Preliminary Public Evaluation Notice Chip Creek
Oct 14, 2021 11:15 AM
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will be preparing an Environmental Analysis on a proposal to purchase a conservation easement (CE) in Chouteau County, Montana.
The proposed CE encompasses ~23,600 acres of deeded lands owned by Steen Andreasen near Loma, MT. The project proposal focuses on conserving some of the last remaining native grassland and shrub-grasslands in the area that supports numerous game and non-game wildlife species. A CE on this property will also provide perpetual public access to ~10,660 acres of DNRC and the BLM’s within and bordering the property and access to the Marias River. Additionally, a CE on the Andreasen property will keep the property in private ownership while ensuring the habitat values of the property are maintained. See attached map for additional information.
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of this conservation easement project include:
- Keep the land in private ownership while maintaining agriculture as primary land use,
- Maintain the conservation values of the property
- Provide perpetual, year-round public access to the property and ~10,660 acres of public lands and Marias River
Related Documents
Public Comment
The 30 -day scoping period will begin October 15, 2021. Please submit either written or e-mailed comments by November 14, 2021.
Mail to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
c/o Chip Creek Public Scoping
514 South Front Street, Ste C, Conrad, MT 59425
Or email:
Ryan Rauscher rrauscher@mt.gov
Comments received from this preliminary evaluation will help FWP determine public interest, identify potential issues that would require further analysis, and may provide insight for refining the proposal or for developing and analyzing one or more alternatives.