Arrington Ranch Private Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a 1-year Temporary Fish Pond License and proposes stocking rainbow trout and/or brown trout in a private pond. The pond is roughly 5.25 surface acres and is located at 7872 Lincoln Rd, Canyon Creek, MT. The pond is believed to be natural and is sourced by groundwater. This pond has not been approved for fish stocking previously, and it is not believed to contain any fish. There is no inlet or established outlet. At extreme high-water levels, water would drain to the northeast toward an irrigation ditch that eventually drains to a field and does not return to any streams. Additionally, there is another nearby irrigation ditch that could spill into the pond at extreme high flows and/or with irrigation ditch damage. The irrigation ditch is sourced from Little Prickly Pear Creek, however, escapement from the pond to the irrigation ditch is unlikely. The Little Prickly Pear Creek fishery contains rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. Stocking this pond creates minimal risk for this fishery. Additionally, 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 is a one-time stocking license valid for the 2025 license year. Additional 1-year licenses can be acquired in the future if the landowner reapplies. A person who owns or lawfully controls a fish pond that does not meet the requirements of a pond by statute (MCA 87-4-603(3)) but is determined by the department to not pose an unacceptable risk to game fish or fish species of concern in adjacent waters may apply to the department for a temporary fish pond license. This pond does not meet the definition of the pond in subsection 3 of MCA 87-4-603.

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 and approves the proposed action.

Related Documents: Arrington Ranch Private Pond License Review