Environmental Documents

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,403’MD/10,161’TVD.

The Plains Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) along with Blackfoot Telephone is proposing the Blackfoot Telephone Smiley Slough Easement. Blackfoot telephone proposes to install a fiber optic communication line along an existing road. The project is in the Smiley Slough area approximately 1 air mile SE of Plains, Montana in Section 36, Township 20 North, Range 26 West.

Paragon Geophysical Services, Inc has applied to conduct a seismic survey on State Trust Lands.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 25,238’MD/10,130’TVD.

KATCO Farms Inc has requested to break approximately 297 acres of recently expired CRP and return the land to agricultural production.

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.

Proponent desires to use an existing skid trail that is within an SMZ of a class 1 stream.

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.

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.

Authorize the use of existing water pipelines for stock water through a land use license.

The lessee will install a spring development on their state trust lands grazing lease.

Install a pivot irrigation system on the proponent's state trust lands agricultural and grazing lease. Currently these agricultural acres are flood irrigated, so irrigation methods will convert to a sprinkler system.

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.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a final Environmental Assessment for the Crazy Mountain Cattle - 3rd Wheel Line Pivot Installation. The project proposes to use Private Loan program funding to install irrigation line pivots on private land.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Proponent will remove junipers within the project area.

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

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) – Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is preparing this Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to evaluate the impacts of water pollution control and drinking water infrastructure projects receiving DNRC financial assistance through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans programs. The PEA provides an analysis of the DNRC financial involvement and standard operating procedures for the SRF program and declares the DEQ environmental review process sufficient for DNRC MEPA compliance in all Water Pollution Control and Drinking Water SRF projects hereon from the final approval and issuance of this PEA.

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.

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.

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.

Faction Constructors has applied for a gravel testing permit on State Trust Lands.

The Proposed Action involves canal lining improvements to address canal seepage and canal rehabilitation to improve conveyance efficiency on the Flint Creek Main Canal.

The Proposed Action involves canal lining improvements to address canal seepage and canal rehabilitation to improve conveyance efficiency on the Flint Creek Main Canal. Appendices A-E

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.

Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 8,210’ MD / 3,252 TVD. II. PROJECT

Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 7,884’ MD / 3,236 TVD. II. PROJECT

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 25,238’MD/10,130’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 24,978’MD/10,142’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 24,870’MD/10,147’TVD.

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.

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.

This document analyses the impacts graveling testing could have on the surrounding environment.

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

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a draft Environmental Assessment for the Hysham Irrigation District Intake Improvements project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program funding to install erosion control measures on the bank of the Yellowstone River upstream from the irrigation canal headgate, revegetate riparian areas along the river corridor, and replace aging irrigation canal infrastructure.

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.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 21,042’MD/10,385’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,814’MD/10,404’TVD II

Kanduch Logging has requested Alternative Practices on three sites.

Avanti Energy Montana, LLC plans to drill a well for a Souris River/Flathead formation test 6331’ MD / TVD.

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.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,407’MD/10,412’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,199’MD/10,429’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,138’MD/10,429’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 26,509’MD/10,444’TVD.

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

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

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

LHC, Inc has applied for a permit to test for aggregate through the Minerals Management Bureau.

The Libby Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is proposing the Lower McKillop Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 21 miles southeast of Libby, MT.

The 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.

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.

Behm Energy, Inc plans to drill a vertical oil well with an objective formation being the Sawtooth, 4,490’ TVD/MD.

Behm Energy, Inc plans to drill a vertical oil well with an objective formation being the Sawtooth, 4,480’ TVD/MD. II

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.

Montana Dakota Utilities Co has requested permission of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation an easement for the purpose of installing an underground power line to service a well on the adjoining dedded tract.

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

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.

This Environmental Assessment evaluates the impact gravel testing would have upon the surrounding environment

The proponent will be installing a boundary/grazing fence on their state land grazing lease for normal livestock operations.

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.

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.

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

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.

Riverside Contracting, Inc. (Riverside) has applied for a Gravel Test Permit located on state land to test for aggregate to explore gravel resources, referred to herein as the “Project”. The Project is located in the N2 of Sec. 26, T22N, R1W and, if granted, the permit will allow for up to 20 test pits dug by a backhoe to a depth of approximately 20 feet. See Exhibit A, Project Location Map. The test pits would determine the gravel resource within the Project area. 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. Testing and documenting would be performed by employees of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) – Trust Land Management Division and Riverside. If the Gravel Test Permit is approved, and if a gravel source is discovered during testing and Riverside would like to pursue a gravel mining permit, a separate Environmental Assessment (EA) will be conducted to determine the effects of gravel mining and therefore will not be evaluated in this EA.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) currently administers a recreational Lease to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and 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.

The Sage family would like a 30 foot easement across approximately 1,182 feet of existing road in the above mentioned parcel to access their residence. The request is access for a single family residence. Use of the existing road that traverses the State Trust Land has historically been used in trespass to access the Sage property.

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.

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.

Proponent wishes to cross Alder Creek, a class 2 SMZ, when it is dry, to harvest ground otherwise inaccessible.

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

Proponent has applied to operate equipment within the SMZ and remove trees within the SMZ that pose a hazard to adjacent structures.

Proponent applied to use existing skid trail with in a class 3 SMZ.

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

The DNRC Missoula Unit Trust Lands is issuing a Temporary Road Use Permit to the Lolo National Forest/DNRC GNA program.

MCR, LLC plans to re-enter well with an objective formation being the Swift, 3,010’ TVD/MD.

LHC, Inc. has applied to test for gravel on State Trust Lands

An LUL would be issued and an annual fee would be collected. In addition to existing uses, the Mineral County Rails-to-Trails organization would use existing road to complete the Rails-to-Trails route across Mineral County. This would allow riders to avoid using I-90. This segment of trail would eliminate 5 interstate bridge crossings for the bicyclists. In addition, a scenic route trail would be authorized, including 1,388’ feet of new trail that would have to be constructed.

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.

Thor Resources plans to drill a well for a Nisku and Souris River formation test 5,299’ TD/TVD. Will be utilizing a closed loop system.

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.

The Missoula Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Top Secret Timber Sale. The project is located 40 miles east of Missoula, Montana.

Triangle communications has applied for easements across 11 sections of school trust lands. The easements would allow them to replace existing copper phone cable with modern fiber optic cable to provide broadband internet to the area.

Telecommunications line to N Havre Co. Water Dist.

Forza Operating, LLC plans to drill a well for a Nisku formation test 8,109’ MD / 3,416 TVD.

Objectives of the project include: • Use of Sections 4, 9, and 16; T15N-R12W for training sites and a winter base camp.

Objectives of the project include: • Use of Sections 4, 9, and 16; T15N-R12W for training sites and a winter base camp.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Trust Land Management Division (TLMD) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) are proposing to enter into a reciprocal easement agreement that would benefit the State by gaining motorized all lawful access to a block of State Trust land commonly referred to as the Palisades block. The State of Montana will be granted legal motorized right-of-way on designated Forest Roads. In addition to the State acquiring access to the Palisades block, the State of Montana will be granted legal motorized right-of-way in three separate areas on other National Forests to make the easement exchange provide each party with equal road miles. The United States Forest Service is also seeking a 20’ wide right-of-way to construct a non-motorized trail named The Old Ranger Trail. The proposed trail easement will be a separate grant and is not included in the easement exchange for motorized access

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 21,193’MD/10,359’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,950’MD/10,368’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Bakken Formation test, 20,801’MD/10,383’TVD.

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.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,223’MD/10,168’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,332’MD/10,178’TVD.