Draft Environmental Assessment Morony Pond Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project FWP-CEA-POR-R4-24-013
Apr 25, 2024 4:37 PM
Morony Pond Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project– public scoping
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public participation and comment for a proposed project intended to improve wildlife habitat on State owned property located on the North Shore of Morony Reservoir, northeast of Great Falls. Public scoping provides an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with FWP during the early planning stages of a proposed project. The intent of scoping is for FWP to gather comments, concerns, and ideas and/or issues from stakeholders who may be affected by a proposed project or its alternatives. The purpose of the proposed project is to:
- Address the issue of decreasing cottonwood tree populations along the Missouri River by developing a large stand of viable cottonwood and ponderosa pine trees.
- Provide new wildlife habitat, particularly for riparian birds.
- Improve soil stability in the proposed project area.
- Replace a rotting pond outlet structure with natural materials.
- Provide new recreational opportunities for the public including birdwatching and shade for trail users.
To meet these objectives, FWP will prepare a Draft Environmental Assessment or Draft EA to analyze the “Proposed Action” and the “No Action” alternative, as required by MEPA. Other reasonable alternatives may be considered. Under the “No Action” alternative, the proposed action or project would not occur. Therefore, no additional impacts to the physical environment or human population in the analysis area would occur. The “No Action” alternative forms the baseline from which the potential impacts of the Proposed Action, and any other reasonable alternatives, can be measured.
FWP’s objective would be to complete the project during the spring of 2024.
Related Documents:
Public Comment Opportunity:
Deadline: Comments must be received by 5 p.m. on May 9th, 2024
Email comments to: sjanikula@mt.gov
Mail comments to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Attn: Steffen Janikula, 4803 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405