FWP announces public comment opportunities for the week of September 28 >
HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the following environmental assessments (EA) and proposals. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the link provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.
Proposed prescribed fire project on Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area
FWP may be preparing an EA on a proposal to implement an aspen recruitment, prescribed fire and tree planting habitat improvement project on Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area. This projected is intended to be completed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service Larabee Hat Vegetation Project on the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Comment deadline: Sept. 30
Travelers’ Rest State Park site improvement project CEA
FWP proposes improvements to the trails and the visitor center and to relocate the pavilion at Travelers’ Rest State Park. The trail improvements would include adding concrete surfacing to a small portion of existing gravel trail, adding surface gravel to the Main Loop Trail for stability, and stabilizing the land bridge on the Main Loop Trail. The proposed improvements to the visitor center are to replace the existing overhead garage doors. The pavilion at Travelers’ Rest is currently located on the south side of the park, uphill from the Lewis and Clark Expedition fire hearths on the Main Loop Trail and adjacent to administrative storage buildings. The proposed relocation of the pavilion is to the north side of the park near the visitor center and parking area.
Comment deadline: Oct. 1
Smith River State Park boat camp landing restoration project – phase 2 EA
The increasing number of floaters combined with decades of use and annual high-water cycles on the Smith River has resulted in impacts to the boat camps in the corridor, particularly the landings where shoreline is lost annually, and steep cut banks have formed making access to the sites difficult. Phase 1 of the project was completed during the fall of 2025 at four Smith River boat camps (Lower Indian Springs, Upper Rock Garden, Lower Rock Garden and Lower Scotty Allen). The purpose of phase 2 is to address the riverbank erosion issues at seven additional boat camps: Syringa, Middle Cow Coulee, Lower Sunset Cliff, Upper Table Rock, Middle Table Rock, Upper Rattlesnake Bend and Lower Rattlesnake Bend.
Comment deadline: Oct. 1
Sacajawea Lagoon largemouth and smallmouth bass removal EA
FWP received reports of smallmouth bass in the Sacajawea Lagoon in late May of 2026. Six largemouth bass and three smallmouth bass were captured using electrofishing by FWP staff on June 1. The presence of these two species in the lagoon is a threat given their predatory nature, proximity to wild trout populations in the Yellowstone River and potential to be transported to other nearby waters that support popular trout fisheries. Escapement of bass from the lagoon is possible through a culvert near the inlet of the lagoon that is directly connected to the Yellowstone River. Downstream dispersal of bass into Fleshman Creek, which is connected to the Yellowstone River, is also possible through the outlet structure. FWP is proposing to remove all fish from Sacajawea Lagoon by periodically capturing fish while electrofishing as the lagoon is dewatered.
Comment deadline: Oct. 2
Baker Lake wild fish transfer source draft checklist EA
A draft checklist EA has been prepared for a proposal to utilize Baker Lake as a wild fish transfer waterbody source for yellow perch and crappie. Baker Lake is a small reservoir located within the city of Baker. It is a popular fishing destination for residents of Baker as well as surrounding communities. A large-scale restoration was completed in 2018 and 2019 including debris removal and dredging, depth contouring and wetland complex creation. Following renovation and reservoir filling, Baker Lake was stocked with yellow perch, walleye, crappie, and rainbow trout. Yellow perch have become overabundant resulting in an overall decrease in average size of this species. Additionally, there have been multiple strong year classes of crappie produced in Baker Lake. Reducing the Yellow Perch population may lead to increases in growth and overall size of perch within Baker Lake. Additionally, an easily accessible source of both Yellow Perch and crappie will assist in stocking of other waterbodies across FWP Region 7.
Comment deadline: Oct. 6
Hannah Ranch conservation easement
A proposal to purchase a 99-year conservation easement (CE) on the Hannah Ranch has been added to the Oct. 14 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting agenda. The proposed CE would protect 3,652 acres of important wildlife habitat on the Hannah Ranch, provide public access to the encumbered private and adjoining public lands and ensure the land continues to be used for traditional agricultural practices. The Hannah Ranch is located approximately 6 miles south of Moore and 17 miles southwest of Lewistown, in Fergus County.
The deadline for public comment for other commission agenda items was Sept. 24.
Comment deadline for this new item: Oct. 9.
Glasgow Shooting Range acquisition and development EA
FWP proposes a project to expand public opportunities for recreational shooting by improving the existing rifle and archery ranges at the Glasgow Shooting Range. Through a lease agreement with the City of Glasgow, FWP would manage and operate the shooting range for day use. The property is located approximately one-half mile north of Glasgow, off Skylark Road.
Comment deadline: Oct. 23
Stream Protection Act permitting draft programmatic EA
This programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) is intended to satisfy the requirements of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) for issuance of Montana Stream Protection Act (SPA) permits FWP pursuant to the SPA of 1963. A SPA permit is required if a state government agency, county, municipality or other subdivision of the State of Montana is proposing work in Montana streams. Under the SPA, FWP has 30 days to review an application, including construction plans, to determine if the proposed project would adversely affect any fish or wildlife habitat and to notify the applicant of its determination.
Comment deadline: Oct. 25
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