Decision Notice for the following Shooting Ranges: Missoula Trap & Skeet Club, Whittecar Rifle Range, Judith Basin Archery Club, and Dillon Rifle and Pistol Club
(Decision Notice - Published August 29, 2008)

Agenda for the August 28, 2008 Commission meeting (conference call)
(Commission Agendas - Published August 28, 2008)

The intent of the project is to improve upstream fish passage for fluvial westslope cutthroat trout. This proposed project is located approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the town of Bonner in Missoula County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 28, 2008)

The intent of the project is to create spawning habitat and enhance the recruitment of trout to the Jefferson River. The project site is located approximately 4 miles north of the community of Waterloo in Jefferson County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 28, 2008)

This proposed project would continue to allow for supplemental water to be diverted into the lake and, at the same time, provide for an improved water balance between the lake and the stream. The intent of the project is to benefit westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout in Snowbank Creek. The project site is on the Helena National Forest located approximately 8 miles northeast of the town of Lincoln in Lewis and Clark County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 28, 2008)

The intent of the project is to return the stream to its historic channel and improve spawning and rearing habitat for westslope cutthroat trout and brook trout, and possible other species of salmonids. The proposed project is located approximately 6 miles southeast of the community of Clinton in Missoula County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 28, 2008)

The project is intended to stabilize about 100 feet of degraded stream channel and reduce sediment and nutrient loading into downstream waters. This proposed project is located approximately eight miles northeast of the town of Stevensville in Ravalli County.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 28, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) has released a Decision Notice to provide the Mission Valley Shooting Club, Inc, a shooting range improvement grant for $3,360 in partial funding towards construction of a pistol range . The range is located near Ronan, MT, in the E1/2SE1/4NE1/4, and the South 800 feet of the E1/2NE1/4NE1/4, of Section 33, T21N, R20W, P.M.M.
(Decision Notice - Published August 27, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, is seeking public comment for the creation of the North Shore State Park/WMA. The project comprises the purchase of approximately 160-180 acres of primarily open land located between Montana Hwy 82 and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Flathead Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA). A copy of the draft environmental assessment is attached for your review. The acquisitions would be co-managed by both Parks and Wildlife Divisions with the Parks development project limited to an approximately 25-acre footprint and the balance of lands managed primarily for wildlife, habitat, educational, and compatible recreational purposes. An open house/public hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2008, in the Somers Fire Hall, 127 Leslie Avenue in Somers, Montana. The open house portion will run from 6:00-7:00 p.m., with public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. Public comments can be sent to: North Shore EA, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, or e-mailed to Gael Bissell at gbissell@mt.gov. The draft is out for a 30-day public review, with comments being accepted through September 26, 2008.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 27, 2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, (FWP), (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is seeking a vendor to provide and deliver five (5) each latrines throughout the state. A more complete description of the latrines sought is provided in the following Invitation for Bid.
(Bids & Proposals - Published August 27, 2008 - Archived 09/2008)

The STATE OF MONTANA, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (hereinafter referred to as “the State”) is soliciting bids for a tractor with backhoe and loader attachment. A more complete description of the equipment sought is provided in Section 3.2 of this IFB. Bids submitted in response to this solicitation must comply with the instructions and procedures contained herein.
(Bids & Proposals - Published August 26, 2008 - Archived 09/2008)

Fish Species Proposed for Introduction: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) propose transferring non-hybridized juvenile and adult westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) to currently fishless Lange Creek (Sun River Drainage) from Chamberlain Creek (Belt Drainage). Lange Creek, a tributary to Gibson Reservoir in the Sun River Drainage is currently fishless because of a 200 foot waterfall just upstream of its confluence with Gibson Reservoir. Lange Creek has approximately 4 miles of habitable stream above the barrier. All of Lange Creek above the barrier is on Lewis and Clark National Forest. From 150 to 300 fish will be transferred by helicopter over a two to three year period. A minimum of 150 fish is required to reduce potential impacts of inbreeding depression in the new population. Fish from Chamberlain Creek have tested negative for potential fish diseases. No more than 10% of the estimated population’s fish greater than or equal to 6 inches and no more than 20% of the population’s fish < 6 inches will be moved.
(Decision Notice - Published August 25, 2008)

FWP has released a Decision Notice to fund the Billings Trap Club $120,447 in partial funding towards making all trap-shooting positions and the shower house accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act and to upgrade the range's electrical systems.
(Decision Notice - Published August 25, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has written a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of establishing an additional campground host pad at Logan State Park, providing full hookups and a gravel parking surface for summer campground staff. A copy is attached for your review. The draft is out for a two-week public review from Wednesday, August 20, through Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Please direct your questions or comments to Parks Management Specialist Amy Grout, FWP, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, or e-mail agrout@mt.gov.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 20, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing a westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) conservation effort in Leverich Creek, a tributary to Bozeman Creek near Bozeman, Montana. The native WCT population in Leverich Creek is currently threatened by competition from introduced non-native brook trout. FWP is proposing to remove brook trout from about 1.4 miles of stream using electrofishing and trapping. The use of fish toxicants is not being proposed. A fish migration barrier would also be installed to prevent reinvasion by brook trout once they are removed. WCT only occupy 7 streams and < 5% of their historic habitat in the Gallatin River drainage. Comments on the Environmental Assessment will be accepted until 5:00 pm, September 15, 2008 and can be given at the FWP web page: fwp.mt.gov, or in writing to: Lee Nelson, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 415 South Front Street, Townsend, MT 59644 or E-mail: leenelson@mt.gov. Thank you for you interest.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 18, 2008)

Attached is the Decision Notice for the Point of Rocks Fishing Access Site (FAS) Initial Development Project Environmental Assessment (EA). Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) proposes to develop a new river access on the upstream parcel of the Point of Rocks Fishing Access Site (FAS), to replace a substandard pioneered ramp downstream that is causing erosion. Development includes new highway signs, a concrete boat ramp, vault latrine, parking for 12 vehicles and an overflow parking area for approximately another 12 - 15 vehicles. The existing highway approach will be improved as well. Based on the EA, public comment, and the need for a suitable boat ramp at Point of Rocks Fishing Access Site, it is my decision to proceed with the development project. Both the Decision Notice and the Environmental Assessment are available for review from FWP at the address above or online on FWP’s Internet website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov/publicnotices. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be directed to Jerry Walker, Regional Parks Manager, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, c/o Point of Rocks FAS Initial Development EA, 1400 S. 19th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718, (406) 994-3552, or gwalker@mt.gov.
(Decision Notice - Published August 18, 2008)

Decision to acquire the land known as the Holmgren property. Said property is adjacent to the Yellowstone River and will provide the public with a strategically-located additional recreation site.
(Decision Notice - Published August 15, 2008)

Minutes of the July, 2008 Commission Meeting in Kalispell
(Commission Meetings - Published August 14, 2008)

EA to stock pond on private land south of Bridger MT with largemouth bass and rainbow trout in exchange for public fishing access.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 13, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Under this proposal, non-native fishes in Jumping Creek would be removed using EPA registered piscicides containing rotenone.
(Decision Notice - Published August 11, 2008)

Decision notice for the Freeman Roadside Menagerie
(Decision Notice - Published August 07, 2008 - Archived 08/2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting public comment on proposed 2008 Late Season Migratory Bird Regulations adopted as Tentative by the FWP Commission at its August 5 meeting. These proposals include specific adjustments to 2007 season dates and bag limits or other previously adopted management elements as noted below. Other season or management elements not listed here are proposed to remain unchanged from 2007 or other previous adoptions.
(Hunting - Published August 07, 2008)

This Shooting Range Development and Enhancement Grant draft EA will provide the Bozeman Rifle Club $7,185 in partial funding for facility improvements on the Jack Greenway Indoor Shooting Range located on the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Bozeman, MT.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 07, 2008)

This Shooting Range Development and Enhancement Grant draft EA will provide the $6,195 as partial funding towards purchase and replacement of the automatic trap located in trap house #1 and purchase 2 sets of voice releases.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 07, 2008)

This Shooting Range Development and Enhancement Grant draft EA will provide $6,000 as partial funding to construct two 10'X12' shelters.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 07, 2008)

This Shooting Range Development and Enhancement Grant draft EA will provide $103,457 as partial funding to repair safety berms, increase berm heights and improve roads; (2) replace the existing north boundary fence with a 6ft chainlink security fence; (3) construct a 960 square foot building which will contain bathroom facilities and a meeting room.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Environmental Assessment - Published August 07, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking pre-proposals/letters of interest from agencies and organizations desiring to house/hold bison resulting from the bison quarantine feasibility study (hereafter referred to quarantine bison) being conducted by MFWP and USDA APHIS, as described in the Bison Quarantine Feasibility Study Phase II/III (MFWP December 2005). Pre-proposals will be evaluated by August 30, 2008. Applicants whose pre-proposals are selected for further consideration will be asked to develop a full proposal describing in more detail how they would meet the criteria described herein. Once a final selection is made, MFWP will complete an Environmental Assessment of the proposal. If, based on the assessment, the decision is to proceed, and if MFWP Commission approves, then bison could be translocated by February 28, 2009.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(Bids & Proposals - Published August 04, 2008)

Attached is the Decision Notice for the Poindexter Slough Fishing Access Site (FAS) Fiber Optic Line Installation and Easement Environmental Assessment (EA). Southern Montana Telephone Company is requesting a right-of-way easement from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) for an underground telecommunications cable. The proposal also includes installation of a fiber optic cable within the right-of-way easement. Based on the Environmental Assessment, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks support of Southern Montana Telephone Company’s plan to upgrade their telecommunications facilities in their rural exchange areas of Grant, Jackson, Wise River, and Divide, it is my decision to proceed with granting a right-of-way easement to Southern Montana Telephone at the Poindexter Slough FAS totaling 0.92 acres at the location described in the EA, and installing a fiber optic cable within said easement. Both the Decision Notice and the Environmental Assessment are available for review from FWP at the address above or online on FWP’s Internet website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov/publicnotices. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be directed to Jerry Walker, Regional Parks Manager, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, c/o Poindexter Slough FAS Fiber Optic Line Installation and Easement EA, 1400 S. 19th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718, (406) 994-3552, or gwalker@mt.gov.
(Decision Notice - Published August 04, 2008)

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission proposes to amend ARM 12.6.2208, 12.6.2215, and 12.6.2220 adding species of birds to the list of controlled species, adding the small spotted genet to the list of prohibited species, and adding rescue facilities with national or state agency affiliation to the list of organizations and individuals that may be permitted for possession of prohibited species.
Public Comment Period Has Closed.
(ARM Rule - Published August 01, 2008)

Attached is the Decision Notice for the Poindexter Slough Fishing Access Site (FAS) Parking Area Development Project Environmental Assessment (EA). Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) proposes to construct an additional parking area north of Highway 91. Based on the EA, public comment, and the need for the project, it is my decision to proceed with the development project. Both the Decision Notice and the Environmental Assessment are available for review from FWP at the address above or online on FWP’s Internet website: http://www.fwp.mt.gov/publicnotices. Questions regarding this Decision Notice should be directed to Jerry Walker, Regional Parks Manager, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, c/o Poindexter Slough FAS Parking Area Development EA, 1400 S. 19th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718, (406) 994-3552, or gwalker@mt.gov.
(Decision Notice - Published August 01, 2008)