Summary Evaluation of Significance: 



Based upon evaluation of potential impacts related to the proposal, a determination has 

 been made that an EIS is not required. The EA is an approphate level of analysis for 

 the proposed action because: 1 ) No endangered or threatened plant or animal 

 species will be significantly affected; 2) there are no long term or irretrievable impacts 

 to the physical environment; and 3) there are minor impacts to the human environment 

 in the form of increased recreational use, but all can be mitigated to acceptable levels. 



List of Agencies Consulted During Preparation of the EA: 



Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes 

 National Resource Conservation Service 

 US Fish and Wildlife Service 



Public Involvement 



The Region and FWP have received considerable support for the proposal during 

 project exploration and development. The Region will make the EA available to 

 interested individuals, groups, and agencies, and will facilitate a public hearing at 7:00 

 pm on May 15, 2001, at Ninepipes Lodge (Allentown) to discuss the proposal and 

 receive public comment. 



COST 



The negotiated price of the property is $452,000 for all 1 16 acres. The cost of this 

 acquisition will be shared between Mission Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever, the 

 Big Sky Upland Bird Club, state of Montana (MFWP) hunting license dollars, MFWP 

 duck-stamp dollars, MFWP Wildlife Mitigation Program, and Montana Department of 

 Transportation Funds. 



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