Decision Notice: Freisatz Private Pond Application
Apr 8, 2024 10:21 AM
A landowner applied for a private fish pond license and proposed to stock white crappie, black crappie, fathead minnows, and rainbow trout. The groundwater-fed pond is 0.10 surface acres and located in the northeast corner of Billings, Montana. A screened PVC pipe serves as the outlet for the pond which will prevent escapement during normal operations. Although 5 Mile Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared fish are minimal. The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, 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 or EIS is unnecessary.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.