obtained through data collected by the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and 

 Parks, observing riparian habitat conditions and completing Pfankuck stability 

 ratings. 



Existing and potential impacts were analyzed for burned areas. The ECA method 

 mentioned above was used to analyze for post-fire increases in water yield 

 Increased risk to water quality, soils and fisheries was determined by fire severity, 

 soil type, slope, canopy cover and filtering capacity of remaining vegetation 

 All existing roads in the proposed project area were evaluated by a DNRC 

 hydrologist for past and potential impacts. 



3.2.1.1 Water Quality 



Analysis Area 



Refer to hydro map 1 (Appendix B: Figure B-1) for watershed boundaries and 

 location. 



Donovan Creek 



The Donovan Creek watershed is approximately 4555 acres that is drained by 

 a Class I stream channel, with intermittent and ephemeral unnamed tributaries 

 as well as several draws with no discemable stream channel. High levels of 

 timber harvest and road building have impacted the watershed, by increasing 

 water and sediment yields. The lower portion of the watershed has been 

 impacted by residential development as a result of poor road location. Stream 

 channel stability in Donovan Creek was evaluated to be in good, stable 

 condition. The banks are well vegetated, providing thermal protection and 

 bank stability. Some areas of sediment deposition were observed. There are 

 specific locations at road crossings where direct delivery of sediment to the 

 stream channel is occurring. 



This drainage contains a mix of ownership, consisting of Plum Creek, State 

 Trust Lands and private. Approximately 3055 acres of the drainage has been 

 harvested since 1967. There is-approximately 40 miles of existing road in the 

 Donovan watershed. Some roads in the proposed area do not meet Best 

 Management Practices Standards (BMP's). Approximately 36 acres in 

 Section 2 T12N, R17W did bum in a mixed severity, mosaic pattern. 



Dirty Ike Creek 



The Dirty Ike watershed is approximately 4280 acres that is drained by a 

 Class I stream channel, with intermittent and ephemeral unnamed tributaries 

 as well as several draws with no discemable stream channel. 

 Stream channel stability in Dirty Ike was evaluated to be in good, stable 

 condition. The banks are well vegetated, providing thermal protection and 

 bank stability. Extensive harvest and existing roads in the drainage have 

 increased water yield and sediment delivery to the stream channel This 

 drainage contains a mix of ownership, consisting of Plum Creek, State Trust 



Dirty Ike Salvage Environmental Assessment ' ^2 



