Comment sought on proposed fencing project in Rosebud County

MILES CITY – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting public comment on an Environmental Assessment draft for proposed fencing work in Rosebud County to help improve wildlife movements while maintaining agricultural operations. 

The proposal is to work with interested landowners in Rosebud County on improving fences that appear to be limiting wildlife movements. FWP staff will partner with landowners to provide new fence materials and wildlife-friendly specifications to replace up to 45 miles of fence.

By using data currently being collected to identify specific areas where woven wire and other fences appear to be limiting wildlife movements, landowners and FWP can help improve movement corridors, improve access to critical habitat, and maintain landscape connectivity for pronghorn and other wildlife. FWP is gathering GPS data from collared pronghorn as part of the Pronghorn Movement and Population Ecology Study.

Funds for the fencing work were obtained through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant.

The comment period will be open from July 8 to July 22, 2022. A Draft Environmental Assessment has been prepared by FWP and is available at: http://fwp.mt.gov under public notices. Please submit any comments that you have by 5 P.M., July 22, 2022 to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, c/o Brett Dorak, PO Box 1630, Miles City, MT  59301. You can also email comments to brett.dorak@mt.gov. Hardcopies of the EA are available if requested by calling (406) 234-0921.

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