FWP Seeking Public Comments on Plan to Treat Cattail Marsh on WMA in Phillips Co.
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For Immediate Release,
May 10, 2018
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing to begin treatment on approximately 20 acres of a cattail marsh on Sleeping Buffalo Area 8 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Phillips Co., and is looking for public comment on the proposed action. The Area 8 WMA is located east of Nelson Reservoir along Lake Road.
There are two managed wetlands on Area 8 that are currently being choked out by acres of cattails. Managing and improving wetland and upland habitats for the benefit of wildlife and providing public opportunity in the forms of hunting, trapping, hiking, and wildlife viewing are the primary management objectives for the Area 8 WMA. Reducing cattails would create more open water and increase the productivity and habitat availability within these wetlands for waterfowl and shorebirds, and improve wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities.
The project plans to test a combination of mechanical cutting, prescribed burning, and chemical spraying of cattails, beginning on approximately four five-acre squares. If approved, the initial treatments would be scheduled for spring/summer, 2018. If timing limitations involving weather occur, this project may be postponed until spring, 2019.
After determining relative success, mechanical cutting, prescribed burning or chemical spraying would be implemented for the following 5-10 years on the rest of the cattails in Area 8, dependent on funding and weather constraints, until cattail marsh coverage has been decreased by 75%.
The comment period will be open from May 8, 2018 to June 7, 2018. A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared by FWP and is available at: fwp.mt.gov under the “submit public comments” link. Go to the “FWP Lands” tab to find the EA. Hardcopies are available if requested by calling 406-228-3700.
Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., June 7, 2018. Comments can be submitted online, written comments can be sent to: Attn: Sleeping Buffalo WMA Cattail Management Project, MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 1 Airport Road, Glasgow, MT 59230, or comments can be emailed to wildlife technician Sam Tedrow at stedrow@mt.gov. Thank you for your interest in this project.
