PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIVERS STUDY 



Method for Assessing the Significance of River Segments and Systems for 



Fisheries Resources in Montana 

 Revised June 1986 



LEAD AGENCY 



Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks 



SENIOR RESOURCE EXPERT AND STAFF 



George Holton, Assistant Fisheries Division Administrator, MDFWP, Senior 



Resource Expert 

 Burwell Gooch, Programmer /Analyst , Montana Department of Administration 



COOPERATING RESOURCE EXPERTS 



Don Bartschi, Regional Fisheries Program Manager, Region 1, U.S. Forest 



Service 

 Dan Hinckley, Wildlife Management Biologist, Montana State Office, U.S. 



Bureau of Land Management 

 Larry Lockard, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



INTRODUCTION 



The Pacific Northwest Rivers Study was initiated to assess the significance of 

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

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

 Wildlife and Parks has been designated to take the lead in assessing the value 

 of streams for fisheries in the state of Montana. 



This report summarizes the methods which were used in this study, and which will 

 be used In an on-going assessment of Montana stream fisheries. It identifies 

 the value classes to which stream reaches are assigned, the criteria used to 

 determine the value class of each reach, and the standards used to apply these 

 criteria. It includes study methods and a project evaluation. 



CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 



Each stream reach is placed in a value class (see below) for each of the 

 following two categories. The final classification, the fishery resource value, 

 is the higher class given for category 1 or 2. 



CATEGORY 1 - HABITAT AND SPECIES VALUE OF STREAM REACH 



The class of each reach is determined by a point system in which most points are 

 awarded for important habitats of fishes of special concern (native fishes found 

 in limited numbers and/or limited number of waters). Fewer points are awarded 

 for less important habitats of fishes of special concern and for the occurrence 

 of widespread species found in substantial numbers. Least points are awarded for 

 occurrence of non-indigenous species considered of minimal value. Additional 

 consideration is given stream reaches with especially important spawning 

 habitat. Points are also given for local community value where a stream, being 

 one of few or the only one in the immediate area, is important to a community 

 for scientific study, nature study, and/or recreation. Spring streams are given 

 special recognition. 



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