MDT Montana Wetland Assessment Method May 25, 1999 



14B. Habitat for Plants or Animals Rated SI, S2, or S3 by the Montana Natural Heritage Program: This field assesses use of 

 the AA by species rated S 1 (critically imperiled). S2 (imperiled), or S3 (voilnerable) by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (not 

 including '^vatch list" species). Species within these MNHP categories are inclusive of U. S. Forest Service-listed sensitive species 

 and USFWS candidate species that are not subject to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. To avoid duplication, do not 

 include species listed above under 14A. Lists of plants and animals rated SI. S2. and S3 by the MNHP that may be associated with 

 wetlands in Montana are presented in .Appendix D. 



i. Circle D or S to indicate whether habitat for these species is documented or suspected within the AA at the ascertained level using 

 the definitions provided above under 14A. As discussed under 14A. it may be appropriate to indicate more than one habitat level for 

 multiple species. List the species that correspond to each habitat level applying to the AA. 



ii. Rating. Use the highest level habitat (e.g.. the level that corresponds to the highest functional point value) determined under i to 

 detenmne the functional point value for the AA. If sensitive species habitat is documented at the AA, indicate the source of the 

 documentation. 



14C. General Wildlife Habitat: This field assesses general wildlife habitat potential of the AA based upon evidence of wildlife use 

 and habitat features. The combination of these two variables is considered to more accurately assess this function than if habitat 

 features alone were used. A site may contain what are perceKed to be outstanding habitat features for wildlife, but for reasons difBcult 

 to detect (such as presence of toxins, etc.) may onh' receive minimal to moderate use. Opportumties for enhancement may exist if such 

 a situation were correctable. Converseh'. a site may contain few desirable habitat features, but mav receive significant use due to a 

 general lack of habitat in the area or other factors and mav be under-rated for this function if wildlife use was not considered. 



With respect to habitat features, variables assessed include structural diversity, evenness of vegetated classes, duration of surface water 

 in at least 10 percent of the AA. and degree of disturbance. Structural diversity and evenness of vegetated classes relate to the amount 

 of niches available in an area. More niches are potentially available as more layers of habitat occur, so more wildlife species 

 potentially are supported by more structurally complex habitats (Cooperrider et al. 1986). Similarly, Hauer and others (1999) state that 

 pothole wetlands with the highest level of ecosvstem complexity and diversit\' tend to have a relatively even spatial distribution of 

 wetland zones. 



The duration of surface water, whether perennial or intermittent plays an important role in the habitat function of wetlands. Free water 

 is an extremeh' important habitat component of wetlands, particularly during summer (Brown 1985). Generally, the longer surface 

 water is present dunng the year, the more available it is for wildlife use at a variety of life stages. Degree of disturbance at a wetland 

 can greath' influence its use by wOdlife. Examples of disturbance include direct conversion, conversion of upland supporting habitats, 

 and encroachment by human actnity' sources, such as residences and roads 



L Evidence of Overall Wildlife use in the AA. First determine the level of evidence indicating wildlife use in the AA based on 

 direct observations (auditory detections are counted as observations), presence of wildlife sign, adjacent upland food sources, presence 

 of extremely limiting habitat features, or interviews with local biologists with knowledge of the AA. Whether or not a habitat feature 

 would be considered as extremely limi ting depends on the feature itself as well as the estimated availabihtv of that feature in the 

 general vicinity. For example, bogs or warm springs within areas in which these features rarely occur would be considered extremelv 

 limiting habitat features. Circle ''substantial", "moderate", or "low" evidence of use based on the criteria listed on the data form For 

 fiirther guidance, refer to the definitions of substantial moderate, or little to no use provided below. Evidence of use is considered to 

 be indicative of level of use. 



Substantial use: AA is regularly used in high numbers relative to local or transient populations. 



Moderate use: A.A is regularly used in small to moderate numbers relative to local populations, or infi^equently or 



sporadically used in any numbers relative to local or transient populations. 



Little to No use: AA is regularly, infi^quently. or sporadically used by extremely small numbers relative to local 



populations, or receives chance, inconsequential use in any numbers relative to local or transient 

 populations. 



ii Wildlife Habitat Features. Working fi-om top to bottom within the double vertical lines, circle the appropriate AA attributes in the 

 matrix provided on the data form to arrive at an exceptional (E), high (H). moderate (M), or low (L) rating. The first variable 

 considered is the structural drversitv ratiac from #13. The second variable is class cover distribution. For class cover to be considered 



