p/y 





September 8, 1997 



P.O. Box 291 

 Fairfield, MT 59436 

 (406)467-2488 



Resources & Conservation 



D.J. Bakken 



Forester, Dept. of Natural 

 8001 North Montana Avenue 

 Helena, MT 59502 



Mr. Bakken: 



Your letter responding to my initial comments concerning timber 

 harvest in the Gladstone Creek area illustrates to me a difference 

 in scale when you and I consider this timber harvest proposal. I 

 will not argue your comments on amounts and types of timber cover 

 present in the Gladstone and French Creek areas. Considering only 

 this area and the specific sites involved, there are no doubt 

 timber/ terrain conditions capable of supporting logging. These 

 were not my points or arguments. 



As a whole, hunting district 423 (to include the Gladstone Creek 

 and French Creek areas) provides very little observed hunting 

 season survival of bull elk in a herd currently numbering 

 approximately 350 animals. This low survival is related to hunter 

 efficiency enhanced by habitat deficiencies brought about by high 

 access levels and low security resulting from roads and cutting 

 units associated with subdivision and/or logging efforts in this 

 area. This proposed timber sale resulting in additional roads and 

 open areas, no matter how well justified based on si 1 vicul tural 

 characteristics and prescriptions, cannot be supported by 

 management concerns applied to elk in all of hunting district 423. 



Even though the bulk of my comments have been directed towards elk, 

 I would at this time restate my concerns over additional noxious 

 weed potential associated with any new ground break.ing. 



While my concerns are not related to just the Gladstone and French 

 Creek areas, I am willing to tour the specific site and further 

 discuss these points (and others I suppose). As you've placed the 

 ball in my court, I will try to contact you and set a date. 



Sincerely, 



Quentin Kujala 

 wildlife biologist 



