Big Coulee Fish Barrier Enhancement Project Draft Environmental Assessment Checklist FWP-CEA-FSH-R4-25-003
Feb 7, 2025 9:14 AM
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing to enhance a previously constructed fish barrier on Big Coulee to protect a nonhybridized population of westslope cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus lewisi (WCT). The fish barrier project site on Big Coulee is located entirely on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Judith-Musselshell Ranger District. The proposed enhancements to the Big Coulee fish barrier include constructing a cast-in-place concrete weir on top of a previously blasted bedrock waterfall and pouring a concrete splash pad at the base of the waterfall to eliminate the formation of a plunge pool. Additionally, drilling, blasting, and/or hydraulic hammering of the bedrock directly downstream the barrier would be performed to grade the streambed in a manner that prevents pooling of water during periods of high stream discharge.
Related Documents: Big Coulee Fish Barrier Enhancement Project Draft Environmental Assessment Checklist FWP-CEA-FSH-R4-25-003
Deadline: Comment period has been extended, and comment must be received by 3/14/2025 at 5:00pm
Email comments to: alex.poole@mt.gov
Mail comments to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Alex Poole
4600 Giant Springs Road
Great Falls, MT 59405