GEOLOGIC FEATURES 



The inventory identified 92A geological features, including 

 type locations (Table 11). Scientific and educational value and 

 the previous designation or nomination of sites were the driving 

 factors in the ranking (Table 12). Most paleontological sites 

 received a rating of Class I. Most of the geological features 

 were located in the central and western part of the state, in 

 high-density clusters around Missoula, Bozeman, and Butte (Table 

 13). This is probably a reflection of the great amount of previous 

 work done at Montana State University and the University of 

 Montana as well as the greater geologic complexity in these areas. 



An unexpected outcome of the study was the large number of 



sites, especially Class I and II, identified (Table 11). This is 



explained in part by interviewers instructing participants to 

 identify only the most outstanding or significant features. 



Although a large number of sites were identified, no field 

 inspection or study of maps and photos was conducted, and the 

 inventory is by no means complete. Further study is certain to 

 reveal additional sites of high value. Priorities for future 

 study are identification of major cottonwood/island/alluvium 

 complexes, re-evaluation of rankings for waterfalls based on a 

 more comprehensive set of criteria, including aesthetics, and 

 additional peer review of map data and data bases. 



Unlike the fisheries inventory, which assigned value classes 

 to extensive lengths of rivers and streams based on the resources 

 present in that stretch, the geological features inventory 

 identified individual sites scattered throughout basins. The 

 value class for each site was assigned to the stream reach within 

 a particular site. Consequently, the total mileage of streams in 

 any value class cannot accurately reflect the spatial extent and 

 location of many geologic features. 



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