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Montana FWP Seeks Public Input on Wildlife Projects and New Beaver Transplant Program
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) is currently accepting public comments on several environmental proposals that could impact the state’s waterways, wildlife habitats, and recreational fishing opportunities. Among the most notable is a proposed statewide beaver transplant program designed to relocate problem beavers to areas where they can benefit ecosystems.
Beaver Transplant Program Takes Center Stage
The Montana Beaver Transplant Program (MBTP) would establish guidelines for relocating beavers from conflict areas to suitable habitats throughout the state. The program recognizes beavers as ecosystem engineers that create wetlands, improve water storage, and build habitats that are more resilient to flooding, wildfires, and drought.
Under the proposed framework, FWP would evaluate potential transplant sites, establish review processes, and prioritize non-lethal solutions for addressing beaver conflicts with landowners. While relocation would be the preferred option, lethal control would remain available when transplanting isn’t feasible. Each transplant project would require approval from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.
A beaver dam along a Clark Fork River tributary. Montana’s proposed beaver transplant program aims to harness the ecological benefits of these natural engineers.
The draft Environmental Assessment for the beaver program is available for review at fwp.mt.gov under “News and Public Notices.” Comments are due by October 27 and can be submitted via mail to FWP, Attn: Torrey Ritter, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula, MT 59804, by phone at 406-381-2339, or by email to torrey.ritter@mt.gov.
Additional Projects Open for Comment
FWP is also seeking input on several other initiatives with earlier deadlines:
Private Fish Pond License (Comments due October 21): A landowner near Petty Creek is applying to stock westslope cutthroat trout and sterile rainbow trout in an artificial pond that is not connected to any stream or floodplain.
Sportsman’s Bridge Construction Access (Comments due October 22): FWP proposes providing temporary access through the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site to facilitate bridge replacement on Highway 82, improving safety and reducing traffic delays.
The Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site now sits on the opposite bank of the Flathead River from its original location. Photo: Montana FWP
26 Mile Fishing Access Development (Comments due October 25): Plans are underway to formalize a popular but unofficial boat launch site on the Upper Yellowstone River near Emigrant. The site has experienced increased damage and safety concerns since the 2022 flood left sections of the riverbank dangerously steep.
Ninemile Creek Restoration (Comments due October 26): The Future Fisheries Improvement Program would fund floodplain reconnection and channel improvements on this Clark Fork River tributary, benefiting spawning and rearing habitat for recreational fish species.
How to Participate
Montana residents and stakeholders can review all proposals and submit comments through fwp.mt.gov/public-notices. Each project represents an opportunity to shape wildlife management and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. FWP officials emphasize that public input helps balance conservation goals with landowner needs and recreational access.
These initiatives reflect Montana’s ongoing efforts to manage wildlife populations, improve fish habitat, and maintain public access to waterways while addressing the practical challenges faced by landowners and communities.
The post Montana FWP Seeks Public Input on Wildlife Projects and New Beaver Transplant Program appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...
Montana FWP Seeks Public Input on Wildlife Projects and New Beaver Transplant Program
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) is currently accepting public comments on several environmental proposals that could impact the state’s waterways, wildlife habitats, and recreational fishing opportunities. Among the most notable is a proposed statewide beaver transplant program designed to relocate problem beavers to areas where they can benefit ecosystems.
Beaver Transplant Program Takes Center Stage
The Montana Beaver Transplant Program (MBTP) would establish guidelines for relocating beavers from conflict areas to suitable habitats throughout the state. The program recognizes beavers as ecosystem engineers that create wetlands, improve water storage, and build habitats that are more resilient to flooding, wildfires, and drought.
Under the proposed framework, FWP would evaluate potential transplant sites, establish review processes, and prioritize non-lethal solutions for addressing beaver conflicts with landowners. While relocation would be the preferred option, lethal control would remain available when transplanting isn’t feasible. Each transplant project would require approval from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.
A beaver dam along a Clark Fork River tributary. Montana’s proposed beaver transplant program aims to harness the ecological benefits of these natural engineers.
The draft Environmental Assessment for the beaver program is available for review at fwp.mt.gov under “News and Public Notices.” Comments are due by October 27 and can be submitted via mail to FWP, Attn: Torrey Ritter, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula, MT 59804, by phone at 406-381-2339, or by email to torrey.ritter@mt.gov.
Additional Projects Open for Comment
FWP is also seeking input on several other initiatives with earlier deadlines:
Private Fish Pond License (Comments due October 21): A landowner near Petty Creek is applying to stock westslope cutthroat trout and sterile rainbow trout in an artificial pond that is not connected to any stream or floodplain.
Sportsman’s Bridge Construction Access (Comments due October 22): FWP proposes providing temporary access through the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site to facilitate bridge replacement on Highway 82, improving safety and reducing traffic delays.
The Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site now sits on the opposite bank of the Flathead River from its original location. Photo: Montana FWP
26 Mile Fishing Access Development (Comments due October 25): Plans are underway to formalize a popular but unofficial boat launch site on the Upper Yellowstone River near Emigrant. The site has experienced increased damage and safety concerns since the 2022 flood left sections of the riverbank dangerously steep.
Ninemile Creek Restoration (Comments due October 26): The Future Fisheries Improvement Program would fund floodplain reconnection and channel improvements on this Clark Fork River tributary, benefiting spawning and rearing habitat for recreational fish species.
How to Participate
Montana residents and stakeholders can review all proposals and submit comments through fwp.mt.gov/public-notices. Each project represents an opportunity to shape wildlife management and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. FWP officials emphasize that public input helps balance conservation goals with landowner needs and recreational access.
These initiatives reflect Montana’s ongoing efforts to manage wildlife populations, improve fish habitat, and maintain public access to waterways while addressing the practical challenges faced by landowners and communities.
The post Montana FWP Seeks Public Input on Wildlife Projects and New Beaver Transplant Program appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...