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NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2026-0094-EA
Project Name: Prairie County Mineral Material Pits

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Project Information

NEPA Number

DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2026-0094-EA
Project Name

Prairie County Mineral Material Pits
Project Type

EA
NEPA Status

In Progress - Public Scoping Period
Lead Office

Miles City Field Office
Last Updated

5/19/2026 5:00:00 PM

Project Description

This Environmental Analysis (EA) has been prepared in response to Prairie County’s request to resume operations at two previously authorized, but now expired, gravel and scoria pits—Cabin Creek and Chapman—and to authorize development of a new gravel pit, Noris. Prairie County has submitted operation plans for all three pits for a 10-year mineral material Free Use Permit (FUP). Each FUP allows for 50,000 cubic yards of material over a 10-year timeline.  Gravel from the site will be used for maintenance on Prairie County roadways and infrastructure as far away as fifty miles. The county is not allowed to sell the materials provided under the FUP. All proposed activities would occur on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)–administered surface lands within the county.
The Cabin Creek Pit (MTMT106745470), located at T11N R55E S12, is situated south of Interstate 94 and east of Mildred between McNaney Creek and Cabin Creek off Cabin Creek Road. This pit will incorporate 12.82 acres.
Chapman Pit (MTMT106745339), located at T15 N R47E S4, is situated west of Highway 253 off Duck Creek Road. This pit will incorporate 19.5 acres. If approved this material will be used for maintenance on Prairie County roadways and infrastructure. Gravel from the site will be used to maintain roadways as far away as fifty miles.
Noris [Little Sheep] Pit (MTMT106269790), will be located at T13N R47E S8&9 and will be located west of Highway 253 off Cherry Creek Road. This pit will incorporate 7.82 acres. Gravel from this site will be used to maintain roadways.

Project Location

City	State/Territory	Zip Code	County(ies)
Fallon	Montana	59326	Prairie

Application Information

Applicant

Prairie County
Case File Number

Cabin Creek Pit: MTMT106745470; Chapman Pit: MTMT106745339; Noris (Little Sheep) Pit: MTMT106269790
Program

Mining
Sub-Program

Mineral Materials (Limestone, Sand and Gravel, etc.)

Project Dates

Start Date

5/7/2026

Project Office Information

Lead Office

Miles City Field Office
Offices

Eastern Montana - Daks DO, Miles City FO

Contacts

Contact 1 Name

Shane Findlay
Contact 1 Email

[email protected]
Contact 1 Phone

(406) 233-3644