Decision Notice: Hop Creek Ranch Private Pond
Jun 12, 2024 9:44 AM
A landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout. The private pond is approximately 1.7 surface acres and located on Hop Creek, a tributary to Painted Robe Creek near the town of Broadview. Fish surveys in lower Painted Robe Creek have documented Northern Redbelly Dace, a Montana Species of Special Concern, and it is likely that Northern Redbelly Dace occur in Hop Creek and the adjacent section of Painted Robe Creek. Although the pond is located on Hop Creek and near Painted Robe Creek, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout are minimal. Both creeks are more turbid and warmer than typically tolerated by rainbow trout.
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, 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.