What happens after the Final Watershed Plan-Environmental Impact Statement is published?
After a Final Plan-EIS is published, a minimum 30-day waiting period is required before a Record of Decision (ROD) may be issued. The ROD notifies the public of the decision NRCS made on the proposed action. After […]
What is the purpose of the Watershed Plan-Environmental Impact Statement for the Milk River and St. Mary River Watersheds?
The purpose of this watershed plan is to alleviate damages to irrigated agriculture and agricultural communities served by the Milk River Project by increasing access to St. Mary River water. The project […]
What are the overall benefits of the project?
Potential benefits of the St. Mary Canal Modernization Project include increased reliability of water delivery for Milk River Project users, including eight irrigation districts, the Blackfeet Nation, numerous private irrigators, […]
When does the public get to review and comment on the Draft Plan-EIS?
The Draft Plan-EIS was released on February 13, 2026 by the Notice of Availability. The comment period opened February 13, 2026 and closes March 30, 2026, during which time the […]
What is the role of Farmers Conservation Alliance (FCA) and HDR?
FCA and HDR are leading the consulting services in support of the St. Mary Canal Modernization Project under National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Milk River Joint Board of Control (MRJBOC), […]
How can I submit comments?
Submitting comments is the most effective way to make your voice heard in the EIS process. Please feel free to send comments at any time during the process. Comments may […]
What is the role of the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Bureau of Reclamation for the proposed project?
The NRCS Montana State Office is funding the development of the Plan-EIS for the St. Mary Canal Modernization Project. The Bureau of Reclamation is the water right holder and owner […]
What are the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Water and Land Related Resources Implementation Studies (PR&G)?
The PR&G govern how federal agencies evaluate proposed water resource development projects. They provide direction to federal agencies when evaluating and selecting major water projects. As it relates to the […]
What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
NEPA was the first major environmental law in the United States, signed by President Nixon on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their […]
What is a Watershed Plan – Environmental Impact Statement (Plan-EIS)?
A Plan-EIS is an official environmental review document required by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for planning and carrying out projects under the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program […]