RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT 



The public comment period for the DEIS began on February 12 and ended on March 15, 2001. 



Two public meetings/public hearings were held during the public comment period, in Ovando MT on 

 February 20, 2001 and in Seeley Lake MT on February 21 , 2001 , beginning at 7:00 pm. Four members 

 of the public attended in Ovando, and sixteen attended in Seeley Lake. Durinrg the informal public 

 meetings, an overview of the project proposal and alternatives was given, followed by time to respond to 

 questions. The public meeting was immediately followed by a formal public hearing, during which 

 members of the public were allowed to submit oral and written testimony. Several individuals submitted 

 oral testimony, but no written testimony was submitted. 



A complete transcription of the formal public hearings is given below. Seven written comments were 

 submitted to DNRC and FWP via electronic mail and postal mail duhng the public comment period, and 

 are presented in their entirety. Agency responses follow each set of comments. 



COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC HEARINGS: 



TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PROPOSED 



BLACKFOOT-CLEARWATER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA 



PHASE II LAND EXCHANGES 



OVANDO HEARING 

 February 20, 2001 



Mike Kress: This is the time set aside for the public hearing in the matter of the proposed Blackfoot-Clearwater 

 Wildlife Management Area Phase II Land Exchange. My name is Mike Kress. I am an Environmental Impact 

 Specialist /Planner with DNRC in Missoula, and I'll be acting as the Hearings Officer for these proceedings. I want 

 the record to reflect that we have just finished a public question and answer session. Persons were advised, and I 

 now repeat, that the question and answer session was not recorded and is not part of the official record of this 

 proceeding. Persons who wish to make comments for agency consideration must do so now in this formal hearing 

 so that their statements can be recorded. And the purpose is to allow any person to submit data, views, or 

 arguments, either orally or in writing, on this proposed Phase II Land Exchange and Draft Environmental Impact 

 Statement. You may also submit written comments to Kathy O'Connor, whom you met earlier, at DNRC at 2705 

 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804. Comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2001. 



Now that I have read the appropriate information for the record, and before we do take testimony, is there any 

 person here who wishes to submit written testimony, but does not want to testify orally? If so, you can place your 

 written comments over on the table, either now or as you leave the room. 



I will use the following procedures for taking oral testimony: 



■ We will accept them in the following order - Opponents fu-st. Proponents second, and anyone who considers 

 themselves neither a Proponent nor Opponent third. 



■ I will allow each person one chance to comment and then let everybody else comment before we allow one 

 person a second turn, so that everyone gets a chance. 



BCWMA Land Exchanges Final Environmental Impact Statement 



