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.

Magnus Services, LLC, henceforth referred to as the proponent, has requested to temporarily place lay flat hose upon the right of way on the above described State of Montana Trust Lands tract. This hose would be used to provide temporary water for nearby, proposed oil well completions. The anticipated length of temporary pipeline on the tract is approximately 2640 feet. The expected duration of use of this license is approximately four months. The proposed license would be written for a term of six months to allow for potential scheduling conflicts.

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Billings Westend Waste Treatment Plant Project. The project proposes to use Billings Westend Waste Treatment Plant funds to construction of the new West End Waste Treatment Plant (WEWTP) capable of handling water treatment for the west end communities in Billings, MT.

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

Stevens Custom Crushing & Gravel, LLC henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a gravel test permit on Trust Lands on the above-referenced tract in Cascade County. The project area can be seen on page 19, attachment A. 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 the proponent. If approved, the proponent would be issued an aggregate testing 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 in a separate pile, and the disturbance created would be reclaimed immediately upon completion of documenting the test pit by backfilling the hole, replacing topsoil, and spreading native grass seed. The test pit areas would be seeded with a certified weed-free seed, native grazing, and pasture mix. The mix will be provided in the stipulations at the end of this document. The seed would be supplied by the proponent.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Cascade County – Sun Prairie Water System Upgrade Project. The project proposes to use Cascade County – Sun Prairie Water System. The goals of the project are to provide a reliable source of water to users within the SPCWD, address safety concerns, and update the system infrastructure to bring the system into compliance with DEQ standards and guidelines.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Cooke City Wastewater Treatment System Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct a portion of the collection system along Main Street.

The Libby Unit proposes to issue a 30-year lease, with a right to renew, for the entire 162.5-acre parcel of state trust land approximately 23 miles northeast of Libby, Montana on the east side of Lake Koocanusa in Lincoln County. The intent is to develop a recreational based business consisting of 102 RV sites, 88 covered storage units, 4 commercial lots, 48 cabins, and 18 tent sites. The development would provide associated amenities including, but not limited to, electricity distribution, wells and water distribution, and wastewater services. A short hiking trail may be developed from the tent sites to the lakeshore but is contingent on USFS Special Permit approval as the commercial lease area does not include lake access. Development would occur over a 20-year, phased period. The development would serve both tourists and the local community. The proposal will include approximately 3.5 - 4 miles of new road building in conjunction with development. The development will be required to meet Lincoln County Subdivision Standards.The project would include changing the land classification of the State parcel from “Forest” to “Other.” In addition to receiving an annual lease fee, the DNRC would also receive a revenue share from the development for the Capitol/Public Buildings Trust.

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).

Vigilante Electric Cooperative Inc submitted an easement application to remove the existing overhead transmission lines and relocate the utility along a fenceline. The purpose of this relocation is to replace outdated infrastructure with new technology and move the utility out of the agricultural field. This will make farming easier, and will improve response time/capability if power outages occur.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Deer Lodge Water Supply Replacement Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to install a groundwater supply well, test wells and a new water transmission main from the new well to the existing water distribution system.

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.

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 Dillon Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) has received MT Forest Action Plan Grant money for conifer encroachment removal projects in locations around Virginia City. The DNRC has identified three locations within the target area as priority areas for conifer removal work, and include the tracts of Granite Creek (T5S, R3W, S36), Herman Gulch (T6S, R3W, S16), and Threemile Creek (T6S, R3W, S36). Approximately 382.91 acres of conifer encroachment removal and a potential prescribed burn are proposed across these three locations, on DNRC State Trusts Lands tracts held in trust for the Common Schools grant. The project will conduct forest thinning practices, conifer removal, and pile burning for on-the-ground treatments. The DNRC will collaborate with the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership (SMSP), which consists of personnel from the NRCS, BLM, TNC, FWP, Conservation Districts, etc., local fire departments, commissioners, private landowners, and all other relevant partners. The project's primary goal is to improve sage grouse, and forested landscapes by removing scattered Douglas-fir and Rocky Mountain Juniper from sagebrush-grassland areas, while also increasing crown spacing within historic forested systems. Additional benefits will include improved forage for wildlife, as well as a reduction in wildfire severity and risk to the communities of Virginia City and Nevada City. This project is expected to begin as early as the spring of 2025 and may extend up to 3 years. During the project, DNRC staff will ensure treatments are completed to specifications. Once the grant period has ended, staff will implement a monitoring protocol for a period of 10 years to observe the results of the treatments and the maintenance. Due to the dry, cold conditions in this region of Montana, regeneration is expected to progress slowly. Moderate and consistent land manager maintenance - clipping/pulling seedlings, controlling noxious weeds, removing dead and down - will sustain treatment prescriptions for ~ 30 years in the dry mix-conifer forests and sage-steppe ecosystems that dominate the project area. Conifer encroachment has been identified as a considerable threat to sage grouse conservation (80 FR 59858, October 2, 2015) while also threatening other wildlife, increasing the risk of more severe wildfires, and reducing forage for wildlife. Reducing the prevalence of rangeland-invading trees has been identified as an important objective for this region of southwest Montana. The proposed treatment areas of Granite Creek and Herman Gulch will occur in General Sage Grouse Habitat.

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), 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

Allow IFG access for a temporary right-of-way on 0.4 miles of a existing road, and is issued for the purpose hauling an estimated volume of 75 mbf of timber material from adjacent section of the private property.

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.

Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc. is proposing to install new underground utility lines that would replace the existing overhead powerlines which provide electrical services to the community of Olney, Montana.

Northwestern Energy applied for a right of way easement to accommodate a newly installed natural gas pipeline in one of their existing easement corridors. The new line replaced an existing line, but the centerline has moved, so a new easement footprint must be obtained.

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.

Access for staging equipment on state trust land

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

The Plains Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Marten Creek and Stobie Ranch Timber Sales. The projects are located approximately 20 air miles North of Plains, MT in the Little Rock Creek drainage.

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.

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.

This document is a programmatic environmental assessment for the aggregate testing program on State of Montana Trust Lands.

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.

MEPA Checklist for amendments to Real Estate Management Projects rules, ARM 36.25.901 and 36.25.903.

Proposed amendments to administrative rules related to recreational use of trust land are reasonably necessary to align administrative rules with applicable statute as amended by HB521 (2023) and SB326 (2015), SB65 (2009), and to adopt food storage requirements for public safety in grizzly bear habitat. The addition of food storage requirement language is necessary to meet obligations within the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, and to provide consistent food storage rules with those already in place for both FWP managed lands and federal lands.

Mikesell Sales & Service, Inc. henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a Land Use License, LUL, on State Trust Lands within the above-referenced tract in Meagher County. This project area can be seen in attachment A on page 16. If approved, the proponent would be granted an LUL to access the gravel pile located upon the subject lands. An approximate 26,659 cubic yards of gravel has been stockpiled within the NW4 of section 13. The proponent would remove the gravel stockpile over a period of 4 years, at a rental rate of $13,329.50 per year paid to the Department. Once the stockpile has been removed the proponent would reseed the area with a Helena Unit approved grass seed mix.

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.

State trust lands grazing lessee submitted an improvement request to install a stream crossing across 16 mile creek. The streambed would not be altered. Both streambanks would be excavated and filled with large aggregate and gravel to provide a solid crossing point for livestock and ATVs.

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.

Allow for filming/photography on state trust land

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 United States Border Patrol. (Henceforth referred to as proponent) has requested a land use license from the DNRC Eastern Land Office for the purpose of installing an image detection system and solar panel upon the tract of State Trust Land referenced above. The image detection system will consist of a camera approximately 5”x2.5”x7” and a solar panel 31”x18.5”x8”. This system will assist local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with conducting investigations.

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the White Sulphur Springs Water System Improvements Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct 3,800 feet of new water line.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Whitehall Lift Station Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Install mechanically cleaned bar screen, piping, a lift station, and a new hydrant near the Liberty Place.

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.