- 46 - 

 The middle Fisher River (from the mouth of Wolf Creek to U.S. Highway 

 No. 2) has been channelized and shortened by road construction associated 

 with silvicultural activities. Combined with increased water yields 

 from upstream silvicultural and grazing practices, the river is sustaining 

 streambank scouring and addition of sediment to the river (USPS - Fisher 

 River, pers. comm. ; DF&G - Kali spell, pers. comm.). 



Within the Wolf Creek drainage (northeast portion of the Fisher River 

 watershed), timber harvest has been extensive on all ownerships (USFS, 

 State, and private). Increased water yield has most probably been caused 

 by these operations, enhanced by grazing activities. However, the major 

 stress factor placed upon the hydrologic regime is the shortening (by 2-3 

 miles) and channelization of the stream (Army Corps of Engineers) during 

 construction of the railroad. Severe bank erosion, high sediment loads, 

 and increased water temperatures have resulted from these activities 

 (USFS - Fisher River, pers. comm.; DF&G - Kalispell, pers. comm.; Lincoln 

 County Conservation District, 1977). 



The upper Fisher River between Miller Creek and Loon Lake has also been 

 shortened and channelized, during construction of U.S. Highway No. 2 

 (DF&G - Kalispell, pers. comm.). 



The southwest corner of the Fisher River drainage (T25-26N, R29-30W) is 

 an area of checkerboard ownership (USFS and BN) where the potential for 

 future water quality problems is high. These drainages (Silver Butte 

 Creek and East Fisher Creek) are particularly sensitive to forestry 

 activities because some stream channels are unstable, resulting from 

 fires within the watersheds. 



Problem areas are delineated in Table VI-A3 and located on Plate I. 



