SPA 124 PERMIT DECISION NOTICE USFS –North Fork Cottonwood Creek Unnamed Tributary Culvert Removal FWP-DN-FSH-124-R2-25-016

May 2, 2025 4:56 PM

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has applied for a SPA 124 permit to remove a culvert in an unnamed tributary to North Fork Cottonwood Creek in the Blackfoot River drainage. The unnamed tributary is presumed fishless because of channel size, limited discharge, and intermittent flows. However, North Fork Cottonwood Creek contains westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. The existing culvert is undersized and remains at risk of hydrologic failure which could increase sedimentation in North Fork Cottonwood Creek. The USFS would use explosives to remove the culvert and road fill. The proposal is part of an ongoing effort within the Cottonwood Creek drainage to decommission roads and remove road crossing infrastructure. Following culvert removal, the site would be restored to natural conditions.

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.