Decision Notice SPA 124 Permit DNRC Bear Creek FWP-DN-FSH-R2-124-25-015
Apr 29, 2025 4:44 PM
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has applied for a SPA 124 permit to conduct several culvert replacements, a crossing removal, and one culvert installation to improve road stream crossings associated with timber harvest in the Bear Creek drainage. The existing culverts in West Fork Bear Creek are undersized, creating hydrologic and fisheries concerns. One of the culverts will be upgraded and the other culvert and associated road infrastructure will be removed and decommissioned. Two of the culverts are in streams that support westslope cutthroat trout. The proposed replacements will improve fish passage at these locations. The other culvert replacement and installation are in unnamed tributaries that do not support fish. The proposed culverts will enhance hydrologic function at these locations and reduce potential erosion and downstream sedimentation issues. Overall, the proposed package of stream crossing work is expected to result in improved aquatic resource conditions.
The proposed culvert replacements, crossing removal, and culvert installation are to improve the road system DNRC uses to access school trust lands. This area is ready for timber harvest and the proposed work would happen before hauling would cross at each project site. These crossings would allow for permanent access for future monitoring and management by the DNRC. The proposed work at locations B and C are also needed to meet fish passage standards in DNRC’s Habitat Conservation Plan.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and, to the greatest extent possible, 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 and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.
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