manage fuels and remove some coniferous canopy cover that is shading out browse. Using logging 

 as a tool to manage habitat on FWP land has the advantage of generating a fjroduct of commercial 

 value, which can be used to barter for "extra" trees left standing on adjacent DNRC land where 

 needed for winter thermal cover The intended result would be a coordinated approach to forest and 

 wildlife habitat management across broad landscapes, in patterns that benefit wildlife, instead of 

 patterns dictated by artificial property lines. 



• A desire was expressed to consider no logging, in order to discourage tlie spread of noxious weeds. 



FWP and DNRC recognize noxious weeds as an important environmental issue, and one that must 

 be incorporated into the design of logging operations, recreation plans and other actions across 

 IVIontana wildlands. It is not practical within the scope of this DEIS to avoid logging on the lands 

 subject to this proposal. The Plum Creek lands on the BCWMA that may be acquired by DNRC have 

 been under the management of corporate timber companies for more than 50 years, and will continue 

 to be managed for commercial timber production by Plum Creek if no action is taken. DNRC would 

 not consider exchanging into these lands if the state were not allowed to generate timber revenues 

 for the state trust, as directed by law and policy. FWP, DNRC and cooperating private/public 

 landowners in the Blackfoot Valley are taking specific measures in their logging operations to control 

 the spread of weeds: clean logging equipment, spray access roads and log landings, minimize and 

 avoid any unnecessary ground disturbance, and inspect sites in subsequent years for new weed 

 establishments that could be eradicated at an early stage. By incorporating these practices into 

 logging operations, the risk of spread of noxious weeds can be minimized. 



CHAPTER 2 



Page 2-1 : The following statement should be added at the end of Section 2.2. 



In order to balance minor excess values (< $10,000 or 1% of the total exchange value), other 

 mechanisms such as the addition or exchange of easements may be incorporated into final exchange 

 agreements. 



After Page 2-2 : The scales shown in Figures 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4 are incorrect. The scale should be 

 (approximately) 1 1/16 inches per mile. 



BCWMA Land Exchanges Final Environmental Impact Statement 



