1.10.2.2.2 Fisher 



1.10.2.2.2.1 Fisher Issue 



There is concern that timber harvesting could alter habitat or create 

 disturbance that would be detrimental to the fisher. 



Fishers prefer densely forested riparian mature forests that have an 

 abundance of coarse woody debris and large snags (>30" dbh)(cited in 

 Powell and Zielinski 1994). They also tend to use moist forest types at 

 mid to low elevation with mature to old forest structure (cited in 

 Powell and Zielinski 1994). Although the Project Area is at lower 

 elevation, the stands are generally composed of warm, dry vegetation 

 dominated by mid-successional ponderosa pine and dry Douglas-fir 

 cover types, which are generally not thought to be high quality fisher 

 habitat. Deadman Gulch generally does not contain developed riparian 

 habitat features and is lacking in structures important for fishers. Lolo 

 Creek is the closest developed riparian system, it is located outside the 

 Analysis Area approximately 2.5 miles to the south, however the close 

 association of a major highway with this riparian system reduces the 

 value of the lower reaches to fishers. In addition, the large amount of 

 private commercial forestland in this area has created a landscape 

 dominated by early to mid-successional forest types. Therefore, it is 

 unlikely that fisher would occur in the Project or Analysis Area. 



1.10.2.2.2.2 Rationale for Elimination of Fisher from Further 

 Study 



The forest conditions in the Project and Analysis Area would not 

 generally be considered fisher habitat and consequently there is a very 

 low likelihood of fisher occurrence. Therefore, no direct, indirect, or 

 cumulative effects are likely on fisher if either Alternative were 

 selected. 



1.10.2.2.3 Peregrine Falcon 



1.10.2.2.3.1 Peregrine Falcon Issue 



There is concern that timber harvesting could alter habitat or create 

 disturbance that would be detrimental to peregrine falcon. 



Peregrine falcons were de-listed from Threatened Species status under 

 the Endangered Species Act in 1999; however, the DNRC still 

 considers it a sensitive species. In Montana, peregrine falcons 

 typically nest in areas with large rock and cliff features. Foraging 

 habitats are usually open areas such as marshes, estuaries and 

 croplands. A small amount of such croplands (hay fields and grazing 

 lands) occur within the Analysis Area, and the Bitterroot River and 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 1-8 



