WHITEHALL – Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave for the 2024 season starting May 1.

Tours will be offered from May 1 through Sept. 30. Both first-come-first-served tours and reservable tours will be offered. Visitors are encouraged to check the website frequently as tour options, times and availability may change throughout the season. Reservable tours are available from May 24 through Labor Day. To make those reservations, call 1-855-922-6768 or click here.

During the season, the upper visitor area will be open and cave tours will be offered seven days a week. The gate opens at 8:30 a.m. and the ticket office opens at 9 a.m.

The campground and trails are open, and the showers, comfort station and water stations will reopen as weather allows.

Paradise Tour

The Paradise Tour includes a view of the largest and most decorated room in the cave — the Paradise Room. This 1-mile tour lasts 90 minutes. It includes 15 stairs between two rooms, but the path is mostly level and partly wheelchair accessible. Because the Paradise Tour provides better accessibility and easier passage, this tour is recommended for visitors with small children, claustrophobia or who prefer a less arduous experience.

The Paradise Tour will be offered every day starting May 1 on a first-come-first-served basis until Memorial Day weekend. Starting Memorial Day weekend, reservations can be made, and tour times will be 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. These times are subject to change, so visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks prior to your visit.

Tickets for the paradise tour are $10 for visitors ages 62 and older, $15 for visitors ages 15 to 61, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and free for anyone 4 or younger.

Classic Tour

The Classic Tour features a 2-mile journey through the majority of the developed cave and includes the second-largest and longest rooms in the cave. This tour lasts for two hours and includes more than 600 stairs, stooping and tight squeezes. It is not recommended for small children, visitors with claustrophobia, or those who prefer a less strenuous experience.

Limited Classic Tours will be offered from May 1 to May 23. Additional tours may be added as staffing allows. The Classic Tour will be offered every day starting May 24 on the hour from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. by reservable tickets and as staffing allows.

Tickets for the classic tour are $15 for visitors ages 15 and older, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and $5 for anyone 4 or younger.

Planning your visit

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest, filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites. The park also offers camping, trails to hike or bike, a state-of-the-art visitor center, interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater, and interpretive events during the summer months.

An $8 entrance fee is required for visitors who are not residents of Montana and not staying in the campground. Residents of the state normally pay the fee with vehicle registration.

Bats occupy some rooms that are part of the classic tour. Bats can be susceptible to pathogens carried by people. For this reason, visitors are asked not to wear any clothing, shoes or accessories, including glasses, jewelry and cameras, that have been in another cave or mine in the past two years. This helps protect bat populations at the Caverns. White-nose syndrome, a fungus that kills entire bat colonies, can be transmitted easily and does not come out of clothing or other materials with normal washing methods. While it does not affect humans, it could have significant impacts to the cave ecosystem.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, please click here or call 406-287-3541.

BOZEMAN — Since 1979, Intermountain Opera Bozeman has produced professional operas in Bozeman and beyond. As it becomes known as Opera Montana, the organization’s past is the focus of a new digital collection created at the Montana State University Library.

The collection, a collaboration between the MSU Library and Opera Montana, includes each of Opera Montana’s opera and musical theater programs, which have been digitized, described and preserved for perpetuity. In all, the collection contains more than 50 items and is expected to continue to grow as Opera Montana produces new shows. The materials are publicly available at arc.lib.montana.edu/intermountain-opera/. Recordings of 50 past performances are also available with permission from Opera Montana.

The collection is named the John Frederick Santilli and Suzanne Day Intermountain Opera Bozeman Collection. Santilli, who died in 2020, and Day have been longtime friends and supporters of Intermountain Opera Bozeman and provided funds for the collection.

“It has been a pleasure working with Opera Montana to preserve their history and make their legacy available more broadly,” said Doralyn Rossmann, dean of the MSU Library. “As the Opera continues to grow its presence in Montana, it is important to be able to document its past and future.”

Brandon Watson, MSU Library’s digital operations manager, has been leading the project. He said conversations about the collection first began in 2017.

“Our team of application developers, archivists and students who performed digitization work all took great pride in contributing to this collaboration,” Watson said.

“This collection tells the story, along with many of our other collections, of one of Montana’s most vital arts organizations and its tremendous growth over nearly a half-century,” said Jodi Allison-Bunnell, head of Archives and Special Collections at the MSU Library, who also performs in the opera orchestra.

The MSU Library’s collections include many unique holdings that tell the stories of regional writers like Ivan Doig; Montana women’s history; the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; Montana’s agricultural history; and numerous other topics. Arts-related collections document the history of the performing arts in the region, including the Virginia City Players, the papers of composer Eric Funk, records from the Bozeman Symphony and the wide-ranging performing arts history of MSU.

The MSU Library’s Archives and Special Collections are open for anyone to visit during library hours. Researchers can schedule a reading room appointment, and library staff will answer questions through the MSU Library’s contact form at lib.montana.edu/archives/contact-form.

BOZEMAN – In observance of National Law Day, the Montana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments at Montana State University next week on the appeal of a deliberate homicide conviction that resulted in a 100-year sentence without the possibility of parole for a Polson woman in 2021.

The introduction to the oral arguments begins at 10 a.m. Monday, April 22, in the Strand Union Building, Ballroom A, and arguments will follow from 10:30 to 11:30. The proceedings are open to students and the public.

MSU pre-law adviser Sara Callow, who teaches an introductory course on American government in the Department of Political Science in the College of Letters and Science, said Law Day is held annually to celebrate the rule of law in a free society.

“It is a really exciting opportunity to hear the highest court in Montana hear a court case live,” she said. “This is an important part of our system of government that we don’t often have easy access to, especially at the highest level.”

The arguments set for Monday pertain to the case of Danielle Wood, who is incarcerated in the Montana Women’s Prison in Billings for killing Thompson Falls resident Matt LaFriniere in 2018. Wood was accused of shooting LaFriniere three times with a .38-caliber revolver and using a burner cellphone to divert suspicion from herself. She was convicted after an 11-day jury trial and sentenced to 100 years without the chance of parole.

There are two issues before the Montana Supreme Court. First, the state relied on expert testimony regarding Wood’s cellphone location while she was using a TracFone, a type of burner or prepaid cellphone. Wood objected to this evidence, and the court will determine if the expert’s testimony is reliable. 

Second, Wood was charged with both deliberate homicide and accountability for deliberate homicide. Because the state never named an accomplice but instead argued that Wood personally killed LaFriniere, the court will determine whether the jury should have been instructed on accountability.

Wood, who was 56 when she was convicted in January 2021, has maintained her innocence. At the time of LaFriniere’s death, he and Wood had been in a years-long custody battle over a child they had together.

Law Day at MSU is sponsored by Pre-Law Advising at the office of University Studies, the Office of Student Engagement and the Montana Bar Association.

BOZEMAN – The Graduate School at Montana State University will offer a free week for applications from April 20 to April 27.

Craig Ogilvie, dean of MSU’s Graduate School, said he hopes temporarily waiving the normal $70 application fee will encourage students who were previously hesitant to apply at MSU to pursue their advanced degrees.

“We are committed to making graduate education as accessible as possible,” said Ogilvie. “Our graduate programs are preparing people with the advanced skills and knowledge for some of our community’s most pressing challenges.”

MSU offers 69 master's degree programs, 45 doctoral degree programs, three educational specialist degrees and a variety of certificates. For more information about the degrees and programs offered by MSU, visit the programs and degrees page. For information about registering or starting an application, visit the getting started page.

BOZEMAN – Two Montana State University professors, in cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, recently updated the Fishes of Montana app used by anglers who want reliable information about Montana fish species.

The updates were made to the 5-year-old app by Christopher Guy and Alexander Zale, both professors in MSU’s Department of Ecology in the College of Letters and Science and leaders of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. Guy said changes in the recently released eighth edition of the American Fisheries Society’s publication, “Names of Fishes,” along with other new data collected by MSU and FWP biologists, prompted the update to the Montana app.

“Because the scientific names of fishes change, their distributions change, and some invasive species are knocking on the door that we don’t want in Montana, we want to let people know about all that in the app,” Guy said.

For quick reference, the app includes a comprehensive list of fish species with their common and scientific names, and whether each species is native or introduced, threatened or a game fish. Fishes of Montana also contains a glossary, a map of major drainages in Montana, diagrams of fish anatomy and links to more resources.

“It helps people identify what species they caught so they can then tie that back to the regulations for that water body,” Guy said.

Fishes of Montana does not require cellular coverage or a wireless connection for basic identification. 

Guy said he commonly uses the “Fish/Favorites” section of the app, where he can click on a particular species to discover all kind of tidbits and facts about it, including where it lives in Montana and elsewhere in North America; its preferred diet and habitat; and its growth rate and maximum size.

The app, which is produced by MountainWorks Software, is free to download to Android and iOS devices.

BOZEMAN — Eleven Montana State University students spent the academic year serving on the boards of Gallatin Valley nonprofit organizations as part of the MSU Leadership Institute’s Boardroom Bobcats mentorship program, which is wrapping up its eighth year fostering leadership and community engagement among students. 

For a full academic year, Boardroom Bobcats students serve as non-voting board members for local nonprofits. In addition to attending regular board meetings, the students undertake projects and participate in professional development trainings hosted by the MSU Leadership Institute and aimed at developing lifelong leadership skills. The program offers students experience in the nonprofit sector and opportunities to develop relationships with mentors, promoting a spirit of community engagement and service. 

Participants, along with their major, hometown and the nonprofit they were paired with, are listed below: 

• Jack Evans — Business management/administration; Redmond, Washington; Sacajawea Audubon Society. 
• Ella Horgan — Microbiology, environmental health with a minor in entomology; Minneapolis; Montana Mindfulness Project. 
• Hope McWilliams — Cell biology and neuroscience with a minor in astrobiology; Hayden, Idaho; We are HER. 
• Kelly Nicholson — Environmental studies; Griffin, Georgia; Intermountain Opera.
• Naomi Ohman — Directed interdisciplinary studies: film, journalism, public humanities; Long Lake, Minnesota; Bienvenidos a Gallatin Valley. 
• Jonah Pate — Business management with a minor in entrepreneurship and small business; Kalispell; Warriors and Quiet Waters. 
• Grace Roemig — Mechanical engineering with a minor in China studies; Minnetonka, Minnesota; Bozeman Film Society. 
• Isabela Romero — Clinical mental health counseling; Lima, Peru; Bridgercare. 
• Sarah Salam — Public administration; Tacoma, Washington; Gallatin Watershed Council. 
• Bridger Sellegran — Public administration; Bozeman; Montana Freshwater Partners. 
• Aimee Walsh — Industrial and management systems engineering; Anacortes, Washington; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country. 

The Boardroom Bobcats program debuted in 2016 with support from a $5,000 seed grant from MSU’s Outreach and Engagement Council. For more information about the program, visit www.montana.edu/leadership/boardroombobcats.html.  

MSU students who are interested in serving as a Boardroom Bobcat during the 2023-2024 academic year are encouraged to fill out an application before the deadline on May 5 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at www.montana.edu/leadership. 

School and special district ballots will be mailed to Gallatin County voters on Friday, April 19. Included in those ballots will be Bozeman Elementary and High School District trustee races. 

The uncontested Bozeman High School District trustee race was accidentally included on Bozeman Elementary School District ballots. Elementary District voters do not vote on the school district’s position designated as the high school trustee since that position is elected to represent the rural schools of the high school district. 

All voters in the Bozeman School District will see this high school race on the ballot with filed candidate Sandra Wilson and a write-in line on all ballots, even those in the Bozeman Elementary District, who would not normally vote on this position. Sandra Wilson is the only filed candidate, is running unopposed and will be elected regardless. There are no filed write-in candidates for this election, which means that write-in names will not be tallied this election.  

Elections results can be certified accurately by separating erroneous votes for this race to provide proper totals. 

Over 35,000 ballots had already been printed and prepped for mailing by the time the error was discovered. Therefore, both Gallatin County Elections and the Bozeman School District decided to move forward with the error on the ballot because it was too late to reprint them and ensure that voters receive their ballots in a timely manner. 

This error will not affect the outcome of the election in any way. 

We apologize for any confusion for the voters in the Bozeman School District.  

The May 7 school and special district election is mail-ballot election. Active registered voters who live in districts that are holding elections will receive their ballots this weekend or early next week. Ballots must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day on Tuesday, May 7. 

For more information on this election, visit www.GallatinVotes.com.  

BOZEMAN — From April 20-27, the City of Bozeman is hosting CleanUp Week and welcomes individuals and groups to help pick up litter around Bozeman. This event will be kicked off at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival on April 20 in collaboration with partners across the city. The City of Bozeman has coordinated CleanUp Week locally for 35 years, and each year mobilizes hundreds of volunteers of all ages from community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies. These cleanups not only improve habitat for humans and critters within city limits, but they also directly impact downstream neighbors by helping to keep streams and rivers clean.

Sustainability Program Specialist Ali Chipouras says, “This time of year, everyone starts to see the litter and dog waste that surfaces after snow melt. CleanUp Week is a great opportunity to work together to build community, keep our waterways clean, and give Bozeman a spring cleaning.”

CleanUp kits will be provided and include gloves, vests, yellow bags, and instructions. Interested community members may opt for delivery of kits to their group or organization ahead of CleanUp Week. People can also pick up kits at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along with the kits, participants of CleanUp Week will be given a choice to pick a location or provided ideas for a clean-up location.  Participants are welcome to clean up any time from April 20 to 27, and City of Bozeman Solid Waste will take care of the yellow bags left behind.

In addition to Bozeman CleanUp Week and the Earth Day Festival on April 20^th, Gallatin Valley Earth Day is hosting events throughout April, including in-person and online speakers, films, workshops, and more. To learn more, visit www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org.

This activity is free and open to the public. Kits will be available for pick-up on April 20 regardless of weather. For more information and to sign up to participate, visit www.bozeman.net/cleanup.

In honor of Earth Day, the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and 406 Recycling are again teaming up for a free electronic waste (e-waste) recycling event at Logan Landfill.  

The annual event this year will be on Saturday, April 20 from 8 AM to 2:30 PM at Logan Landfill (10585 Two Dog Road). 

Accepted items include cellphones, computers, tablets, batteries, towers, laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, remote controls, scanners, modems, stereo equipment, digital cameras, VCRs, copiers, keyboards, mice, and handheld electronics. Data destruction on all devices is guaranteed. 

People often confuse electronic and electrical waste, which is not accepted through the e-waste program. Common electrical items that will NOT be accepted include blenders, power tools, fans, lamps, hair dryers, curling irons, coffee makers, microwaves, juicers, mixers, toasters and crock pots. 

If you’re not sure if something is considered e-waste, call 406-582-2493 for clarification. 

Logan Landfill accepts e-waste all year during regular business hours for a fee. Current hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Mondays through Fridays, and 7 AM – 4:30 PM on Saturdays. The fee is $27 per ton, with a $5 minimum for up to 400 pounds. The rate for commercial e-waste recycling is $48 per ton.  

More information on e-waste and other year-round recycling options in Bozeman can be found on our website. 

For more information about this event, please call Patty at 406-582-2493 or email patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov.  

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft proposed projects, conservation leases and other items. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling Restoration in Winslow Creek, Red Rock River Drainage

FWP proposes to restore and maintain native westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and Arctic grayling in Winslow Creek. Winslow Creek is a tributary to the Red Rock River in the Centennial Valley in southwest Montana. Historically, WCT, Arctic grayling and mountain whitefish were the only salmonid species in the Centennial Valley. In Winslow Creek, WCT were native and Arctic grayling likely used the stream seasonally. However, introductions of rainbow trout eliminated the conservation population of WCT through hybridization, and barriers to migration have eliminated access to the stream for grayling. Rocky Mountain sculpin Cottus bondi are also present in Winslow Creek. A conservation population is defined as viable assemblage of WCT that have most recently tested genetically as ≥90 percent WCT. Within the conservation population designation, a core population is defined as containing <1 percent introgression from nonnative species.

Comments due April 20.

Peters Private Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 1.5 surface acres and is located in Toole County. The pond is located on a coulee that drains into Fowler Coulee near the town of Ledger, with no known presence of fish existing in the pond. The pond is fed by overland snow melt and drainage from nearby fields. The outflow and overflow flow into another pond approximately 300 yards to the south. That pond is currently permitted. The pond is located 2.9 miles from Fowler Coulee Creek which 10.7 miles until it reaches Pondera Coulee, a tributary to the lower Marias.

Most trout species are not native to Pondera Coulee drainage or the lower Marias River however, risk of escapement is low and associated risks are minimal, given existing presence in drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to Montana, but conservation populations are not present in drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. Fish could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or stocking can be stopped to let the fish age out. 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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 20.

Rambo Spring Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is approximately one surface acre and is located in Pondera County. The pond is located on a coulee of a tributary to the Dry Fork Marias River near the town of Ledge, with no known presence of fish existing in the pond. The pond is fed by overland snow melt and drainage from nearby fields. There is no established outlet, but there is a slight overflow channel that navigates water into the coulee. The overflow discharge is rare and flows approximately 2.1 miles down the unnamed coulee to the Dry Fork of the Marias, which flows about 7 miles into the Marias River upstream of Tiber Reservoir. Northern redbelly dace have been documented in the lower portion of the Dry Fork of the Marias and is the only documented Montana Species of Special Concern. Most trout species are not native to Dry Fork Marias River, however, risk of escapement is low and associated risks are minimal, given existing presence in drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to Montana, but conservation populations are not present in drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. Fish could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments, or stocking can be stopped to let the fish age out. 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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 20.

Public Comment Hearing on Proposed Repeal of Big Game Management Policy

In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.9.101 Big Game Management Policy. Public comment hearing will be held on April 19 at 10 a.m. 

Comments due April 22.

Terry Private Pond Application Draft CEA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow and brook trout. The seasonal runoff fed pond is 1.5 surface acres and located 3.5 miles northwest of Big Sandy. The pond was excavated, and an unscreened overflow serves as the outlet for the pond. Although Big Sandy Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow and brook trout are minimal. 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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. 

Comments due April 22.

B&C French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 11,612 acres of land owned and operated by the B&C French family. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands. 

Comments due April 23.

Mark French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 308 acres of land owned and operated by Mark French. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.

Comments due April 23.

Hartman Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 1,526 acres of land owned by Hartman Land and Livestock. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.

Comments due April 23.

Grey Bear and Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Sites Fiber Optic Easement Request by Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc., Draft Checklist EA

Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. (TTCA) is proposing to replace existing telecommunications facilities with fiber optic cables in rural Sweet Grass and Park counties. The proposed project will go through Grey Bear and Springdale Bridge fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River and will encumber approximately 0.88 acres across the two sites. The current copper facilities in the area are reaching capacity to serve the area due to growth and aging facilities. These improvements will provide state-of-the-art telecommunications capacity, as well as future growth capabilities. The project is expected to provide improved telecommunications capacity for state and local residents.

Comments due April 25.

Petranek Pond EA Draft

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout and brown trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is located on an ephemeral drainage that feeds into Cottonwood Creek. From there Cottonwood Creek flows into Murphy Coulee, Armells Creek, and eventually the Missouri River near Fred Robinson Bridge. The pond has a manmade dam and collects water from a very small drainage upstream. Cottonwood Creek, Murphy Coulee, and Armells Creek do not have Montana State Species of Special Concern present or valuable sportfishing opportunities. Rainbow trout and brown trout would not be able to persist in these streams, so any escapement impacts would be very minimal and short term in duration. During an extreme high flow event there is a slight chance that rainbow trout or brown trout could make it all the way to the Missouri River. There are already other sources of rainbow and brown trout in the Missouri River below Moroney Dam, and any trout escapement from this pond would not be expected to have any additional impacts to the system. The outlet pipe is already screened to prevent escapement.

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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 26.

Arntzen Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is located on an ephemeral drainage that feeds into Dog Creek. The pond has a manmade dam, and the drainage upstream has two additional small reservoirs. The outlet will be an overflow pipe. Water from the outlet flows approximately half a mile before joining Dog Creek. Dog Creek has a typical prairie fish assemblage with no documented Montana Species of Special Concern or sportfish present.

Risk of escapement is likely. The outlet pipe is very small and could not handle large flow events. It is only slightly lower in elevation than the spillway. It is likely that during high flows trout would escape to Dog Creek, but they would not be able to persist because of poor habitat conditions and dewatering. Impacts would be minimal and short in duration.

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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 26.

Exterior Surface Treatment Plan for Historic Buildings at Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is a unique historical resource enjoyed by approximately 50,000 visitors each year. While every effort is made to retain the original fabric of the townsite, time, the elements, and use take their toll on the buildings. The approach to the treatment of the historic buildings at Bannack adopted by FWP’s heritage program and park staff that balances the needs of visitors with the protection of this important cultural resource is historic preservation, rather than rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction. Preservation is defined by the Secretary of the Interior as “the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project. However, new exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment.”

Comments due April 27.

Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area Addition Draft Checklist EA

FWP proposes an approximate 414-acre addition to the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA) by fee title acquisition. The WMA is located west of Hysham and is comprised of two separate units. Legal public is secured access 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 May 5.

Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Repeal

In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.2.306 department liaison. Public comment hearing will be held on May 3 at 9 a.m. 

Comments due May 6.

71 Ranch Prairie Dog Conservation Lease Draft EA Checklist

FWP is seeking public comment for a proposed 10-year Prairie Dog Conservation Lease Agreement in Garfield and Rosebud counties. The proposed lease encompasses 2,975 acres near Ingomar. FWP recognizes prairie dogs as a critical part of the ecosystem while cognizant of the challenges they present to landowners. To advance the conservation of prairie dogs and to help work toward black-footed ferret recovery goals, FWP has developed a voluntary, incentive-based habitat conservation lease. This Prairie Dog Conservation Lease would conserve prairie dog colonies and their habitat while continuing to support traditional agricultural activities, primarily livestock grazing.

Comments due May 7.

Gregg Ranch Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 3,825 acres of land owned by the Gregg Ranch in Garfield County. Conservation leases are incentive-based, voluntary agreements offered by FWP to help conserve priority wildlife habitats on private lands while also supporting working agricultural lands and public hunting and recreation opportunity.  

Comments due May 7.

Swede and Shirley Pfaffinger Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,915 acres of land owned by Swede and Shirley Pfaffinger in Treasure and Rosebud counties.  

Comments due May 7.

Denim Fogle Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,791 acres of land owned by Denim Fogle in Garfield County.

Comments due May 7.

Tooke Ranch Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,091 acres of land owned by the Tooke Ranch in Carter County.  

Comments due May 7.

Barbara and David Maus Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 3,368 acres of land owned by Barbara and David Maus in Wibaux County.

Comments due May 8.

Alisa Maus Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 321 acres of land owned by Alisa Maus in Wibaux County.

Comments due May 8.

Rebecca Heberle Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 8,507 acres of land owned by Rebecca Heberle in Yellowstone County. 

Comments due May 8.

Hofeldt Private Pond Application Draft CEA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout. The seasonal runoff fed pond is 3.5 surface acres and located 6 miles north of Lloyd. The pond was constructed with an earthen dam and an earthen spillway serves as the outlet for the pond. Although Bean Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout are minimal. 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 (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. 

Comments due May 8.

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment – Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Act

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 12.9.1601, 12.9.1602, 12.9.1603, 12.9.1604, 12.9.1605, and 12.9.1606 pertaining to Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Act Termination Date and Eligible Expenditures. Public comment hearing will be held on May 2, 2024 @ 10 am. There is no link for the zoom hearing. Those who want to participate will need to call in. For the phone number and password, click here.

Comments due May 14.