Environmental assessment open to public comment

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to reintroduce sharp-tailed grouse to western Montana.

Montana continues to support nearly all native species that were here historically present in the state. Sharp-tailed grouse are one of only a few native species missing from their original range in western Montana. They have deep cultural significance to native peoples and are a valued game species in eastern portions of the state.

Over the last 10 years, a genetic analysis, habitat evaluation, and restoration plan for sharp-tailed grouse in western Montana was completed and suggested that restoration was feasible. After evaluating this new information, FWP has developed four alternative strategies for restoring sharp-tailed grouse to western Montana and is seeking public comment to help guide our final decision.

The proposal’s draft environmental assessment is available for review on FWP’s website at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices.

Public comments can be submitted to either of the following addresses below and must be received by 5 p.m. on March 17, 2019: By email to chammond@mt.gov or by regular mail to Chris Hammond, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.