Lewistown, Mont. – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the availability of a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and associated Environmental Assessment for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District for public review and comment. This action is not related to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge nor its CCP.
The district is located within the Northern Great Plains in central and southcentral Montana and is bounded on the north by the Missouri River Breaks and on the south by the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.It encompasses four national wildlife refuges (Grass Lake, Hailstone, Lake Mason and Warhorse), six waterfowl production areas and five conservation easements in six Montana counties: Petroleum, Musselshell, Golden Valley, Yellowstone, Stillwater and Carbon.
The draft CCP, developed under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, describes the vision, goals, objectives and strategies that will guide the long-term management of the district. The CCP also identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation. The draft EA describes the impacts of implementing the objectives and strategies of the CCP on the environment, as well as alternative management actions the Service is considering, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
The draft CCP proposes to expand hunting opportunities at the district. One alternative allows the use of lead ammunition for expanded big game hunting and the other alternative prohibits lead ammunition and tackle across the district. Neither alternative is indicated as a preferred alternative at this time, and we are seeking the public’s input on both alternatives.
The 30-day public comment period for the draft CCP will run January 14 through February 14th, 2025. A copy of the draft CCP and supporting documents can be found on the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District website.
Comments can be submitted by email to: cmr@fws.gov or by mail to: P.O. Box 110 Airport Road Lewiston, MT 59457. The Services invites comment from the public and local, state, Tribal and federal agencies.
Learn more about the district at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/charles-m-russell-wetland-management-district.
