PART IV. CONCLUSION SECTION 



1. Based on the dgnificance criteria evaluated in tliis EA, is an EIS required? 



The environmental impacts of this particular project are primarily positive; die project will result 

 in benefits to physical and biological environment and will maintain existing land uses, tax base, 

 and recreational opportunities. The loss of future economic values associated widi resource 

 extraction are not considered significant ^f/b.en weired against tlie impacts of these activities on 

 diis sensitive environment. The project is consistent widi die goals, objectives, and strategies 

 (number 2) of the Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, an obliption FWP has to mitigate die 

 effects of Hungry Horse Dam on wildlife habitat. The environmental effects of diis program have 

 been disclosed in bodi 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 levd 

 of public involvement appropriate under the circumstances? 



A notice of diis Draft EA will be sent to approximately S&-7S individuals, organizations, or public 

 offices. A news release and legal notice of EA availability and die a formal public comment 

 '' period will be sent to all regional daily and weekly newspapers. A public hearing is scheduled for 

 7 p.m. at die Outiaw Inn, 2701 Hi^way 93 Soudi, Kalispell, MT on Wednesday, A^ril 30, 1997. 



In addition, during development of bodi the Draft and Final Programmatic EIS's for die 

 Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, numerous public hearings and comment periods were 

 held diroughout nordiwest Montana (FWP 1995). 



3. Duration of comment period for the Environmental Assessment: 



April 9. 1997 - May 9, 1997 



4. Other jurisdictional agendes/organi/ations! 



The Fladiead Regional Development Office and die Kalispell Planning Board have die primary 

 review audiority over development projects widiin 4 miles of Kalispell's city limits. The Flathead 

 County Commission is responsible for final approval of proposed developments widiin die County. 

 These entities and odier county or state agencies, public interest organizations, Confederated 

 Salish and Kootenai tribes, and interested citizens will receive a notification or copy of die Draft 

 and Final EA's as well as draft and final management plans. All adjoining private and public land 

 owners will be sent tlie notification of die public hearing and copies of the Draft EA. 



5. Individuals/groups contributing to the EA? 



Gael BisseU, Wildlife Biologist, FWP 



Rob Brooks, Economist, FWP 



Dan Casey, Wildlife Biologist, FWP 



Mark Deleray, Fisheries Biologist, FWP 



Darlene Edge, Land Agent, FWP 



Brent Mitchell, Fladiead Audubon Society 



Alan Wood, Wildlife Mitigation Coordinator, FWP 



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