Page Gulch Fish Transfer Decision Notice

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing to transfer nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) to the fishless headwaters of Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek (Little Prickly Pear Creek drainage) from Page Gulch (Virginia Creek drainage) in the Upper Missouri River subbasin. Presently, the WCT population in Page Gulch is at extremely high risk of extirpation because of hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout and competition from nonnative brook trout. The section of Left Hand Fork Deadman Creek where WCT will be introduced is entirely within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Helena Ranger District above a natural waterfall that isolates the upper 1.8 miles of fish habitat from downstream nonnative fish populations.

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 EIS is unnecessary. FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves the Alternative 2, the proposed action.

With this DN, FWP hereby adopts the Final EA, without modifications, and approves the proposed action.

Related Documents:  Page Gulch Fish Transfer Decision Notice