Decision Notice: Lox Private Pond Application
Aug 6, 2024 10:21 AM
A landowner applied for a private fish pond license and proposed to stock rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The pond is an off-stream reservoir supplied by groundwater sources. The private pond is approximately 0.1 surface acres and located near (~1.0 km) Bear and Rock creeks, and Red Lodge, Montana. The risks of stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout and Yellowstone cutthroat trout are minimal and escapement by natural means is highly unlikely. Additionally, Rock Creek has established populations of non-native rainbow trout that are managed as sport fish.
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 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.