ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 



Introduction and Oveniew 



Project Name: Lost Bear Timber Sale 



Proposed Implementation Date: Summer, 2003 through approximately 2008 



Location; Sections 14 and 36, Township 14 North, Range 14 West, Missoula County, 

 Montana {see figure U A- 1, Vicinity Map) 



Type and Purpose of Action 



The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) proposes to 

 harvest an estimated 3 million board feet (MMBF) of timber from approximately 677 

 acres. This would include constructing an estimated 2.6 miles of new road to access 

 these areas of state trust land in sections 14 and 36, Township 14 North, Range 14 West 

 in Missoula County. Additionally, an estimated 7. 1 miles of existing road, mostly within 

 these same two sections would be improved to BMP standards. Receipts generated by 

 this proposal would yield between an estimated $345,000 and $747,000 for the common 

 schools and public building trust funds. The proposed harvest treatments would emulate 

 disturbances caused by natural wildfire events and increase stand health and productivity. 

 Area roads would be treated with herbicide to control noxious weeds. Western larch and 

 ponderosa pine tree seedlings would be planted in suitable areas within section 36. 



The 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 

 (Enabling Act of February 22, 1889; 1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 1 1). 

 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 7 -1-202, MCA). 



In 1996, the DNRC adopted the State Forest Land Management Plan, (SFLMP) under an 

 Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision and subsequent approval by the 

 board of land commissioners. The SFLMP outlines the management philosophy for 

 forested State trust lands. This project is conceived and proposed in accordance with the 

 direction provided by the State Forest Land Management Plan. 



The objectives of the project are to: 



1) Generate revenue for the common schools and public building trust funds. 



