Twelve Mile Farm private pond application environmental assessment
Oct 11, 2024 9:35 AM
A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock Yellowstone cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. The private pond is approximately 0.10 surface acres and was formed by excavating and impounding a spring with an earthen dam near Twelve Mile Creek, a tributary of the Yellowstone River, in Billings, Montana. The pond is fed by a small perennial spring and groundwater. The outlet of the pond flows through a 6” culvert into another pool that drains into Twelve Mile Creek. Escapement could occur during high precipitation events, but landowners have installed screens to help minimize escapement. Although located near the Yellowstone River, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared trout are minimal. Fish surveys in Twelve Mile Creek have documented minnow species such as Flathead Chub, Lake Chub, and Brook Stickleback. Yellowstone cutthroat trout and rainbow trout are already well established in this drainage and risks associated with trout escapement are negligible and short-term in duration as these species are not generally piscivores and will likely not persist long-term in the creek due to unfavorable water conditions.
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. Private landowner would stock pond upon approval of the private pond license application.
Related documents:
Public Comment Opportunity:
Deadline: Comments will be accepted from Oct. 11 to Oct. 25, 2024, at 5 p.m. MST.
Written comments can be mailed to:
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Jorge Rosales
2300 Lake Elmo Dr.
Billings, MT 59105
Emailed comments can be sent to Jorge.Rosales@mt.gov.