USFS Culvert Upgrades - DN - SPA 124 FWP-DN-FSH-124-R2-25-018

May 23, 2025 8:46 AM

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will issue a Stream Protection Act 124 permit to United States Forest Service to replace and improve 17 culverts in the Lolo Creek and Clearwater River drainages on the Lolo National Forest to improve hydrologic function, protect road infrastructure, and provide aquatic organism passage. The replacements will be installed per stream simulation and Best Management Practices (BMPs) and are planned for summer of 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 and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an
environmental impact statement or EIS is unnecessary. The project will allow the United States Forest Service to implement planned culvert replacements in the Lolo Creek and Clearwater River drainages as described in the permit application and under conditions listed in the SPA-124 permit.

FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves Alternative 2, the Proposed Action.