PACIFIC NORTHVEST RIVERS STDDY 



Method for Assessing the Significance of River Segments 

 and Systems for Wildlife Resources in Montana 



January 1988 



LEAD AGENCY 



Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks 



SENIOR RESOURCE EXPERT AND STAFF 



John Mundinger, Senior Resource Expert 

 Gael N. Bissell, Project Wildlife Biologist 

 Janet Decker-Hess, Project Staff 



COOPERATING RESOURCE EXPERTS 



Larry Thompson, Natural Resource Information System 



Ray Hoem, Bureau of Land Management 



Don Bartschi, U.S. Forest Service 



Alex Hoar, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



Carol Taylor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



INTRODUCTION 



The Pacific Northwest Rivers Study was initiated in February 1985 to 

 assess the significance of river segments and drainage basins for a variety 

 of fish, wildlife, natural, recreational and cultural resource values. The 

 Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) was designated to take 

 the lead in assessing the value of rivers for wildlife in the state of 

 Montana. 



This report summarizes the methods used to assess the wildlife resources 

 in Montana. It describes how river assessment units were developed, what 

 criteria were used to determine the value of the units, and what standards 

 were used to apply the criteria. The guidelines also present the methods used 

 to collect, analyze, and review the necessary data. Evaluation and potential 

 uses of the data base are also discussed. 



The assessment guidelines have changed considerably from those outlined 

 by Graham (1985). The original approach to the wildlife assessment involved 

 either wildlife habitats and species exclusively associated with riparian 

 areas or regionally important big game species. As the assessment process 

 evolved, the approach shifted from a riparian dominant species to a more 

 inclusive, diversified wildlife database. Although riparian zone species and 

 habitat continued to play a primary role in the analysis, species diversity 

 and overall habitat condition played an equally important role. 



