Buhmann Private Pond Application Environmental Assessment
May 23, 2024 3:57 PM
A landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout, brown trout and largemouth bass. The private pond is approximately 0.25 surface acres and located on an unnamed tributary of the Yellowstone River in Shepherd. The pond was created by an earthen dam and escapement would likely only occur during historic flooding events. While located near the Yellowstone River, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout, brown trout and largemouth bass are minimal. Rainbow trout and brown trout are non-native but already well established in this drainage and risks associated with trout escapement are negligible and short-term in duration. Impacts from largemouth bass escapement into the Yellowstone River would likely be minor and short-term, as it is unlikely that largemouth bass could persist long-term in the river.
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.
Related Documents:
Public Comment Opportunity:
Deadline: Comments will be accepted from May 23 to June 6, 2024.
Written comments can be mailes to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Shannon Blackburn
2300 Lake Elmo Dr.
Billings, MT 509105
Emailed comments can be sent to Shannon.Blackburn@mt.gov