Busby, MT) – Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) is seeking public comment for a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed Grazing Plan at Rosebud Battlefield State Park near Busby, MT. Comments will be accepted through Friday, July 21, 2017 at 5pm.
The proposed project would establish a 3-year (renewable for additional 4 years) grazing program at the park under a lease agreement. The leasee(s) would be permitted to graze cattle within the park in exchange for the maintenance of existing and new fencing, heritage surveys, weed control and payment of cash once these other needs are met.
Managing the vegetation within the park would enhance stewardship of land by protecting archeological, cultural, and historic resources and limiting fuel availability to wildfires thus reducing fire danger to the park and surrounding properties. Additionally, the grazing program would improve range health, spur plant growth, and improve wildlife habitat.
Rosebud Battlefield State Park was designated as a state park in 1978 to preserve a portion of the area where the Battle of the Rosebud occurred on June 17, 1876. This battle between Native American Tribes and forces of the US Army was part of the Great Sioux Wars of 1876, which also included the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This battle has significant historical and cultural value and the park has been designated as a National Historic Landmark in acknowledgement of the site’s importance.
To view the complete draft Rosebud Grazing EA visit: http://stateparks.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmental-assessments/pn_0074.html
Public comment will be open for a period of 30 days. The public is invited to comment by email to Raymond.Schell@mt.gov or comment online at stateparks.mt.gov and click “submit comments”.
The public may also send written comments by mail to: Rosebud Grazing EA, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, PO Box 8, Decker, MT 59025. Public comments must be received by Friday, July 21, 2017 at 5pm.
For questions about the draft EA and/or the public comment process, contact Raymond Schell, Rosebud Battlefield State Park Manager at (406) 757-2298 or Raymond.Schell@mt.gov.
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