HomeMy WebLinkAbout22B Wildlife Correspondance
TO: Kevin Jacobsen
FROM: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
DATE: 2/20/15
RE: The Lakes at Valley West Subdivision-Phases 1 & 2
FWP is writing in response to your request for review and a summary of probable impacts of the
aforementioned development to fish and wildlife. This project subdivides 19.8 acres in T2S,
R5E, and Section 9 into 57 lots for residential development. The general location falls south of
Durston Lane and west of Cottonwood Road.
This development should have negligible effects to wildlife. The general matrix of the
surrounding area contains a substantial level of human development and the development site is
relatively small. Wildlife in the area can include deer, raccoons, foxes, and foraging raptors. We
anticipate little to no negative effect on ungulate winter range. The large wetland complex will
likely host several species of waterfowl throughout the year. The addition of waterfowl nesting
boxes and platforms could further enhance the wildlife value of the open space.
We have few general wildlife comments and concerns.
1) Black bears, mountain lions, deer, and moose may rarely move through this area,
especially along the riparian corridor. Future residents should be aware of this
possibility, and consider minimizing all wildlife attractants including unsecured garbage,
pet foods, barbeque grills, and birdseed.
2) Feed or supplements (such as salt blocks), are wildlife attractants and are against state
law (MCA 87-3-130) for public safety and wildlife health.
3) Pets should be controlled and not be allowed to roam. Under current state law it is illegal
for dogs to chase hoofed game animals and the owner may be held guilty for their dogs’
behavior (MCA 87-3-124).
4) Deer will feed on green lawns, gardens, flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees.
Homeowners should consider landscaping with deer-resistant vegetation
Our principal concerns for impacts to fish at this time are generic to this type of development and
its potential to harm local waterways. In general you should plan to avoid any activity (road
building and associated infrastructure, house construction, utility placement) near surface waters
that might destabilize existing channel configurations. You will want to avoid disturbing
riparian or wetland vegetation. And you will want to avoid situations that might deliver
pollutants to surface waters as can happen for example when paved surfaces concentrate oil or
other petroleum products that can be washed into channels by rain or snowmelt. Drainage
within the subdivision is a critical consideration to avoid increasing sediment or other
contaminants that might be delivered to local waterways.
Our other main concern is to prevent localized stream disturbances during construction. We
anticipate that your construction plans will include actions to reduce or mitigate sediment
delivery, and to prevent discharges of petroleum products or other harmful substances into
nearby ditches, or to lands capable of delivering these substances to nearby waterways. An
important project goal should be to ensure that the completed subdivision poses no direct or
persistent environmental threat to the local watershed.
Please let us know if you would like any additional information or clarification.
Sincerely,
Julie Cunningham, Wildlife Biologist
Travis Horton, Fisheries Manager
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
1400 S. 19th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59718