VI. FISHERIES 



A. Analysis Area 



1. Sediment Delivery 



The analysis area for sediment delivery is limited to the harvest units and roads used for 

 hauling and streams in the Meadow Creek watershed. This includes in-channel and 

 upland sources of sediment that could result from this project. 



2. Cumulative Effects 



The analysis area for sediment delivery is limited to the harvest units, roads used for 

 hauling, and streams in the Meadow Creek watershed. This includes in-channel and 

 upland sources of sediment that could result from this project. 



B. Analysis Methods 



Expected effects to fisheries habitat will be addressed qualitatively using the current condition as 

 a baseline disclosing the expected changes due to the alternatives proposed. 



1. Sediment Delivery 



The analysis methods for sediment delivery will mimic those used in the Hydrology 

 Analysis. 



C. Existing Condition 



Information regarding existing fish populations in Meadow Creek is limited at best. According 

 to the Montana Rivers Information System, Meadow Creek contains resident populations of 

 westslope cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, although these species are estimated to be rare. 

 Eastern brook trout are estimated to be common throughout Meadow Creek. Data from Plum 

 Creek Timber Company shows only eastern brook trout during shocking and snorkeling surveys 

 in 1 994. During the watershed inventory process, no fish were observed in the unnamed 

 tributary to Meadow Creek that drains Section 16. 



Sediment Delivery 



As described in the Hydrology section, sediment sources from instream and upland locations 

 were inventoried during 2000. Instream sediment sources are limited to outcurves and 

 constrictions of the channel as can be expected from the channel type present (see Hydrology 

 Analysis). No out of channel sources of sediment were identified on proposed haul routes on 

 State land. 



VII. AIR QUALITY 



This area is currently managed under the Montana Airshed Group and lies within Airshed 2. The 

 Airshed Group monitors weather conditions and manages open burning restrictions in the airshed 

 to prevent or limit burning operations during poor dispersion and ventilation conditions. Overall 

 air quality in this area is good; with temporary periods of lower quality air during the spring and 

 fall open burning seasons. 



28 



