Graminoid cover averaged 67 percent for one transect sampled in the 

 type, including Idaho fescue (20 percent), rough fescue (Fes tuca 

 scabrel 1a > 18), bluebunch wheatgrass (14), bluegrass species (7) and 

 sedge species (5). Forb cover averaged 72 percent, dominated by silky 

 lupine (29), prairiesmoke ( Geum triflorum , 10), ballhead sandwort (9), 

 cushion buckwheat (8), weedy milkvetch (Astra galus miser., 7), common 

 yarrow (3), pale agoseris (1), nodding onion ( Al 1 iu m cernuum , 1) and 

 fernleaf fleabane (1). 



Annual production for the Fes sca/Aor spi habitat type is highly 



2 

 variable ranoino from 68.5 to 155.0 qrams/rreter (Table 3). Average 



2 

 production, however, is in the range of 90 to 120 grams/meter . 



Muecgler and Stewart (1980) stated that variability in production was 



likely due to annual weather fluctuations. 



The Fes sca/Agr spi habitat type occurred on the Ac gravelly silty loam 

 soil, 15-50 percent slope. 



Rough Fescue/Idaho Fescue (Fes sea/Fes id a) Habitat Type . This type 

 is the most mesic in the rough fescue series in Montana. In the permit 

 area, it occupies gentle to moderate slopes of variable aspect. Soils 

 are well developed. The type is found at elevations of 7350 to 7580 

 feet in the permit area. 



15 



