Rambo Spring Private Pond Decision Notice

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 1 surface acre and is located on 8684 Ledger Road, MT. The pond is ~ 1 surface acre and is located on 8684 Ledger Rd, MT. The pond is located on a coulee of a tributary to the Dry Fork Marias River near the town of Ledger, MT with no known presence of fish existing in the pond. The pond is fed by overland snow melt and drainage from nearby fields. There is no established outlet but there is a slight overflow channel that navigates water into the coulee. The overflow discharge is rare and flows ~2.1 miles down the unnamed coulee to the Dry Fork of the Marias which flows ~7 miles into the Marias River upstream of Tiber Reservoir. Northern redbelly dace have been documented in the lower portion of the Dry Fork of the Marias and is the only documented Montana Species of Special Concern. Most trout species are not native to Dry Fork Marias River however, risk of escapement is low and associated risks are minimal, given existing presence in drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to MT, but conservation populations are not present in drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. Fish could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or stocking can be stopped to let the fish age out. 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.

Related Documents: Rambo Spring Private Pond Decision Notice