CRITERTA AND STANDARDS 



Following Is the detailed procedure for assigning value classes: 

 A. Procedure for Category 1 Habitat and Species Value of Stream Reach 

 I. Standards and Associated Points 



Standard Description Points — 



2/ 3/ 



I Best habitat — for: (1) large — , migratory bull trout, 



or (2) class A fish of special concern — . 15.0 



IT Substantial habitat for: (1) large, migratory bull trout, 

 or (2) class A fish of special concern. 



OR 3/ 



Best habitat for: (1) class B fish of special concern, — 

 or (2) class A fish of special concern with genetic value 

 C or D. 10. n 



III Moderate habitat for: (U largo, migratory bull trout, or (2) 

 class A fish of special concern. 



OR 5/ 



Substantial habitat for: (1) class B fish of special concern — , 

 or (2) class A fish of special concern with genetic value 

 C or D. 



OR 

 Best habitat for: (1) class C fish of special rrncern, 

 or (2) native rainbow trout with genetic value D. 5.0 



IV Moderate habitat for: (1) class B fish of special concern — , 

 or (?) class A fish of special concern with genetic value 

 C or D. 



OR 

 Substantial habitat for: (1) class C fish of special concern, 

 or (2) native rainbow trout with genetic value D. 3.0 



V Moderate habitat for: (U class C fish of special concern, or 



(2) native rainbow trout with genetic value D. 1.5 



VT Limited habitat for any fish of special concern. .i 



II Abundant — population of: (1) native fishes not Included 



above — or (2) non-native game or sport species. .4 



VTII Same as Vtl only abundance is common. .3 



IX Same as VII only abundance Is uncommon, unknown, presence 



expected but not verified, or immature fish only .2 



X Presence of any species not listed above. .1 



XI Stream is one of few streams or the only one In the immediate 

 area and is important to community for scientific study, 

 nature study, and/or recreation. 3.0 



XII Stream is a spring stream. 3.0 



XllI Reach has documented potential for significant fish 



habitat Improvement using feasible methods. Points 



or upgrade 

 based on 

 potential 



U 

 2/ 



3/ 

 4/ 



Points are awarded for each species meeting a standard. In order for any 



fish of special concern to be considered as such, it must have a genetic 



value of A or B except where genetic value C or D t s specified. 



The habitat value for a fish of special concern reflects biological values, 



such as competing species, as well as physical attributes and is a 



Judgement decision by a fisheries biologist. 



See criteria for large-size fish in Attachment. 



T-. See list of Montana fishes of special concern in Attachment. 



— Bull trout habitat Is an exception. In stream assessment. 



7/ 



[•ptlon. In stream assessment, special 

 consideration is given only to habitat of large, migratory bull trout. 

 See fish abtindance ratings in Attachment. 

 See list of Montana fishes in Attachment. 



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