Environmental Documents

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

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

Ore Pro, Inc. has submitted an application to test for aggregate by drilling four test holes to a depth of 150' below ground surface, using a hydraulic drill. Drill sites would be established on and from existing roads or two tracks. The proponent's purpose of this activity is to determine the volume and quality of shonkinite/basalt available.

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.

3 Rivers Telephone Coop Inc. (3 Rivers) 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 W Pendroy Road in the SW4NW4 and NW4NW4 of Section 16, T27N, R8W and would result in approximately 488.1334 square feet of soil disturbance and 0.2241 acres for the easement area. The fiber optic cable will enter state-owned land on the northwest corner of the SW4NW4 and continue northeasterly along W Pendroy Road where it will terminate at an existing permitted handhole in the NW4NW4. See Exhibit A, Easement Survey Map, and Exhibit B, Project Location Map. Installation of the fiber optic cable will provide in-home access to telephony, high-speed data, and broadband services for rural Montana residents.

The company plans to conduct non-mechanized mineral exploration for precious and base metals, platinum group minerals, rare-earth-bearing minerals, and associated minerals on three areas northwest of Dillon, Montana proposed for State of Montana non-mechanized Land Use Licenses (LULs). Mineral exploration efforts will focus on mapping geology and collecting rock chip and soil samples for geochemical multi-element analyses. Mapping involves collecting locations of surface outcrops, geologic features, and favorable alteration and then plotting them on topographic maps or aerial photos. Representative samples of rock outcrops with favorable alteration or mineralization will be taken and the samples sent to an accredited laboratory for detailed elemental analyses. Exploration goals include further characterization of the geology and mineral potential of the area and identification of possible lode deposits containing minerals noted above. The company anticipates conducting manned aerial geophysical surveys of the area and possibly UAV collection of geophysical, topographic, and aerial photographic data. Some hand-held instruments may be used for non-mechanized ground geophysical surveys. MT DNRC expects additional exploration work to include sampling of prospect pits from previous mineral exploration and collection of some soil samples to infill the sampling grid. Sampling of rock and soil material would involve use of hand tools, such as rock hammers, trowels, and shovels. The proponent plans to reach the licensed areas on foot from existing roads and trails.

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.

Wavetech Helium, Inc. plans to drill a well for a Flathead Formation test 4,600’ TD/TVD.

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

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 Chippewa Cree Tribe is proposing to use an existing well in the SE4SW4NW4 of Section 4, Township 30 North, Range 14 East, to supply a proposed stock water pipeline, no more than 70 ft in length, that will carry the water to Tribal lands to the east. (See attached map)

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).

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

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.

MT DOT submitted an application to bore holes along highway 89 for geothermal research to support future highway expansion.

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.

Fergus Electric Cooperative is applying to amend and existing easement on a parcel of State Trust Land in Petroleum County for the installation of an anchor, guy wire, and overhead transmission lines.

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

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Glen Lake Irrigation Canal Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace four undersized culverts, install inlet and outlet erosion protection, raise the existing roadbed at two locations, reseeding disturbed areas, and stabilize 1,300 linear feet of steep bank.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Missoula Unit is proposing the Goldielogs Timber Sale Project. The proposed action is located approximately 15 aerial miles east of Missoula in the Gold Creek area of Potomac, Montana.

Harmon Creek Cattle LLC has requested permission from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to construct a stock water pipeline and tank on the referenced tract of State owned land. The supplying well is on the same tract.

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

Vecta Oil & Gas Ltd plans to drill a vertical well to test the Nisku Formation, 7,750’ TVD/MD.

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, 20,916’MD/10,480’TVD.

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.

SRUL to hold wedding in Little Park

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a FinalEnvironmental Assessment for the Lockwood Irrigation District Intake Canal Repairs. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to to repair 3,500 linear feet of intake canal to its preflood condition and reinstall the access road located along the canal embankment by hauling and placing riprap material in eroded areas along the embankment and resloping these areas for stability. The access road will be reestablished along the top of the embankment as work progresses from the pump station to the end of the embankment.

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

Marias River Electric Cooperative (Marias River Electric) proposes to install an overhead powerline located on state land, referred to herein as the “Project”. The proposed easement route is located in the corner of the state land next to Mt Highway 366 in the SE4SE4 of Section 1, T29N, R4E, and will result in approximately 0.30 acres of easement area. See Exhibit A, Easement Survey Map, and Exhibit B, Project Location Map. Installation of the overhead powerline will provide power services to rural Montana residents.

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.

onX Maps has requested permission for the purpose of outdoor filming on State Trust Lands located on the referenced tracts.

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

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) proposes the sale of a permanent conservation easement of 405.19 acres to the Flathead Land Trust on the DNRC owned parcel known as Owen Sowerwine. Owen Sowerwine is located directly east of Kalispell, MT, and is currently temporarily licensed for use as a natural area under a Special Recreation Use License held jointly by Flathead Audubon Society and Montana Audubon. The purpose of selling a conservation easement is to secure long term compensation for the Common Schools Trust.

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.

The Missoula Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing forest management activities on 290 acres known as the Potomac Flats Project. The project is located approximately 2 miles west of Potomac.

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.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Ruby Valley Conservation District Granite Creek Project. The project proposes to use Reclamation and Development Program grant funds to reclaim the dredge piles to restore the confluence, realign 1,660 feet of the Granite Creek river channel to better transport sediment, and prevent water flowing onto Highway 287, relocate the highway bridge to a more appropriate location, and install a fish barrier to protect native Westslope cutthroat trout.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

126 acre pre-commercial thin

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.

Vecta Oil & Gas Ltd plans to drill a vertical well to test the Nisku Formation, 7,750’ TVD/MD.