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proposed si Ivi cultural practices that may be adversely affect water quality. 

 Some of these environmental analyses prepared as part of the planning 

 process are excellent, others are pathetic. 



The entire planning process (and environmental analysis) is predicated on 

 an adequate knowledge of the baseline conditions of the area to be affected. 

 This data (including soils, geology, hydrology, etc.) is not available 

 for most areas and must be identified as an important NEED. Public and 

 private groups should be encouraged to gather sufficient baseline data 

 to discuss potential impacts of implementing silvicultural practices. 

 As a minimum, those factors discussed in Section VI-C (Critical Areas) 

 should be addressed. 



Possessing adequate baseline data will allow prediction of some impacts 

 of implementing silvicultural practices. The amount of research done 

 in the Montana Statewide 208 Area addressing impacts is minimal, however, 

 and adequate baseline data does not necessarily imply that impacts can be 

 accurately predicted. The U.S. Forest Service and the University of 

 Montana have some programs evaluating the impacts of silvicultural practices 

 on water quality. More work in this area is needed; federal, state, and 

 private groups should be encouraged to support or conduct this type of 

 evaluation and analysis. 



BMP's for the Montana Statewide 208 Area 



1. Develop general drainage and timber management plans jointly 

 with other owners in vicinity of the operation to minimize 

 cumulative impacts of several operations. 



