FWP seeking public comment on several environmental assessments
Jul 12, 2023 1:09 PM
HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
David Lown private pond application EA
This project consists of a private pond constructed with the intent to stock fish for angling. Comments due July 13.
Laef Olson private pond application EA
This project consists of a private pond constructed with the intent to stock fish for angling. Comments due July 13.
Michael Strasser private pond application EA
This project consists of a private pond constructed with the intent to stock fish for angling. Comments due July 13.
CH SP Acquisition, LLC, private pond application EA
This project consists of a private pond constructed with the intent to stock fish for angling. Comments due July 13.
Daryl Miller private pond application EA
Daryl Miller, of 967 Old Corvallis Road in Corvallis, has applied for a private fish pond license for a pond located at the same address. The pond is a 5.4-acre reclaimed gravel pit. The applicant is seeking to be licensed to plant largemouth bass, yellow perch and/or rainbow trout into the pond for personal use and enjoyment. Comments due July 15.
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond located on an unnamed tributary of Dog Creek with no documented fish presence near the town of Winifred. There is no outlet, just an overland spillway into the next reservoir downstream. There are no documented Montana Species of Special Concern in Dog Creek. The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2023). Comments due July 15.
Makoshika State Park archery improvements draft EA checklist
FWP is proposing to make improvements at the archery range in Makoshika State Park near Glendive. This will include new targets, a new vault latrine, road repairs and additional storage shed. The archery course has been around since the 1960s and needs upgrades to improve safety while visitors use the course and increase the amenities offered. The project will open access to archery recreation for visitors to Makoshika State Park. Comments due July 18.
FWPs proposes to restore native westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) in Bryant Creek and stock WCT in Calvert Mine Pond. Competition and predation by brook trout reduced WCT distribution to the headwaters of Bryant Creek in Trident Meadows where a high-gradient reach historically precluded brook trout colonization. Following the Alder Creek fire in 2021, brook trout gained access to Trident Meadows. FWP anticipate that brook trout will eliminate WCT in Bryant Creek within the next 5 to 10 years. To restore WCT to Bryant Creek, project collaborators constructed a fish barrier 1.5 miles upstream of the confluence with the Big Hole River to prevent upstream fish passage. FWP proposes to remove brook trout upstream of this fish barrier using the piscicide, rotenone. FWP would salvage WCT prior to brook trout removal and restock them once the project is complete. This action would expand the range of WCT in Bryant Creek from 1 mile of stream in the headwaters to over 11 miles and should secure the long-term survival of the population. FWP also propose to stock WCT in Calvert Mine Pond within the Bryant Creek drainage. Calvert Mine Pond, an abandoned open pit mine located in a non-sulfur bearing bedrock formation, has high-quality water that can support fish and would create an additional recreational fishery in the area. Comments due July 22.
Harry’s Pond fish stocking draft checklist EA
FWP is proposing to stock fish into a pond located on private lands to increase angling opportunities in Chinook. Species considered for stocking include rainbow trout, bluegill, yellow perch, black crappie and largemouth bass. At full pool the pond is approximately 15 feet deep and capable of supporting fish species targeted by anglers.
FWP would use hatchery reared fish and wild fish transfers from nearby disease-free sources to establish a fish population accessible to anglers at this pond for recreational purposes. An agreement will be established with the landowner to allow public access prior to any fish being stocked into the pond by FWP. Comments due July 24.
2023 Draft Elk Management Plan EA
Under the proposed action, FWP would adopt and implement the 2023 Draft Statewide Elk Management Plan. The current Elk Management Plan was adopted in 2005. Since adoption, many changes on the Montana landscape and new social considerations suggest the development of an updated plan for the overall management of elk, statewide, is appropriate. In 2005, Montana was home to 940,102 residents and that human population had increased to 1,104,000 by 2021 (United States Census Bureau). In 2005, FWP observed 98,643 elk on survey, whereas in 2022 FWP counted 141,294 elk on survey. Although elk distribution has changed historically, elk have primarily expanded their distribution and density in the past decade based on primarily aerial surveys. Comments due July 31.
Holmgren Fishing Access Site Emergency Closure
Holmgren FAS will be used as a worksite and staging area for the assessment and cleanup efforts for the Yellowstone trail derailment in Stillwater County. Nine rail cars containing chemicals entered the river system. Chemical containment efforts and river cleanup processes are ongoing. Comments due Sept. 1.
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