PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIVERS STUDY 

 Method for Assessing the Significance of River Segments and Systems for 



Natural Features in Montana 



LEAD AGENCY 



Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation 



SENIOR RESOURCE CONTACT AND STAFF 

 Larry Thompson (406)444-6786 

 Tom Ring (406)444-67 85 



COOPERATING RESOURCE CONTACTS 



Leon Logan, USES, P. 0. Box 7669, Missoula MT 59801 (406)329-3516 

 Bert Williams, BLM, P.O. Box 36800, Billings, MT 59807 (406)657-6561 



INTRODUCTION 



The Pacific Northwest Rivers Study was initiated in 1984 to assess the 

 significance of river segments and systems for a variety of fish, wildlife, natural, 

 cultural, and recreational resource values. The Montana Department of Natural 

 Resources and Conservation has been designated to take the lead in assessing the value 

 of rivers for natural features in the state of Montana. 



This report summarizes the method which will be used to complete the natural 

 features assessment. It identifies the value classes to which natural features will 

 be assigned, the criteria which will be used to determine the value of natural 

 features, the standards used to apply these criteria, and the process by which 

 decisions will be made. 



The approach to be followed in this assessment relies heavily on the compilation 

 of existing data. New data will be generated from existing aerial photography, USGS 

 quadrangle maps, and limited field work for selected rivers as time allows. The 

 required products of the study will be a set of 1:100,000 maps of Montana on which 

 known natural features are plotted, together with accompanying documentation and 

 suggested value class ratings for each feature and for selected river reaches. 



CATEGORY DESCRIPTION 



Natural features include: (a) endangered and threatened plants; (b) rare or 



unique plant communities; (c) river-related geologic and hydrologic features, and (d) 



previously designated natural areas or features. Specific elements to be addressed 

 are listed in Table 1. 



VALUE CLASSES 



Each natural feature will be assigned to one of the following value classes to 

 denote its relative significance. The criteria and standards discussed below will be 

 used to assign features to these value classes. 



