FWP seeking public comment on several environmental assessments
Jul 24, 2023 4:48 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.
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 today, 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.
David Manougian, of Deer Lodge, has applied for a private fish pond license for a pond located on his property. The pond is 2/3 of an acre, a natural hollow that was lined and minimally excavated. The applicant is seeking to be licensed to plant westslope cutthroat trout, triploid rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout into the pond for personal use and enjoyment. Comments due Aug. 3.
Harpers Lake Fishing Access Site Corrections and Improvements Checklist EA
FWP is proposing to make road surface corrections to potholes and washboards, replacing a fishing pier with a dock, installing a vault latrine in the camping area, and also re-orient the existing vault latrines at Harpers Lake Fishing Access Site (FAS) near the community of Seeley Lake. These are all features that already exist at Harpers Lake FAS. The purpose of this project is to correct these known minor deficiencies while simultaneously enhancing the functionality of the entire site for all users. These enhancements would better serve the needs of all site users, and the need for these enhancements currently exists at Harpers Lake FAS. Comments due Aug. 4.
Daryl Miller, of Corvallis, has applied for a private fish pond license for a pond located on his property. 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 Aug. 4.
Haymaker Wildlife Management Area Road Improvements EA
FWP released a draft checklist EA proposing improvements to existing two-track roads on the Haymaker Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Wheatland County. The WMA provides the public with outdoor recreation opportunities, primarily hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing, and habitat for elk and other game and nongame species.
The existing East and West Bench roads within the WMA are eroding and have become unsafe for travel due to steep slopes, rutting, and exposed rock. FWP proposes to create switchbacks on these roads to reduce the steep inclines, remove large rocks on the road, and install limited amounts of gravel to improve conditions. In addition, FWP proposes to install a cattleguard and gravel at the south entrance of the WMA to improve road conditions and install “V” gates at the northern boundary to restrict motorized access while still allowing non-motorized access on adjacent U.S. Forest Service land.
Physical copies of the EA may be obtained at the FWP office located at 2300 Lake Elmo Drive in Billings or requested in the mail by phoning 406-247-2940. Comments due Aug. 7.
Repeal of Arm 12.9.202, pertaining to the Brinkman Game Preserve
The Fish and Wildlife Commission is proposing to repeal the Brinkman Game Preserve ARM. Comments due Aug. 7.
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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