Canyon Ferry WMA Lease Renewal Decision Notice

The Decision Notice posted below has been prepared for the renewal of the six existing agricultural (farming) and the one existing bee yard (apiary) lease on the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area. The Canyon Ferry WMA (CFWMA) is administered by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) through a management agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. FWP is proposing to renew the six existing agricultural leases and the one existing bee yard lease for seven (7) years (Jan 1, 2023 - December 31, 2029). The six agricultural leases comprise a pp proximately 704 acres of irrigated cropland total which is approximately 11.9% of the total acreage of the CFWMA. The lessees are responsible for doing all of the work on their agricultural leases. 

The agricultural leases provide food and cover for a host of wildlife species that utilize the CFWMA while also demonstrating that sustainable agricultural production can co-exist with wildlife and even benefit many wildlife species. Wildlife species that utilize the agricultural leases include waterfowl (Canada geese, a large number of duck species, etc), pheasants, white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, occasionally elk and antelope, sandhill cranes and a variety of other nongame wildlife and bird species. 

 

Related Documents

• Cover letter (PDF)

• Decision Notice (PDF)