bobcats, Bobcat kittens, Lynx and Lynx kittens to the general public. The facility is located approximately 10 miles north of Stevensville, Montana at 472 Wild Iris Road, Stevensville MT 59870.
(Fish & Wildlife Permits - 05/07/2013)