more money to conserve more habitat consistent with their program goals, 

 than this sale to FWP. 



PART IV CONCLUSION SECTION 



1. Based on the signiflcance criteria evaluated in this EA, is an EIS required? 



The environmental impacts of this particular project are primarily positive; the project 

 will result in benefits to physical and biological environment and will maintain 

 existing land uses and recreational opportunities. The loss of future economic values 

 are considered minimal and not significant when weighed against the impacts of these 

 activities on this sensitive environment. The project is consistent with the goals, 

 objectives, and strategies (number 2) of the Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, 

 an obligation FWP has to mitigate the effects of Hungry Horse Dam on wildlife 

 habitat. The environmental effects of this Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program 

 have been disclosed in both a Draft and Final EIS's. 



2. Describe the level of public involvement for this project, if any, and given the 

 complexity and the seriousness of the environmental issues associated with the 

 Proposed Action, is the level of public involvement appropriate under the 

 circumstances? 



The Draft EA and notic of public comment period from December 19, 1995 to 

 January 22, 1996 will be sent to approximately 60 individuals, organizations, adjacent 

 landowners, and required public agencies and offices. A notice of the Draft EA and 

 30-day public comment period will be sent to another 75 individuals or organizations 

 within Flathead County which have participated in the Riparian/Wetland EIS process 

 in the past. A news release and legal notice of EA availability and the dates of the 

 formal public comment period will be sent to all regional daily and weekly 

 newspapers. A public hearing is scheduled for Kalispell for January 18th. These 

 actions should assure appropriate level of public review. 



In addition, during development of both the Draft and Final Programmatic EIS's on 

 the Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, numerous public hearings and comment 

 periods were held throughout northwest Montana (FWP 1995). 



3. Duration of comment period for the Environmental Assessment; 



December 23, 1995 - January 22, 1996 



4. Other jurisdictional agencies/organizations; 



The Flathead Regional Development Office and the Flathead County Commissioners 

 have the primary jurisdictional oversight of land projects within Flathead County. 



14 



