feeding sites and to 3 variably (12+ in dbh) spaced snags per acre were observed 

 in the proposed project area. 



Cumulative effects were analyzed on the surrounding 8 sections (Figure E-1) 

 using a combination of field evaluation and aerial photograph interpretation. 

 Factors considered within the analysis area included the degree of harvesting and 

 the amount of continuous forest within the analysis area. 



Big Game 



1. Big Game Winter Range 



Winter ranges enable big game survival by minimizing the effects of severe 

 winter weather conditions, which can be limiting for big game populations. 

 Winter ranges tend to be relatively small areas that support large numbers of big 

 game, which are widely distributed during the remainder of the year. Winter 

 ranges suitable for buffering the effects of severe winter conditions have adequate 

 midstory and overstory to reduce wind velocity and intercept snow, while 

 moderating ambient temperatures. Besides providing a moderated climate, the 

 snow-intercept capacity effectively lowers snow depths, which enables big game 

 movement and access to forage. Snow depths differentially affect big game; deer 

 are most affected, followed by elk, then moose. Typically if winter range habitats 

 are provided for white-tailed deer, winter requirements for mule deer, elk, and 

 moose will be met. 



Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (DFWP) identified white-tailed deer 

 winter range along the southeastem comer of the proposed project area and moose 

 winter range across the parcel. The white-tailed deer winter range that enters the 

 proposed project area is part of a larger winter range that covers 1 16,700 acres; 

 the moose winter range in the project area is part of a larger contiguous 2-million 

 acre moose winter range that extends to the north and west through much of 

 northwestern Montana. 



Winter snow depths and suitable microclimates influence deer, elk, and moose 

 distribution and use within the Salish Mountains and the proposed project area. 

 Mature Douglas-fir in the western larch/Douglas-fir stands that comprise much of 

 the proposed project area, are providing attributes facilitating use by wintering big 

 game. Proximity to open roads and ongoing subdivision construction likely limits 

 the quality of the winter ranges. Evidence of summer use by deer, elk, and moose 

 was noted throughout the proposed project area during field visits. 



Cumulative effects were analyzed on the contiguous 1 16,700-acre white-tailed 

 deer winter range (Figure E-2) using a combination of aerial photograph and field 

 evaluation. Factors considered within the analysis area include acres of winter 

 range harvested and level of human disturbance and development. 



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