HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft environmental assessments (EA) related to grant funding for the Future Fisheries and Community Ponds programs. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices .

 

Fifer Gulch Stream Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Fifer Gulch (near Anaconda) through the Future Fisheries Improvement Program (FFIP). The purpose of this project is to restore and enhance aquatic and riparian conditions in Fifer Gulch. The project would restore connectivity between the channel and adjacent floodplain, resulting in more than 1,000 feet of restored stream and the establishment of 5 acres of wetlands. Fifer Gulch and a nearby spring creek are tributaries to Warm Springs Creek, a prominent native and sport fish stronghold in the Clark Fork. By restoring the area, angling opportunities would increase but natural stream function would be restored and the fishery would benefit.

Comments due March 16.

Flathead Creek Streambank Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Flathead Creek (near Wilsall) through the FFIP. The purpose of this project is to reduce channel erosion, increase riparian vegetation along eroding streambanks, reslope the streambanks as needed, and construct composite‐wood treatments and bankfull benches to restore the site to a naturally functioning system. The benefits are expected to be increased watershed resilience and floodplain function and improved water quality through reduced erosion. Improvement to wild and native fish habitat is expected to result from reduced sediment inputs and increased riparian vegetation and instream habitat complexity.

Comments due March 16.

Grasshopper Creek Mine Tailings Bank Stabilization

FWP is proposing to fund a bank stabilization project on Grasshopper Creek (near Bannack State Park) through the FFIP. This project would re-armor the mine tailings along the streambank, while removing tailings from the opposite side of the stream to allow for stream movement. Failing mine tailings would be addressed to prevent a massive failure. Vegetation would be incorporated within the riprap with the intention to create some shading and reduce water velocities. The goal is to reduce current sediment and waste inputs from the failing tailings pile and to prevent a massive failure event that would release sediment and toxic mine waste. The benefits are to reduce current sediment inputs and improve current fish habitat while protecting the fishery in Grasshopper Creek and the Beaverhead River.

Comments due March 16.

Miller Creek Restoration (Leik)

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Miller Creek (near Lolo) through the FFIP. This project would build upon 2 miles of stream restoration in Miller Creek and diversify the channel plan form and realign it away from eroding banks, add grade and elevation controls to increase floodplain connectivity, use large wood/debris matrix structures to increase instream habitat complexity, and employ large scale riparian planting to facilitate recovery of the riparian community. The goals are to reduce sediment delivery to the stream, promote riparian recovery, increase floodplain connectivity, and increase habitat complexity to improve fish habitat.

Comments due March 16.

Nevada Creek Restoration (Phase 7)

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Nevada Creek (near Helmville) through the FFIP. This project is phase 7 of the entire project and would continue the restoration completed in upstream phases. Goals are to restore of natural stream and riparian function by reducing sediment loading and improving trout habitat with channel restoration, bank treatments, floodplain connectivity, wetland restoration, and aquatic habitat complexity. The project would incorporate side channel and meander activation, streambank treatments to address eroding banks, and floodplain grading. The goal is to improve instream, riparian, and upland habitat within a working landscape to benefit aquatic species.  

Comments due March 16.

Harry’s Pond Improvement

FWP is proposing to fund a project to enhance angler amenities on Harry’s Pond (near Chinook) through the Community Pond Program. Harry’s Pond was recently constructed by a landowner, who is partnering with FWP to develop a public fishing opportunity in Chinook. This grant funding would be used for basic amenities including temporary latrine rental, pond aeration, parking area development, and walking path development. The goal is to provide better access and a quality angling experience at the project location.

Comments due March 16.

Paulo Reservoir Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a project to enhance angler amenities on Paulo Reservoir (near Glasgow) through the Community Pond Program. Grant funding would be used to install two fishing docks that will be handicap-accessible, improve the dike for the vault toilet, and purchase compost/seed for restoration of the site. This project will complement other restoration activities that are intended to improve the fish habitat in Paulo Reservoir.

Comments due March 16.