Appendix \V 

 Happy Valley Wildlife 



INTRODUCTION 



DNRC attempts to promote biodiversity by taking a 'coarse-filter approach', which favors an appropriate mix 

 of stand structures and compositions on State lands (ARM 36.1 1.404). Appropriate stand structures are 

 based on ecological characteristics (e.g., land type, habitat type, disturbance regime, unique characteristics). 

 A coarse-filter approach assumes that if landscape patterns and processes are maintained similar to those with 

 which the species evolved, then the full complement of species will persist and biodiversity will be 

 maintained. This coarse-filter approach supports diverse wildlife populations by managing for a variety of 

 forest structures and compositions that appro.ximate historic conditions across the landscape. DNRC cannot 

 assure that the coarse-filter approach will adequately address the fiiU range of biodiversity; therefore, DNRC 

 also employs a "fine filter" approach for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species (ARM 36.1 1.406). 

 The fine-filter approach focuses on a single species' habitat requirements. 



In this section the discussions will focus on 2 areas of different scale. The first will be the "project area", 

 which consists of the state portions of sections 29,31, & 32 in T31N R2I W. The second scale or the 

 "analysis area" relates to the surrounding landscape for assessing cumulative effects (Figure W-1). The scale 

 of this analysis area varies according to the species being discussed, but generally approximates the size of 

 the home range of the discussed species. In the cumulative effects analysis area, prior and reasonably 

 foreseeable future State actions, and existing conditions on adjacent ownerships were considered and 

 discussed. Species were dismissed from further analysis if habitat did not exist in the project area or would 

 not be modified by any alternative. 



To assess the existing condition of the proposed project area and surrounding landscape, a variety of 

 techniques were used. Field visits, scientific literature, SLI data, aerial photographs, Montana Natural 

 Heritage Program data, and consultations with other professionals provided information for the following 

 discussion and effects analysis. Specialized methodologies are discussed under the species in which they 

 occur. 



During the initial scooping the following issues were expressed regarding the effects of the proposed project: 



•Timber harvesting actisities may affect Threatened, Endangered, and sensitive wildlife species. 

 •Timber harvesting activities may affect ungulate habitat. 

 •Timber harvesting activities may affect diversity of wildlife species. 



•Timber harvesting activities may cause habitat fragmentation and reduce habitat for old stand 

 associated species. 



Coarse Filter 



Existing Environment 



Over\iew 



The majority of terrestrial vertebrates present on this parcel at the time of European settlement likely still 

 occur in the proposed project area. Species that rely on special habitat elements such as burned areas may 

 not be present or are in decline due to the decline of these elements across the landscape. 



Influence of Fire 



Historically, wildfire was the primary disturbance factor shaping the stands in the proposed project area 

 and substantial portions of the forested communities in this area (Losensky 1997). Forested patches on 

 the landscape were likely a mosaic of stands that established following a number of disturbances of varied 

 type, intensity, and magnitude. Frequent fire return inter\als (5-25 years) reduced encroaching Douglas- 

 fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and maintained western larch (LarLx occidentaUs)fDo\\g\diS-^\v stands in more 

 open, park-like conditions with fire-resistant mature trees and small patches of even-aged regeneration. 

 Reduction in natural fire frequency through fire suppression in the last 100 years has led to denser stands 

 with a higher proportion of stagnated shade-tolerant tree species, like Douglas-fir. 



W-1 



