Forest Service extends comment period for the North Fork Blackfoot River Native Fish Restoration Project

SEELEY LAKE – In response to public feedback, the Lolo National Forest is extending the public comment period for the North Fork Blackfoot River Native Fish Restoration Project for an additional 30 days or through March 12, 2021. Located in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Seeley Lake and Lincoln Ranger Districts in Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, the project would authorize Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to implement fish management and stocking actions within the wilderness to establish a secure population of native trout.

 "Thank you to all who have expressed interest in or submitted feedback about this project. We are committed to providing an additional opportunity for the public to engage by extending the comment period," stated Carolyn Upton, Lolo National Forest Supervisor. 

 Although the Westslope cutthroat trout is native to the Blackfoot River watershed, populations have decreased in abundance and distribution across their historical range. Threats to Westslope cutthroat trout include hybridization, barriers to movement, habitat degradation, and climate change. Due to these pressures, both the Forest Service and FWP have an interest in conserving the species where feasible and consistent with other management interests. FWP has the responsibility and authority to manage fish and wildlife populations on National Forest System lands in Montana and has completed a Montana Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for this project.

 Various management actions are proposed in the project area to restore and secure this population including the application of a piscicide, rotenone, to eradicate the non-native fish species; use of motorized equipment; temporary development of structures or installations; and use of chemicals (pesticides or herbicides).

How to Comment: Comments will be accepted through March 12, 2021. Please send comments to: John Slown, Environmental Coordinator, 4289 Capy Court, Missoula, MT 59804.

Electronic comments may be sent to: [email protected]. Hand-deliver comments to the Seeley Lake Ranger District, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. For more information, please contact the Seeley Lake Ranger Station at (406) 677-2233 or visit the Lolo National Forest website athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/lolo/landmanagement/projects.