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.

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.

Final MEPA document for the proposed AM Welles DSL Gravel Pit Expansion

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.

The EA evaluates the impacts of an action and no action alternative for a proposed land use license in Roosevelt County Montana.

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 proponent, Cenex Pipeline, LLC, is requesting a 50-foot right-of-way across State Trust Land in the Southeast ¼ of Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 26 East, in Yellowstone County for the purpose of installing a refined fuels pipeline. The total length of pipeline crossing this State section is ±2,929 linear feet and will encumber ±3.362-acres (See Exhibit A). The proposed easement is part of a project developed by Cenex Pipeline, LLC to re-route and relocate their existing pipeline out of urban residential areas around the Billings Metropolitan area to reduce disturbance and maintenance due to the original pipe and path becoming outdated. The proposed project will install a 10” refined fuels pipeline and will install the pipe using open cut trenching to install the pipeline. The general path of the proposed right-of-way will follow a steep sloped hillside and embankment adjacent to a drainage that would be difficult to develop.

The Clearwater Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Coyote Greenough Projects. These projects are located approximately five miles east of Potomac, Montana, and portions are within 0.75 miles west of Greenough, Montana.

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).

The proposed action will provide a long-term, cost-effective rehabilitation solution to improve dam operations by removing the existing rock jetty and provide an alternate method to reduce the debris and sediment loading on the Broadwater-Missouri canal intake gates.

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.

The proponent proposes to install multiple water transmission pipelines throughout Valley County for water transmission to the surrounding community.

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.

The document analyzes two alternatives, action and no-action. Within are each alternative's impact upon the surrounding environment

Heritage Energy Operating, LLC plans to drill a horizontal oil well in the Middle Bakken Formation 20,317’ MD, 10,167’ TVD. Surface casing to be set at 1,900’. II. PROJECT

FEC is requesting to install an underwater cable in Somers Bay, extending primary power from the island with legal description S26, T27 N, R21W, TR 7D in L7, heading south to the island with legal description of S26, T27 N, R21 W, TR 7 in L 9. Currently there is primary power cable installed on the island Lot 7 with an empty/spare conduit extending southwest to the low pool waterline from FEC’s transformer on the island. From the existing transformer, a cable would\ be placed inside the existing PVC to the low pool line on the west side of the island. At the low pool waterline, a conduit would be placed on the lakebed, running south approximately 350 feet where a new trench would be excavated from the low pool lie to the new vault location on the island. Backfill material for the trench would be native fill from the excavation, possible screened to provide bedding material free of rock. All equipment and materials would originate from Lakeside via barge. The lands involved in this proposed project are held in trust for the Public Land trust. Pursuant to Article X, Section 11(1) of the 1972 Montana Constitution and 70-1-202(1) and 77-1-102(2), MCA, the title to all navigable lakes or streams is held by the board in trust for the benefit of the public. 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).

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.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Forsyth-Yellowstone Right Bank Levee_EA project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program funding to make system-wide improvements to the encroachments, closure structures, erosion/bank caving, culvert/discharge pipes, and sluice/slide gates associated with the levee system.

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), 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.

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.

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

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

Conduct environmental studies for suitability for solar energy leasing.

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

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Lewis and Clark Co. Grizzly Gulch Placer Mine Reclamation Project. The project proposes to use Reclamation and Development Grant Program (RDGP) funds to reclaim the Pretty Girl placer mine by establishing a functional floodplain slope to restore natural surface and groundwater flows.

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

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

Malmstrom AFB would like to survey and test the soils around an existing sewage lagoon easement for potential future development.

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.

The Plains Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the McKay Creek Timber Sale. The project is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Noxon, MT.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Miles City Internal Drainage and Stormwater Safety Improvements project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program funding to install or replace culverts, construct a stormwater storage pond, install a lift station, and regrade along various discharge points along the old Tongue River channel slough to improve stormwater conveyance and capacity.

Installation of stock water system.

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.

Oneok Rockies Midstream LLC has applied to the DNRC to convert previously obtained Land Use License #1277 for a gas pipeline to a right of way easement.

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) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Paradise Valley Irrigation District Milk River Bank Stabilization. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Renewable Resource Grant and Loan (RRGL) funds to install root wads for bank stabilization along the Milk River to minimize channel erosion and migration.

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.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Ravalli County Targeted Economic Development District (TEDD). The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to to construct the sanitary sewer infrastructure in an area located adjacent to the City of Hamilton, Montana.

The surface lessee Richard Morgan 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.

The Helena Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Sand Coulee Timber Harvest. The project is located 14 miles west of Monarch, Montana.

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.

3 Rivers Communications has applied to the MT DNRC, Dillon Unit to provide Fiber to the Home (FTTH) facilities that will cross 5 tracts of state land in the Dillon Unit in Madison County. The new (FTTH) facilities would provide telephony, high-speed data, and broadband services to the rural Sheridan area. Currently the rural Sheridan exchange is serviced by ageing copper cables that have reached their useful life limit, preventing 3 Rivers Telephone Coop from being able to fulfill service requests, including full deployment of DSL services. The proposed facilities will be buried fiber optic cables placed within existing cable corridors along state highway or county road rights-of-way both in public rights-of-way and utilizing some private easements.

The Stillwater Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Short-Evers Forest Management Project. The project is located 13 miles west of Whitefish in Flathead County.

Scout Energy Management, LLC plans to re-enter a well for a Piper/Firemoon Formation test 3,096’ MD / TVD. Surface casing set at 236’ and cemented to surface.

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

Heritage Energy Operating, LLC plans to drill a horizontal oil well in the Middle Bakken Formation 20,248’ MD, 10,105’ TVD. Surface casing to be set at 1,900’.

Heritage Energy Operating, LLC plans to drill a horizontal oil well in the Middle Bakken Formation 20,661’ MD, 10,238’ TVD. Surface casing to be set at 1,900’.

Heritage Energy Operating, LLC plans to drill a horizontal oil well in the Middle Bakken Formation 20,897’ MD, 10,238’ TVD. Surface casing to be set at 1,900’.

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

Saint Regis Sewer District (SRSD) has submitted an easement application. The proposed easement would be 30’ wide X 394.48’ long. A 7” diameter pipe would be directionally drilled approximately 30 feet below the riverbed in the Clark Fork River. Additional pipe would be installed via trenching on the east and west banks of the river to connect the system (outside of DNRC jurisdiction). The proposal would replace a sewer force main that rests on the riverbed within the Clark Fork River.

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.

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.

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.

Vision Net installed a communication line through state trust land without authorization. This EAC was completed after the work was complete and ground had already been broken. Vision Net has applied for an easement

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.

The Helena Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Windy Woods Timber Sale. The project is located 11 miles southwest of White Sulphur Springs, MT.