time but was still 2-4 weeks later than the past 2 years. In 

 1989, a November rain-on-snow event occurred in the Cabinet 

 Mountains leading to severe flooding in some streams. Downed 

 trees, washouts, and new channel cutting were apparent in many of 

 the Cabinet streams we surveyed. This event significantly 

 altered portions of stream side habitat and left other portions 

 unscathed. It is unknown if the November flooding impacted nest 

 site habitat. 



RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS 



Continued monitoring and surveying of streams with known 

 harlequin duck populations is essential for determining 

 population and habitat condition trends. In areas where nest 

 failures may have occurred, (i.e. Grave Creek, Swamp Creek and 

 Trout Creek) , a close evaluation of stream and streamside 

 management, recreation use, and climatic patterns would be 

 beneficial to help determine possible causes and potential 

 solutions for the failures. Streams with known populations are: 

 Fortine District - Grave Creek; Rexford District - Big Creek; 

 Three Rivers District - North Fork of Callahan Creek, Kootenai 

 Falls; Cabinet District - Marten Creek, South Fork of Marten 

 Creek, Swamp Creek, Vermilion River. 



Additionally, we recommend that surveys continue on those 

 streams that possess quality habitat and historic use. High 

 priority streams on the Kootenai Forest include: 



Three Rivers District - Yaak River, North Fork of the Yaak, 



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