9. High density raptor nesting or winter 

 concentration area (nocturnal 

 and/or diurnal raptors); 



10. Habitat supporting either mountain 

 or piping plovers; 



12 



Information on the distribution of species of special concern was 

 gathered primarily from the Montana Heritage Program (MNHP 1987), the state's 

 nongame wildlife program (Flath, pers. comm. 1987), and field biologists. 



Gane and Furbearer Species Value 



Each of the game or furbearer species was assigned a weighting from 2-4 

 depending on its statewide management significance and its association with 

 riparian areas (Table 3). High concern species included white-tail deer, 

 elk, moose, black bear, and river otter. Weights for all game and furbearing 

 species were assigned as follows: 



Table 3. Game species importance values. 



Species 



Weight 



Species 



Weight 



These weighted values were multiplied by the importance value (game 

 species) or habitat suitability rating (furbearing species) assigned by the 

 biologists as follows: 



^^' 



Importance 

 Value 



V 



^' 



V 2 



51/ 



Reason 



Indicates unit supports large 

 populations and/or contains highly 

 critical habitat (e.g. winter range) 

 for a significant population. 



Indicates a unit contains habitats 

 of moderate importance to the species 

 and/or supports moderate populations. 



