VALUE CLASSES 



Following are the value classes (and corresponding map colors) to 

 which recreational river reaches were assigned: 



1 Outstanding recreational resources (Red) 



2 Substantial value recreational resources (Orange) 



3 Moderate value recreational resources (Grey) 



4 Limited value recreational resources (Green) 



Unclassi fied 

 ( Brown ) 



or unknown recreational resources 



If a river segment was not included in one of these classes, the 

 resource value was presumed not present or did not meet the 

 minimum standards to be included in the study. However, 

 hydroelectric development on segments not included could still 

 adversely affect recreational resources. The inventory is 

 concluding only that segments inventoried are more likely to have 

 recreational resources that could pose constraints to 

 de ve lopmen t . 



There are likely many Montana rivers providing recreational 

 opportunities that are not included in the study; these will be 

 sought out when the data base is updated. 



Value classes had verbal descriptions of the type of river 

 segment that would fall into each class, to insure consistency of 

 class definitions. These are provided in the section on 

 Standards. 



CRITERIA 



Eight cr iter ia--resour ce attributes or use characteristics that 

 help to give rivers recreational value — were used to describe the 

 river segments included in the study; each segment was rated on 

 all criteria. Following is a description of each. 



1 . Opportunities for boating . 



River segments were categorized by water surface characteristics, 

 which also implied the type of boating possible on that part of 

 the river. Five categories were used: 



- Segment is exclusively flat water or smooth enough to 

 permit motorboats. 



- Segment contains minor rapids and riffles (Class I or 

 II) suitable for canoes, dories, and other crafts. 



