SPA 124 Lost Horse Creek BRID Headgate Replacement and Fish Screen Installation BNF; Darby, MT FWP-DN-FSH-124-R2-25-009
Apr 4, 2025 10:41 AM
The Bitterroot National Forest has applied for a Montana Stream Protection Act 124 permit to replace a failing headgate and install a fish screen in the Bitter Root Irrigation District’s (BRID) diversion off Lost Horse Creek near Darby, MT. The existing headgate is leaking, and the ditch is not screened; as a result, thousands of trout are entrained annually within the BRID ditch. The purpose of the project is to rebuild the BRID headgate structure and install a fish screen approximately 100 feet downstream of the headgate in the ditch that diverts water out of Lost Horse Creek on the Bitterroot National Forest. The BRID ditch is the largest diversion on Lost Horse Creek, and a fish screen at this location would annually prevent the unintentional loss of thousands of fish into the ditch. Fish will remain in the creek rather than perishing down the ditch. Headgate improvements will also eliminate leakage of water from Lost Horse Creek down the BRID ditch outside of the irrigation season.
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. BRID will be allowed to replace a leaky headgate and install a fish screen off Lost Horse Creek near Darby, MT.
FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.