Elk Island WMA Ag Lease Draft Environmental Assessment

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) proposes to renew agricultural (crop/hay) leases on 170 acres of Elk Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Savage, MT. The proposed leases could be for a 10-year period (April 19, 2022 – March 31, 2032).  The purpose of the leases is to provide cover and forage for wildlife, especially white-tailed deer and pheasants.

FWP has the authority under Section 87-1-210 MCA to protect, enhance, and regulate the use of Montana’s fish and wildlife resources for public benefit now and in the future.  In addition, in accordance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is required to assess the impacts that any proposal or project might have on the natural and human environments. Further, FWP’s land lease-out policy, as it pertains to the disposition of interest in Department lands (89-1-209) requires an Environmental Assessment (EA) to be written for all new grazing leases, lease extensions or lease renewals.

A hard copy of the EA can be obtained by contact the FWP Region 7 office at 406-234-0900 or a PDF file of the EA can also be viewed here.  A public comment period will extend until 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2022. 

Comments should be sent to the address below:

Elk Island WMA Agricultural Lease

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

P.O. Box 1630

Miles City, MT  59301

Email: mfoster@mt.gov

If you have any questions regarding this proposal, please contact: Melissa Foster, FWP Wildlife Biologist, at 406-852-2032 or mfoster@mt.gov