Vegetation types are quite diverse. They consist of mountain footslope 

 grassland/timber, grassland benches, dry grassland drainage basins, and spnng fed 

 riparian/grassland drainages. The primary value is critical winter/spring habitat for a 

 portion of the JRWMA elk herd. Secondary values include mule deer winter range; 

 white-tailed deer and pronghorn yearlong habitat; upland bird habitat; and 

 approximately one mile of spring fed streams that supply a V2 acre, man-made pond. 

 An additional man-made pond that collects run-off water is also located on the property. 

 These same vegetation types are utilized by a diverse group of small mammals and 

 birds. A list of wildlife species potentially using this area is contained in Appendix II. 



The Sapphire Village subdivision is approximately one mile southeast of the property 

 and is occupied by yearlong and seasonal residents. Subdivision potential for the 

 proposal property is rated as high. The close proximity of the JRWMA, the Lewis and 

 Clark National Forest and associated abundant wildlife and recreation opportunities 

 make the property highly attractive and sought after for subdivision. 



The property is classified as an inholding in relation to the 7,696 acre JRWMA; 

 therefore, the land will be incorporated into the existing WMA and managed according 

 to the goals, objectives, and strategies set forth in the management plan. The wildlife 

 habitat objective for the property will be to increase carrying capacity for wintering big 

 game; phmarily elk. Summer livestock grazing, prescribed burning, and other 

 vegetative treatments (e.g., interseeding, chemical fallowing, hay cutting, etc.) will be 

 used to treat vegetation when necessary to enhance and maintain wildlife habitat. 



The Judith River elk herd component of the Little Belt Mountains' elk population is vital 

 for maintaining the present level of elk hunting recreation opportunity in central 

 Montana. Currently, the Department owns/controls about 25 percent of the winter 

 range for the 900-1 ,200 elk (observed number) wintering in the upper Judith River 

 drainage area. Some Judith River area landowners have little tolerance for elk and 

 have expressed concern in the past regarding elk usage of their properties. Other 

 landowners in the general area lease their land to outfitters, outfit on their own, or have 

 established fee hunting arrangements; consequently, they are reasonably tolerant of 

 the elk. Those management strategies greatly affect the distribution and thus the 

 availability of elk for the general hunting public. 



The proposal property has historically provided important and critical winter/spring elk 

 habitat. Furthermore, it provides a broad movement corridor between the JRWMA and 

 Reed Hill, which also contributes to an important component of the traditional elk 

 venter/spring habitat. Because of the inholding position/situation relative to the 

 JRWMA, the proposed acquisition will consolidate Department ownership. The result 

 of this will be that most of the "key" elk winter range habitat in the area will be managed 

 for wildlife in perpetuity. 



