FWP decides on North Shore State Park WMA farming project

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region One has completed an environmental assessment for a proposed action involving agricultural activities being performed by a private operator to supplement agency activities aimed at improving food and cover managed as wildlife habitat at the North Shore State Park/Wildlife Management Area in Flathead County.

The draft EA was out for a two-week public review through July 12 and seven comments were received with six in favor of the project. The other comment expressed concern about increased crop damage caused by deer and increased risk of vehicle collisions on the adjacent highway.

Although the farming will provide some benefit for white-tailed deer, FWP does not expect this action to increase deer populations or deer use of the fields because this farming proposal would implement farming practices similar to those in the past and on neighboring farm fields. This proposal is intended to benefit primarily waterfowl and upland game birds.

There were no modifications to the draft EA. Therefore, the plan was accepted as written and the draft EA and the decision notice serve as the final document. Based on the EA and public comment, it is recommended that the FWP Commission approve the North Shore SP/WMA farming proposal as written.

Copies of the decision notice are available at FWP HQ, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell; MT State Library, 1515 E 6th Ave., Helena; Flathead County Libraries, 247 First Ave. E, Kalispell and 521 Electric Ave., Bigfork; and the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under “Public Notices.”

For more information, contact FWP Wildlife Area Biologist John Vore at 751-4584 or email jvore@mt.gov.