Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area grazing and water development plan out for review

Comments on the draft environmental assessment due Feb 12

DEER LODGE – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public review through Monday, Feb. 12 of its draft Environmental Assessment (EA) that outlines an approach to livestock grazing and associated water development on Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The proposed plan outlines how cattle grazing agreements with neighboring private landowners could be implemented for the overall benefit of wildlife. The plan also prescribes how water sources for livestock could be developed on the WMA.

The draft plan does not approve specific grazing agreements on the WMA, instead it provides a framework for where it could be allowed, what types of practices would be used, and how grazing would be monitored and managed. Any future grazing agreements would require public review and Fish & Wildlife Commission approval as part of a separate process.

To review the draft EA and comment, go to FWP’s website, fwp.mt.gov, under “News and Public Notices.” Or request information and comment by mail to: FWP Region 2, Attn: Liz Bradley; 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; by phoning 406-542-5500; or by emailing fwprg22@mt.gov. Comments must be received by Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 at 5 p.m.

FWP will hold a public meeting in Deer Lodge on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Powell County Community Center in Deer Lodge (416 Cottonwood Ave) to discuss the draft plan and answer questions. Details on how to join the meeting online will be listed on the Spotted Dog Draft EA page.

According to the framework proposed in the plan, grazing would be conducted using regenerative grazing practices which rotate livestock through areas for short periods, followed by rest.  Regenerative grazing enhances soil health and improves grassland habitat conditions, leading to an overall benefit for a wide variety of game and nongame species.

Grazing would be allowed in specific areas determined appropriate for enhancing wildlife habitat, as outlined in the WMA’s habitat plan.  Private lands adjacent to the WMA would be rested for periods of time in exchange for grazing availability on the WMA, for the benefit of habitat across the larger landscape in “exchange of use agreements.” Grazing agreements would be implemented as needed, managed closely using virtual fence technology and other methods to ensure cattle stay in defined areas, and monitored for compliance and overall wildlife benefit.

The draft EA also includes a plan for proposed water development. The proposal calls for creating livestock water sources in upland habitats using existing wells and springs on the WMA that minimize cattle use of sensitive habitat near streams, wetlands, and aspen stands.

FWP acquired Spotted Dog WMA in 2010 to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitats, maintain open landscapes critical to wildlife movement, provide new and lasting public access, and improve natural resource health in a basin impacted by historical mining operations.

FWP will consider public input before making a final decision on the draft EA, projected for late February 2024.

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