Agenda for the March 13. 2008 Commission meeting in Helena
(Commission Agendas - Published February 28, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

FWP proposes to purchase water rights from Cedar Creek, a tributary to the Yellowstone River near Corwin Springs. These water rights are currently leased by FWP for in-stream flow for the benefit of the fishery. The intent of the project is to maintain habitat for salmonids, primarily Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Cedar Creek is located about 2 miles downstream of Corwin Springs and about 10 miles downstream of Gardiner.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 28, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the proposed Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Campground Electrification Project. This project proposes to enhance the campground amenities by installing electrical hook-ups for recreation vehicles in a portion of the campground. 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 p.m., March 31, 2008. Comments should be sent to the following: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, Campground Electrification Project Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 489 Whitehall, MT 59759 Or e-mailed to: kempcaverns@in-tch.com
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 27, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

This project proposes to initiate a road-paving and campground improvement project within Salmon Lake State Park to be completed in multiple phases. In the first phase, the day-use loop road and parking areas would be paved, a cable-mat for the swim dock installed, the boat staging area widened, and improvements made to the boat docks. In subsequent phases, as funds become available, electrical pedestals would be installed at all campsites and the interior campground road and campsites would be paved. This Draft EA is available for review in Helena at MFWP’s Headquarters, the State Library and the Environmental Quality Council. It also may be obtained by downloading the file posted below. Comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2008. Comments should be directed to Lee Bastian by mail at the above address; phone to 406-542-5517; or email to lbastian@mt.gov.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 27, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

SCOPING NOTICE FOR THE PROPOSED REVISION OF THE 2004 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF BISON HUNTING IN MONTANA In 2003, the Montana Legislature passed SB395, a bill that gave the Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) Commission the authority to establish a bison hunt in Gallatin and Park Counties. FWP was granted permission by the Commission to proceed with planning for this hunt at the September 11, 2003, FWP Commission meeting. An Environmental Assessment (EA) of alternatives for this hunt was prepared in 2004. Public hunts were successfully held in 2005-2006, 2006-2007, and 2007-2008. Based on experience gained administering these hunts and accommodating harvest of bison by Native American tribes with treaty hunting rights in the Yellowstone area, FWP proposes to modify the current EA for bison hunting to allow a season-setting procedure similar to that employed for other big game animals in Montana. The intent of the law authorizing the current bison hunt was to allow Montana hunters to harvest wild bison under fair chase conditions without endangering the bison population or creating public safety issues. Three successful hunting seasons indicate that these goals were achieved. However, adjusting the size and distribution of the harvest while facilitating a thoughtful and equitable distribution of licenses among state and tribal treaty hunters in the future may require more flexibility than the current EA allows. The proposed modification will allow FWP to efficiently increase or decrease license numbers and areas open to hunting when conditions require a more liberal or conservative approach. This scoping document has been issued to encourage public comment early in the planning process. The deadline for submitting written scoping comments is March 7, 2008. Comments should be mailed or emailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Attention: Revised Bison EA 1400 South 19th Ave. Bozeman, Montana 59718 bisonscoping@mt.gov
(Legal Notice - Published February 25, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Decision Notice has been prepared for the proposed chemical treatment of Randall Creek and associated ponds and ditches in Gallatin County. Wild trout and native game and non-game fish in the upper Missouri drainage are currently threatened by nonnative northern pike found in this area. FWP is proposing to remove northern pike from this system. No public comments were received during a 21-day comment period ending February 6, 2008. It is my decision to proceed with the proposed project, with no changes to the Environmental Assessment. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Michael W. Vaughn Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 1400 S. 19th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718-5496 Or e-mailed to: mvaughn@mt.gov Thank you for your interest.
(Decision Notice - Published February 25, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet in Helena March 7 at the Red Lion Colonial Inn & Suites, 2301 Colonial Drive, to discuss hunting and fishing access issues.
(Annual Rule - Published February 22, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to accept a donation of approximately 20 acres of land in the Bearmouth Canyon between Drummond and Clinton in Granite County as an addition to the existing 10-acre Bearmouth Fishing Access Site on the Upper Clark Fork River. 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 the Region 2 MFWP Headquarters at the address provided above, or viewed on by clicking on the file below. Comments on this Draft EA must be received no later than March 24, 2008. Comments should be mailed to Lee Bastian, MFWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804-3101 or emailed to lbastian@mt.gov. If you have questions, please contact Lee Bastian at 542-5500.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 20, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

A draft EA to improve vehicle access, add a vault latrine, and construct a boat launch at Pelican Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River near Reedpoint.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 19, 2008 - Archived 03/2008)

Legal Notice for improvements to Pelican FAS on the Yellowstone River to run in the Stillwater County News and Helena Independent Record.
(Legal Notice - Published February 19, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the acquisition of a gift water right from Mr. Ed Hillman on the Shields River. The proposed acquisition would be used to benefit in-stream flow and fisheries in the Shields River. The draft EA is available for review from FWP at the address provided above or viewed on FWP’s Internet website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov/publicnotices. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks invites you to comment on the attached proposal. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on March 18, 2008. Comments should be sent to the following: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Scott Opitz 1354 Highway 10 West Livingston, MT 59047 Or emailed to:sopitz@mt.gov
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 15, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks propose to develop the 71-acre property along the Yellowstone River at Glendive to serve as a public fishing access site. There is a substantial need for public river access to the Yellowstone River near Glendive. The Black Bridge FAS would be the only FAS on the Yellowstone River between Fallon FAS and Intake FAS (53 River Miles). This proposal would construct a 16-foot wide access road, a parking lot for nine vehicles with trailers and space for 10 single vehicles, a concrete boat ramp, concrete vault latrine, signs and fencing.
(Decision Notice - Published February 14, 2008 - Archived 02/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to install campsite electrical hook-ups and restroom courtesy lights at Placid Lake State Park. Initially 13 campsites (southeastern loop) within the state park would be electrified; as funds became available, two more loops would be electrified. A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) will be available for review and comment beginning Friday, February 15, 2008. You may view the EA at FWP’s website www.fwp.mt.gov (“Recent Public Notices”) or request a copy by mailing FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804; phoning 406-542-5540; or emailing shrose@mt.gov. Comments should be directed to Lee Bastian by mail at the address above; phone to 406-542-5517; or email to lbastian@mt.gov; and must be received no later than 5 p.m., March 7, 2008.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 14, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to construct a 12-stall gravel parking area and install a concrete vault latrine at Poker Joe Fishing Access Site, located along the Bitterroot River in Ravalli County (between Florence and Stevensville). A gravel access road with 1-3 culverts would also be constructed as part of the project. These improvement projects are part of a September 2007 agreement between FWP and landowners near the Poker Joe Site. The agreement ensures public access to the FAS through a road easement and also establishes that FWP will continue and enhance management activities at Poker Joe and make several road and site improvements. A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) will be available for review and comment beginning Friday, February 8, 2008. You may view the EA at FWP’s website www.fwp.mt.gov (“Recent Public Notices”) or request a copy by mailing FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804; phoning 406-542-5540; or emailing shrose@mt.gov. Comments should be directed to Lee Bastian by mail at the address above; phone to 406-542-5517; or email to lbastian@mt.gov; and must be received no later than 5 p.m., March 10, 2008.
(Environmental Assessment - Published February 08, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Decision Notice has been prepared by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) for the proposed building stabilization project within Bannack State Park, near Dillon, Montana. No public comments were received during the 30-day comment period ending January 21, 2008. It is my decision to proceed with the preferred alternative by going forward with the stabilization work on eleven (11) historic buildings within Bannack State Park. Proposed projects vary from building to building, but generally address foundations, roofs, replacement of sill and spandrel logs, and drainage issues. In addition, two frost-free water hydrants would be added to the current outdoor water system. No changes to the Environmental Assessment (EA). Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks c/o Bannack Stabilization EA Comments 4200 Bannack Road Dillon MT 59725 Or e-mailed to: dalec@mt.gov
(Decision Notice - Published February 07, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Decision to construct and operate a Fishing Access Site on the Musselshell River in cooperation with the City of Harlowton.
(Decision Notice - Published February 06, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

February meeeting in Helena at the Colonial Red Lion Inn
(Commission Agendas - Published February 06, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Decision Notice has been prepared by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to amend the 2000 Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Management Plan in three areas to address compelling issues. The preferred alternative (B) called for the following: · Allow trail development in the undeveloped section of the Park · Allow mountain bikes on portions of the Park trail system · Upgrade overnight facilities in the Park campground, specifically to develop a limited number of campsites with electrical and water hook-ups Twenty-three public comments were received during the 30-day comment period ending November 9, 2007. It is my decision to proceed with the preferred alternative detailed above. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Lewis & Clark Caverns Management Plan 1400 S. 19th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59718 Or e-mailed to: gwalker@mt.gov.
(Decision Notice - Published February 05, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

The attached Decision Notice has been prepared for a proposed project that would remove nonnative brook trout from Green Hollow Creek to benefit an Arctic grayling brood population. The removal of brook trout would serve to reduce the likelihood of disease transfer from brook trout, which are carriers of several common fish diseases, to an Arctic grayling brood stock located within the drainage. It would also reduce competition between brook trout and Arctic grayling for space and food resources. FWP is proposing to removal nonnative brook trout from the stream using electrofishing and trapping methods. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks did not receive any public comments during a 30 day comment period ending January 21, 2008. It is my decision to proceed with the proposed projects, with no changes to the Draft Environmental Assessments. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Jim Magee Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 730 N. Montana Street Dillon, MT 59725 Or e-mailed to: mageejames@mt.gov Thank you for your interest.
(Decision Notice - Published February 05, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Decision Notice for Freeman Roadside Menagerie
(Decision Notice - Published February 05, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)