Results were compared for consistency, and river segments were 

 grouped according to overall significance. The final result of 

 the resource assessment was the identification of all river 

 areas which possess a particular fish, wildlife, natural, 

 recreation, or cultural value and the relative significance of 

 each area. 



The product of the institutional constraint assessment was an 

 identification or rivers and streams where existing legal desig- 

 nation or administrative programs might constrain the develop- 

 ment of new hydropower facilities. 



Step 5 : Display and Review of Resource Category Findings 



For each resource category a set of data forms identified both 

 the final significance ratings given to individual river seg- 

 ments and the documentation used to substantiate these ratings. 

 Final ratings were also depicted on color coded 1 : lUO, 000-scale 

 maps. Information from the data forms was also entered into a 

 computerized data base. 



Findings were then reviewed by designated senior resource 

 experts and agency and Tribal participants. Results were 

 revised as appropriate by the senior resource experts in con- 

 sultation with regional project management. An opportunity to 

 review results and provide comments was also given to private 

 interest groups and the public. 



A special effort was made to document the significance of 

 reaches and streams found to have high and/or unique resource 

 values, as well as those reaches reflecting the priorities of 

 the Regional Act. 



Step 6 : Information Synthesis 



Information from resource categories was combined in order to 

 display all resource values of a given stream segment. This 

 synthesis was achieved by means of a computerized data manage- 

 ment system. Using this system a matrix can be created which 

 lists all river segments in a given basin and depicts all final 

 resource ratings associated with each segment. 



Step 7 : Presentation and Documentation 



An information packet was prepared which summarized findings tor 

 all resource categories. This information, as well as printouts 

 from the study's computerized information system, were made 

 available to interested persons. Computer drawn maps were also 

 made available. 



In the future, technical information will be distributed by 

 means of information system printouts and/or machine readible 

 discs. A system users guide will also be made available. 

 General information will be made available through a final 

 report describing findings from the Montana portion of the study. 



