Final Checklist Environmental AssessmentCHECKLIST EA page 1
Project Name m s. •.' .l Community Youth r. - :c- rnmplax Proposed u • • 1 n ' n :::roar Date: o • n r 1 •L
proponent Kalispell City • nn
il
• - and f p• of o n The City of Kalispell o- Umposes a 41 year lease.of • o siV=ximately :•1 for f 11 n/ / 4. youth
athletic complex- These lands sire cur;!ently leasAd fhra-pximilhirein rlintnn Gm;swilP__,r_ The la" involved in this proposed-pr-piex't
gre n• • hy the State • M•n :n_;: n tinsto ♦ •n.o■ o •anon. svlutA-U.,- :,a.:.0 • :•:� •uu •/-•, ;n.• n• Y•p:■ne- •
/ •: • /. f�.•1 h.• a =• Vrl U 1 - / - •M FAINIM• Y 1 _ ni.'.:kltlfir�wbl a • _L I • I n..: I 1:• f / . • -
f • / • n • / M.
. 1
• n&W a: /•
N = Not present or No Impact will occur
Y = Impacts may occur (explain under Potential Try)
IMPACTS ON THE PEWSICAL ENVIRONMENT
RESOURCE
ffINI POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
1. GEOLOGY AND SOIL QUALITY, STABILITY AND MOIS-
[ Y ] Proposed development will result in increased soil compaction through paving,
TURE: Are fragile, compactible or unstable soils present? Are
grading and placement of permanent structures. No significant impact is anticipated.
there unusual geologic features? Are there special reclamation
considerations?
2. WATER QUALITY, QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION:
[ N ] Runoff water from the athletic complex is a concern. The paved parking areas,
Are important surface or groundwater resources present? Is there
trails and roads are well distributed throughout the site with the majority of the area in
potential for violation of ambient water quality standards, drinking
green space (see attached site plan). Soil analysis and percolation tests will be
water maximum contaminant levels, or degradation of water
required. Plans and provisions will be initiated to accommodate storm runoff either
quality?
on -site or pipe it off -site. The Montana Department of Transportation's Detention
Basin located on the property could be utilized through a written use agreement. A site
plan will be required to accommodate the natural drainage patterns of runoff including
the natural pond. The lessee will be responsible for assurance of proper drainage as a
result of construction of the athletic complex.
Infrastructure (city sewer and water, power, roads, etc.) will be installed with
development of the 26 fields phase, and with final field development phases in year 4
and/or 5. There will be restrooms for each sport (soccer, softball, major and minor
Pee Wee and Babe Ruth baseball).
Two water wells will be drilled to provide for athletic site irrigation. Calculations
indicate up to 20 million gallons of water could be used on the 38 acres of fields in a
season. The availability of this quantity of water from the deep artesian aquifer
beneath the property has recently been documented. During testing, drawdown levels
in wells were monitored as were static water levels in several other nearby wells. This
testing showed the producing aquifer is very strong and that pumping (even at very
high discharge rates for an extended period of time) had very little effect on nearby
wells.
3. AIR QUALITY: Will pollutants or particulate be produced?
[ Y ] This area is influenced by air quality regulations. Since the project area is in a
Is the project influenced by air quality regulations or zones (Class
°non -attainment status" regarding air particulate levels, dust is an issue. The City's
I airshed)?
preliminary design calls for paving all roads and parking areas (580 parking spaces
constructed initially, with 220 more in the future expansion). Trails would be treated
(wood chips, etc.) to reduce the dust. To abate the dust created from dragging the
melds the lessee will place a "field treatment material" (conditioner) on all the infields.
This is a "dust -free" material and is absorbent - it can handle up to 2" of rain and still
provide a playable surface. Each 70' X 70' infield (or 90' X 90' for Babe Ruth) will
be covered by a 2" thick layer. Since the 138 acres are presently farmed (i.e., the
ground broken up, a seedbed prepared and a crop planted and then harvested in the
fail), this proposed use will likely reduce the amount of dust particulate introduced into
i .>
IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
4. VEGETATION COVER, QUANTITY AND QUALITY: Will
[ Y ] The vegetative cover on the site will be changed from agricultural cereal grain
vegetative communities be permanently altered? Are any rare
crops (planted and harvested yearly) to a 'park -like" atmosphere composed of grass
plants or cover types present?
vegetation with trees planted around the playing fields and adjacent to 4-Mile Drive
and U.S. Highway 93. Approximately 7 acres will be permanently altered by paving
(parking lots and roads).
5. TERRESTRIAL, AVIAN AND AQUATIC LIFE AND
[ Y ] There is use of the area by wildlife and birds. DNRC employees and neighbors
HABITATS: Is there use of the area by important wildlife, birds
have all witnessed use by deer, coyotes, foxes and other small mammals. Some of
or fish?
these wildlife species may be displaced by the athletic complex to adjacent land.
Birds utilizing the area include: geese, ducks, Hungarian partridge, 4 species of hawk,
pheasants, bald eagles and songbirds. Specific songbirds include: Brewers blackbird,
meadow lark, savannah sparrow and killdeer. Some of these songbirds may be
displaced by the athletic complex.
However, the athletic complex design includes landscaping amenities (trees, shrubs,
etc,) which in turn may rovide securi , food and habitat for other wildlife and birds.
6. UNIQUE, ENDANGERED, FRAGILE OR LIMITED
[ N ] Threatened bald eagles occasionally fly over this area. There are no eagle
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES: Are any federally listed
feeding opportunities here - except for the occasional ground squirrel. The closest bald
threatened or endangered species or identified habitat present?
eagle nests are at Ashley and Tally Lakes. Bald eagles are not an issue because: 1) this
Any wetlands? Species of special concern?
area does not provide important foraging, roosting or potential nesting sites, and 2) the
athletic coMElex is not within the home range of an eagle nest.
7. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: Are any
[ Y ] A historical landmark, the Spring Prairie Tree is present on the project site. The
historical, archaeological or paleontological resources present?
Tobacco Plains Trail passed near this historic ponderosa pine tree. This trail was used
for hundreds of years by the Kootenai Indians on their way to the Eastern Montana
plains by way of Hellgate Pass east of Missoula, Montana.
Lessee will be required to protect this landmark pine. They will erect a protective
barrier to keep children from climbing the tree. The lessee will solicit the local
historical society to develop an interpretive sign to share this historical record of
CHECKLIST EA page 3
IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT,,,:,":::,
RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
8. AESTHETICS: Is the project on a prominent topographic
[ Y ] The athletic complex will be visible from the North Haven and Sunrise View
feature? Will it be visible from populated or scenic areas? Will
Estates subdivisions and other adjacent neighbors. Concerns regarding noise and lights
there be excessive noise or light?
are relevant issues. The lessee will be required to mitigate for noise by planting tree
species eight to ten feet in height that will grow to be thirty to fifty feet tall adjacent to
both U.S. Highway 93 and 4-Mile Drive. There will be windbreak species with
evergreen trees planted behind them. Landscaping will be situated to avoid causing
drifting snow to pile up on 4 Mile Drive. The vegetation is intended to absorb noise
and screen the athletic complex from the view of the homes situated lower down the
hill. Homes situated higher on the hill will still look into the athletic complex.
Public Address (PA) systems are not used for normal baseball/softball league play. PA
systems will only be utilized at this complex for state and regional tournaments. No
PA systems are used for soccer. One should not experience `horn honking" by
spectators, since they will leave their vehicles in parking areas and walk to the various
ball field bleachers to view the games.
Baseball events are scheduled in April, May, June and July. Spring "Select" Soccer
begins in April and runs through mid -June. Soccer runs from mid -August into October
each year.
Under the present agriculture cropping use, stubble fields are present after harvest up
until fall or spring seeding. We believe this athletic complex will complement the
adjacent neighborhoods by providing green space and park, picnic and playground
areas. Informal use of the complex by joggers, cross country skiers, bicyclists, etc. is
expected.
Future playgrounds will be similar to Woodland Park. Playgrounds will not be
developed with the initial sports complex, but would be included under "Capital
Improvements Requests" of the Kalispell City Parks & Recreation Department.
Only the Babe Ruth fields situated at the extreme north end of the complex will be
lighted. This is situated roughly 2,000 feet from 4-Mile Drive and over r/2 mile from
Country View Estates to the North. Specially designed lighting will be utilized on the
Babe Ruth fields which direct the light down onto the playing field with minimal glare,
to reduce off -site lighting spill. However, this new source of light (compared to the
present agricultural use) could entail a minor lifestyle change for adjacent neighbors.
Lighting of the Babe Ruth fields may not happen until full field development has
occurred.
Athletic complex hours of operation was a concern of local neighbors. The park/picnic
areas open at 7:00 AM and close at 10:00 PM daily. The complex would be signed
showing the regulations and the hours of operation.
Organized play for softball and baseball is:
0 Weekdays - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (normally)
0 Saturday - regular Babe Ruth games and occasional Pee Wee games.
0 Sunday - Tournaments only
0 All uses stop at 10:00 PM
Organized Soccer:
® Saturday - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
9. DEMANDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF
[ N ]
LAND, WATER, AIR OR ENERGY: Will the project use
resources that are limited in the area? Are there other activities
nearby that will affect the to'ect?
10.I1"ACTS ON OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES:
[ N ]
Are there other studies, Elans or projects on this tract?
ACTS ON THE HUMAN POPULATION
RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
11. HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY: Will this project add to
[ Y ] Traffic concerns will be addressed under Item #15. Pedestrians crossing U.S.
health and safety risks in the area?
Highway 93 to access the athletic complex will utilize the traffic light. If funds are
available, a bicycle entry path from the sidewalk to the athletic complex could be
constructed. A fence will be erected along 4-Mile Drive and adjacent to the soccer
fields for 1/4+ mile. The north end of the athletic complex will not be fenced until the
future development phase is completed. The fences are intended to provide for youth
safety and facility security.
The lessee will be required to provide sufficient parking associated with activities
conducted at the complex. (The initial 26 field development will provide 580 parking
spaces; with 800 anticipated for future parking needs.) At no time will associated
parking be allowed outside of the complex. Scheduled athletic activities shall not
exceed existing parking.
Field accessories such as bleachers and player benches will be purchased or
constructed by thereective athletic associations.
12. INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL
[ Y ] The community and DNRC would lose the present agricultural production of
ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTION: Will the project add to or
cereal grains from our present lessee (Clinton Grosswiler) on this tract. It produces
alter these activities?
a2proximately 50 bushels of wheat per acre.
13. QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT:
[ Y ] This athletic complex will create short-term employment during the construction
Will the project create, move or eliminate jobs? If so, estimate
phases. Once it is in operation, the lessee workforce would consist of one full-time
number.
person and 3 to 4 seasonals for o eration and maintenance.
14. LOCAL AND STATE TAX BASE AND TAX REVENUES:
[ N ]
Will the Proiect create or eliminate tax revenue?
CHECKLIST EA page 5
MEASURES
15. DEMAND FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Will traffic I [ Y j This proposal would require the lessee to bring the sewer and domestic water
be added to existing roads? Will other services (fire protection, systems from 4-Mile Drive to the various athletic complex sites.
police, schools, etc.) be needed?
There may be a minor increase in demand for city police services (routine patrols,
complaints, etc.) for security because of the size of the athletic complex. (The police
currently patrol the existing ball fields and these activities would move to this location).
In addition to the routine police patrols mentioned, park maintenance personnel are on -
site and provide security. Also, private security businesses could be called upon for
back-up should the need arise. Signs will be posted at all entrances notifying the public
of use regulations and the hours of operation. Police and security patrols will regulate
after hours use.
Traffic will increase on 4-Mile Drive from Monday through Thursday in late spring
through fall from 4:00 PM until approximately 9:30 PM. During peak hours of
athletic complex operation (4:00 PM to 9:30 PM) the stop light at the junction of U.S.
Highway 93 and 4-Mile Drive will cycle more frequently to accommodate this increase
in traffic flow. There will be a moderate level of activity from park/picnic/trail use
from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends, some increased traffic will be experienced
due to use of the park and picnic areas, and for soccer and state and regional baseball
tournaments.
There will be a short period where the afternoon "work to home traffic" on U.S.
Highway 93 (4:30 to 5:30 PM) conflicts directly with the Athletic Complex traffic.
U.S. HIGHWAY 93 & G VIEW/FOUR-MILE DRIVE
ESTIMATED PEAR HOUR TRAFFIC - 4:30 TO 5:30 WEEKDAYS
APPROACH
North
DELAVIVFHICLE
- 1996
DFT AYNE141C
5.0
Seconds
4.5
Seconds
South
5.5
Seconds
6.9
Seconds
East
11.5
Seconds
11.7
Seconds
West
10.7
Seconds
10.7
Seconds
You can ascertain from the above table that vehicles at the intersection of U.S.
Highway 93 and 4-Mile Drive will experience increased waiting time. The results of a
traffic analysis showed the critical movement of Athletic Field traffic is the left turn
from US Highway 93 into 4-Mile Drive. By the year 2000, this movement will be
operating near capacity due to the increase of southbound traffic resulting in fewer gaps
for the left turn. When this condition is reached, a protected left turn signal will be
installed. (This signal will also be needed for turns into Flathead Valley Community
College).
In conjunction with the construction of the Athletic Complex, the 4-Mile Drive
approach to US 93 will be widened to 24'. This will provide a 12' shared through and
left turn lane, and requires construction of a 12' right turn lane 250 feet in length to the
west. Refer to Traffic Chides for Kalispell Community Athletic Emilia by Clete Daley &
Associates, December, 1996.
Athletic events at the complex will release spectators at staggered times. Likely game
durations are as follows:
4 Soccer - 1 hour
4 T-Ball - 1 hour plus
® Softball - 1 hour & 20 minutes
® Baseball - minors and majors - 2 hours
4 Babe Ruth - 2 1A to 3 hours.
16. LOCALLY ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS AND I [ Y ] Under the Flathead County Zoning Regulations, this tract is zoned as
GOALS: Are there State, County, City, USFS, BLM, Tribal, Agricultural-80.
etc., zoning or management plans in effect?
Since the City of Kalispell is making a substantial investment in the Athletic Complex
(approximately 1.8 million dollars), they have requested this tract be annexed into the
adjoining City of Kalispell. A joint application is presently being prepared, and if
17. ACCESS TO AND QUALYTY OF RECREATIONAL AND [ Y j The maximum recreational potential of this tract would be realized by the
WILDERNESS ACTIVTTIFS: Are wilderness or recreational construction of a community athletic complex. Some bird hunting will be displaced to
areas nearby or accessed through this tract? Is there recreational I the remaining parcel.
CHECKLIST EA page 6
�® EWPACTS ON THE HUMAN POPULATION
RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
18. DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION AND
[ N ]
HOUSING: Will the project add to the population and require
additional housing?
19. SOCIAL STRUCTURES AND MORES: Is some disruption
[ Y ] If the Action alternative is chosen, the tract would go from an agricultural/rural
of native or traditional lifestyles or communities possible?
atmosphere to intensive seasonal recreational activities. This athletic complex could
alter the existing life les of adjacent neighbors and existing lessee.
20. CULTURAL UNIQUENESS AND DIVERSITY: Will the
[ N ]
action cause a shift in some unique ualiof the area?
21. OTHER APPROPRIATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
[ Y ] Regional tournaments and other various activities conducted at the athletic
CIRCUMSTANCES:
complex would economically enhance the surrounding business community (refer to
Preliminary Design Summary, Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex, January 1997, pages
13 & 14).
Presently, DNRC averages approximately $5,000.00 dollars annually in crop shares
from the 138 acres.
DNRC projects the following trust income from the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex
lease:
y2ar Fee
1 $11,412.50
2 22,825.00
3 26,950.00
4 33,962.50
5 37,950.00
6 38,519.25
7 39,097.04
8 39,683.49
9 40,278.75
10 40,882.93
11 41,496.17
12 42,118.61
13 42,750.39
14 43,391.65
15 44,042.52
16 44,703.16
17 45,373.71
18 46,054.32
19 46,745.13
20 New Rate Negotiated
22. Alternatives Considered:
® No Action - Renew the present Agricultural Lease with Clinton Grosswiler.
Action Alternative - City of Kalispell's proposed Community Athletic Complex.
NWLO considered one other Action alternative, but dismissed it. This Action alternative consisted of completing a Master Plan
for the entire 620 acres in Section 36, T29N, R22W. There were no contracting dollars available for DNRC to bid this Master
Plan out for completion. Instead, DNRC personnel met in the Fall of 1996 to look at the allocation of the whole 620 acre tract.
Only two concrete proposals for use existed at the time: 1) The Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex and 2) The Kalispell Highway
93 By-pass. Movement of the athletic complex from the SE to the NW corner of the section was seriously considered. However,
the cost to the City of Kalispell was prolubitive considering nearby access to City sewer and water facilities located just south of 4-
Mile Drive. Easy access into the 138 acre tract in the SEV4 of Section 36 from Kalispell by youth was also an important factor.
The SEV4 location is adjacent to the present city limits for future city annexation possibilities and made this location important to
the City of Kalispell. Placement of other speculative Public Uses (high school, elementary school, fairgrounds, government office
complex) and commercial uses did not constrain or preclude the athletic complex.
The results of DNRC allocation meetings were to recommend: 1) The Highway 93 By-pass through Section 36 be co -located with
the existing BPA powerline to create a "Transportation corridor" about 500' wide, and 2) the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex
remain in the SE t/4 of the section.
CHECKLIST EA page 7
23. Public Involvement, Agencies, Groups or Individuals contacted:
Two public information meetings were held (June 19, 1996 and September 4, 1996). Meeting notices were carried in the
Daily Inter Lake. Engineers report on Athletic complex design was presented at 1/13/97 Kalispell City Council Meeting.
Final open house proposed for March 20,1997 (3:00 to 6:00 p.m.) at DNRC conference room.
Public comments have been incorporated into this document.
24. Other Governmental Agencies with Jurisdiction, List of Permits Needed:
Montana Department of Transportation - Traffic controls installed. City of Kalispell - building permits; sewer; water;
grading; construction plans; annexation; road widening, paving and right tam lane on 4-Mile Drive.
EA Checklist Prepared By: T- t,;P-4z.�vanaapr T u;t Land Management Program. Nortbwastarn TAnd Offle-P
Name Title Date
25. Alternative selected:
Action Alternative - City of Kalispell's Community Athletic Complex.
26. Magnitude and Significance of Potential Impacts:
In my opinion, the Action alternative as proposed by the City of Kalispell best meets DNRC's mission of generating the largest
reasonable return over the long run for Montana's School Trusts. The Action alternative complies with all pertinent
environmental laws, DNRC policies, standards and guidelines and a consensus of professional opinion on limits of acceptable
environmental impact. All resource management concerns and issues identified have been addressed. Specific mitigation
measures for each resource or issue are covered in the City's "Design Summary, or Construction Documents" or are listed as
stipulations in the lease. Since this is a 40 year lease, the development of an athletic complex does eliminate other as yet
unidentified revenue generating opportunities on this tract for this time period.
While the No Action (agriculture) alternative provides revenue to the School Trust, it is less than the full market value DNRC
would receive from the City of Kalispell's Athletic Complex proposal. It is clear to me that if DNRC accepted compensation
for the use of school trust land which was less than full market value (No Action Alternative), DNRC would be in breach of our
statutory mission.
For the above reasons, I have decided to select the Athletic Complex alternative for implementation. I find there will be no
significant impact on the natural and lgsman environment as a result of implementation. Specific project design features, resource
management specialist's and consultants' recommendations and design sWulards have been incorporated to ensure that in
DNRC's professional opinion, the project will fall within the limits of acceptable environmental change and result in no
significant effects.
Recommendation for Further Environmental Analysis:
[ ] EIS ( ] More Detailed EA M No Further Analysis
EA Decision By: , Clive RooneySveci-'l Uses Bareat± Chief Trust Land Manaezment Division DNRC NzmeTitle
If
bSzrch 14, 1997
Signawre
le,
ZOO
ci
/f///��•/�i/i,'�,{�='�-Tri.-�,%`i;:;'-.—»_..L..............
/ �• �urul;,< act;,r'1/,� ,� /' .r',.: i i i ; , , i_ is
:-ri, y
/ ;(1' 1 /t.
,I,
/�r.q ;!= {/ r /! J. /1., ,�,/1GL Ri.NK / ;I „_..-•--•--•- 1
y; jr��i �/
Po
of _ r
Mon ta ittCr _I;t-,-��,��%�f UND>►✓EI;O�ED:- :�i" �� ,� � �; j -- ---
$!�' .X /i ./i♦ �` ! %� !% % ��—�,% ,/ 1,'\•C j�!_" .'�'/ INVDEVEL�OPE�.•' i i /�
•- , Irl/r/ �f,� a /� V/'47,', %i/ 1`CliMI
-=,///� /FtJtU�'E'SOEfbALL✓%
Or r
� geed �; 1,1 - �'• ..a�_ �;/���-;� „,,�,,�;,:,i;,, ,
F
t AcreaAga 67.00 t SF•. 2,91,5,520 SF i �+ (OADf, iOM:1,903 LF, .36 Mllesoad Area: 24 Ft I •�+e LQt Antes Pvtrtt, 45.6T2 SF
sri" Lot Area & 65ZM OF 200 -
I r.*y LotArn. Mao.2to sF �"`.°`
•
I P.hy Lot Area D.�' � �/i!i r ////�/-- �\►tom : =+••� 50 ALL om7.66O SF 6SP.cs SA Vnft
6pac°•
ICI
1 f F
I rs►id^E lot Ars. E 61.869• 190 SPA • , rL.� .C_/�::�;.,/ ,(1/ xi / i t ! `' t - ALL
Toth r.riiry Lot Amm 269,gp9gF•-6r6./1� 1: �f - - - ^ — j �•: i t_! i ' .
I sPWOM W2 SPaom 6. 17 MA JOiZS -S.
..�.
Soccer: 7 Raids 6a4,194 SF. Z.6 Ac. I i / : /` f
I, Mlnorsc s Fields. zi,:rra SF. 4.911e. ,'
I D.be RtrtlrF2�y 274,7!'.f6 OF. 6.S Ac.
I Fields. 276.268 SF. OM Ac.
SortbtitE 8 Fieids,'56Q„8W SF • u'
Total Fields: 27 FW&. L786.93g SF 38.87 Aa
1 1 i 4 1 1 ji I .�t ""rsa�'o" 1.
l L.....................
-�
I '
50herrlatic Site PlanFicldo
D t ! !
�J- ci1001 Section Property, Kaliopell ,lvlontalla
zs ,
S: ft SC�,c M ty� � a .
�asoc ,r.i 1
J'North Date: 11-1-96 W,u, ,�� . ••••� Lot; j
�...•—.-_.._.._.._.L.
• 4t
RI I -
I 1
1 '
i
!
-.._..----••-•---._.._.._..--•--------• i — — — —
1
Ij
ij
l
1
i FVCC !
IlI '� 1
1
1 j i
�I
N i !
1
I
. 1 i
I 00,
1
Igo 1
I
•g� 1
e 7 1
1 .
' i 1
I o
' i 1
I � !
_ !
I j
I I
L-----
2- 4 .� '
t