Environmental Documents
This web page contains all DNRC environmental documents posted in the last 30 days.
How to find DNRC Environmental Documents (pdf)
Coal, Oil, Gas, and Other Minerals
Tarkio Gravel Testing LHC, Inc. 2022-12-16
LHC, Inc. has applied to test for gravel on State Trust Lands
Denbury Cathodic Test Stations Denbury Inc., Denbury Onshore, LLC 2022-12-13
Denbury Inc. has requested permission from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to install two cathodic test stations on the referenced tract of state owned land.
Elk Ridge Non-mechanized Mineral Exploration for Barite 2022-11-28
The company plans to conduct non-mechanized mineral exploration for barite. The exploration plan advises that first efforts will focus on mapping geology, alteration, and mineralization of the three areas proposed for State of Montana non-mechanized Land Use Licenses. Outcrops with favorable alteration and/or mineralization will be sampled. Soil samples along several test lines will be collected. These initial soil samples will assist in determining dimensions of an appropriate sampling grid and methods of geochemical analysis. Soil and rock sampling would be done with hand tools, such as rock hammers, trowels, and shovels. Geophysical tests (Ground magnetic/VLF surveys) along the proposed soil lines may be conducted using hand-held receivers. Magnetometers may be used for additional testing using a base station and a second magnetometer mounted on a surveyor's tripod. It is anticipated that sample sites would be reached on foot after using one to two ATV's or trucks on existing roads/two track trails to reach the licensed areas and to shuttle the samplers to various point on the soil sampling lines.
Great Falls Area Gravel Testing 2022-11-17
Knife River has applied to test for gravel on State Trust Lands.
Apex Gravel Testing 2022-11-15
Riverside Contracting has applied to test for gravel on State Trust Land.
LHC Gravel Testing EA LHC 24N 2W Sec 23 2022-11-14
LHC, Inc. henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a gravel test permit on Trust Lands on the above-referenced tract in Teton County. This project would utilize a backhoe to dig holes to a depth of approximately 20 feet. Testing and documenting would be performed by employees of Trust Lands and LHC, Inc.
If approved, the proponent would be issued a test permit to determine the gravel resource contained within the above-referenced tract. Gravel and dirt would be excavated from the ground and sub-surface. Topsoil would be saved, and the disturbance created would be reclaimed immediately upon completion of logging the test pit.
LHC Gravel Testing EA LHC 24N 1W Sec 16 2022-11-14
LHC, Inc. henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a gravel test permit on Trust Lands on the above-referenced tract in Teton County. This project would utilize a backhoe to dig holes to a depth of approximately 20 feet. Testing and documenting would be performed by employees of Trust Lands and LHC, Inc.
If approved, the proponent would be issued a test permit to determine the gravel resource contained within the above-referenced tract. Gravel and dirt would be excavated from the ground and sub-surface. Topsoil would be saved, and the disturbance created would be reclaimed immediately upon completion of logging the test pit
US 191 Gravel Testing 2022-10-31
Riverside Contracting, Inc. has applied to test for gravel on section 7 of township 24, range 26E in Phillips County.
AM Welles DSL Pit Expansion 2022-10-26
This is a draft MEPA document analyzing the impacts created by expanding an existing project near Ennis. Public comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment will be accepted through close of business on Nov. 25, 2022. Submit comment here.
LHC, Inc Southeast of Chinook Gravel testing 2022-10-05
LHC, Inc has applied for a permit to test for aggregate through the Minerals Management Bureau.
Hoffman Creek Non-mechanized Mineral Exploration LUL 2022-09-12
Non-mechanical exploration for lithium- and tantalum-bearing mineral deposits is proposed. The exploration plan notes the focus is reconnaissance and sampling of previously mapped pegmatites. The proposed work seeks to further characterize the geology, mineralogy, structure, and potential zonation of the pegmatites, confirm rock units, stratigraphy, faults, alteration, orientation, and dimensions of the rocks in the area. The company plans to conduct geologic mapping and rock chip sampling of rock outcrops and subcrops. Collection of soil samples may also occur. Sampling will be done with hand tools such as rock hammers and shovels. Location of sample sites would be noted on geologic or topographic maps, or through a Global Positioning System. Samples gathered would be sent out to a lab for geochemical analyses.
Harlowton Gravel Pit 2022-07-28
Wheatland County Road Department has applied for a take and remove aggregate permit
South of Froid Sand 2022-07-21
The Environmental Assessment analyzes the impacts two alternatives would have to the native environment.
Gravel Test Pits 2022-07-14
Application to test for gravel
Gravel Test Pits 2022-07-14
Knife River has applied to test for gravel on Trust Lands
EA South of Froid Sand 2022-06-24
The document analyzes the impacts to the environment for the proposed action
Coal and Coal Bed Natural Gas (CBNG)
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Oil and Gas
Lybeck 7-35-35-20 2022-11-21
Behm Energy, Inc plans to drill a vertical oil well with an objective formation being the Sawtooth, 4,480’ TVD/MD. II
Little Beaver East 42-17 2022-11-21
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a vertical well into the Deadwood Formation 9,599’ TVD/MD. Surface casing to be set at 1,729’ and cemented to surface.
Pennel Unit 23XX-18B 2022-11-21
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a vertical well into the Silurian-Ordovician Formations 9,093’ MD / 8,963’ TVD. Surface casing to be set at 2,000’ and cemented to surface.
East Poplar 22-1 2022-11-21
CWT Operating, LLC plans to drill a 7,900’ TVD / MD well with the objective formation being the Duperow or Nisku, depending on Duperow production test.
East Poplar 22-2 2022-11-21
CWT Operating, LLC plans to drill a 7,900’ TVD / MD well with the objective formation being the Duperow or Nisku, depending on Duperow production test.
Turner 27-1H 2022-11-21
Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 8,109’ MD / 3,416 TVD.
Williams 11-12 #2H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,403’MD/10,161’TVD.
Williams 11-12 #3H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,223’MD/10,168’TVD.
Williams 11-12 #4H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,332’MD/10,178’TVD.
Warren 15-22 #4H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,801’MD/10,383’TVD.
Warren 15-22 #3H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,950’MD/10,368’TVD.
Warren 15-22 #2H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 21,193’MD/10,359’TVD.
State Darrow 6-18 2022-11-21
MCR, LLC plans to re-enter well with an objective formation being the Swift, 3,010’ TVD/MD.
Leonardo 18-1H SWD 2022-11-21
Hydra MT LLC plans to drill a well to use as a class II SWD injection well in the Dakota Formation. Surface casing to be set at 1,880’. Proposed TD is 5,703’ TVD, 8,966’ MD. II. PROJECT
Keith 14-13 2022-11-21
Avanti Energy Montana, LLC plans to drill a well for a Souris River/Flathead formation test 6331’ MD / TVD.
Judith 10-3 #3H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,814’MD/10,404’TVD II
Judith 10-3 #2H 2022-11-21
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 21,042’MD/10,385’TVD.
Dexter #1 2022-11-21
Bluebird, LLC plans to drill a Tyler Formation test, 5,200’ MD / TVD. The location is in general Sage Grouse habitat and requires sage grouse approval. The approval letter was received 10/12/2022. II. PROJECT
Bell Creek 35-09X 2022-11-21
Denbury plans to drill a horizontal well as a producer in the tertiary CO2/Waterflood program. The TVD of this well is 4,490’ and MD is 5,002’. Objective formation is the Muddy Sandstone. Solids will be contained in metal pits and then hauled to a licensed disposal facility. Surface casing to be set at 780’ and will be cemented back to surface.
Forza Operating, LLC Grinde 20-1H 2022-09-28
Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 8,210’ MD / 3,252 TVD.
II. PROJECT
Forza Operating, LLC Grinde 29-1H 2022-09-28
Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 7,884’ MD / 3,236 TVD.
II. PROJECT
Denbury Onshore, LLC Unit 12-15H 2022-09-28
Denbury plans to drill a horizontal well as a producer in the tertiary CO2/Waterflood program. The TVD of this well is 4,471’ and MD is 8,834’. Objective formation is the Muddy Sandstone. Solids will be contained in metal pits and then hauled to a licensed disposal facility. Surface casing to be set at 1,000’ and will be cemented back to surface.
Denbury Onshore, LLC Little Beaver East 42-17 2022-09-28
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a vertical well into the Deadwood Formation 9,599’ TVD/MD. Surface casing to be set at 1,729’ and cemented to surface.
Behm Energy, Inc Flynn 2-27-35-20 2022-09-28
Behm Energy, Inc plans to drill a vertical oil well with the objective formation being the Sawtooth, 4,470’ TVD/MD.
Denbury Onshore, LLC Cabin Creek CH 22X-17H 2022-09-28
Denbury Onshore plans to drill dual lateral horizontal well into the Charles-Madison Formation. Upper lateral 7,345’ TVD / 12,623’ MD. Lower lateral 7,345’ TVD / 12,534’ MD. Surface casing to be set at 2,000’ and cemented to surface.
Denbury Onshore, LLC Cabin Creek CH 34-17H 2022-09-28
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a dual lateral horizontal well into the Charles-Madison Formation. Upper lateral 7,382’ TVD / 12,902’ MD. Lower lateral 7,379’ TVD / 12,812’ MD. Surface casing to be set at 2,000’ and cemented to surface.
Denbury Onshore, LLC Cabin Creek CH 33X-17H 2022-09-28
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a dual lateral horizontal injection well into the Charles-Madison Formation. Upper lateral 7,358’ TVD / 12,246’ MD. Lower lateral 7,374’ TVD / 12,356’ MD. Surface casing to be set at 2,000’ and cemented to surface.
Kraken Operating LLC Alligator 23-26-35 3H 2022-09-28
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,138’MD/10,429’TVD.
Kraken Operating LLC Alligator 23-26-35 2H 2022-09-28
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,199’MD/10,429’TVD.
Kraken Operating LLC Alligator 23-26-35 1H 2022-09-28
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,407’MD/10,412’TVD.
Kraken Operating LLC Alligator 24-25-36 4H 2022-09-28
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,509’MD/10,444’TVD.
D&H Energy, LLC Oil and & Gas Pipeline Installation OG-20298-79 2022-09-20
D&H Energy, LLC (D&H) proposes the installation of an oil and gas pipeline to oil well Celsius State 32-1 (32-1) located on state land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The oil and gas pipeline will connect the 32-1 well of lease # OG-20298-79, to an existing oil and gas pipeline and result in approximately 3,960 square feet of disturbance, see Attachment A, Project Location Map. The installation of the oil and gas pipeline will serve as a winter heat source for the 32-1 well which will result in an increase in production of the well and result in a longer production life for lease # OG-20298-79
Western Natural Gas 10-21 2022-08-08
Avanti Energy Montana, Inc. plans to drill a well for a Souris River/Flathead formation test 5,500’ TVD / 5650’ MD.
Raffaell 17-2H SWD 2022-08-08
Hydra MT LLC plans to drill a well to use as a class II SWD injection well in the Dakota Formation. Surface casing to be set at 1,880’. Proposed TD is 8140’ MD, 5714’ TVD.
Raffaell 17-1 SWD 2022-08-08
Hydra MT LLC plans to drill a well to use as a class II SWD injection well in the Dakota Formation. Surface casing to be set at 1,880’. Proposed TD is 5,780’ MD / TVD
Pennel MC43-22SH 2022-08-08
Denbury Onshore plans to drill a horizontal well into the Mission Canyon Formation 7,283’ TVD / 13,293’ MD. Surface casing to be set at 1,700’ and cemented to surface.
Lybeck 6-35-35-20 2022-06-23
Behm Energy, Inc plans to drill a vertical oil well with an objective formation being the Sawtooth, 4,490’ TVD/MD.
East Butte Lookout 3D 2022-06-20
Paragon Geophysical Services, Inc has applied to conduct a seismic survey on State Trust Lands.
Claire 34-22 #4H 2022-05-09
Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 25,080’MD/10,533’TVD.
Project Name: Seismic Permit #’s 1612-22, 1614-22, & 1615-22 (Thor Resources USA, LLC) 2022-05-04
Thor Resources USA, LLC (Thor Resources) proposes to implement a 2 – D seismic project on state sub-surface and state surface to locate helium producing formations, referred to herein as the “Project”. The Project will generate energy sources using vibroseis equipment along 4.09 miles linear route of state sub-surface and 3.70-miles linear route of state surface throughout various tracts. See Exhibit A, Proposed Winter 2021/2022 Seismic Program, and Exhibit B, Project Location. This consists of a large buggy weighing approximately 18 tons and a 4-foot by 6-foot platform. The platform vibrates the ground surface using the weight of the buggy. This equipment is used to locate shallow helium-producing formations. The Project would minimally impact 4.09-miles of state sub-surface on various Oil and Gas Tracts. The majority of state surface impacts to ag and grazing leases 4769, 5747, 774 and 2257 would result from vibrating the platform and the manipulation of motorized vehicles. The Project is expected to temporarily disturb a small portion of the landscape through the operation of the vibrioses equipment, but no physical surface disturbance is expected.
Reddig 13-3 2022-04-21
Lustre Oil Company, LLC plans to drill a well to 5755’ MD / 5746’ TVD to test the Ratcliffe Formation in an open hole completion.
Reddig 42-10 2022-04-19
Lustre Oil Company, LLC plans to drill a well to 5819’ MD / 5812’ TVD to test the Ratcliffe Formation in an open hole completion.
Minerals
Ruben Pit - Mineral County 2022-05-03
This Environmental Assessment analyzes the potential impacts of reopening an existing gravel pit
New Letz Gravel Pit 2022-06-08
An application for an aggregate take and removal permit from the Minerals Management Bureau of the Montana DNRC.
Conservation Districts
Nothing new in the last 30 days
Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD)
Monthly Summary of CARDD MEPA Decision Notices - November 2022
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing various final MEPA Decision Memos for various programs throughout the Division, including the ARPA Competitive and Minimum Allocation Grants program, the Conservation District Bureau, Aquatic Invasive Species, Reclamation and Development Grant Program, and the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program.
Dawson Irrigation Pivot Installation Final Environmental Assessment Decision 2022-11-15
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a final Environmental Assessment for the Dawson Irrigation Pivot Installation project. The project proposes to use Private Loan program funding to install irrigation center pivots on private land.
Forestry Division
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Montana Forest Action Plan
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Forestry Assistance
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Forest Practices
Piegan Creek Alternative Practice 2022-12-01
The proponent, Wayne Sherrill Logging is requesting an Alternative Practice (AP) to rules 5 and 6: (36.11.304) retention tree requirements and road building within the SMZ. Piegan Creek has migrated into the existing roadbed.
Vincent Alternative Practice 2022-11-28
Vincent Logging is requesting an Alternative Practice (AP) to harvest trees in an adjacent wetland of a Class 1 Stream. The AP would allow harvest in excess of the 50 % retention requirements found in ARM 36.11.305. Vincent Logging is proposing to leave all old mature western red cedar and commercially thin small cedar and other shade tolerant species.
Silver King- Indian Meadows Creek Alternative Practice 2022-11-10
Mote Lumber has applied for a Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Alternative Practice for approximately 500 feet on both sides of Indian Meadows Creek on private land owned by Silver King Land & Cattle, LLC. Downstream of the project area the creek contributes directly to Landers Fork and normally flows during six months of the year or more, therefore this is a Class 1 under the Streamside Management Zone Law. The applicant seeks an Alternative Practice to operate equipment to within 15 feet of the ordinary high-water mark, operate a landing, and cut additional trees.
The primary purpose of this treatment is to remove standing live and dead trees that are a safety hazard for project workers who will be constructing a faux beaver dam following harvest to provide an initial safe location for beaver. Up to 10 trees per 100 feet on each side of the stream will be retained to provide snags for wildlife.
SMZ alternative Practice for Doble HRA27-B-48829 2022-11-07
Proponent desires to use an existing skid trail that is within an SMZ of a class 1 stream.
Kanduch Logging Kanduch AP's 2022-10-12
Kanduch Logging has requested Alternative Practices on three sites.
James Ditch SMZ Alternative Practice 2022-09-20
Pyramid Mountain Lumber has applied for a Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Alternative Practice to operate equipment inside of the SMZ to facilitate slash removal and timber harvest on both sides of 900 feet of the James Ditch.
SMZ Alternative Practice for Clancy Creek Restoration 2022-08-12
As part of Montana Tunnel Mine, Inc approved reclamation plan, a portion of Clancy Creek would be relocated and the original location would be harvested and reshaped to stabilize the slopes
SMZ Alternative Practice for USFS South Yaak Fire Salvage Project 2022-08-10
Response to South Yaak Fire in summer 2021. USFS intends to remove dead and hazardous trees that could impact public travel along the Kilbrennan Lake Road. Operation of equipment within the SMZ and removal of additional trees has been requested
SMZ Alternative Practice for Thomas HRA 27-B-48735 2022-07-07
Proponent applied to use existing skid trail with in a class 3 SMZ.
SMZ Alternative Practice for Folkers HRA 27-B-48741 2022-06-23
Proponent has applied to operate equipment within the SMZ and remove trees within the SMZ that pose a hazard to adjacent structures.
SMZ Alternative Practice for Alder Creek skid trail 2022-06-08
proponent wishes to cross Alder Creek, a class 2 SMZ, when it is dry, to harvest ground otherwise inaccessable..
Trust Lands - Forest Management
Forest Management Activities and Timber Sales
MCE Inholding Permit 2022-12-06
Montana Correctional Enterprises is planning to sell a permit to Sun Mountain Lumber to harvest timber on approximately 66 acres on Montana State Prison lands adjacent to the USFS as part of the Rancho Deluxe GNA timber sale.
townships_ranges_sections
Russky Timber Sale 2022-11-21
The Stillwater Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Russky Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 7 miles northeast of Stryker, Montana.
LD Construction Alternative Practice 2022-10-31
The Proponent (LD Construction) is Requesting an Alternative Practice to the Stream Management Zone (SMZ) Law to salvage additional timber from within the SMZ on private lands near Belt, MT. The proponent is requesting an alternative practice to Rule 5 (36.11.305) Retention Tree Requirements, and to Rule 4 (36.11.304) Equipment Operation in the SMZ.
Wolfagator Limited Access Timber Sale 2022-10-21
The Lewistown Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Wolfagator Limited Access Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Lewistown, Montana.
Hoover Creek Timber Sale 2022-10-20
The Anaconda Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Hoover Creek Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 8 miles northeast of Drummond, Montana.
Ronan Creek Fire Salvage Timber Sale 2022-10-18
The Kalispell Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Ronan Creek Fire Salvage Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 6 miles of Elmo, Montana.
Jellison Bearpaw Forest Management Project 2022-09-28
The Stillwater Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Jellison Bearpaw Forest Management Projects. The project is located approximately 5 miles northeast of Olney and 14 miles northwest of Whitefish, Montana.
Forest Improvement Projects
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Land Banking Sales
Bozeman Unit - Lease 4859, Land Banking Sale Nomination
A tract described as: Part NE ¼ Township 2 North, Range 2 East, Section 34, approximately 34 acres, Montana Tech Trust, was recently nominated, evaluated, and is now being considered for sale through the Land Banking Process. DNRC is currently conducting an analysis under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) of the impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed land sale. Comments are currently being accepted as part of the MEPA process regarding the possible sale of the tract. Comments will be considered if received no later than 5:00 pm (MST) December 15, 2022.
Land Exchanges
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Commercial Real Estate
Nothing new in the last 30 days.
Agriculture/LUL
Ty Fischer Fischer Land Use License (LUL) Authorization 2022-12-22
Objectives of the project include:
• Use of Sections 4, 9, and 16; T15N-R12W for training sites and a winter base camp.
Dean Knaup Knaup Temp Road Use 2022-12-20
Dean Knaup has applied to use approximately 1/4 mile of existing 2-track road to haul firewood from a private landowner to Calvert Road (a county road).
PT Energy Transitions LLC. PT Energy Transitions Environmental Survey LUL 2022-12-14
PT Energy Transitions (Henceforth referred to as proponent) has requested a Land Use License from the DNRC Southern and Eastern Land Office to conduct archeological, wetland, avian use, wildlife, geotechnical and related environmental surveys upon the tracts of State Trust Land listed above. Also, vehicle and foot access across and upon these tracts has been requested.
Floweree Land and Cattle LLC Floweree Cattle Stock water pipeline 2022-12-12
Floweree Cattle is proposing the construction of a stock water pipeline across trust lands in Petroleum county. The water source is on private land and there would be no water place of use on trust lands.
Berberet Pipeline 2022-12-09
Authorize the use of existing water pipelines for stock water through a land use license.
BLM Portable Repeater Station Letter of Authorization 2022-11-29
The Bureau of Land Management Miles City Field Office, heretofore referred to as proponent, has requested of the DNRC Eastern Land Office permission to install a portable solar VHF(Very High Frequency) repeater site on the above-mentioned state owned tract.
This proposed repeater site should provide a more reliable means of radio communication in a geographic area that currently lacks adequate two-way radio communication. The installation of this repeater site should help overcome the current challenges posed by topography which hinder line-of-site communications. This should particularly benefit non-commercial wildland fire use (e.g. DNRC, BLM, County Govt.) and enhance wildland firefighter safety.
If installed, the site would be comprised of a shelter with the repeater and ancillary gear installed inside. The shelter would not need any foundational prep as it would sit on top of the ground with ballast weight to keep it stabilized. It would have one bay and two solar panels. There would be an option to install a DNRC repeater should the DNRC choose to do so.
Approximate dimensions of the site would be as follows: a width of 6 feet, a length of 7 feet, and a height of 8 feet, with a 20 foot tall mast. No fencing would be installed. The shelter would be delivered by helicopter to the site and brought online by one to two technicians. Installation should be completed in a day. Scheduled maintenance would be done annually and corrective maintenance should be done as needed depending on severity.
Billmayer Spring Development 2022-11-22
The lessee will install a spring development on their state trust lands grazing lease.
CRP Break Request – Lease 5756 2022-11-21
Adam Hemry proposes the breaking and conversion of 512.90 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres out of the 561.70 CRP acres under expired CRP contract 11000 on state land lease 5756, referred to herein as the “Project”. See Attachment A – Project Location Map for proposed break acres.
The CRP contract, No. 11000, expired on 9/30/2022. The previous lessee originally re-bid the CRP “as is” but it was rejected by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) as it did not meet their minimum standards. In order for the tract to be put back into CRP it needed to be sprayed and re-planted, which the previous lessee did not have farm equipment to do so. The lease was then transferred to the current lessee for the purpose of converting the CRP to agricultural land for small grain production.
The purpose of the conversion from CRP acres to agricultural production acres is to increase the overall revenue on lease 5756 for the Common Schools Trust while maintaining the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) land sustainability goals. The Project is expected to occur in the Fall of 2022.
Temporary Construction Access 2022-11-10
The proponent, Wayne Thunberg, is applying for a Land Use License to utilize a ±0.75-acre area of State Trust Land. Mr. Thunberg has been in trespass by using this portion of land for temporary construction access a portion of his private lands south of State Section 16, as shown in ‘Exhibit A’ without State authorization. Due to the topographical limitations of his private lands, the only way to access the construction site on his lands is to cross the state section.
The proponent utilized this portion of state land without proper authorization and is now seeking proper permission and permits in order to continue utilizing this portion. The illegal use of the Trust land was discovered during the grazing lease evaluation process.
Triangle telecommunications line 2022-11-09
Telecommunications line to N Havre Co. Water Dist.
Osmolak Fence 2022-11-07
The proponent will be installing a boundary/grazing fence on their state land grazing lease for normal livestock operations.
King Street Productions - Paramount Agent: Jim Ward) LUL - 1923 Series Filming - Rock City 2022-10-11
King Street Productions propose a filming project for the Paramount series, 1923, located on Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) state trust land known as Rock City.
US Forest Service LUL307-2300023 Gov't. Training 2022-10-11
Issuing a Land Use License (LUL) for general access to state land to conduct a drone flight training for USFS.
Wilbert Zahn Zahn Pipeline 40C 30158120 2022-10-05
The proposed change is to add a new pipeline and stock tank to Statement of Claim 40C 30137879 in order to move water to a dry field where cattle needing water will be rotated through. One stock tank and approximately 1,600 feet of pipeline will be added. The Point of Diversion is located in Govt Lot 6, NWSW, Sec 6, Twp 19N, Rge 24E in Fergus County and the additional stock tank location is located in NWSENE, Sec 1, Twn 19N, Rge 23E in Fergus County. The stock watering system operates at 35 Gallons Per Minute and has a float/shut off valve. The DNRC shall issue a water use change authorization if an applicant proves the criteria in 85-2-402 MCA are met.
MeatEater, Inc. Filming 2022-09-15
MeatEater, Inc. has requested a Land Use License from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for the purpose of outdoor filming on the referenced tract of State-owned land
Clearwater Wind East Road Use 2022-09-12
Clearwater Wind East, LLC has requested of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation a Land Use License for the use of an existing two track road on the referenced tract of State owned land.
LUL - River Design 2022-09-07
he proposed action is the issuance of a land use license for the collection of 2600 live willow whip cuttings, ~5-6 feet in length and ¼ - 1 inch in diameter, on ~200 ac of Common School Trust Lands. The purpose of the land use license is to procure willow whip cuttings for stream and wetland restoration projects on nearby lands.
Agreserves stockwater pipeline 2022-09-01
Agreserves Inc. has requested a Land Use License for the purpose of constructing a stock water pipeline across the referenced tract of State Trust Land.
Daniel Farms Break 2022-08-31
Conversion of tame pasture grazing land to agriculture to improve revenue for school trust
Haymaker Energy LUL 2022-08-29
Haymaker Energy Project, LLC is applying for a Land Use License to access and/or utilize State Trust Land for the following purpose(s): Conduct archaeological, wetland, and related environmental surveys to support agency review of a proposed wind energy project; Electrical resistivity testing will occur in addition to geotechnical boring (utilizing air rotary drilling techniques) to support transmission line structure installation; Conduct site reconnaissance for engineering or wildlife surveys
LUL – King Street Productions 2022-08-29
Issuing a Land Use License (LUL) for general access to state land to mow 1-2 acres and remove existing metal gate and replace with a wood gate. This is in conjunction with filming the 1923 movie. No filming or other action will occur on state land. State land and gate will be seen on camera in the background.
L7 Ranch Inc Stock Water Well 2022-08-19
The surface lessee L7 Ranch Inc has proposed the drilling of a stock water well on the above mentioned tract of State Trust Land and has filed the appropriate improvement form. The purpose of this well is to provide a more reliable water source for livestock on this section.
Gomke Break 2022-08-18
Tame pasture break on state lands to improve revenue
Klempel Inc Stockwater Pipeline 2022-08-09
The surface lessee Klempel Inc has requested to place a stock-water pipeline on the above-mentioned tract of State Trust Land. This proposed pipeline should provide a more reliable water source for livestock in this area and encourage better grazing distribution, aiding in long-term productivity of the land.
Land Use Licence 2022-08-03
Climbing Arrow Ranch, LLC installed a private well and water line on state land in 1988, referred to herein as the “Project”. The location of the Project is within the W2 of Section 36, T5N, R5E. The Project resulted in a temporary disturbance on approximately 0.66 acres and was reseeded to native grass mix. See Exhibit A, Project Location Map. The water well and water pipeline are used for stockwater and domestic purposes on the Climbing Arrow Ranch, LLC’s private land east of the Project
MVGR Land, LLC Restoration Project 2022-07-21
Proponent proposes to use an existing road on state land in Sections 13 & 24, T12S R10W to import and export materials (gravel and silt) to and from a stream restoration project on private land and more easily access the private reaches of the stream
Westwater Layflat Hose 2022-07-21
Westwater Consulting on behalf of Prima Exploration has requested to temporarily place a 12 inch lay flat hose and potentially a temporary water storage tank upon state owned trust land. This pipeline would be used to provide temporary water for a nearby proposed oil well completion. The anticipated length of temporary pipeline on the tract is approximately 1 Mile. The proposed storage tank would be located on an existing pad site. The expected duration of use of this license should be less than 3 months.
Land Use License - NorthWestern Energy Staging Site 2022-07-21
NorthWestern Energy proposes a staging site for construction purposes on state land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The proposed location is within the NW4SE4 of Section 2, T31N, R5W. The Project will cause temporary disturbance on approximately 1.84 acres
KATCO Farms Inc Expired CRP Break Request 2022-07-11
KATCO Farms Inc has requested to break approximately 297 acres of recently expired CRP and return the land to agricultural production.
Jarden Ranch solar Well 2022-06-23
Jarden Ranch Inc. has requested of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation permission to construct a stock water well with a tank on the referenced tract of Sate owned Trust Land.
George Carson Spring Development 2022-06-15
George Carson developed a spring on the referenced tract of State Trust Land in 2012.
U-All Creek Ranch Inc Stock Well 2022-06-01
The surface lessee U-All Creek Ranch Inc wishes to drill a well on the above mentioned tract of State Trust Land and has filed the appropriate improvement form. The purpose of this well is to provide a more reliable water source for livestock on this section.
Robert Gibbs Stock Well 2022-06-01
The surface lessee Robert Gibbs wishes to drill a well on the above mentioned tract of State Trust Land and has filed the appropriate improvement form. The purpose of this well is to provide a more reliable water source for livestock on this section.
Devil's Fence Juniper Encroachment Removal 2022-05-31
Proponent will remove junipers within the project area.
Donsbach Well Project 2022-05-16
Kirk Donsbach is proposing to install a shallow well and stock tank in the SW4SE4NW4 of Section 36, Township 19 North, Range 22 East. The proposed water development installation is planned to be installed directly adjacent to Box Elder Creek in hopes to have access to water on years when the creek is dry. The proposed shallow well will be used for stock water.
Brown Ranch Conifer Encroachment Reduction Project 2022-05-16
The Dillon Unit of the DNRC has worked with the lessee to request to conduct a conifer reduction project on the above referenced state trust land tract. The proponents wish to reduce primarily juniper encroachment with a minor component of Douglas fir and limber pine on the section. Methods would include hand cutting with chainsaw and pruning shears.
North Park East Temporary Access LUL 2022-05-16
Bozeman Trax Partners is applying for a Land Use License (LUL) to provide temporary access on an existing gravel road to a cell tower on their deeded land. The width of existing road is ~30 feet and the length is ~500 feet. The total acres involved is less than 1 acre. The project area is within the municipal boundaries of the City of Bozeman, MT.
Timberline Road Use License 2022-05-12
The proponent, Timberline Farm and Ranch, LTD, whose has applied to the DNRC Southern Land Office (SLO) for a Land Use License to permit the use of a two-track road on the south half of Section 36, Township 10 North, Range 29 East in order to access his private lands west of said section as shown in Exhibit ‘A.’
The proponent currently is the owner of the lands belonging to Bergin Farm and Ranch LLC south and east of the State Section. These lands are in the same vicinity as each other, the only legal access to Timberline Farm and Ranch LTD Co lands is on the far southwestern corner of their private held block of land, which is about a 15 mile re-route. The proponent is requesting a Land Use License to access these lands more efficiently by utilizing the existing two-track road on the State Trust Land.
Surenuff Cattle Spring Development 2022-04-25
Surenuff Cattle is proposing a spring development immediately below and existing reservoir. The reservoir has run dry but a seep still exists and this would create a more reliable water source.
CRP Break Request – Lease 2144 2022-04-05
Starbuck Hjartarson Seifert (Lessee) proposes the breaking and conversion of 155.60 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres under CRP contract 10037, on state land lease no. 2144, referred to herein as the “Project”. See Attachment A – Project Location Map for proposed break acres.
The CRP contract expires on 9/30/2022, with the intention of non-renewal by the Lessee for purposes of converting it to agricultural land for small grain production.
The purpose of the conversion from CRP acres to agricultural production acres is to increase the overall revenue on lease no. 2144 for the Common Schools Trust while maintaining the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) land sustainability goals. The Project is expected to occur in the Spring/Summer of 2022.
Gilman Construction-Staging Area 2022-03-15
The document analyzes the environmental impact that would occur if a LUL were granted to Gilman Construction for the storage of chipping material in an active opencut site on 5S 8W Sec. 28.
Recreational Use
Sorrel Springs 2022-06-03
The DNRC Missoula Unit Trust Lands is issuing a Temporary Road Use Permit to the Lolo National Forest/DNRC GNA program.
Bear Shoot Archery Tournament 2022-06-01
Authorize the annual Bear Shoot tournament over a 5-year period. Use on DNRC would involve up to 7 days of annual use including: motorized ATV use to set up and disassemble approximately 16 targets, managing the event, and providing access for handicapped participants. In addition, there would be up to 300 nonmotorized participants during the event.
GRIZZLY ORIENTEERING SPECIAL RECREATIONAL USE LICENSE (SRUL) 2022-06-01
AUTHORIZE ORIENTEERING EVENTS OVER A 5-YEAR PERMIT. USE ON DNRC WOULD INVOLVE MULTIPLE, 1 TO 2 DAY, LOW IMPACT ORIENTEERING EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE CALENDAR YEAR.
Rights-of-Way/Easement
Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. Easement - Triangle Communications Fiber Optic Cable 2022-12-19
Triangle Telephone Cooperative Assn., Inc. (TTCA, Inc.) proposes to install 78.8 miles of underground telecommunications facilities to upgrade their current facilities and services to the South Chester Exchange area, approximately 5.29 miles will be located on state land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The proposed easement route is located parallel to existing roadways and the fiber optic cable will be placed as near as practical to them. The Project will result in approximately 0.32 acres of soil disturbance (27,943.74 feet - length * 0.5 feet - width = 55,8874.80 square feet) with a 12.83-acre easement area on state land. See Exhibit A, Easement Survey Maps, and Exhibit B, Project Location Maps. Installation of the fiber optic cable will provide state-of-the-art telecommunications toll and distribution facilities, as well as future growth capabilities to rural Montana residents in the South Chester Exchange area.
Southeast Electric Cooperative Capital to Albion Project #2 2022-12-02
Southeast Electric Cooperative has requested an easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for the purpose of placement of two above ground electric lines in a 60 foot corridor.
Carney Fiber Line 2022-11-14
The proponent proposes to install an underground fiber optic line within a right-of-way 20’ wide (10’ on either side of a centerline) across School Trust lands in Daniels County.
Table Mountain Range, LLC Easement Application 2022-11-14
Table Mountain Range, LLC (Table Mountain) requested a Right of Way (ROW) easement across state lands to install a new road that will lead to Table Mountain’s private land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The location of the Project is within the S2S2 of Section 12, T1S, R1E. The Project will provide access to Table Mountain’s private land for agricultural purposes and ingress and egress access to a homesite. The Project is approximately 1 mile in length and 40 feet in width, or 4.84 acres, see Attachment A - Project Location Maps. The ROW easement will allow access to Table Mountain’s private land described as PT OF ALL FRACTIONAL SD 15-20 (RFD63355 IN DS 24R-11) of Section 7, T1S, R2E.
School and Fire Department Easement Application(s) for Amsterdam Road Parcel 2022-11-09
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Trust Land Management Division
(TLMD), Central Land Office (CLO) is currently reviewing two easement applications from Belgrade School District #44 and Central Valley Fire District who are applying for two separate but adjacent easements to construct and operate a school campus and a fire department on state-owned Trust Land to accommodate the community need to expand public education services and fire department services in Belgrade, MT.
Belgrade School District #44 is seeking approval for the State of Montana to issue an easement
to provide suitable property to Belgrade School District for campus expansion. This expansion is
necessary based on current and expected community growth. The total acres to be encumbered by the
easement is 60.00 acres of State Trust Land located in Gallatin County administered by the DNRC-Bozeman Unit, near Frank Road, southwest of Belgrade, MT. Please refer to the attached map.
Central Valley Fire District is seeking approval for the State of Montana to issue an easement to Central Valley Fires District to provide suitable property to build and maintain a 24 hour per day career staffed fire station and associated infrastructure. This expansion is necessary based on current and expected community growth. The total acres to be encumbered by the easement is 3.00 acres immediately west of the proposed Belgrade School District easement and located on State Trust Land located in Gallatin County administered by the DNRC-Bozeman Unit, near Frank Road, southwest of Belgrade, MT. Please refer to the attached map.
The total acres to be encumbered by the easement(s) for the Belgrade School for Central Valley Fire District is 63.00 acres.
Implementation of construction activities and the operation phases of the new school campus and fire department would consist of impactful actions that would result in the permanent transition from agricultural production to suburban development. The purpose of this document is to identify and analyze the impacts resulting from the proposed actions.
16-6S-18E Easement #8121 Amendment 2022-10-24
The Proponent, Project Telephone, is applying to amend their existing 20’ wide easement Deed #8121 on a parcel of State Trust Land in Carbon County for the installation of fiber optic telecommunication lines as described as ALL of Section 16, Township 6 South, Range 18 East. The route will not change from the original granted easement. The amendment will allow the proponent to add an additional line within their granted corridor in order to install a high-speed fiber optic telecommunication line.
The easement amendment is part of a larger project where Project Telephone is upgrading approximately 113 miles of their telecommunications lines in rural Stillwater and Carbon County. The project consists of replacing outdated existing copper services with fiber optic lines to provide Fiber to the Home (FTTH) service in remote areas. The copper service lines will be abandoned in place with new fiber optics beings installed for redundancy. The easement will be amended to reflect the additional lines in the easement corridor.
The current easement encumbers ±5.251 acres of State Trust Land and the amendment will not burden this section with additional acreage.
Frances Poitra Right of Way Easement Across State Land 2022-10-14
Frances Poitra (Poitra) requested a Right of Way (ROW) easement across state lands for an existing road that was installed more than 27 years ago and which leads to Poitra’s private residence, referred to herein as the “Project”. The location of the Project is within the SW4NW4, NW4SW4 of Section 14, T21N, R6W. The Project will provide access to Poitra’s private residence via an existing road that is approximately 0.30 miles in length and encompasses 1.03 acres, see Exhibit A, Project Location Map. The ROW easement will allow access to Poitra’s private residence located in the E2SW4 of Section 14, T21N, R6W.
Easement Application, Central Valley Fire District, 2022-10-18
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, Central Land Office is currently reviewing an easement application from Central Valley Fire District to accommodate a 24 hour per day career staffed fire station. The proposed fire station would be immediately west of the proposed Belgrade School District easement and located on State Trust Land located in Gallatin County administered by the DNRC-Bozeman Unit, near Frank Road, southwest of Belgrade, MT.
Easement Application, Operations Facility (City Public Works)-Penwell Bridge Trust Parcel 2022-09-28
The City of Belgrade is applying for an easement to permanently occupy state-owned Trust Land by constructing and operating a Public Works Department operations facility for the City of Belgrade, Montana. The acreage encumbered totals 28.173 acres. (See attached Appendixes). The purpose of the proposed easement would be to provide the City of Belgrade an easement for a Public Works Facility to include: Administrative Facilities, Equipment Materials Storage, Passenger Vehicle and Light Equipment Maintenance, Stormwater Management Facility, Law Enforcement Processing, Storage and Compound, Materials Storage Bays, Equipment and Material Staging Area, Heavy Vehicle Storage and a Maintenance Facility.
Agricultural Bitterroot River Bridge Crossing 2022-08-19
The Proponent, Jim Jensen of YC Properties LLC has applied for a Land Use License (LUL) and Right of Way (ROW) easement for a proposed agricultural bridge across the west channel of the Bitterroot River, approximately ¼ mile south and west of Hamilton, MT.
Intake for West End Reservoir 2022-08-02
The Proponent, City of Billings, is requesting a ±1.10-acre easement in the Yellowstone River for the location of a new water intake structure located in Section 4, Township 2 South North, Range 25 East. The easement extends approximately ±150’ feet south from the north riverbank and is approximately ±258’ in width.
The City of Billings is planning on expanding their water distribution to accommodate for the increasing population growth and water needs. They have recently purchased a parcel of land in Government Lot 1 of Section 4, Township 2 South, Range 25 East, adjacent to the State’s River ownership. The proponent plans on building a water intake on their land and extend it into the Yellowstone River in order to gather water. That water will then be pumped to a separate City-owned property on the western edge of the current city limits to turn into a water retention and storage facility with a new water treatment facility. The current city water treatment plant is located on the east end of Billings.
The municipality and surrounding area have seen increased population growths and the current city water operations facilities will be outpaced by the growth and demand on water resources. Additionally, the costs to pump and provide water services from their current facility are increasing due to the distance and uphill elevation from that current operational water treatment. By developing the west end water treatment facility, the city will be able to reduce pumps needed to move the water to higher elevations. The intake in the Yellowstone River will be able to use a mix of gravity and pumps to allow the water to reach the retention ponds.
The intake structure will be constructed against the existing bank. The proponent is applying for a larger area than just the structure to allow for future maintenance needs as they arise.
Easement Application Northern Telephone Cooperative 2022-07-26
Northern Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (NTC) proposes to install a buried fiber optic cable located on state land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The proposed easement route is located parallel to Railroad Avenue South in the W2W2 of Section 29, T36N, R2W, and E2E2 of Section 30, T36N, R2W, and parallel to Swayze Road West in the S2S2 of Section 36, T36N, R3W. The Project will result in approximately 4.88 acres of soil disturbance. See Exhibit A, Easement Survey Maps, and Exhibit B, Project Location Map. Installation of the fiber optic cable will provide access to high-speed internet for rural Montana residents
Range Telephone Cooperative North Broadus 4-5 Project 2022-07-21
Range telephone cooperative has requested of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation easements for the purpose of placing underground fiber optic cable across the referenced tracts of State owned land.
Installation of an underground electric power distribution line 2022-07-21
The proponent proposes to install an underground electric power distribution line within a right-of-way 20’ wide (10’ on either side of a centerline) across School Trust lands in Daniels County
Tarkio Fire Station Easement 2022-07-20
The Superior Fire Department is proposing to purchase an easement on 2.001 acres of Trust Lands in order to construct a Fire Station. The new station would house a new structure engine, a new wildland fire engine and a water tender. The proposed design would be a two bay station with enough space to allow emergency vehicles to park two deep. The access would be on Tarkio Loop Road with a drive thru exit to Nemote Creek Road. An above ground 48,000 gallon water tank would be placed near the rear of the property designed to meet the needs of the newly annexed 5,136 acre rural area.
Southeast electric Cooperative Capital to Albion Project 2022-07-11
Southeast Electric Cooperative has requested easements from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for above ground electric transmission lines on the referenced tracts of State owned Trust Lands.
City of Glendive Yellowstone River Water Main Bore Project 2022-06-28
The City of Glendive has requested of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation an easement for the purpose of placing a horizontally bored water main under the bed of the Yellowstone river.
MidRivers Communications 2022 Lambert 2 Fiber Project 2022-06-27
MidRivers Communications has requested a right of way easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for the purpose of placing a fiber optic cable across the referenced tract of State owned land
Reservation Telephone Fiber Upgrade 2022-06-20
Reservation Telephone Coop henceforth referred to as proponent, has requested a right of way easement from the DNRC for the placement of fiber optic Communication Lines across State Trust Lands. This line placement will replace existing outdated copper communication line service to rural areas. The project will follow the corridor of the existing copper lines. Construction will basically consist of the static plow trenchless method with directional bores at stream crossings or other topographical challenges.
Lincoln Electric Utility Line Easement 2022-06-20
Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Lincoln Electric) is proposing to install new underground utility lines that would replace the existing overhead powerlines and provide services to the townsite of Olney, MT. Lincoln Electric is locating facilities along existing public and state roadways. There are two state residential lease access roads (1st Avenue North and Pothole Drive) where Lincoln Electric would need a utility Easement from DNRC to install underground utility line within the road Right of Way. The estimated encumbered acreage is 0.604 acres.
The lands involved in this proposed project are held by the State of Montana in trust for Montana State University 2nd Grant and Public Buildings trusts per the Enabling Act of February 22, 1889; 1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11. The Board of Land Commissioners and DNRC are required by law to administer these trust lands to produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate return over the long run for the beneficiary institutions (Section 77-1-202, MCA).
Agricultural Road Easement EAC 2022-06-20
Proponent is applying for an agricultural easement on state lands to access private property.
MidRivers Communications 2022 Wolf Point south Fiber Cable 2022-06-08
MidRivers Communications has requested easements from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for the purpose of placing fiber optic cable across the referenced tracts of State Trust Land.
MidRivers Communications 2022 T27N-R27E-Sec 36 SE4 2022-06-01
MidRivers communications has requested of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation an easement for the placement of fiber optic cable across the referenced tract of State Trust Land.
MidRivers Communications 2022 T27N-R27E-Sec 36 W2 2022-06-01
MidRivers communications has requested an easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for the purpose of placing fiber optic cable across the referenced tract of State Trust Land.
Hiland Gas Pipeline Easement Conversion 2022-05-16
Kinder Morgan Inc. has requested from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation an easement for a natural gas pipeline which has previously been held under a Land Use license
Hiland Crude Pipeline Easement Conversion 2022-05-16
Kinder Morgan Inc. has requested an easement for a crude oil pipeline from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation as a conversion from a previously issued Land Use license.
Hiland Gas Pipeline Easement Conversion 2022-05-16
Kinder Morgan Inc. has requested an easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation as a conversion of an existing Land Use License for a gas pipeline.
Hiland Gas Pipeline Easement Conversion 2022-05-16
Kinder Morgan Inc. has requested an easement from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation as a conversion of an existing Land Use License for a gas pipeline.
Inner Belt Loop Easements 2022-05-12
The Proponent, the City of Billings, has developed a project to construct the Northwest Billings Connector road system, more widely known and the Inner Belt Loop. The proponent is proposing and applying for two road easements as part of this project that will encumber the following two sections of State Trust land in Yellowstone County:
Section 14, Township 1 North, Range 25 East: New easement encompassing ±8.988 acres
Section 22, Township 1 North, Range 25 East: New easement encompassing ±11.716 acres
The Inner Belt Loop project is a five-mile stretch of new two-lane rural roadway accompanied by a detached multi-use trail. The City has applied for enough right-of-way so that when traffic warrants and additional two lanes can be constructed so that the ultimate road profile would contain two travel lanes in each direction. It will create a new connection between the Heights and West End of the Billings Metropolitan area, with an eastern terminus of Alkali Creek Road/Skyway Drive and a western terminus at the roundabout at Highway 3/Zimmerman Trail (see Exhibit ‘A’). The City of Billings has proposed this new route to help alleviate traffic congestion in a constrained intersection area due to the surrounding topographical limitations.
Triangle Communications South Malta FTTH Upgrade 2022-04-20
The proponent proposes to install an underground fiber-optic telecommunications cable within a right-of-way 20’ wide (10’ on either side of a centerline) across School Trust land in Phillips County
WBI Gas Line Extension Project 2022-04-20
The applicant has applied for a single Land Use License (LUL) and two Right of Ways (ROWs) to install and maintain a natural gas pipeline.
Dry Prairie - Opheim Mainline 2022-04-19
The applicant proposes to install a twelve-inch diameter water pipeline. The proposed area of impact would be 30 feet in width (15 feet on either side of a center line) across multiple tracts of Trustland. The purpose of the requested Right of Way Easements is to expand the area served by Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority.
Underground Fiber Optic Communications Cable 2022-03-15
The purpose of this easement is to provide Fiber to the Home (FTTH) facilities capable of providing telephone, high-speed data, and broadband services. The current copper lines are ageing and have reached their useful life limit, preventing 3 Rivers Communications from being able to fulfill service requests, including full deployment of broadband services. These improvements will offer state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities as well as future growth capabilities.
The fiber optic cables will be buried and placed within existing cable corridors along state lands, state highway, county or city road rights-of-way both in public rights-of-way and utilizing some private easements.
Midrivers Fiber to the Home Upgrade 2022-03-09
The Proponent, Mid-Rivers Communications, is applying for new 16’ wide easements and to amend their existing 16’ wide easement on multiple parcels of State Trust Land in both Yellowstone and Musselshell Counties for the installation of underground fiber optic lines.
The new and amended easements are part of a larger project where Mid-Rivers Communications is upgrading their telecommunications lines from their existing Musselshell Exchange serving rural areas in northern Yellowstone County and southern Musselshell County. The project consists of replacing outdated existing copper services with fiber optic lines to provide Fiber to the Home (FTTH) service in remote areas. The copper service lines will be abandoned in place with new fiber optic lines being installed. Deed #6637 will be amended to reflect the additional lines in the easement corridor. Deed #6640 will abandon the copper line in place and the new line will follow parallel to an existing private road with granting of the new easement. In total, 3 new easements will be granted, and 1 easement will be amended (see Exhibits A).
Fiber Optic Utility Easement 2022-03-09
The Proponent, Triangle Communications Assn, Inc. (TTCA, Inc.) proposing to replace existing underground telecommunications facilities and upgrade the current copper telephone lines to fiber optic lines in Section 16 of Township 2 South, Range 13 East in Sweet Grass County. The proposed easement runs with in the right-of-way of the East Boulder Road which is a county/public road and will encumber ±2.70-acres of State Trust Land (see Exhibit A). The county has not secured an easement for the road.
Triangle Communications was previously granted a 20’ easement (D-7279) in 2002 running along the east portion of East Boulder Road. The proponent is seeking out a new right-of-way along the western side of the public roadway way as it is the most direct and efficient path to provide utility services. They will leave the copper line and D-7279 in place as a redundancy in case of emergencies and will obtain a new easement for installing a fiber optic line in a new corridor on the western side of the East Boulder Road.
Dam Facilities, Reservoirs, and Hydropower
Decision Notice - Flint Creek State Water Project - Main Canal Improvements DNRC - State Water Projects Bureau 2022-12-16
An Environmental Assessment was prepared by DNRC to address canal seepage and rehabilitation on the Flint Creek Main Canal. Alternatives were considered and a proposed action was selected by DNRC and released for public comment. No public comments were received by DNRC. Based on the alternatives considered and opportunity for public comment, DNRC considers the Draft Environmental Assessment to be the Final Environmental Assessment and will issue the Decision.
Flint Creek State Water Project - Main Canal Improvements 2022-11-01
The Proposed Action involves canal lining improvements to address canal seepage and canal rehabilitation to improve conveyance efficiency on the Flint Creek Main Canal.
Flint Creek State Water Project - Main Canal Improvements 2022-11-01
Appendices A-E
Decision Notice - Broadwater Power Project and Upper Toston Recreation Area Shoreline Stabilization 2022-08-18
An Environmental Assessment was prepared by DNRC in conjunction with the BLM to address shoreline erosion on the Missouri River adjacent to the DNRC Broadwater Power Project and BLM Upper Toston Recreation Area. Alternatives were considered and a proposed action was selected by DNRC and released for public comment. No public comments were received by DNRC. Based on the alternatives considered and opportunity for public comment, DNRC considers the Draft Environmental Assessment to be the Final Environmental Assessment and will issue this Decision.
Ruby River State Water Project - Ruby Dam Fishing Access Site Lease Agreement 2022-07-07
The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) currently administers a recreational Lease
to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (DFWP) for the Ruby Dam Fishing Access Site (FAS), near
Alder, MT in Madison County. The Ruby Dam FAS serves as a public recreation opportunity on Project Lands
owned by DNRC as part of the Ruby River State Water Project. The current Lease expires on August 15, 2022.
The action alternative provides a new Lease Agreement to DFWP for the Ruby Dam FAS for a ten-year term.
Future development or improvements to the Ruby Dam FAS by DNRC or their Lessee will require a
separate environmental analysis, independent of this MEPA environmental assessment.
Water Rights Environmental Assessments by County
MEPA – Public Participation Guide
A tool to assist the public in providing quality comments on Montana's environmental projects.
Links to Other Agency Environmental Documents