Habitat Suitability 



Rank the overall habitat suitability (H.S.) on 

 the data form for the river assessment unit for 

 the species listed on the chart using 

 definitions below: 



3= Excellent - river or basin has potential to 

 support high density or numbers of the par- 

 ticular species relative to other habitats 

 in Montana; classic habitat for this species 

 in Montana; 



2= Moderate - river or basin supports moderate 

 density or numbers of this species, but 

 better habitat can be found elsewhere in 

 Montana; 



1= Low - river or basin supports low density or 

 number of this species; habitat may be 

 patchy or marginal; 



or blank = No suitable habitat exists for 

 this species along river or in basin. 



Specialized Wildlife Use Area ; 



Does river segment or basin contain any of the 

 following specialized wildlife use areas? 

 Circle letter on Answer Sheet. 



a) Waterfowl staging areas, low level feeding 

 flight paths, "prime wetlands" as described 

 by USFWS or MDFWP. 



b) Warm/hot springs open in winter and used by 

 winter/migrating waterfowl species; 



c) High gradient streams supporting breeding 

 harlequin ducks or amphibians of special 

 concern (Pacific giant salamander, Coeur 

 d'Alene salamander. Rough skinned newt, 

 tailed frog); 



d) Sloughs, backwater areas supporting reptiles 

 of special concern (spiny softshell, 

 snapping turtle); 



e) Riparian areas supporting colonies (>5 

 pairs) of double-crested cormorants, great 

 blue herons, American white pelican; 



f) Large nesting osprey population area (>1 

 active nest per river mile long minimum 5 

 river miles); 



g) Cliffs occupied or suitable for nesting 

 golden eagles; 



h) High density raptor populations; 

 j) Other (write in on data form): 



A- 5 



