The enclosed Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the proposed reintroduction of trumpeter swans to the Madison Valley of southwest Montana for a 5-year period (2012-2016). This proposed project has as its primary objective the re-establishment of breeding trumpeters in this portion of their historic range. With the U.S. portion of the Rocky Mountain Population of trumpeters in continual decline, state conservation agencies in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho are increasing efforts to restore these birds to a sustainable level. This proposed restoration would allow FWP to implement the Pacific Flyway Council’s Rocky Mountain Population Trumpeter Swan Implementation Plan (TSIP) that includes a goal to increase the number of breeding pairs of trumpeter swans in suitable habitats. Releases of trumpeters in the middle Madison are expected to result in more trumpeters pioneering wetlands throughout the Madison Valley where suitable nesting areas are available. Ultimately, these releases are expected to result in establishment of a small breeding flock in the Madison Valley. The proposed initial release site is the O’Dell Creek Headwaters wetlands south of Ennis, Madison County, Montana, between Quake and Ennis Lakes. O’Dell Creek Headwaters is an 8,000-acre area with extensive wetlands, spring creeks, streams, and riparian areas on the east side of the Madison River. The proposed release site is currently under perpetual protection by a FWP conservation easement. The O’Dell Creek Headwaters has undergone habitat suitability evaluations by MT Natural Heritage Program ecologists as well as biologists from the University of Montana Avian Science Center for six years. Results of these surveys show large increases in breeding waterfowl in the O’Dell Creek Headwaters since restoration began. In addition, the growth of aquatic vegetation to support breeding swans has been determined to be adequate to support the proposed releases beginning in 2012. The first release of trumpeters would occur in September 2012. FWP would obtain trumpeter swans for release from the Wyoming Wetlands Society facility in Jackson, Wyoming. The reintroduction of captive-reared trumpeter swans into suitable nesting areas is a proven management tool in use in other parts of Montana and neighboring states. Releases would continue until 5 breeding pairs are established in the Madison or until monitoring of the program indicates that the project should be discontinued. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks invites you to comment on the attached proposal. The public comment period will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., May 21, 2012. Comments should be sent to the following:
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 05/07/2012)

In 1997, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) entered into an agreement with the Meagher County Newlan Creek Water District to provide public recreational use of Newlan Reservoir and establishing a fishing access site (FAS). MFWP proposed to develop Newlan Creek Reservoir FAS in two phases. Phase I was completed in 2001, which included an entrance road and parking area, access roads through Camp Loops A and B, a boat launch, and three latrines. MFWP proposes to develop Phase II, which would include improvement of gravel access roads and development of designated campsites throughout Camp Loops A and B and the areas known as Big Point and Little Point, construction of a designated gravel parking area near the upper end of the reservoir, construction of a gravel boat access on Little Point, relocation of a vault latrine from the existing parking area to Big Point, possibly locating another vault latrine at Little Point or Headwaters and additional regulatory and informational signs. Phase II development of Newlan Creek Reservoir FAS would improve recreational opportunities by allowing additional opportunities for camping, boating and fishing. The proposed development reduces public safety hazards and degradation to fish and wildlife habitats due to pioneered roads and campsites, as well as improved sanitation by relocating and adding latrines.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 03/29/2012)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) propose to lease approximately 3200 acres of the 9000 acre Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area (BLWMA) near Bynum, Montana for cattle grazing to better manage vegetation for wildlife cover and forage. This one year lease would allow cattle grazing during the period June 1 through August 31 in 2012. This grazing conforms with a 4-year rest-rotation pasture system that has effectively been implemented and practiced for each of the last 8 years on the Area.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 02/27/2012)

An Environmental Assessment by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to initiate an improvement project within Black Sandy State Park, which would include installing a prefabricated concrete structure on a concrete pad to serve as an office and visitor contact station for the park. The structure would be wired with electricity which is currently trenched to the proposed location Montana State Parks is accepting public comments on these proposed improvements. Public Comments will be accepted until 5pm on March 21, 2012.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 02/26/2012)

It is proposed to continue grazing the 475 acre “Polloch Meadows” area of Cottonwood Creek and add another 400 acre pasture in Upper Cottonwood Creek area of the Beartooth Wildlife Management Area.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 02/23/2012)

The enclosed Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the proposed Three Dollar Bridge Fishing Access Site Improvements. This project proposes that improvements be made by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) at Three Dollar Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Madison River. The proposed improvements include enhancing the entrance road, graveling existing parking areas on both sides of the river, improving a designated trail to the water on both sides of the river, and adding a new precast-concrete latrine on the west side of the river. Worn signs would be replaced and a new informational sign added. The proposed improvements would prevent further degradation and sanitation concerns at the site. 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 . Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks invites you to comment on the attached proposal. The public comment period will be accepted until 5:00 PM March 8, 2012. Comments should be sent to the following:
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 02/06/2012)

The Future Fisheries Improvement Program is proposing to provide partial funding to a project calling for the replacement of an undersized and perched culvert located at a private stream crossing on Willow Creek with a bridge. Willow Creek is a tributary to the Blackfoot River. The intent of the project is to improve upstream fish passage to approximately 3.5 miles of Willow Creek for a non-hybridized population of westslope cutthroat trout, as well as for populations of brown trout and brook trout. The project also will create a more stable stream crossing, reducing sediment delivery to the stream. The project site is located on property owned by Jerry and Susan Biresch approximately 2.5 miles southwest of the town of Lincoln in Lewis and Clark County.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 01/29/2012)

The Future Fisheries Improvement Program is proposing to provide partial funding to a project calling for the removal of an undersized culvert and construction of a step-pool fish way located on the South Fork of the North Fork Divide Creek. The project would eliminate a migration barrier for a population of genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout. The intent of the project is to improve fish passage to approximately five miles of the South Fork of the North Fork Divide Creek for a non-hybridized population of westslope cutthroat trout. The proposed project would not threaten genetic integrity because South Fork Reservoir, located immediately downstream of the project site, acts to isolate the population. The project site is located on property owned by Butte Silver Bow County approximately 10 miles southwest of the city of Butte in Silver Bow County.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 01/29/2012)

The Future Fisheries Program is proposing to provide partial funding to a project designed to restore a 2,026-foot reach of the Ruby River that had been historically straightened by lengthening the channel and returning meanders to the plan form. The project also calls for relocating some livestock feeding corrals currently encroaching into the riparian corridor. The intent of this project is to enhance aquatic habitat and trout populations, improve water quality and enhance the riparian vegetative community. The project site is located approximately one mile south of the community of Alder in Madison County.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 01/29/2012)

The Future Fisheries Program is proposing to provide partial funding to a project designed to stabilize approximately 1,222 feet of Haskill Creek, a tributary to the Whitefish River. The intent of this project is to improve water quality and fish populations within a reach of Haskill Creek and provide a demonstration of two different types of bank stabilization techniques. The project site is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the town of Whitefish in Flathead County.
(Development, Improvements, and Enhancements - 01/29/2012)