flows and accelerated rates of erosion are expected to be minimal. A large 

 buffer of forested area is located between the burned area and Dirty Ike Creek, 

 which should provide sufficient buffer to filter sediment. 



Dirty Ike 



There are only ephemeral draws and dry draws with no discemable stream 

 channel located in the project area. Only one small section of ephemeral draw 

 in Dirty Ike Creek was burned during the fire in section 12. The lower portion 

 of the draw did not bum and is well vegetated, acting as a buffer to filter and 

 reduce sediment. The beginning reaches of a defined channel are Vi of a mile 

 below the bum area. As a result, the risk of erosion and sediment delivery to 

 the stream channel from runoff or storm event are expected to be low. 



West Fork Ashby Creek 



There are two Class U stream channels located in the project area in the SE Va 

 of the SE Va of Section 6, T12N, R16W, which are discontinuous to the 

 mainstem of the West Fork of Ashby Creek. These tributaries go subsurface 

 directly below the project area and become wide, dry draws with no 

 discemable channel. 



Fire in these reaches was of mixed severity, leaving a mosaic landscape, with 

 most of the vegetation and large woody debris in the riparian area, remaining 

 unbumed. Most of the canopy cover in the riparian remained unbumed or of 

 low intensity, providing sufficient shade and thermal protection. 



The West Fork Ashby Creek is listed on the 1996 and 2000 303d list, but was 

 taken off the 2002 list to be reassessed. On the 2000 303d list, the West Fork 

 Ashby Creek was found to fully support Agricultural and Industrial Uses. 

 Although observations were made, due to insufficient data probable sources 

 and causes were not identified (Montana Department of Environmental 

 Quality). 



Water Quality in the middle and lower portions of Ashby Creek has been 

 impacted by past harvest activities, roads and past and current grazing 

 practices. Sediment levels and channel instability have increased as a result of 

 these management activities. Bank trampling is present on the mainstem and 

 other tributaries. The main Ashby Creek road does contribute direct sediment 

 to the stream channel in some locations. 



Erosion and sediment delivery to the Class 11 stream channels in section 6 is 

 expected to increase from a decrease in vegetative ground cover and increased 

 flows resulting from the wildfire. However, remaining vegetation and large 

 woody debris will provide a buffer to help filter sediment and retard flows 

 before reaching the channel. 



Dirty Ike Salvage Environmental Assessment 3-5 



