1.10.2 Issues Eliminated from Further Study and Rationale for 

 Elimination from Further Study 



1.10.2.1 Historical and Archaeological Sites 



Patrick Rennie, DNRC Archeologist, consulted with the Montana State 

 Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) per DNRC mandates under the State 

 Antiquities Act. A search was conducted of the Cultural Recourse Inventory 

 System (CRIS) and Cultural Resource Annotated Bibliography System 

 (CRABS) databases at the SHPO and the DNRC's TLMS database. The 

 project area maps were reviewed; and a ground inspection of cultural 

 resources within selected portions of the proposed project area was conducted. 

 The results of the CRIS, CRABS and DNRC TLMS database searches 

 indicate no record of previously identified cultural resources within the project 

 area. Project area topographic maps suggest that the majority of the project 

 area exhibits slopes of 30% or greater. Further, geologic survey maps indicate 

 that sedimentary mudstones, siltstone and quartzites dominate the local 

 geology. Because of the very steep terrain and lack of geology conducive to 

 sources of tool quality stone and rock shelters, an on the ground inspection 

 was not warranted for much of the project area. The portions of the project 

 area inspected on the ground consist largely of relatively level terraces and 

 other topographic features with grades of less than 20%. As such, only 

 portions of the project area in Section 8, T13N R24W; Section 18, T13N 

 R24W; and Section 14, T13N R25W were inspected to Class m survey 

 standards, but no evidence of cultural resources were identified. It is believed 

 that no Heritage Properties will be effected with the proposed undertaking. 

 No further cultural resource investigative work is recommended in order for 

 the project to proceed. 



1.10.2.2 Wildlife 



1.10.2.2.1 Threatened and Endangered Species 



1.10.2.2.1.1 Bald Eagle (Federally threatened) 



There is concern that timber harvest activities would disturb nesting 

 bald eagles. The nearest known nest is located approximately 7.2 

 miles NE of the affected area. This distance is generally considered to 

 be outside the scope of a bald eagle's home range. Thus, no direct, 

 indirect, or cumulative effects to this species would be expected under 

 the proposed action. 



1.10.2.2.2 Sensitive Species 



1.10.2.2.2.1 Peregrine Falcon (recently de-listed from 



Federally threatened) 



There is concern that timber harvest activities would disturb nesting 

 peregrine falcons. The nearest known peregrine falcon nest is located 



Fish Creek Salvage Environmental Assessment 1-5 



