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.

The proponent is proposing to pipe from his Deeded well, North of the State Land, to his Deeded Land South of the State Land. Pipeline Will run North to South through State Land, along the edge of the Ag Field.

The Environmental Assessment analyzes the impacts to the physical and human environment as it relates to a no-action and action alternative. The action alternative would allow seismic activity upon State of Montana Trust Lands, and a permit would be issued for said activity.

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.

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

Riverside Contracting Inc. henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a gravel test permit on Trust Lands Township 1 South, Range 9 West, Sections 8,9,16 and 17 in Silver Bow County. This project area can be seen in attachment A on page 16 of the Environmental Assessment. 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 Trust Lands and Riverside Contracting, Inc.

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Final Environmental Assessment for the Flathead County Evergreen Water and Sewer LS19 Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to to install an emergency bypass facility and renovate the existing infrastructure at the Evergreen Sewer System’s Lift Station 19.

The proponent, Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. (TTCA, Inc.), is applying for 2 new 20’ wide easement in order to install a fiber optic telecommunications line located on SW¼NW¼ & NE¼NW¼ of Section 11, Township 1 South, Range 13 East and the NE¼SE¼ & SE¼SE¼ of Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 13 East in Sweet Grass County, as shown in ‘Exhibit A.’ The proposed route will follow a privately eased road to minimize disturbance. The proposed route generally follows Old U.S. Highway 10 and a private roadway. The two new easements are part of a larger project where TTCA, Inc. is installing, upgrading, and replacing portions of their telecommunications lines in rural Sweet Grass County. The project consists of installing new fiber optic lines, as well as replacing outdated existing copper services with fiber optic lines to provide Fiber to the Home (FTTH) service in remote areas. The proposed rights-of way will encumber the following acreage: Section 11, Township 1 South, Range 13 East – 1.20-acres Section 36, Township 1 North, Range 13 East – 1.83-acres

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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Gallatin Conservation District Farmers Canal Irrigation Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to repair or replace the Cottonwood Creek Headgate to ensure that only the intended amount of water is diverted into the Farmers Canal.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Gallatin County Highline Canal Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to remove sediment from and repair Cottontail Road, unbury and restore Cockrell Ditch, remove debris and sediment from farm field, repair canal embankment and install liner to canal.

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

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) is issuing a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Hill County Milk River Levee Project. The project proposes to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to raise the west closure structure embankment, develop a plan to decrease the width of the east closure structure embankment, construction, and the removal of thirteen encroachments in the levee right-of-way.

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

Judith Mountain Property LLC is proposing to drill a new well near their homesite. This well will replace an older well that failed recently. The well that failed supplied the homesite with residential water and the homesite is currently without water until a new well is drilled.

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 state trust lands grazing lessee requested to install a cross fence on their grazing lease. See attatched MEPA document and Map.

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

The Plains Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), along with Juan Lulack dba Block Mountain Slate and Stone, is proposing to expand the Middle Henry Rock Permit. The project is located approximately 5 air miles West of Plains, MT.

MidRivers Communications has requested from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation a Right of Way Easement for the purpose of placing underground fiber optic cable across the referenced tracts of State Trust Land.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Southwestern Land Office, Clearwater Unit, proposes to harvest timber from three sections and one partial section of State owner land northeast of Potomac, MT

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.

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.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 26,461’MD/10,501’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 26,299’MD/10,500’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 26,291’MD/10,499’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 26,448’MD/10,499’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 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.

Reverse E Ranch LLC has requested from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation a Land Use License for an existing stock water pipeline and tank system. This project was constructed in approximately 2000.

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.

Knife River Corporation henceforth referred to as the proponent, has applied for a Trust Lands aggregate take and remove permit in Teton County, approximately 2.4 miles northwest of Gordon, MT, see Attachment A, Project Location Maps. The proposed action being evaluated is the issuance of an aggregate take and remove permit, which would allow the proponent the ability to mine, crush, and remove gravel from State Trust Lands as well as operate an asphalt plant within the boundaries of the permitted area. An aggregate take and remove permit is valid for approximately 2 years, with renewal ability. The application is for approximately 130.0 acres included in the permit area, all 130.0 acres would be bonded through MT DEQ opencut section. This document will analyze the impacts of issuing an aggregate take and remove permit, and subsequent renewals of the same area. If there are significant changes to total acreage, or operating plans within a renewal application, the project may require an additional environmental analysis. The final reclamation date listed in the DEQ dryland opencut permit is the year 2047.

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.

Texakoma Exploration & Production, LLC plans to drill a well to 5,950’ MD / TVD to test the Ratcliffe Formation.

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.

Travis Reum has proposed rehabilitating a spring that has silted in and installing a new pipeline to existing tanks. A pipeline and collection site were established approximately 20 years ago through a partnership with Beaver Creek Park. This project would install a spring box at the collection site and replace the old pipeline with the plan to utilize the old pipeline route to minimize impact to the area. The pipeline will go to two existing stock tanks, one being on state trust land and the other on county land. It is not anticipated that either tank will need to be relocated. This EA will be addressing the new pipeline and spring box on trust lands.

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 Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,653’MD/10,113’TVD.

Triple derrick drilling rig to drill a single lateral horizontal Middle Bakken Formation test, 20,810’MD/10,137’TVD.

West Great Falls Flood & Drainage District would like to remove the existing outfall pipe. The existing structure is silted in, difficult to maintain and inspect and no longer functions properly. A new and improved structure would prevent silt build up, improve the primary function of flood water drainage, and be easier to inspect and maintain.

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.