Seeking Public Comment

Press Release

February 28, 2024

FWP seeking public comment on environmental assessments, emergency closures, private fish pond licenses

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

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 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 emergency rule closing the Ennis Fishing Access Site.

Comments due Feb. 26.

Riprap Installation at Stipek FAS Boat Ramp Draft EA Checklist

FWP is proposing to make improvements at the Stipek Fishing Access Site in Dawson County. This will include adding 100 cubic yards of riprap material for bank stabilization adjacent to the concrete boat ramp. High flow events in the spring of 2022 eroded areas next to the boat ramp. Work is planned to start in early 2024 when water levels are low and be completed later that year. This project will help protect the boat ramp and keep it open to the public.

Comments due Feb. 27.

Y5 LLC Private Pond License Review Draft EA

FWP administers private fishpond licensing. Regulations are intended to allow the stocking of private fishponds while ensuring that public resources are not adversely affected by unwanted fish or fish diseases, that nuisance aquatic species are not planted into ponds where they can escape or be introduced into state waters, and that habitat of wild fish is not harmed.

Y5 LLC has applied for a Private Fish Pond License for a pond located at 2922 Y5 Ranch Road in Victor. The applicant is seeking to be licensed to plant westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout into the pond for personal use and enjoyment.

Comments due Feb. 27.

Jacobsen Private Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.5 surface acre pond located on 2081 Little Bear Road in Gallatin Gateway, near Big Bear Creek, which is a tributary to the Gallatin River. Big Bear Creek contains brook trout and WCT. The pond is fed by a groundwater recharge with the additional option of a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of a screened Agri-Drain control structure. The discharge flows into a perennial spring that ultimately reaches Big Bear Creek.

Comments due Feb. 29.

Braxton Private Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 1.6 surface acre pond located on 4082 Mcllhattan Road in Bozeman. The pond is located near Bozeman approximately 1 mile above Churn Creek, which is a tributary to the East Gallatin River. Churn Creek likely contains brook trout and rainbow trout. The pond is fed by a groundwater well located at the site. The outlet consists of a screened Argi-Drain control structure. The discharge is perennial and flows out onto open ground with very little chance to reach state waters.

Comments due Feb. 29.

Benyo Private Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock westslope cutthroat trout or rainbow trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is a 0.53 surface acre pond located east of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in the Cottonwood Creek drainage of the Big Belt Mountains. The pond is fed by a combination of groundwater and seasonal surface runoff. The pond has a screened outlet, which will prevent escapement into a normally dry channel below the pond. There are no documented Montana Species of Special Concern in the drainage. Risk of escapement is low, and the associated risks are minimal.

Comments due Feb. 29.

Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement Draft Environmental Assessment

FWP is proposing to purchase and manage a conservation easement (CE) on 1,080 acres owned by Cliff Henderson north of Winifred. This proposed CE, called the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement, will protect and conserve in perpetuity mixed sagebrush-grassland habitat adjoining the Missouri River Breaks in deer/elk hunting districts 417 and 426. This CE will also guarantee free public access for hunting and other recreational pursuits on these deeded CE lands, satisfying MFWP's objectives in providing access and recreational opportunities to the public.

Comments due March 6.

Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area Addition Draft Checklist EA

FWP proposes an approximate 412-acre addition to the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA) by fee title acquisition. The WMA located west of Hysham and is comprised of two separate units. Legal public access is secured to the west unit by way of county roads. Legal public access (without crossing private land) to the east unit can only be achieved via the Yellowstone River. The main objective of this project is to create a contiguous WMA, thereby securing department and public access to the east unit of the WMA.

Comments due March 6.

Dutchman Creek Westslope Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project

FWP proposes to restore native Westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) in the headwaters of Dutchman Creek, tributary to Prickly Pear Creek, near Jefferson City. Competition and predation by invasive brook trout has nearly eliminated WCT in Dutchman Creek. FWP relocated WCT prior to the population being eliminated by brook trout.

Comments due March 18.