Mill Creek Phase 2 Restoration Project - Future Fisheries Decision Notice
Apr 29, 2025 9:50 AM
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing to fund improvements on Mill Creek, near Livingston. This project is phase 2 and would continue the restoration on Mill Creek (one mile section) by breaching a historical berm in strategic locations to restore floodplain connectivity, allow side channel formation, and restore natural meadow and stream function. Log jams will be built to create habitat complexity. Reconnection is expected to encourage riparian plant growth. The goal is to improve in-stream and spawning habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout and other fish species and to enhance fishing opportunities. FWP’s action would be funding this project through the Future Fisheries Improvement Program. The project sponsor is Trout Unlimited and construction is planned for summer 2025 to fall 2026.
The Draft EA was made available for public review and comment from March 31, 2025 to April 15, 2025. The Draft EA was posted on FWP’s Public Notice webpage: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices. The Draft EA was also made available for public review on the Environmental Quality Council or EQC website: https://leg.mt.gov/mepa/search/, by individual request, and through notice to identified interested parties. One supportive comment was received during the advertised period.
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 Draft EA, without modification, and approves the proposed action.
[FWP-DN-FSH-R8-2025-002]
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