FWP seeks public comment on environmental assessments

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft environmental assessments (EA). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Transfer of Westslope Cutthroat Trout from Weatherwax Creek to Little Camas Creek 

FWP is proposing to transfer nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) to the fishless headwaters of Little Camas Creek (Smith River drainage) from Weatherwax Creek (Judith River drainage). Presently, the WCT population in Weatherwax Creek is at high risk of extirpation because of hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and competition from nonnative brook trout.

Comments due March 22.

Transfer of Westslope Cutthroat Trout from Page Gulch to Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek

FWP is proposing to transfer nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) to the fishless headwaters of Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek (Little Prickly Pear Creek drainage) from Page Gulch (Virginia Creek drainage) in the Upper Missouri River subbasin. Presently, the WCT population in Page Gulch is at extremely high risk of extirpation because of hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and competition from nonnative brook trout.

Comments due March 22.

Thunder River Ranch LLC Pond

This pond was an existing pond that did not initially meet the State’s requirements for issuing a private pond license. However, work was completed to the pond in 2023 to resolve problems by installing a screened agri-drain outlet and removing a 50-foot recirculating stream at the inlet. The pond now meets all the criteria that is needed to become a licensed private fish pond. The pond is in the Big Sheep Creek drainage and located on the Thunder River Ranch 13 miles west of Dell. The pond will create suitable wetland habitat for waterfowl, fish, and the animals that prey on them.

Comments due March 22.

Jefferson Springs Ranch LLC (North) Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout or rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 1 surface acre located east of the Jefferson River near Willow Creek. The pond has no inlet or outlet. There are no documented Montana Species of Special Concern in the drainage. Risk of escapement is low and the associated risks are minimal.

Comments due March 28.

Jefferson Springs Ranch LLC (South) Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout or rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 0.75 surface acre located east of the Jefferson River near Willow Creek. The pond has no inlet or outlet. There are no documented Montana Species of Special Concern in the drainage. Risk of escapement is low, and the associated risks are minimal.

Comments due March 28.

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