Potential negative cumulative effects to vegetation cover and quantity would be mitigated 

 through selective harvest practices, responsible reforestation techniques, and weed 

 control measures. The stands to be treated under the action alternative do not meet the 

 Green et al. (1992) definition of old growth and therefore, pose no risk of cumulative 

 effects to old-growth. 



8. Terrestrial, Avian and Aquatic Life Habitats 



Appropriate measures would be taken to mitigate potential, adverse affects of the 

 proposed action on terrestrial, avian and aquatic life habitats. 



A wildlife analysis was conducted for a variety of terrestrial and avian species and 

 associated habitats. The wildlife species or groups that drove the development of the 

 action alternative include; 



Big game - The project area is used extensively by elk, white-tailed deer, mule 

 deer, and moose. Under the action alternative, there would be a cumulative 

 reduction in elk security cover (a low cumulative negative affect). (Reference - 

 Attachment D, P. 9, Big Game Considerations, Action. 



Other wildlife species that drove the development of the action alternative were 

 grizzly bears, lynx and gray wolves. (See also, EA, #9) 



(For further information on terrestrial and avian wildlife, see Attachment D, Wildlife 

 Analysis) 



The Bear Creek drainage contains Westslope cuttroat, brook, rainbow, and brovwi trout. 

 No fisheries information was available during analysis for the Fish Creek drainage 

 however; DNRC will assume fish are present in Fish Creek. (See Attachment C, 

 Watershed and Fisheries Report, page 5, Fisheries Existing Conditions and Fisheries 

 Habitat - Effects of Proposed Action) 



9. Unique, Endangered, Fragile or Limited Environmental Resources 



No Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive plant species have been identified within the 

 project area. Additionally, a Montana Natural Heritage Program search found no records 

 of Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive plant species within the proposed project area. 



Grizzly bears, lynx and gray wolves (classified as threatened) have some potential to be 

 affected under the action alternative. 



Grizzly Bears - The project area is not located within a designated grizzly bear 

 recovery zone. However, the analysis area provides habitat for grizzly bears that 

 have recently moved in to the area. Under the action alternative the analysis and 

 project areas would be relatively secure for grizzly bears due to low open road 

 densities. Also under the action alternative, there would be slight negative 



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