HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on two environmental assessments (EAs). For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

White Bear Fishing Access Site EA

FWP is proposing a project to provide security features and develop additional recreational amenities to mitigate undesirable and illegal public behavior at White Bear FAS near Great Falls.

The proposed project would provide the following benefits:

• Provide additional security features to increase the safety and security of the public who visit the FAS;
• Provide additional recreational amenities to attract desirable use of the FAS and provide opportunities for nature viewing, fishing, walking, biking, dog walking and learning about the natural, cultural and historical resources unique to the area;
• Reduce the undesirable and illegal use of the FAS;
• Eliminate commission-imposed seasonal closures, keeping the FAS open year around.

FWP’s objective would be to begin work in early 2024 and complete the project by the fall of 2024.

Comments due Sept. 26.

Peters Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock largemouth bass, crappie (black or white) and bluegill in an unnamed private pond. Bluegill are not authorized to stock in private ponds in Region 4 per Montana FWP Fisheries Division policy and are therefore not considered in this analysis and will not be permitted. The pond is located on an unnamed tributary of Box Elder Creek near the town of Roy with no documented fish presence. 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 (2023). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due Sept. 28.