the number of points. The second category reflected the 

 occurrence of specially designated lands, such as wildlife 

 refuges, waterfowl production areas, wildlife management areas. 

 Nature Conservancy Preserves, conservation easements and Wild and 

 Scenic River corridors. Points were awarded according to relative 

 protection these designations had with respect to hydroelectric 

 development and purpose of the designation. The highest ranking of 

 the two habitat categories, habitat quality and designated lands, 

 became the final habitat value. 



The final species value was based on the highest ratings of 

 three categories: threatened and endangered species; 

 species/habitats of special interest or concern; and game and 

 furbearing species. For species federally listed as threatened or 

 endangered in Montana, additional criteria from recovery and 

 management plans were used to determine presence or absence of 

 individual species (or its "critical" habitat) within a specific 

 river unit. A two-level system of rating was utilized for several 

 species. For example, a value of 2 was assigned to river reaches 

 containing either bald eagle nests or designated grizzly bear 

 management zones. A rating of 1 was assigned to bald eagle 

 wintering or migration areas or to grizzly bear ranges outside 

 designated management zones. Other threatened or endangered 

 species considered in the assessment process included the gray 

 wolf, whooping crane, and black-footed ferret and peregrine 

 falcon. 



The species and habitats of special concern used in this 

 assessment were adapted from the the MDFWP's "Vertebrate Species 

 of Special Concern" and from similar lists used by federal and 

 state agencies. Emphasis was given to those species whose 

 distributions or life histories were closely tied to riparian 

 zones. Species on the list included the harlequin duck, osprey and 

 golden eagle; amphibians such as the tailed frog, Coeur d'Alene 

 salamander. Pacific giant salamander, and rough-skinned newt, and 

 reptiles such as snapping turtle, spiny softshell (turtle), plains 

 hognose snake, and milk snake. In addition to these species, 

 points were awarded for four specialized wildlife habitats 

 including colonial nesting sites for great blue herons, 

 cormorants, and white pelicans; waterfowl staging areas; spring 

 creeks used by waterfowl in winter, and high-density raptor 

 nesting or wintering areas. 



For the 15 game and six furbearing species, a rating of 1 to 3 

 was assigned to reflect relative population densities, the 

 presence of critical habitat, (e.g. winter range) or general 

 habitat suitability. Individual species were weighted differently 

 depending on their statewide management emphasis and dependence on 

 riparian communities. Individual species ratings were combined to 

 form an overall game and furbearer value. 



The final resource value was derived by several methods 

 depending on the species and habitat ratings. To qualify as a 



