in. RELATIONSHIP TO THE STATE FOREST LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 



In June 1996, DNRC began a phased-in implementation of the State Forest Land Management 

 Plan (Plan). The Plan established the agency's philosophy for the management of forested state 

 trust lands. The management direction provided in the Plan comprises the framework within 

 which specific project planning and activities take place. 



The Plan also defines the Resource Management Standards which guided the planning of this 

 proposed action, the Richards Peak Timber Sale. The Plan philosophy and appropriate resource 

 management standards have been incorporated into the design of the proposed action. 



IV. PERMITS NEEDED FOR IMPLEMENTATION 



A Stream Preservation Act Permit (124SPA) will be needed from the Montana 

 Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for installation of up to 10 culverts. 



V. SCOPE OF THE ANALYSIS 



The scope of this Environmental Analysis (EA) was determined through comments received 

 from DNRC specialists, adjacent landowners, organizations, industries, agencies and the general 

 public. DNRC solicited participation in the Richards Peak Timber Sale Project by advertising in 

 newspapers and sending letters to adjacent landowners, agencies and organizations. DNRC 

 accepted comments on the proposal for 30 days. Public comments can be found in the project 

 files located at the Kalispell Unit Office. 



DNRC specialists also conducted field reconnaissance to develop specific resource concerns and 

 mitigations. A complete list of individuals consulted is located on page 49. 



VL RESOURCE CONCERNS 



The major resource concerns were identified through the scoping process. The majority of all 

 resource concerns were resolved by mitigation measures incorporated into the project design for 

 the different action alternatives. The major resource concerns are briefly described below and 

 explored in greater depth in chapters II, III, and IV. They are listed in no particular order of 

 importance. 



A. Vegetation 



*• Past management and lack of disturbance events within the project area are contributing to 

 the shift from appropriate western larch/Douglas-fir cover types to alpine fir and mixed 

 conifer cover types. 



► Overstocked stand conditions are contributing to reduced growth rates and increase in 

 insect and disease activity. 



