C. Vegetation Resource 



During September of 1972, a detailed investigation of the forest associa- 

 tions within the general sale area was made and the area classified 

 according to the Habitat Type Classification System proposed for West- 

 ern Montana by Pfister, et^ all^ 2/ These habitat types are delineated 

 upon the appended reference map. (See Appendix A) 



The following five habitat types (h.t.) occur within the proposed sale 

 area: 



1. Pseudotsuga menziesii/Calamagrostis rubescens h.t. (Douglas-fir/ 

 pinegrass) . This habitat type, which is not included in any harvest 

 unit or road right-of-way, was found on only one 30-acre area within 

 the general sale boundary. This habitat type, which is characterized by 

 thin, rocky soils and a "heavy" understory stand of pinegrass and elk 

 sedge (Carex geyerii) , constitutes the only area of important winter 

 game range within the general sale area. 



2. Thuja plica ta/Clintonia uniflora h.t. (Western red cedar/queencup 

 beadlily). This habitat type occupies lower and mid-slopes on both 

 southwesterly and northeasterly aspects with upward extensions into 

 the Abies lasiocarpa/Clintonia uniflora h.t. in cool moist draws. The 

 characteristic Clintonia uniflora union of understory species is well- 

 represented on all plots examined in this habitat type. Existing over- 

 story stands contain a high percentage of overmature western red 

 cedar, western white pine, sub-alpine fir and Engelmann spruce; in- 

 dividual western hemlock, Douglas-fir, western larch and grand fir are 

 occasionally present. Productivity of this habitat type for tree growth 

 is above average for all species measured. 



3. Abies lasiocarpa/Clintonia uniflora h.t. (Sub alpine fir/queencup 

 beadlily). This is the mildest (warm and moist) habitat type within 

 the sub-alpine fir climax series. Within the proposed sale area, this 

 habitat type covers moist slopes, benches and stream bottoms of 

 westerly and northeasterly aspect. A phase of this habitat type (the 

 Abies lasiocarpa/Clintonia uniflora h.t., Menziesia ferruginea phase) 

 was specifically recognized and mapped due to the presence of heavy 

 fool's huckleberry stands. A greater degree of dozer scarification will 

 be needed to prevent the development of a brushfield after harvest. 

 The present overstory stands on this habitat type consist of mat"re 



to overmature Douglas-fir, western larch, Engelmann spruce, western 

 white pine and sub-alpine fir. Sites within this habitat type are aver- 

 age to above average in productivity. 



2/ Pfister, R.D., S. F. Arno, R. C. Presby and B. L. Kovalchik. 1972. 



Preliminary Forest Habitat Types of Western Montana . Report prepared 

 for the U.S. Forest Service, Region 1 habitat type training session 

 May 22-26, 1972 at Missoula, Montana. 75 p., illustrated. 



