sediments in the stream channel. Between 1980 and 1990, the percentage of fine sediments in the 

 substrate increased from 23 to 53 percent (see McNeil core data in Table - 4, page 24). Given these 

 factors, Big Creek is presently partially supporting the beneficial uses of aquatic life support and cold- 

 water fishery as defined by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The probable 

 causes of impairment were listed as siltation and other habitat alterations on the 1996 and 2000 303(d) 

 lists. The 303d list identifies waterbodies which need Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). The 2000 

 303(d) list also cited bank erosion and fish habitat degradation. All of the identified causes on the 1996 

 and 2000 303(d) lists pertain to sediment issues and are therefore addressed within the context of this 

 watershed restoration plan which satisfies TMDL development requirements for sediment. Probable 

 sources of impairment are primarily related to silviculture practices, although recreation such as ski 

 area development and roads maintained primarily for recreational activities also contribute to the 

 sediment load. This watershed restoration plan establishes targets for reducing sediment and 

 streambank erosion. Achieving these targets will restore impaired fish and aquatic life habitat. Appendix 

 A is a Big Creek TMDL "Cross-Walk" that describes the linkages between TMDL elements and this 

 watershed restoration plan. 



Refer to Figure -1 for a map showing the location of Big Creek Assessment Area. This is the area 

 covered by the Environmental Analysis at the Watershed Scale that was just recently completed by the 

 Glacier View - Hungry Horse Ranger District Staff. The entire Big Creek Basin is included in this 

 assessment area. There are several excerpts from the assessment document used in this report. 

 Refer to Figure - 2 for a map of the streams in the Big Creek Basin. Note that only the mainstem of Big 

 Creek (stream #1020000) is identified as a water quality limited segment. The other named creeks in 

 the basin have not been assessed for beneficial use support determinations. The watershed approach 

 toward addressing Big Creek sediment impairments, as defined by this plan, incorporates all of the Big 

 Creek tributaries such that restoration measures expected to ensure full support of all beneficial uses 

 for all water bodies in the drainage. 



In November 1999 the Flathead National Forest was notified by DEQ that a sufficient credible data 

 review for the impaired listing of Big Creek had been completed. The review had concluded that there 

 was sufficient data to make a use impairment decision. After discussions with the DEQ staff, Region-1 

 Forest Service staff, and the Flathead Forest Supervisor, a decision was made to complete this 

 watershed restoration plan. The initial watershed restoration plan was submitted to DEQ in 2001 for 

 review, but before the plan could be finalized the Moose Fire occurred. On August 17, 2001 the wildfire 

 started in the upper portion of the Big Creek watershed. By October 5^^ the fire had burned over 71 ,000 

 acres in the Flathead National Forest, Coal Creek State Forest, and Glacier National Park. Thirty-eight 

 percent of the entire 52,000 acre Big Creek watershed was burned in the Moose Fire. The majority of 

 the fire was a stand replacement fire with moderate burn severity (describes soil heating). This fire will 

 have major effects on the vegetation structure and the streams within the burned area of Big Creek for 

 many years. Refer to Figure - 9, page 40 for a map showing the Big Creek Basin and the portion of the 

 Moose Fire on forest service lands. 



Most of the past activity in the Big Creek drainage occurred in the headwaters; activities in the lower 

 part of the watershed have been somewhat more spread out in time and location. Where management 

 activities have been light or nonexistent in the upper reaches of Big Creek and its tributaries, stream 

 channels are not eroding; rocks in the channels are covered with moss and algae, indicating low 

 erosion. Since the major management activities in the 1960s and 70s, Big Creek and its tributaries are 

 gradually improving due to natural revegetation recovery and artificial rehabilitation. However, 

 additional rehabilitation can hasten return of the impaired portion of Big Creek to dynamic equilibrium. 



