FWP seeking public comment on some environmental assessments

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.

Madison Valley Ranch LLC Pond License Review Draft EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond.

Comments due Oct. 18.

Stites Private Pond License Review Draft EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond.

Comments due Oct. 18.

Island Lake Fishing Access Site Fuels Reduction Draft EA Checklist

FWP is proposing to conduct forest management treatments on 26 acres of the Island Lake FAS for the purpose of reducing hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface (through treatments such as thinning, pruning and slash disposal) and selling any resulting merchantable tree byproducts to help offset treatment costs. 

Comments due Oct. 25.

Black Bridge FAS Road Replacement Draft EA Checklist

FWP is proposing to replace 700 feet of the access road at Black Bridge. A portion of the existing road is situated along the Yellowstone River and was damaged by erosion during spring runoff. With the road now damaged it is unsafe to drive to the upstream parking lot. The project would permanently close the unsafe section of road and a new 700-foot section of road would be constructed to restore safe vehicular access to the upstream areas of the site.

Comments due Oct. 25.

Home Run Pond Drawdown and Fish Removal Draft EA

The purpose of the proposed project is to drawdown Home Run Pond in November 2023 to minimum pool levels to ensure the existing fish assemblage (undesirable species and illegally introduced species) will not overwinter. FWP will restock the pond with rainbow trout in the pond in spring 2024 following refill using the existing well (or alternate water sources). 

Removal of undesirable and illegally introduced species should improve survival and growth of hatchery stocked rainbow trout. Additionally, improved water quality, removal of undesirable species and the slight increase in water depth (removal of trash and sediment) will enhance fish survival overwinter.  

Comments due Nov. 2.

Eagles Roost Conservation Easement Scoping

The proposed Eagle’s Roost CE consists of approximately 438 deeded acres consisting of approximately 70 acres of cropland, 60 acres of riparian and 308 acres of native rangeland habitat. The property lies in Cascade County approximately 5 miles northeast of Cascade. The land lies in the Hunting Districts 445 and 440. The property is adjacent to the Missouri River, an FWP fishing access site and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation School Trust Lands (DNRC) property. The property is currently a working farm/ranch with a small cow/calf operation. The property is currently enrolled in FWP’s Block Management Program as a Type 2 property (access via reservation).

The primary objectives of this CE are to provide perpetual conservation and enhancement of high-quality native riparian habitats, maintaining traditional land uses, and to provide public recreational opportunities. The owners wish to protect the property in perpetuity to preserve habitat and maintain open space. The landowners are committed to maintaining a viable agricultural operation. This project would be the fifth FWP conservation easement between Ulm and Cascade, further protecting lands along the Missouri River from subdivision and development and ensuring the protection of fish and wildlife habitat.

Comments due Nov. 2.

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