On October 22, 2009 Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) is hosting a public meeting to present the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and state of Montanas analysis of four alternatives to address the water quality and blowing salt issues on Lake Bowdoin and Dry Lake. This analysis was completed as part of the 15-year Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the entire refuge Complex, which has yet to be completed. The planning team has spent considerable time, funds, and effort in attempting to address these issues and would like to share their findings with the public before proceeding with preparation of the draft CCP.
The four alternatives evaluated include: constructing evaporation ponds and physically removing saline residue, promote natural flushing by Beaver Creek, underground injection of saline water, and pumping to the Milk River by way of a pipeline.
The Service has been working with a company who has expertise with this type of analysis to evaluate the feasibility of the first three alternatives. Their study took over a year and a half to complete and has resulted in a report that outlines the cost and effectiveness of each of alternative. The Service and the state of Montana, including the Department of Environmental Quality, evaluated the fourth alternative.
The planning team would like to present each of these alternatives to the public and provide an opportunity for questions and comments. The meeting will be October 22, 2009 at the Great Northern Hotel in Malta, Montana from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The publics comments will be recorded and considered by the planning team and decision makers when a proposed action and final alternative are selected. If you are unable to attend this meeting, you may still comment in writing by email at bowdoin@fws.gov or by mail to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Laura King, 58355 Bison Range Rd., Moiese, Montana 59824.
A public draft CCP summarizing the proposed action for addressing these issues along with all other refuge programs should be available next summer. This will give the public another opportunity to comment on these alternatives along with the remainder of the CCP. There will be another public meeting at that time. No details of other planning efforts will be available or presented at this October public meeting.
For more information or directions, please contact the refuge office at 406-654-2863
