March Commission Meeting, and March Conference Call related to the Smith River
(Commission Meetings - Published April 30, 2008)

EA for the acquisition of 3.74 acres along the Stillwater River north of Absarokee for a new Fishing Access Site (FAS). Improvements will include an access road, boat launch, parking, and bathroom facilities.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 30, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Acquistion of 3.74 acres along the Stillwater River north of Absarokee for a Fishing Access Site (FAS). Public meeting May 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Columbus City Hall. Comments taken through May 30, 2008. Legal to appear twice prior to deadline in Helena Independent Record, Billings Gazette, and Stillwater County News.
(Annual Rule - Published April 30, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Dept. Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Wildlife Division (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is seeking up to three (3) contractors to provide project monitoring for Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program projects on private and public lands. The overall budget for monitoring these projects is approximately $25,000/year. This would entail compliance check, basic quality and biological assessments, filling out a standard report, and installation of program signs. A more complete description of the supplies and/or services sought for this project is provided in Section 3, Scope of Project. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 28, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, is seeking public comment for a fee-title acquisition of approximately 52-acres of the Hodges property located in Sanders County. This property is locally known as the “Bighorn Sheep Viewing Area” just east of Thompson Falls below Koo-Koo-Sint Ridge along Highway 200. This proposal represents an exciting collaborative bighorn sheep conservation project between the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Habitat Montana Fund, Flathead Wildlife, Inc., Montana Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, the Five Valleys Chapter of Safari Club International, and a private individual. The Hodges project will conserve winter range and lambing habitat for the migratory Thompson Falls bighorn sheep herd in FWP Bighorn Hunting District 121. In addition to bighorn sheep, this property would be managed as a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to conserve and enhance habitat for a diversity of wildlife species in the lower Clark Fork region east of Thompson Falls, Montana. A public hearing will be held Monday, May 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Thompson Falls Court House, 1111 Main Street, Thompson Falls. The draft environmental assessment is out for public review through 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2008. A copy is enclosed for your review. Please contact FWP Wildlife Biologist Bruce Sterling (406-827-4389 or e-mail to bsterling@mt.gov) or Regional Wildlife Program Manager Jim Williams (406-751-4585 or e-mail to jiwilliams@mt.gov) with questions or comments.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 28, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks prepared an Environmental Assessment dated March 25, 2008. This Environmental Assessment addresses the removal of the abandoned SH diversion located on the Tongue River, upstream of Miles City, MT. The purpose of the proposed project is to restore river function and provide fish passage.
(Decision Notice - Published April 28, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Attached are the Questions and Answers in regard to RFQ# 080215 Big Hole Bank Stabilization Design. The question and answer period for this RFQ is now closed.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 28, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Proposal to remove eastern brook trout from the Sage Creek drainage in an effort to reestablish a self-sustaining population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 25, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Introduction of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 24, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is soliciting bids for a Fish Scale and Otolith Ageing System. A more detailed description and specifications are enclosed in the following attachment.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 24, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposal to acquire a 295-acre parcel northwest of Anaconda in Deer Lodge County. Sherri Jamison currently owns the property, which lies about 2 miles east of the FWP’s existing Blue-eyed Nellie Wildlife Management Area (WMA). If acquired the property would become part of the Blue-eyed Nellie WMA. The purpose of this proposal would be to acquire critical year-round habitat for bighorn sheep and elk.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 24, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of reestablishing public motorboat access on Crystal Lake in Lincoln County, Montana. Alternative B, to construct a fishing access site on undeveloped FWP east shore property via Lakeshore Drive, was found to be the preferred alternative, having impacts to the fewest number of homeowners that can be substantially mitigated through careful site design and management. A copy of the decision notice is attached, as well as the appendix to the decision notice, which is a complete synopsis of public comments and FWP responses. Please direct your questions or comments to Regional Parks Manager Dave Landstrom, FWP, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901, or e-mail dlandstrom@mt.gov.
(Decision Notice - Published April 23, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

A draft EA for the purchase of 3,976 acres and leases of 690 acres of important habitat along the Yellowstone River, 2.5 miles west of Pompey's Pillar National Monument. This purchase will protect and enhance riparian habitats, sagebrush grasslands and ponderosa pine savannahs, and provide public recreational access to 9,426 acres of contiguous habitat. Questions and comments accepted through May 12, 2008 by 5:00 p.m. to Ray Mule', FWP, 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings 59105 or e-mail to rmule@mt.gov.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 22, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

There will be MANDATORY walk through for interested bidders for FWP Region 7 Headquarters lawn care and snow removal services at Industrial Site West, Miles City, MT 59301. A MANDATORY walk through of the premises will be provided on April 24, 2008 at 10 am local time. Please call Travis Muscha at 406-234-0924 to confirm your attendance.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 21, 2008 - Archived 04/2008)

There will be a MANDATORY walk through for interested bidders for FWP Region 5 Headquarters lawn care services at 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings, MT 59105. The mandatory walk through will be conducted on April 23, 2008 at 10 AM local time. Please contact Dianne Stiff at 406-247-2942 to confirm your attendance.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 21, 2008 - Archived 04/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting public comment on proposals adopted as Tentative by the FWP Commission at its April 17 meeting. The information below represents: · Tentative 2008 mountain lion quotas; · Tentative 2009 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Mule Deer and Elk license auction/lottery rules. With the exception of specific changes listed below, 2007 mountain lion quotas are being re-proposed for 2008. Note that a recent season structure adoption by the FWP Commission enacted limited mountain lion licenses available only by drawing in most of Region 2. The Tentative 2009 auction/lottery rules are unchanged from 2008 rules. For further clarification, please call (406) 444-2612. Comments can be sent to: FWP – Wildlife Division, Attn: Public Comment, POB 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701; or email fwpwld@mt.gov. The deadline for public comment on mountain lion quotas and auction/lottery rules is May 23, 2008. The commission will take final action on these items at its June 14, 2008 meeting in Helena.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Hunting - Published April 18, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Due to an excess of ice and snow still remaining at the site, the walk through for the Swamp Creek Restoration Design project, RFQ# 080083,has been postponed until May 6, 2008 at 10 AM. the meeting place remains the same, Fetty's Cafe in Wisdom Montana. The due date for proposals to be received by Fish, Wildlife and Parks has also been extended to May 16, 2008 at 2 PM local time. Any questions, please call Rick Dorvall at 406-495-3249. Thank you.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 14, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

Due Date Extension Addendum#1
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 14, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is soliciting bids for Fort Peck Reservoir Creel Survey. A more complete description of the services sought are provided below. Bids submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 11, 2008 - Archived 04/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is seeking a contractor to furnish and install a floating boat dock at Placid Lake State Park. A more complete description of the supplies and services sought for this project is provided in Section 3, Scope of Project. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 11, 2008 - Archived 05/2008)

The attached Decision Notice 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. Nine public comments were received during a 30-day comment period ending March 18, 2008. It is my decision to not proceed with the proposed project. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Scott Opitz 1354 Highway 10 West Livingston, MT 59047 Or e-mailed to: sopitz@mt.gov
(Decision Notice - Published April 11, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

The proposed action is to treat Tunnel Lake and a small tributary stream with rotenone to remove an expanding white sucker population and restock the lake to create a mixed fishery including hatchery-produced westslope cutthroat trout and transplanted Arctic grayling. This action will provide a better growing environment for westslope cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling to improve recreational angling opportunity.
(Decision Notice - Published April 11, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is soliciting bids for picnic shelter fabrication and set up. A more complete description of the supplies and/or services sought is provided in Section 3 of this Invitation for Bid (IFB). Bids submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 09, 2008 - Archived 04/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is seeking a contractor to provide professional gill netting assistance on Swan Lake. A population of lake trout has become established and threatens existing fisheries including: kokanee and bull trout. Professional gill netter assistance is needed in order to handle large numbers of lake trout over a short time period. Lake trout will be removed from the lake in order to calculate a population estimate and begin to control the expanding population. A more complete description of the supplies and/or services sought for this project is provided in Section 3, Scope of Project. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published April 09, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Minutes of August commission meeting
(Commission Meetings - Published April 08, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposes to: 1) acquire a donated conservation easement on approximately 225 acres of Madison River floodplain land from the Granger Ranch 6 miles south of Ennis, Montana; and, 2) restore, enhance, and create approximately 12,355 feet of O’Dell Creek tributary streambed in an area that is currently made up of drainage ditches and channelized stream course. This restoration will result in restoring at least 16.64 acres of surrounding historic wetland habitat. Although the proposed project does not include public access provisions, it will result in the recruitment of wild trout and other wildlife to the Madison River and surrounding riparian habitat. 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 April 30, 2008. Comments should be sent to the following: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks C/O O’Dell Creek Headwaters EA 1400 South 19th Avenue Bozeman, MT 59718-5496 Or emailed to: thinz@mt.gov.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 07, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

April Commission Meeting agenda
(Commission Agendas - Published April 07, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

January Commission Meetings
(Commission Meetings - Published April 04, 2008)

February 2008 Commission Meeting Minutes
(Commission Meetings - Published April 04, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

The attached Decision Notice has been prepared for proposed improvement to an irrigation system using water from the Big Hole River near the town of Jackson, MT. The fluvial Arctic grayling population in the upper Big Hole watershed is threatened by low quality habitat and low instream flows. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing improvements to this irrigation system to ensure that migratory fish species like Arctic grayling can access seasonally important habitats as well as improve the management and measurement taken from the Big Hole River for the purpose of irrigation. One public comment was received during a 15-day comment period ending March 21, 2008. It is my decision to proceed with the proposed project with no changes to the Draft Environmental Assessments. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be mailed to: Peter Lamothe Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 730 N. Montana St. Dillon, MT 59725 Or e-mailed to: plamothe@mt.gov Thanks for your interest.
(Decision Notice - Published April 04, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Due to intermittent ice on the Smith River that has caused the river to be impassable by recreationists, the Commission has adopted a temporary emergency rule closing the Smith River from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge.
(ARM Rule - Published April 03, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

The Program tentatively plans to provide partial funding to a project that would reduce the amount of water diverted from Gold Creek, a tributary to the Clark Fork River, for irrigation purposes by converting an inefficient irrigation system to a more efficient sprinkler system. The sprinkler irrigation system would be installed on the Thomas Hereford Ranch located approximately one mile southeast of the community of Gold Creek in Powell County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 02, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking comments on a proposed modification to an exsiting shooting range enhancement grant for the Yaak Rod & Gun Club for the purpose of drilling a water well. The shooting range has a physical description that reads, "HES 431 is located in protracted sections 2 and 3 of T35N, R32W and protracted sections 34 and 35 of T36N, R32W, PMM"
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published April 01, 2008 - Archived 10/2008)