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NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2026-0053-EA
Project Name: Fallon County Rancher Built Projects

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Project Information

NEPA Number

DOI-BLM-MT-C020-2026-0053-EA
Project Name

Fallon County Rancher Built Projects
Project Type

EA
NEPA Status

In Progress - Public Scoping Period
Lead Office

Miles City Field Office
Last Updated

2/25/2026 5:00:00 PM

Project Description

This Environmental Analysis (EA) is being prepared in response to a permittee’s request to install two separate range improvement projects on two separate BLM grazing allotments. The permittee has proposed installing a pipeline and stocktank on the Burkle #01023 allotment and a cross fence on the Koenig O’Donnell #01074 allotment. The two allotments are located between the towns of Plevna and Baker, Montana in Fallon County (Appendix A, Maps), and are  approximately five miles apart. Both projects would be installed and funded by the permittee, and the permittee would be responsible for all future maintenance. BLM would provide clearance and authorization only. 

The Gumbo Hill Pipeline (RINS #1001512) is proposed on the Burkle allotment. There is an old well on the Burkle allotment which has not been functional for many years. As an alternative to re-drilling the well, the permittee has proposed running a short, half mile pipeline to the old well site. The pipeline’s water source would be a newly drilled, high yielding well on private land. A stocktank would be placed at the end of the new pipeline on BLM land where the old well is located. This pipeline would create a dependable water source and improve livestock distribution in the allotment. 

The Oil Field Fence (RINS #1001513) is proposed on the Koenig-O’Donnell allotment. This is a seven section allotment that is currently unfenced and grazed as one pasture. The proposed fence would split  the allotment into two pastures. The entire fence would be two miles long, one mile would be installed on BLM land, and the other half mile would be installed on the ownership boundary between private and BLM land. This fence would allow better livestock management during the breeding season, in addition to providing early season deferment of cool season vegetation. 

The purpose of this action is for BLM to respond to the permittee’s request to install range improvement projects on BLM administered lands, and if approved, under what terms and conditions. The need is to provide sufficient livestock water on the Burkle #01023 allotment and the ability to properly control livestock movement on the Koenig O’Donnell #01074 grazing allotment. The need includes analyzing the effects of installing these range improvements, and ensuring the allotments continue to achieve Rangeland Health Standards. The need is established under Title 43 CFR § 4130.2(a) which governs issuing grazing permits and in accordance with 43 CFR § 4120.3-1 which outlines conditions for range improvements.

What's New

The BLM is accepting scoping comments from February 25, 2026 through March 12, 2026. BLM is interested in any resource concerns or alternative means of achieving the project's purpose and need. Scoping comments can be submitted in ePlanning via the green "Participate Now" feature. Comments may also be mailed to BLM MCFO, 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City MT 59301. Comments received or post-marked after the closing date may not be accepted.

Project Location

City	State/Territory	Zip Code	County(ies)
plevna	Montana	59344	Fallon

Application Information

Applicant

Case File Number

Program

Sub-Program

Project Dates

Start Date

2/12/2026
End Date

—
FONSI Date

—

Project Office Information

Lead Office

Miles City Field Office
Offices

Miles City FO
Cooperating Agencies

—

Contacts

Contact 1 Name

Contact 1 Email

Contact 1 Phone