The so'*' Anniversary Project recognizes the exceptional value of the BCWMA as a large, cornerstone 

 habitat complex in western Montana, uniquely situated at the junction of the Clearwater and Blackfoot 

 Valleys. Critical winter habitats on the BCWMA support big game populations that range across three 

 hunting districts (two within the Clearwater River drainage and the southern portion of the Bob Marshall 

 Wilderness). If Plum Creek inholdings within the BCWMA were ever sold and developed in the future, the 

 subsequent loss of wildlife diversity and abundance would ultimately be felt across a 500,000-acre 

 landscape. It would be difficult, if not practically impossible, to develop an effective alternative wildlife 

 conservation strategy for the Blackfoot and Clearwater River drainages without intact habitats on the 

 BCWMA as its foundation. 



Development of the proposed action was driven in large measure by the need to take action on behalf of 

 wildlife populations. Consequently, FWP and DNRC carefully considered the habitat values that might be 

 diminished or lost by the transfer of scattered DNRC parcels to Plum Creek or other private parties in the 

 future. We have concluded that the benefits to wildlife of implementing Alternative D overwhelmingly 

 outweigh those of retaining the scattered tracts currently owned by DNRC. Generally, the wildlife habitat 

 values of DNRC's scattered parcels are of importance to individual animals, whereas habitats to be 

 acquired on the BCWMA are critical seasonal habitats that support many large and diverse populations. 

 While the exchange of the DNRC scattered parcels to Plum Creek would likely result in a future loss of 

 relatively low wildlife habitat values, not pursuing the exchange would set Plum Creek lands within the 

 BCWMA on a course toward eventual sale and development, with serious and wide-ranging effects on 

 species and populations of regional and national importance. From a wildlife conservation perspective, 

 the exchange of Plum Creek lands to DNRC is clearly the better choice. 



Alternative D goes a step beyond Alternative B by adjusting FWP and DNRC ownerships within the 

 BCWMA, so that FWP owns the most sensitive wildlife habitats and DNRC owns the land best suited for 

 generating revenues from forest management. The resulting land ownership pattern will enhance the 

 coordinated management of forested habitats across state-owned lands on the BCWMA, as mandated in 

 the Cooperative Management Agreement. Alternative D also positions the agencies to mutually benefit if 

 DNRC sells a conservation easement to FWP in the future on lands owned by DNRC within the BCWMA. 



DNRC: 



DNRC lands involved in this proposed project are held by the State of Montana in trust for the support of 

 specific beneficiary institutions such as public schools, state colleges and universities, and other specific 

 state institutions such as the School For The Deaf and Blind (Enabling Act of February 22, 1889; 1972 

 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11). The Board of Land Commissioners and Department of 

 Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) are required by law to administer these trust lands to 

 produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate return over the long run for these beneficiary 

 institutions (Section 77-1-202, MCA). 



DNRC's mission to generate revenue for the state trusts will benefit from the consolidation of small 

 scattered tracts into larger management units, which will occur under Alternative D. This reduces the 

 miles of property boundary that must be surveyed and maintained, and the need for legal access across 

 non-state ownerships. It is also likely to reduce the number of miles of new road that may be constructed 

 in the future to access state land, and the number of miles of road to be maintained. These reductions in 

 administrative costs would not be realized, if DNRC were to retain their scattered tracts. Therefore, the 

 "No Action" alternative would not meet DNRC project objectives to consolidate lands and reduce 

 administrative costs. 



In addition, the acquired Plum Creek parcels are more productive and will be easier and more economical 

 to manage, due to increased operability as compared to the DNRC scattered tracts. Although DNRC will 

 lose standing timber volume in the short term, the exchange will result in a better age-class distribution 

 across the Clearwater Unit. DNRC currently has a preponderance of mature stands. Acquisition of 

 younger age classes will facilitate maintaining a steady flow of timber over the long term. Due to 

 acquiring more acres we will also increase our potential long range timber yield. 



BCWMA Land Exchanges Final Environmental Impact Statement 41 



