project during the December 2021 ….
project during the December 2021 commission meeting. The Rainbow Lake removal project involves depopulating the fishery which is predominantly composed of non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout with the subsequent restocking of native westslope cutthroat trout. This is an important area for westslope cutthroat trout recovery and the project will protect downstream westslope areas. Fisheries staff are currently preparing the environmental assessment for the proposed project. Fish removal is expected to proceed as soon as Aug. 15. Removing all bag limits on the lake prior to treatment allows the public an opportunity for unlimited harvest prior to the lake being depopulated.
Pheasant releases for recruiting and retaining hunters In the 2021 Legislature, House Bill 637 authorized FWP to spend up to $1 million each fiscal year for a pheasant-stocking program with the intention of recruiting and retaining hunters. To that end, the department conducted an environmental assessment of potential impacts of the program and issued a decision notice in support of the pheasant- stocking program. FWP is seeking final approval for a five-year period, calendar years 2022 through 2026, to release pen-raised pheasants on state-owned lands within suitable pheasant habitat for recruitment and retention efforts. Montana Correctional Enterprises is implementing the pheasant-raising program for the department, including biosecurity protocols that go above and beyond what is required to keep their flock healthy. FWP is mindful of the current spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and both MCE and FWP will follow any additional guidance wildlife health experts deem necessary.
To make a comment
Comments will be accepted online at https://fwp. mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/ meeting in writing sent to the address above, and by email to: For swan introduction and mountain lion quotas: fwpwld@ mt.gov For Rainbow Lake fishing regulations: fwpfishcomments@ mt.gov For pheasant release: fwpgen@ mt.gov Comments on will be accepted until Wednesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. Comments will also be taken on proposals and any commissioner amendments at the June 23 commission meeting.
