Public Comment Sought on a Draft Environmental Assessment and CCAA to Help Conserve Arctic Grayling

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) to help conserve Arctic grayling in the Centennial Valley, Montana. The Centennial Valley CCAA is designed to improve living conditions for this freshwater fish through habitat restoration and other voluntary conservation projects. These actions are expected to increase the distribution of the species, which will help support ongoing conservation efforts.

CCAAs are voluntary conservation agreements that help protect species that are not currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). To participate in a CCAA, non-federal property owners can voluntarily implement specific conservation measures that reduce or eliminate threats to species covered under the agreement. In return, they receive assurances that they will not be required to undertake any additional conservation actions nor be subject to additional resource use or land use restrictions, even if the species becomes listed under the ESA.

Since 2006, private landowners in the Big Hole Valley, adjacent to the Centennial Valley, have conserved Arctic grayling through a voluntary CCAA, completing more than 250 conservation projects. The CCAA provides landowners the flexibility to continue their land management activities. These projects included: riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian fencing, irrigation flow reductions, improved irrigation infrastructure, fish ladders, improved stock water systems, and both passive and active stream restoration. The Service expects to see similar conservation actions in the Centennial Valley, if the CCAA is implemented.

To request further information or send written comments, please use one of the following methods, and note that your information request or comments are in reference to the Centennial Valley CCAA.

U.S. Mail: James Boyd, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Montana Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 585 Shepard Way, Suite 1, Helena, MT 59601.

Email: james_boyd@fws.gov. Include “Centennial Valley CCAA” in the subject line of the message.

In-Person Viewing or Pickup: Documents will be available for public inspection by appointment (406–547–5225, ext. 216) during normal business hours at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Field Office, 585 Shepard Way, Suite 1, Helena, MT 59601.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/.