FWP Seeking Public Comment on Environmental Assessments, Emergency Closures

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft environmental assessments (EA) and emergency closures. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Manley Choke to Death Private Pond: A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock Yellowstone cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.38 surface-acre pond located in the Crazy Mountains north of Springdale that is fed by a combination of groundwater and seasonal surface water. A screened Agri Drain structure serves as the outlet for the pond which will prevent escapement during normal operations. Although native Yellowstone cutthroat trout inhabit streams downstream of the pond, the associated risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared fish are minimal.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. Comments due Feb. 8.

Emergency Rule Closing the Fairweather Fishing Access Site in Gallatin County: FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Fairweather Fishing Access Site. Comments due Feb. 12.

Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area Grazing and Water Development Plan Draft EA: FWP is seeking public review and comment through Feb. 12 of its proposed approach to livestock grazing and associated water development in Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

The draft EA for the plan outlines how cattle grazing agreements with neighboring private landowners would be implemented for the overall benefit of wildlife. The plan also prescribes how water sources for livestock would be developed on the WMA.

The draft plan does not approve specific grazing agreements on the WMA, instead, it provides a framework for where it could be allowed, what types of practices would be used, and how grazing would be monitored and managed. Any future grazing agreements would require public review and Fish and Wildlife Commission approval as part of a separate process. Comments due Feb. 12.

Adoption of Emergency Rule Closing the Selway Park Fishing Access Site in Beaverhead County: FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of emergency rule closing the Selway Park Fishing Access Site. Comments due Feb. 26.

Adoption of an Emergency Rule Closing the Valley Garden Fishing Access Site in Madison County: FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Valley Garden Fishing Access Site. Comments due Feb. 26.

Adoption of an Emergency Rule Closing the Ennis Fishing Access Site in Madison County: FWP has determined that flooding and ice jams justify the adoption of an emergency rule closing the Ennis Fishing Access Site. Comments due Feb. 26.