Management S uggestions 



Based on evaluations of data collected during this study and on-site 

 observations made during the field season, the following management suggestions 

 are offered for the Mount Haggin streams. 



1) Efforts should be made to encourage the reforestation and stabilization of 

 the damaged slopes between Grassy and Sugarloaf Mountains. Livestock should 

 be excluded from this important headwater region until the slopes become less 

 erodable. 



2) Minimum flows for fish and wildlife needs as recommended in this report 

 should be secured and implemented. 



3) Effects of the contracted timber harvest should be monitored on selected 

 streams. A series of sediment and water temperature samples should be collected 

 on a regular basis from established stations. Electrof ishing surveys should 



be impleiDented to determine the effect of logging activities on fisheries if 

 potentially harmful sediment or temperature levels are observed. 



4) Cattle grazing along streams should be minimized. Cattle should be fenced 

 from the immediate streambank and limited to small watering areas. The 

 inventory of streambank, channel and riparian zone stability called for in 



the Interim Management Plan should be implemented to assess the current condition 

 of the ftount Haggin streams and to establish a baseline from which to compare 

 future recovery. A comparative study of channel stability and cover in 

 relation to trout populations on California or Deep Creek would be of some 

 value and should be considered for future implementation. 



5) Concentrations of metals, particularly arsenic, lead and mercury should 



be monitored again in the future. In view of the closing of the Anaconda Smelter, 

 it would be of some value to measure arsenic levels at a future date to monitor 

 change. Heavy metals have been found at low levels in the water column yet have 

 produced harmful effects on fish and invertebrates due to high concentrations 

 in the sediments in Grasshopper Creek (Peterson, 1979). A heavy metals analysis 

 of sediments in French and California Creeks may provide useful information 

 and should be considered. 



6) Additional fisheries work should be considered on the Mount Haggin streams. 

 An electrofishing survey of the Deep Creek drainage should be undertaken to 

 determine if a viable arctic grayling population still exists. If so, care 

 should be taken to protect this species of special concern. 



A further electrofishing survey should be conducted on Willow Creek to 

 determine the size and extent of the cutthroat trout population. Care should 

 be taken to preserve the habitat of this species. 



A creel census should be implemented to determine the extent of fisherman 

 use and exploitation. The Mount Haggin streams could provide an alternative 

 fishery for people dissatisfied with the more restrictive harvest regulations 

 on larger rivers. 



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