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STREAMSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONE GUIDELINES AND PRESCRIPTIONS j^gy ) 3 |0M 

 MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF STATE LANDS 

 STATI MeUMENTS COLLECTION 



JUN191990 



DEFINITION S MONTANA STATE LIBRARY • - 

 1816 E- 6th AVE. 



The Streams ide Management Zone (SMZ) consists of the stream itself and an 

 adjacent area of varying width where management practices that might affect 

 water quality, fish, or other aquatic resources are modified. The Streamside 

 Management Zone is not a zone of exclusion, but a zone of closely managed 

 activity. It is a zone which acts as an effective filter and absorptive zone 

 for sediment; maintains shade; protects aquatic and terrestrial riparian 

 habitats; protects channel and streambanks; and promotes floodplain stability. 



The riparian zone consists of those areas and biotic communities which 

 are predominately influenced by high water tables, usually occurring adjacent 

 to surface water. -, . r , , , 



An ephemeral stream is a stream or portion of a stream which flows only 

 in direct response to precipitation or snowmelt. Its channel is at all times 

 above the water table and generally lacks obvious channel characteristics. 



An intermittent stream is a stream which flows only at certain times when 

 it receives water from springs or from some source such as snowmelt. Its 

 channel is below the water table for a portion of the year. Defined channel 

 characteristics are generally present. 



A perenial stream is a stream that flows throughout the year and from 

 source to mouth. 



APPLICATION 



These guidelines apply to all perennial streams, most intermittent 

 streams, and some ephemeral streams, subject to the discretion of the manager 

 with input from hydrologist or fisheries biologist. 



Riparian zones may occur outside of SMZs, such as along lakes and 

 wetlands. These guidelines may be applicable to riparian zones in these 

 locations. 



MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR SMZs 



The water resource objective for SMZs is to protect the stream and its 

 adjacent environment so as to maintain water quality and water resources at 

 near natural levels. 



PLEASE RETURN 



