to correlate the unit boundaries. After this correla- 

 tion of unit boundaries, maps were prepared for 

 each of the various units showing their sphere of 

 responsibility. 



As soon as the district boundaries were de- 

 finitely established, the formulation of plans for 

 fish distribution in each of the units was started. 

 In the preparation of these plans, two ideas were 

 dominant: 



1. That the State of Montana was large, and 

 consequently it was impossible to make an im- 

 mediate intensive survey of all of the waters to 

 be stocked. Therefore, it was decided to use as 

 a basis for planting, that information gathered by 

 the Forest Service officials, the hatchery superin- 

 tendents, the State game wardens, and other 

 similar individuals who have intimate knowledge 

 of the local areas. 



2. That hatchery production should be the 

 basis for fish distribution, and that the number 

 produced should be divided as equitably as pos- 

 sible over the entire unit in the waters approved 

 for stocking. In the formulation of these plans, the 

 first step was to eliminate those streams and lakes 

 in which fish planting was not desirable for such 

 reasons as the drying up of the water from na- 

 tural causes or irrigation, or pollution by mining 

 and other activities of a similar type. Certain 

 lakes were similarly eliminated because of being 

 too shallow, inaccessible, or having extremely 

 limited food supply. After this initial elimination 



of streams and lakes in which no planting was 

 recommended, the remaining streams and lakes 

 were then classified, and detailed information was 

 obtained regarding them from individuals having 

 intimate knowledge of the waters. This informa- 

 tion was assembled and discussed with all of the 

 interested agencies in the respective units, and 

 the thoughts and ideas of all correlated as nearly 

 as possible, in an attempt to arrive at a basis for 

 determining the stocking program. After this in- 

 formation was assembled, a stocking plan, based 

 on the production capacity of the hatchery and 

 the waters to be stocked, was then outlined. The 

 stocking of the waters, as finally determined, was 

 merely an allocation based on all the knowledge 

 it was possible to obtain as to the respective 

 needs. 



It is well realized that such a system is not 

 wholly complete in many respects, but it is felt 

 that this is the first step toward a managed stock- 

 ing program. Constructive criticisms are solicited, 

 and as suggestions for improvement are received 

 they are incorporated into the stocking plans. 

 Stream survey data will, of course, be included, 

 as well as other pertinent data derived from fu- 

 ture studies. 



These plans have been discussed with many 

 groups and individuals interested in fish planting 

 in the State of Montana. Almost everyone has 

 been enthusiastic over the use of such a system, 

 since it is realized that it is necessary to have 



TOTAL MILEAGE OF STREAMS AND ACREAGE OF LAKES IN DISTRICTS 

 1, 2, 4, 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10, 11. 12 and 13 



STREAMS 



Recommended for Planting- 



ai it< ;i^< en1 if' M Lleage insi 



hi i .ii. i v n;it tonal inf. 



districts boundaries 



Not Recommended for Ranting 

 Mileage entire Mileage Inside 



hatchery nal 



31 main rivers ..... 

 1387 major streams 

 4084 minor streams . 



2,490 

 13,389 



200 

 6,648 



7,580 



i lathi .ii. i 10, 3 10 ai n 



'i in 'I'H nol Include Foi i i 'i . i. i:. ervoli with 



Impoundi d 



1 2a i 



