Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has prepared the attached draft environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of conducting a depletion population estimate of lake trout in Swan Lake, Montana. The proposed action would involve contracting with professional fishery consultants to conduct gill netting over a three-week period beginning in late August or early September 2008. Information obtained from the proposed action would aid in understanding the status and characteristics of the lake trout population, and the potential impacts of lake trout on the aquatic ecosystem in Swan Lake, and will help to determine feasibility and effectiveness of alternatives for managing the lake trout population (e.g., suppression of the population). All lake trout sampled during the project will be culled; those that are salvageable and of suitable size for consumption will be field-dressed and donated to food banks or other facilities. The draft will be out for public review through June 10, 2008. A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks headquarters, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, Montana. Please direct your questions or comments to Fisheries Biologist Leo Rosenthal, FWP, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, (406) 751-4548 or e-mail to lrosenthal@mt.gov.
Fisheries Biologist Leo Rosenthal(406) 751-4548lrosenthal@mt.gov
