SPA 124 Permit Decision Notice: Grey Bear Fishing Access Site Bank Stabilization Project
Aug 29, 2024 2:00 PM
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) proposed to repair approximately 80-feet of bank armoring on the Yellowstone River at the Grey Bear Fishing Access Site (FAS) in Sweet Grass County, Montana. In 2022, high magnitude spring flows on the Yellowstone River flanked a significant portion of rip rapped riverbank upstream of the Sweet Grass County Yellowstone Trail Bridge, which included rip rap located in the Sweet Grass County right-of-way and the Grey Bear FAS. Sweet Grass County completed their right-of-way rip rap repairs in 2023. If left exposed, the remaining 80-foot of riverbank on the Grey Bear FAS may facilitate further erosion and damage rip rap near the bridge. Thus, FWP proposes to place class III rip rap to restore the bank to near pre-2022 flood conditions. To complete the project, contractors will use heavy machinery (e.g., excavators, road graders, dump trucks) and expects equipment to be operated from the road approaches and upper bank terrace. Bank armoring repairs are expected to begin in September 2024 and completed before spring runoff in 2025. No public comments were received during the public comment period.
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.