FWP announces public comment opportunities
Aug 5, 2024 11:13 AM
HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on environmental assessments (EAs), conservation leases and other department projects. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Intake Fishing Access Site Management Agreement draft checklist EA
FWP is proposing to renew a Management Agreement with the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. The agreement is for the management and operations of Intake Fishing Access Site (FAS) located 16 miles north of Glendive on Highway 16. A draft checklist EA has been issued and is available for public comment.
Comments due Aug. 7.
Williams Family Trust notice of habitat conservation lease proposal
FWP is proposing a habitat conservation lease in southwestern Montana. The proposed lease would include 1,114 acres near Toston in Broadwater County and last for 40 years. As part of this lease, the landowner agrees to allow a minimum of 48 recreation days to the public each year. At least 16 of those recreation days will be for hunting from Sept. 1 to Jan. 1. The landowner may also choose to offer the 32 remaining recreation days for hunting during that time. This property is currently enrolled as part of the Williams Ranch Type 1 Block Management Area and public access for hunting will continue in this same manner. Access will also be allowed for hiking (foot-access from the county road that runs through the property) outside of the hunting season. Individuals will need to register at a sign-in box when accessing the property.
Comments due Aug. 9.
QT Ranch habitat conservation lease
FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 640 acres owned by the QT Ranch near Lindsay. Conservation leases are incentive-based, voluntary agreements offered by FWP to help conserve priority wildlife habitats on private lands while also supporting working agricultural lands and public hunting and recreation opportunity.
Comments due Aug. 9.
52 Ranch habitat conservation lease
FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 18,255 acres owned by the 52 Ranch near Lindsay. Conservation leases are incentive-based, voluntary agreements offered by FWP to help conserve priority wildlife habitats on private lands while also supporting working agricultural lands and public hunting and recreation opportunity.
Comments due Aug. 9.
Draft management plan for Canyon Ferry WMA
FWP is seeking comments on a draft management plan for Canyon Ferry WMA. he draft management plan provides a description of the WMA and lays out the goals and issues associated with how FWP manages it. The plan also provides information on potential future management actions that may occur on Canyon Ferry WMA, both for communication to interested publics and for guiding FWP staff. The plan will also serve as a reference for FWP's long-term management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation for establishing annual work plans for the WMA. Some actions resulting from the new management plan may require additional analysis and public input, as required by the Montana Environmental Policy Act.
Comments due Aug. 15.
Nick Rowley Private Pond License review
A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. This pond is 0.5 surface acre and located about 1.5 miles south of Big Sky near the South Fork West Fork Gallatin River (South Fork), which is a tributary to the West Fork Gallatin River. The South Fork contains westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout below Ousel Falls. This pond is fed from groundwater recharge and has an intermittent outlet that consists of a screened culvert that discharges to open ground. Risk of escapement is very low. Rainbow trout are not native to the South Fork but were legally stocked. Rainbow trout could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or through senescence. 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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.
Comments due Aug. 17.
FWP is proposing the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Stillwater River to any floating recreation from the Absaroka Fishing Access Site to the Jeffrey's Landing Fishing Access Site in Stillwater County.
Comments due Sept. 9.
FWP is proposing the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Clark Fork River from the Milltown State Park to the Petty Creek Fishing Access Site in Missoula County.
Comments due Sept. 9.
FWP is proposing the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Bitterroot River from the Chief Looking Glass Fishing Access Site to its confluence with the Clark Fork River in Missoula County.
Comments due Sept. 9.