Draft Environmental Assessment Bynum Reservoir Fishing Access Site Improvement Project FWP-CEA-POR-R4-24-0015

Apr 26, 2024 4:21 PM

Bynum Reservoir Fishing Access Site (FAS) is a popular Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) site located just north of Choteau, Montana. Bynum Reservoir FAS is comprised of private lands with access provided through a recreation easement as well as FWP deeded land. The site is used for motorized and non-motorized boat access to Bynum Reservoir, camping, fishing, and other forms of water-based recreation. The FAS allows overnight camping year-round. Currently, camping primarily occurs along the shoreline on the east side of the reservoir, located near the boat ramp, in areas that are not graveled or defined. The FAS has experienced a high degree of vegetation compaction, off-road impacts, and erosion along the shoreline due to the years of camping along the shoreline. Highest visitation use occurs during the spring and summer months, with peak use for the FAS typically occurring in early July.

FWP is proposing to develop 5 graveled, hardened camping spaces at Bynum Reservoir FAS. Campsites would consist of pull through drives or back in spaces with gravel pads for picnic tables and campfire rings. Barriers would be installed to limit vehicle travel to existing designated roads. FWP proposes to install a gravel turn-around loop at the end of the campground, as well as add gravel to the existing day use parking area.

Public Comment Opportunity:

Deadline: Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on May 10^th, 2024

Email comments to: cannon.colegrove@mt.gov

Mail comments to: Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Attn: Bynum Reservoir FAS, 4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405