SPA 124 PERMIT DECISION NOTICE Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site boat ramp repair, Missouri River

Apr 15, 2025 5:14 PM

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has proposed to repair the boat ramp at Mountain Palace Fishing Access Site (FAS). The boat ramp is currently in fair condition, however due to erosion from the adjacent drainage and ice jams the base of the concrete block ramp has a scour hole and undermined concrete blocks that have fallen in and scattered in the river. This has made it very difficult on the public that load and unload watercraft at this FAS. The proposed work falls under the SPA 124 permitting jurisdiction of FWP found in the Stream Protection Act (§ 87-5-502, MCA).

The scope of this project includes removing the concrete blocks at the bottom of the ramp, preparing the base, and replacing it with a new 12 ft wide x 20 ft long concrete ramp. Additional work includes removal and reset of an additional 80 square feet of the concrete block to help mitigate any erosion along the bank. A small construction coffer dam is planned for the site area to allow the scour hole to be filled prepped and filled. Temporary erosion control will be placed around the repair area during work. Lastly new riprap berms will be installed in the adjacent drainage to prevent erosion of the new ramp. All work will take place within the footprint of the existing ramp, which will minimize disturbance to the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Equipment used will include a mini excavator, wheeled backhoe, and an end dump for material removal. A small dewatering dam with a pump will be used during repair of the scour hole. Work will be completed by a contractor hired by FWP. The project is anticipated to begin in August 2025 and end in October 2025.

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 associated with the proposed action 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.