Haymaker Wildlife Management Area Road Improvements Decision Notice
Aug 29, 2023 11:15 AM
On July 21, 2023, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a draft checklist environmental assessment (EA) proposing improvements to existing two-track roads on the Haymaker Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Wheatland County. The WMA provides the public with outdoor recreation opportunities, primarily hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing, and habitat for elk and other game and nongame species.
The existing East and West Bench roads within the WMA are eroding and have become unsafe for travel due to steep slopes, rutting, and exposed rock. FWP proposes to create switchbacks on these roads to reduce the steep inclines, remove large rocks on the road, and install limited amounts of gravel to improve conditions. In addition, FWP proposes to install a cattleguard and gravel at the south entrance of the WMA to improve road conditions and install “V” horse gates at the northern boundary to restrict motorized access while still allowing horse and walk-in access on adjacent US Forest Service land.
The public comment opportunity was open from July 24 to Aug. 7, 2023. No public comments were received.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2), will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is unnecessary. FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves the Alternative 2, the proposed action.