1.10.1.3.2 Sensitive Species Issue 



Implementation of the proposed project could negatively impact sensitive 

 species. 



1.10.1.3.3 Big Game Issue 



Implementation of the proposed project could negatively impact big game. 



1.10.2 Issues Eliminated from Further Study and Rationale for 

 Elimination 



1.10.2.1 Historical and Archaeological Sites 



Patrick Rennie, DNRC Archeologist, consulted with the Montana State 

 Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) per DNRC mandates under the State 

 Antiquities Act. A search was conducted of the Cultural Recourse Inventory 

 System (CRIS) and Cultural Resource Annotated Bibliography System 

 (CRABS) databases at the SHPO and the DNRC's TLMS database; The 

 project area maps were reviewed; and a ground inspection of cultural 

 resources within selected portions of the proposed project area was conducted. 

 The results of the CRIS, CRABS and DNRC TLMS database searches 

 indicate no record of previously identified cultural resources within the project 

 area. Project area topographic maps suggest that the majority of the project 

 area exhibits slopes of 30% or greater. Further, geologic survey maps indicate 

 that sedimentary mudstones, siltstone and quartzites dominate the local 

 geology. Because of the very steep terrain and lack of geology conducive to 

 sources of tool quality stone and rock shelters, an on the ground inspection 

 was not warranted for much of the project area. It is believed that no Heritage 

 Properties will be effected with the proposed undertaking. No further cultural 

 resource investigative work is recommended in order for the project to 

 proceed. 



1.10.2.2 Threatened and Endangered Species 



1.10.2.2.1 Bald Eagle (Federally threatened) 



There is concern that timber harvest activities would disturb nesting bald 

 eagles. The nearest known nest is located approximately 4. 1 miles SW of 

 the affected area. This distance is generally considered to be outside the 

 scope of a bald eagle's home range. Thus, no direct, indirect, or 

 cumulative effects to this species would be expected under the proposed 

 action. 



1.10.2.3 Sensitive Species 



1.10.2.3.1 Townsend's Big-eared Bat 



There is concern that timber harvest activities would disturb Townsend's 

 big-eared bats. This species requires caves, caverns, or old mines for 

 hibemacula. The nearest mine is the Triangle mine, located 0.92 mile 



Dirty Ike Salvage Environmental Assessment 1-4 



