FWP announces public comment opportunities
Aug 19, 2024 1:22 PM
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.
SPA 124 Permit Draft EA: Grey Bear Fishing Access Site Bank Stabilization Project
FWP is seeking public comment on a draft EA for the repair of approximately 80-feet of bank on the Yellowstone River at the Grey Bear Fishing Access Site (FAS) in Sweet Grass County. In 2022, high magnitude spring flows on the Yellowstone River flanked a significant portion of riprapped riverbank upstream of the Sweet Grass County Yellowstone Trail Bridge, which included riprap located in the Sweet Grass County right-of-way and the Grey Bear FAS. Sweet Grass County completed their right-of-way riprap repairs in 2023. If left exposed, the remaining 80 feet of riverbank on the Grey Bear FAS may facilitate further erosion and damage riprap near the bridge. Thus, FWP proposes to place class III riprap to restore the bank to near pre-2022 flood conditions. To complete the project, contractors will use heavy machinery (e.g., excavators, road graders, dump trucks) and expects equipment to be operated from the road approaches and upper bank terrace. FWP would begin the bank stabilization repairs late August 2024 and complete the project end of September 2024.
Comments due Aug. 21.
Draft Environmental Assessment Private Fish Pond Sundgren Ponds
A private landowner is applying for three Private Fish Pond Licenses and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout or westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The ponds are located near Scotch Coulee in the Marias River drainage. It sits north of Little Sage Road roughly 3.8 miles east of East Butte in the Sweet Grass Hills in Liberty County. It is 13 miles southeast of Whitlash and 24 miles north of Chester. The ponds have residual rainbow trout from a previous private pond permit. The ponds are fed by spring and ground water along with overland snow melt. Most trout species are not native to this area. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to Montana, but conservation populations are not present in the drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. The permit 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. 29.
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.
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