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CILLY BUG SALVAGE TIMBER SALE

CHECiCUST ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND

CONSERVATION

SWAN RIVER STATE FOREST
January 7, 2005

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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

JUDY MARTZ, GOVERNOR

STATE OF MONTANA'

NORTHWESTERN LAND OFFICE
2250 HIGHWAY 93 NORTH
KALISPELL, MT 59901-2557

Telephone: (406) 751-2240
FAX: (406)751-2288

CILLY BUG SALVAGE TIMBER SALE PROJECT
CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING

January 7, 2005

Enclosed is a copy of the completed Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Checklist
Environmental Assessment and Finding. We encourage you to review the document and
within the next 30 days direct any comments or questions to: Swan River State Forest,
58741 Highway 83 South, Swan Lake, Montana 5991 1. We appreciate the comments we
have received from the public and have addressed those concerns in the analysis. The
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation is planning to present the Cilly Bug
Salvage Timber Sale Project to the State Board of Land Commissioners at their
February 22, 2005 meeting.

The proposed project is approximately eight miles south of Swan Lake and just east of
the main Cilly Creek Road approximately two miles north of the junction with Soup
Creek Road. The project was initiated to address the significant and ongoing insect and
disease problems that are occurring in this part of the forest.

Sincerely,

Roger Ziesak

Forest Management Supervisor

Swan River State Forest

58741 Hwy 83 South

Swan Lake, Montana 5991 1

(406) 754-2301

RZ:wh

Enclosure

CC: Project file

KALISPELL OFHCE

2250 Highway 93 North

Kalispell, MT 59901-2557

Telephone (406) 751-2241

Fax (406) 751-2286

PLAINS OFFICE

PO Box 219

Plains, MT 59859-0219

Telephone (406) 826-3851

Fax (406) 826-5785

POLSON FIELD OFFICE

PO Box 640

Poison, MT 59860-0640

Telephone (406) 883-3960

Fax (406) 883-1874

LIBBYUNIT

14096 US Highway 37

Libby.MT 59923-9347

Telephone (406) 293-2711

Fax (406) 293-9307

STILLWATER STATE FOREST

PO Box 164

Olney.MT 59927-0164

Telephone (406) 881-2371

Fax (406) 881-2372

SWAN STATE FOREST

58741 Highway 83 South

Swan Lake, MT 59911

Telephone (406) 754-2301

Fax (406) 754-2884

•AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER'

CILLY BUG SALVAGE TIMBER SALE

PROJECT BOUNDARY — ^ - — .

I /

/

CILLY BUG SALVAGE TIMBER SALE

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VICINITY MAP (INSIDE OF FRONT COVER)

PROPOSED TIMBER SALE AREA MAP (FACING FRONT COVER)

CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (CEA)

APPENDIX A — SPECIFICATIONS AND STIPULATIONS

APPENDIX B — SCOPING DOCUMENTATION

APPENDIX C — WILDLIFE ANALYSIS

APPENDIX D — FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE REPORT

APPENDIX E — REFERENCES

ACRONYMS (INSIDE BACK COVER)

CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (CEA)

Project Name: Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Proposed

Implementation Date: January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006

Proponent: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC)

Location: Swan River State Forest, Sections 15 and 16, T24N, R17W

County: Lake

I. TYPE AND PURPOSE OF ACTION

Introduction

stands in the proposed Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale area have accumulated substantial damage and
mortality from a variety of pathogens, insects, and abiotic (such as drought and wind) factors during the
last several years. The tree species most heavily affected and proposed for removal are primarily
Douglas-fir and western larch, with minor amounts of western white pine, lodgepole pine, Engelmann
spruce, and grand fir. The predominant damage and mortality factors affecting these species include
western larch dwarf mistletoe {Arceuthobium laricis), flatheaded fir borer (Melanophila drummondi),
prolonged drought, Douglas-fir bark beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae), red brown butt rot (Phaelolus
schweinitzii), white pine blister rust {Cronartium ribicola), mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus
ponderosae), fir engraver beetle (Scolytus ventralis), and Indian paint fungus (Echinodontium
tinctorium). The relevant biology of, and management strategies for, these pathogens and insects are
outlined in APPENDIX D - FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE REPORT.

In response to this situation, DNRC, as manager of Swan River State Forest, has proposed a forest-
management project to salvage the dead, down, damaged, diseased, and dying timber within these
sections. This timber harvest will:

- slow the ongoing Douglas-fir beetle attacks,

- reduce the overall severity and amount of western larch dwarf mistletoe, and

recover the value of 500 to 700 thousand board feet (mbf) of recently-killed and dying trees.

Trees designated for harvesting are scattered throughout the stands and comprise 10 to 100 percent of
the trees in any given area. Salvage harvests associated with this project would remove trees in
portions of 4 stands that cover approximately 100 acres. The proposed harvest period would begin in
January or February of 2005 and expire March 31 , 2006. The majority of the work would take place
during winter months. The expiration date would allow 30 days of summer activity starting June 16,
2005, as specified under the Swan Valley Grizzly Bear Conservation Agreement (SVGBCA). To
properly address harvesting on steep slopes, approximately 1.3 miles of new road would need to be
constructed. This road would be built in the summer season during the 30-day window.

A number of stands in Sections 15 and 16 have a large component of mature Douglas-fir and have been
experiencing persistent and damaging attacks by the Douglas-fir bark beetle. As a result, these stands
contain substantial numbers of beetle-killed Douglas-fir, as well as live trees that are currently
undergoing attacks. Field inspections indicate that beetle attacks are severe and widespread in these
stands. The main area of current Douglas-fir mortality in these stands contains a substantial number of
live, beetle-infested trees along the eastern edge of the project area. The attacks appear to be moving
upslope, killing over 90 percent of the large, overstory Douglas-fir and heavily attacking the co-dominant
and intermediate Douglas-fir. The proposed salvage would harvest the brood trees in which the next
generation of bark beetles is developing.

Western larch, also a major component of the overstory, has recently been undergoing attacks by
flatheaded fir borers. All of the attacked western larch appear to be, or had been, severely infected with
western larch dwarf mistletoe. The flatheaded fir borer attacks appear to have started 2 to 3 years ago,
and, along with dwarf mistletoe, has resulted in extensive western larch mortality; approximately 50
percent of the mature western larch have been killed. Numerous other western larch are alive, but in a
debilitated condition, with dead tops and dwarf mistletoe infection throughout the crown. As a result,
and in combination with the prolonged drought, these trees are vulnerable to attack by the flatheaded fir
borer. However, severe drought stress and heavy dwarf mistletoe infection may act in concert to kill
trees; therefore, it should not be assumed that the flatheaded fir borer is involved in the death of every
large western larch within the project area.

Mountain pine beetles are killing mature western white pine and lodgepole pine in this area. Western
white pine is a minor component of the overstory, comprising less than 2 percent of the stand; mountain
pine beetles have attacked approximately half of the western white pine. Lodgepole pine is a very small
component, approximately 1 percent of these stands; mountain pine beetles have attacked over half of
the observed lodgepole pine trees.

Pathogens identified in these stands include red brown butt rot, white pine blister rust, and Indian paint
fungus. White pine blister rust has heavily infected 50 to 75 percent of the western white pine in the
project area. Other western white pine appear to be resistant or have not yet been infected. Under this
salvage proposal, western white pine infected with blister rust (identified with 2 or more indicators) would
be harvested.

Statutory Authority

The lands involved in the proposed project are held by the State of Montana in trust for the support of
specific beneficiary institutions. These include public schools, State colleges and universities, and other
specific State institutions, such as the School for the Deaf and Blind (Enabling Act of February 22, 1889;
1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11). The Montana State Board of Land Commissioners
(Land Board) and 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
77-1-202, Montana Codes Annotated [MCA]).

The State is required by law to establish a salvage timber program that provides for the timely harvest of
dead and dying timber that is threatened by insects, diseases, wildfires, or wind on State forests. Under
this requirement, DNRC shall, to the extent practicable, harvest dead and dying timber before there is
substantial wood decay and value loss {Section 77-5-207, MCA).

On March 12, 2003, DNRC adopted Administrative Rules for Forest Management (Administrative Rules
of Montana [ARM] 36. 1 1.401 through 450). DNRC will manage the lands involved in this project in
accordance with these Rules.

Analysis Area

The analysis area is the project area. Due to the relatively small size of the project and the fact that only
salvage harvesting would take place under this proposal, wide analysis for comparison is not necessary.

The project area consists of flat ground on the western boundary that transitions into mountain slopes as
you move east. Scattered small streams, springs, or wetlands are in or near the lower elevations of the
project area. Elevations range between 3,600 and 4,400 feet above sea level. The primary access
point to the project area is Cilly Creek Road via Soup Creek Road. Upper and Lower Cilly Ridge Roads,
which have restricted access, are located near mileposts 1.00 and 1.88, respectively, on the Cilly Creek
Road, and access all salvage units for this project. The roads and salvage units are all within Swan
River State Forest's blocked lands; therefore, no adjacent landowners are involved with this project.

Page CEA-2 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Goals AND Objectives ,

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project goals and objectives:

The primary goal is to apply proven forest-management techniques and timber salvage practices to
the forest's persistent disease problems and ongoing insect outbreaks in an economical, practical,
and ecologically acceptable manner.

Reduce or halt bark beetle damage, particularly from Douglas-fir bark beetles, and salvage recently
killed or live insect-infested or severely diseased Douglas-fir, western larch and western white pine.

Recover revenue for the school trust and comply with the State statute by salvaging trees that have
been killed or damaged by wind, diseases, and/or insects.

Reduce the risk of catastrophic fire to DNRC lands and adjacent landowners by reducing forest fuel
loading caused by windthrown timber or dead and dying standing timber.

Contribute 500 to 700 mbf to the Northwestern Land Office (NWLO) portion of the annual timber
harvest on State trust lands as required by State law (77-5-221 through 223, MCA).

Salvage timber in a manner that complies with SVGBCA, the Montana Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for timber harvests, and other applicable laws, rules, standards, and guidelines.

I 11. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT ~1

1. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT, AGENCIES, GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS CONTACTED:

Provide a brief ctironology of the scoping and ongoing involvement for this project.

The initial scoping packet included the project information sheet and cover letter signed by Dan
Roberson, decisionmaker for this CEA, and a request for comments. The packet was mailed August
13, 2004 to landowners. Agency representatives, various Agency resource specialists, and all
interested parties. The comment period was open until September 27, 2004. Scoping notices were
also sent to the Bigfork Eagle and Daily Interlake newspapers. APPENDIX B - SCOPING
DOCUMENTATION lists all recipients of the scoping proposal. Three comments were received:
Craig Kamps, Stoltze Land and Lumber; Neil Meyer, Swan Valley Ad Hoc Committee; and Arlene
Montgomery, Friends of the Wild Swan. Two comments favored the project; the other has several
questions and concerns, but did not take a position. The questions and concerns expressed in each
of the responses will be addressed as a part of this document. An amendment letter, mailed out on
November 18, 2004, amended the original scoping notice by explaining to the public that
approximately 1 mile of new road would be necessary to properly conduct this project. The original
notice stated that no new roads would be required. No additional comment period was specified
although the public was urged to contact the DNRC as quickly as possible if they had concerns. As
of January 4, 2005 no additional comments were received.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (DFWP) has jurisdiction over the management
of fisheries and wildlife populations in the project area. DFWP is on the mailing list and has received
the scoping letter.

2. OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WITH JURISDICTION, LIST OF PERMITS NEEDED:

DNRC is a member of the Montana Airshed Group, which regulates slash burning through air quality
and weather monitoring on DNRC lands. DNRC receives an air-quality permit for burning slash
through participation in this group. An air-quality permit is the only permit needed for this salvage
project.

The SVGBCA, a cooperative agreement between DNRC, DFWP, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), and the United States Forest Service (USPS) is currently in effect This

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-3

agreement defines mitigation measures for operating in ttie Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The
project will operate within the parameters of the SVGBCA for timber harvesting.

3. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:

No-AcTiON Alternative

• No timber would be salvaged, though firewood gathering in some areas would likely continue.

• When funding is available and equipment is in the area, roads and closures would be
maintained.

• Wildfire suppression efforts would continue.

• Efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds would continue.

• No forest-improvement work would take place in the near term, but may take place in the future
as time and funding permit.

• Future actions, including timber harvesting, would be proposed and go through the appropriate
environmental analyses.

Action Alternative

• Salvage 500 to 700 mbf of timber in the form of trees killed or severely damaged by insects,
diseases, and/or abiotic causes before the commercial value is lost.

• Maintain roads and address sediment, surface, drainage, or erosion problems. Aproximately
1 .3 miles of new road would need to be constructed to harvest the timber and meet current
BMPs.

• Reduce the buildup of woody fuels to moderate levels through timber harvesting, slash piling,
and burning, while providing habitat for wildlife species that require snags and down woody
debris.

• Wildfire suppression efforts would continue.

• Efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds would continue.

• Apply proven forest-management principles to improve the growth and vigor of these stands.

III. IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

RESOURCES potentially impacted are listed on the form, followed by common issues that would be

considered.

Explain POTENTIAL ItvtPACTS AND MITIGATIONS following each resource heading.

Enter "NONE" If no impacts are identified or the resource is not present.

4. GEOLOGY AND SOIL QUALITY, STABILITY AND MOISTURE:

Consider the presence of fragile, compactable or unstable soils. Identify unusual geologic features. Specify
any special reclamation considerations. Identify any cumulative impacts to soils.

INTRODUCTION

The proposed project area lies in the lower portions of the Swan River valley. Glacial moraines
formed the unnamed watersheds in the proposed project area. The dominant soil types found in the
project area are deep glacial tills and glacial outwash.

Page CEA-4 Checklist Environmental Assessment

ANALYSIS METHODS

Soil productivity will be analyzed by evaluating the current levels of soil disturbance in the proposed
project area. Analysis criteria will also include soil stability risk factors.

ANALYSIS AREA

The analysis area for evaluating soil productivity will include DNRC-owned land in the proposed
project area.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Approximately 35 acres of the proposed project area have been salvage harvested in the past.
Harvesting and salvaging was conducted in and around the proposed project area in the 1960s.
Harvest methods in previously salvaged areas (proposed Unit 1 and a small portion of proposed Unit
2) have used ground-based yarding systems. Ground-based yarding affects soil productivity through
displacement and compaction of productive surface layers of soil. Proper spacing of skid trails and
season-of-use restrictions are the most effective methods to minimize the loss of soil productivity.
Skid trails identified in proposed salvage units are located on gentle slopes (generally less than 20
percent), appear well spaced, and are not actively eroding. These trails do not comprise more than
20 percent of the proposed harvest units.

Soil types in the project area are primarily glacial till on slopes ranging from 50 percent or more to
level to rolling. The project area also contains several wetlands. High risk soil types were identified
in Units 2 and 3 of the proposed project area, according to the Flathead National Forest Soil Survey.
These soil types are classified as high risk due to slope steepness. Slope failures are not generally
associated with the soil types in the proposed project area, and no indications of past slope failures
were identified during field reconnaissance. A list of soil types found in the project area and their
associated management implications is found in TABLE B-2 - SOIL MAP UNIT DESCRIPTIONS
FOR THE CILLYBUG SALVAGE PROJECT AREA.

ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS

Direct and Indirect Effects

The No-Action Alternative would have no direct effects on soil productivity. No ground-based
machinery would be operated under this alternative, which would leave the soil in the project
area unchanged from the existing conditions.

• ^CTIOJVJlLTEltJVJlTir'E

The Action Alternative would have direct impacts on approximately 12 acres of ground. None of
these acres would occur in areas previously managed for timber. Direct impacts would include
compaction and displacement resulting from use of ground-based equipment to skid logs on
approximately 61 acres, soil displacement in cable-yarding corridors, and from approximately
1.3 miles of newly constructed road. Activities would take place when soil is dry, frozen, or
snow-covered. These impacts would leave approximately 15.7 percent of the proposed harvest
units with moderate to high impacts to soils.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-5

TABLE B-1- SUMMARY OF DIRECT EFFECTS OF ALTERNA TIVES ON SOILS

DESCRIPTION
OF PARAMETER

NO -ACT I ON
ALTERNATIVE

ACTION
ALTERNATIVE

Acres of harvest

0

89

Acres of tractor yarding

0

61

Acres of skid trails and landings^

0

12

Acres of cable yarding

0

28

Acres of yarding corridors'^

0

3

Acres of moderate impacts^

0

11

Percent of harvest area with impacts

0

12

' 20 percent of ground-based area

^ 5 to 10 percent of cable-yarding units

^ 75 percent of ground-based skid trails and 50 percent of cable corridors

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

This alternative would have no cumulative impacts on soil productivity. No soil would be
disturbed under this alternative, and no reentry of past harvest units would occur.

The salvage of proposed Unit 1 and the previously salvaged portion of proposed Unit 2 could
generate cumulative effects to soil productivity. The risk of cumulative impacts is low on these
acres since most of the existing trails are properly located and adequately spaced. As a result,
existing trails would be used, except where they do not meet current management goals.
Impacts to all proposed salvage areas would be kept to less than 20 percent of the proposed
harvest area, including areas previously entered for salvage. In areas not previously salvaged
or harvested, cumulative impacts to soil productivity would be similar to those described in the
D/rect Effects and Indirect Effects portions of this analysis.

Page CEA-6

Checklist Environmental Assessment

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Page CEA-7

5. WATER QUALITY, QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION:

Identify important surface or groundwater resources. Consider tfie potential for violation of ambient water
quality standards, drinking water maximum contaminant levels, or degradation of water quality. Identify
cumulative effects to water resources.

INTRODUCTION

WATER QUALITY

Timber harvesting and related activities, such as road construction and site preparation/scarification,
can lead to water-quality impacts by increasing the production and delivery of fine sediment to
streams. Construction of roads, skid trails, and landings can generate and transfer substantial
amounts of sediment through the removal of vegetation and exposure of bare soil. In addition,
removal of vegetation near stream channels reduces the sediment-filtering capacity and may reduce
channel stability and the amounts of large woody material. Large woody debris is a very important
component of stream dynamics, creating natural sediment traps and energy dissipaters to reduce
the velocity and erosiveness of stream flows.

WATER YIELD

Timber harvesting and associated activities can affect the timing, distribution, and amount of water
yield in a harvested watershed. Water yields increase proportionately to the percentage of canopy
removal, because removal of live trees reduces the amount of water transpired, leaving more water
available for soil saturation and runoff. Canopy removal also decreases interception of rain and
snow and alters snowpack distribution and snowmelt, which lead to further water-yield increases.
Higher water yields may lead to increases in peak flows and peak-flow duration, which can result in
accelerated streambank erosion and sediment deposition.

ANALYSIS METHODS

SEDIMENT DELIVERY

Methodology for analyzing sediment delivery will be completed using a sediment-source inventory.
All roads and stream crossings were evaluated to determine sources of introduced sediment and
compliance with applicable BMPs.

WATER YIELD

An analysis of water-yield increases will not be completed for the proposed project. The project
proposal involves the salvage of trees killed, or in imminent danger of being killed, by forest insects
and diseases. As a result, water-yield increases have already occurred or will occur through natural
processes, and the proposed project would not contribute to the removal of live vegetation or
subsequent water-yield increases.

ANALYSIS AREA

WATER QUALITY

The analysis will cover all stream segments within the proposed project area and all forest roads
within and leading into the project area. The project area is located within the Cilly Creek
watershed.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

REGULA TORY FRAMEWORK

Montana Surface Water Quality Standards: According to ARM 17.30.608 (2)(a), the Swan River
drainage and its tributaries, including Cilly Creek, are all classified as B-1 . Among other criteria for
B-1 waters, no increases are allowed above naturally occurring levels of sediment, and moderate

Page CEA-8 Checklist Environmental Assessment

increases are allowed over naturally occurring turbidity. "Naturally occurring," as defined by ARM
17.30.602 (17), includes conditions or materials present during runoff from developed land where all
reasonable land, soil, and water-conservation practices (commonly called BMPs) have been
applied. Reasonable practices include methods, measures, or practices that protect present and
reasonably anticipated beneficial uses. These practices include, but are not limited to, structural
and nonstructural controls and operation and maintenance procedures. Appropriate practices may
be applied before, during, or after the completion of activities that may impact the resource.

The designated beneficial surface-water use within the project area is cold-water fishery. Beneficial
uses on Cilly Creek include domestic water use approximately 1 mile downstream from the
proposed project area.

Water-Quality-Limited Waterbodies: The proposed project area is located within the Cilly Creek
watershed. Cilly Creek is not listed in the 1996 or 2004 List of Waterbodies in Need of Total Maximum
Daily Load (TMDL) Development publication produced by the Montana Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ, 1996, 2004). Cilly Creek is tributary to Swan River and Swan Lake, however, and Swan
Lake is listed as impaired on the 2002 List of Waterbodies in Need of TMDL Development.

Montana Streamside Management Zone (SMI) Law: By the definition in ARM 36. 1 1.312(3), Cilly Creek
is a class 1 stream. Cilly Creek flows less than 6 months per year in the reach located within the
proposed project area, but does contribute surface flow to another stream and supports fish when
flowing, and, therefore, meets the class 2 definition.

Forest Management Rules: By definition in ARM 36. 1 1.403 (95), each parcel of the proposed project
area may contain isolated wetlands. As required in ARM 36. 1 1.426, wetlands greater than one-quarter
acre in size should have a 50-foot Wetland Management Zone (WMZ) delineated around their perimeter.
For wetlands smaller than one-quarter acre in size, the WMZ would be delineated on the wetland border.

WATER QUALITY

The bed and banks of Cilly Creek are in stable condition through this portion of the project area, and
streamside vegetation is intact with good riparian function. No bank cutting or channel degradation
were noted in reaches extending through the proposed salvage area. The road system used to
access the proposed project area is on moderate to gentle grades and has some surface drainage
installed. Some additional surface drainage and erosion control may be needed on this road
system, but no erosion or sediment delivery was identified during field reconnaissance.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS

Direct and indirect effects of the No-Action Alternative would be similar to the conditions
described under EXISTING CONDITIONS for WATER QUALITY. The water quality would be
unaffected by the No-Action Alternative, and Cilly Creek would continue to be affected by
natural and preexisting conditions.

No stream crossings would be replaced and no road-surface drainage would be improved or
added.

• JlCTIOM JtLiTEItJyiJlTIVE

The proposed project would salvage timber from approximately 89 acres. No water-yield
increases are anticipated as a result of the proposed activities since the only trees proposed for
removal have either been killed by insects or diseases or have been damaged by insects or
diseases to the point that death is imminent. No increases in sediment delivery are expected
since none of the proposed units contain a stream.

The Action Alternative would also improve the erosion control and surface drainage where
needed on all existing roads proposed for hauling in the proposed project area; these roads

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-9

would be brought up to applicable BMP standards for the duration of activity. The proposed
Action Alternative would construct approximately 1.3 miles of new road to the north of Cilly
Creek in Unit 2; this road would meet all applicable BMPs. No stream crossings would be
constructed or replaced with the proposed project. All existing stream crossings are adequately
functioning and not in need of replacement. Road-construction and surface-drainage work
would increase the risk of sedimentation in the short term. Over the long term, surface-
drainage-improvement activities would reduce the erosion and sediment delivery risk from the
current levels and may improve water quality in the proposed project area.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

Cumulative effects of the No-Action Alternative on water quality would be similar to the
situations described in the existing conditions. The water quality would be unaffected by the No-
Action Alternative, and Cilly Creek in the proposed project area would continue to be affected by
natural and preexisting conditions.

• Action ^LTEHJsijiTn^E

Past activity'in the proposed project area has mainly consisted of timber harvesting. On sites
where timber was harvested, there has been substantial vegetative recovery with no apparent
impact to sediment delivery.

The risk of sediment delivery in the proposed project area would be reduced from current levels.
Improvement of surface drainage and erosion control on the existing road system would lower the
long-term risk of sediment loading to live streams or Swan River.

AIR QUALITY:

What pollutants or particulate would be produced? Identify air quality regulations or zones (e.g.
Class I air shed) the project would influence. Identify cumulative effects to air quality.

INTRODUCTION

The project is within Montana Airshed 2 and is not within a Class 1 Airshed. Air quality within this
airshed is considered good. Temporary, local reductions in air quality currently occur from wildfires,
prescribed broadcast burns, slash burning, and road dust.

Direct and Indirect Effects

• J\i»-JlC110J\ JlLTERJM^ITIVE

The existing condition would not change.

• JlCTiOM JltjTEItJ\JlTiVE

Postharvest burning would produce smoke emissions; log hauling and other project-related
traffic on dirt roads would temporarily increase road dust during dry periods. Due to the
relatively small size of the project, no temporary increases are expected to exceed standards or
impact local population centers if burning is completed within the requirements imposed by the
Montana Airshed Group and logs are hauled primarily during winter months as planned.

Cumulative Effects

The existing condition would not change.

Page CEA-10 Checklist Environmental Assessment

• JlCTKtM JlLTERJ\JlTrVE

Additional smoke produced from prescribed burning on adjacent USPS, private, and State trust
forestland would remain within the standards for air quality, but cumulative effects during peak
burning periods could affect individuals with respiratory illnesses at local population centers for
short durations. Ail known major burners operate under the requirements of the Montana
Airshed Groups, which regulate the amount of emissions produced cumulatively by major
burners.

VEGETATION COVER, QUANTITY AND QUALITY:

1/Vhaf changes would the action cause to vegetative communities? Consider rare plants or cover types that
would be affected. Identify cumulative effects to vegetation.

INTRODUCTION

The following analysis provides a detailed description of the present conditions of the forest and
addresses the potential effects of the proposed alternatives in relation to the following:

• The condition of several stands within the project area is being severely impacted by various
forest insects, diseases, and/or abiotic factors.

• The ongoing Douglas-fir bark beetle outbreak would likely cause significant, additional tree
mortality if salvage harvesting does not remove active brood trees. To the greatest extent
possible, trees, especially brood trees, would be removed this winter through March 31.
However, the contract would continue until March 31 , 2006 to allow 2 winter seasons and one
30-day operating period (consistent with the SVGBCA) during the summer season (June 16
through August 31).

• The risk of catastrophic fires would increase on Swan River State Forest and adjacent lands if
standing dying, dead, and/or down woody fuels (trees) are not removed. Three recent lightning
strikes on 2 snags and 1 live tree were observed within the proposed salvage units; the heavy
rains occurring in conjunction with the thunderstorm appear to have prevented a wildfire.

• Harvesting would remove significant numbers of dead, dying, severely diseased, windthrown,
and damaged trees in the harvest units; individual snags and groups of snags would be retained
as habitat for snag-dependent species. Snag-recruitment issues would also be addressed.

Background

As a whole, the forest has an ongoing and severe bark beetle problem. Douglas-fir bark beetles,
mountain pine beetles, fir engravers, and flatheaded fir borers are currently attacking trees on
Swan River State Forest. The Douglas-fir bark beetle and flatheaded fir borer have caused
extensive tree mortality within the project area. (See APPENDIX D - FOREST INSECT AND
DISEASE REPORT for further discussion). The flatheaded fir borer attacks are a fairly recent
development. The attacks in the project area started approximately 2 years ago, but live larvae
were found in recently dead western larch trees in the project area in the late summer of 2004.

DNRC is required by law to establish a timber program that provides for the timely salvage of dead
and dying timber that is threatened by insects, diseases, wildfires, or windthrow on State forests
{Section 77-5-207, MCA). Under this requirement, DNRC shall, to the extent practicable, harvest
dead and dying timber before there is substantial wood decay and value loss.

Current Habitat Types and Forest Productivity Within The Project Area

All stands within the project area are a grand fir habitat type. Three of the 4 stands are in the warm,
moist habitat-type group, and the other is in the moderately cool habitat-type group. Forest
productivity (growth) is rated as high on these stands. These stands typically contain varying

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-1 1

populations of Douglas-fir, western larch, western white pine, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, black
Cottonwood, white paper birch, yellow birch, grand fir, Engelmann spruce, western red cedar, and
subalpine fir.

Past Management Activities

Inventory records show that past timber harvesting in the project area began in the early 1950s.
The following information pertains to timber sales in, and adjacent to, the Cilly Creek Salvage
Timber Sale Project area:

• Since the early 1950s, salvage harvesting has taken place in areas of low elevation throughout
Swan River State Forest. Most harvesting in the project area has been on a small scale and
has consisted of salvage sales only. Green timber sales over 25 years ago resulted in small
clearcuts in the project area. These stands have successfully and completely revegetated and
are heavily stocked with trees 25 to 45 feet tall. The last entry into the project area was in 1999,
when the small Cilly Bug Timber Sale salvaged beetle-killed Douglas-fir.

VEGETATION: COARSE-FILTER ANALYSIS

AGE CLASS AND COVERTYPES

Existing Condition

The stands in the project area consist primarily of a Douglas-fir overstory, with co-dominant western
larch. Grand fir is the predominant understory species. Western white pine, western red cedar,
Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine are dispersed throughout the project area, but appear
mainly at lower elevations and comprise a minor component of the project area stands. These
stands are classified as old stands 150 plus years old, 2 of the stands meet DNRC old-growth
criteria. These stands are highly decadent and are in an advanced state of decline due to insect
and disease attacks. Previous salvage efforts and recently dead and dying Douglas-fir have created
numerous small openings that have filled in with seedlings, saplings, and various brush species.
Regeneration is primarily grand fir, with minor amounts of Douglas-fir, western white pine, western
larch, western red cedar, and Engelmann spruce.

Direct and Indirect Effects

• J\<t-^CTIf»J\ .iLTERJMJITiVE

The project area has light to severe damage and/or mortality scattered throughout. If the
proposed salvage would not occur in these stands, the shade-tolerant trees would continue to
regenerate, changing the dominant tree/covertype from serai to climax species. The long-term
covertype would change to an overstory dominated principally by grand fir. Age class for the
stand would continue to decrease as the older Douglas-fir, western white pine, and western
larch die from the effects of insect and pathogen attacks.

The salvage units would be concentrated in the areas hardest hit by beetle attacks. More
moderately affected areas may, at some future time, be treated under a management plan that
is not tied directly to salvage. Salvaged areas would open up numerous small areas within the
project area to allow serai species an opportunity to regenerate. Since the trees targeted for
removal were already killed or are dying from natural events, stand covertype and age-class
composition would not change beyond what is naturally occurring. The covertype effects would
not be significantly different from the No-Action Alternative.

Page CEA-12 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Cumulative Effects v\V x^y,:. "^ *:>

• J\t>-^1CTI<K\ JiLTEItJSJiTIV'E

The brood trees of the Douglas-fir bark beetle would not be removed. Covertypes would quickly
shift as overstory Douglas-fir trees die from continued bark beetle activity and are replaced by
other species, primarily grand fir. In the short term, the stand would become more open as
trees are harvested under potential future salvage projects or as they die and fall. Over the long
term, the stand would fill in with the shade-tolerant species that are already growing.

As beetle-infested trees die and the younger shade-tolerant trees begin to move into the
dominant class, the age class of the stand would change to that of a younger stand.

• JtCTIOJV^LTEIt/V^Tn^E

Because Douglas-fir, a dominant overstory species, are being attacked by Douglas-fir bark
beetles in the project area, the stand composition would change. Some portions of the project
area would become predominantly grand fir, others would regenerate to serai species that may
take advantage of the small openings created during salvage operations. These openings
would be created significantly sooner and be relatively larger than if they were generated
naturally. Combined with soil disturbance and removal of a majority of the large woody debris,
the openings would significantly increase the opportunity for serai species to regenerate.

The stand's age class would change to that of a younger stand as beetle-infested trees die and
the current understory of younger shade-tolerant trees begin to move into the dominant class.
The natural regeneration of the salvaged areas would also reduce the stand age class. The
removal of brood trees, however, would allow more of the unaffected large older trees to
survive, thus, moderating the change in age classes for the affected stands.

FRAGMENTATION

Existing Condition

Swan River State Forest lands and adjoining properties display a pattern of fire-generated stands
overlain by human-generated stands of harvest units and land clearing. The Swan River State
Forest's Stand-Level Inventory (SLI) database shows that timber stands are delineated along natural
and human-generated boundaries. The natural boundaries fall along edges of moisture regimes,
age classes, soil types, topographic features, and fire influences that created visible differences in
timber-stand characteristics. The human-generated boundaries follow property, natural, and past-
harvest boundaries. Stand size is highly variable.

Direct and Indirect Effects

• JVO-.^CTIfiJV^LTERJV^ITIVE

Forest fires and timber harvesting on adjacent ownerships would continue to change existing
patterns and edges associated with forest patch size and shape.

• JlCTIOjyiJtLTEHJMJITn'E

Existing patterns and edges associated with forest patch size and shape would not change
except through forest management on adjacent ownerships or wildfires. Stand boundaries
would not change. This is due to stand composition density and structure not being significantly
altered enough to create a fragmented stand.

Cumulative Effects

Forest fires and timber harvesting on DNRC-managed lands and adjacent ownerships would
continually change existing patterns and edges associated with forest patch size and shape.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-13

OLD GROWTH

Existing Condition

The SLI lists 2 of the 4 stands being analyzed for this salvage harvest project as old growth; these
are Stand 24 in Section 16 and Stand 8 in Section 15. Field verification confirms that both of these
stands qualify as old growth under current DNRC criteria. In addition, the remaining 2 stands (Stand
16 in Section 16 and Stand 10 in Section 15), which are located just north of Stands 8 and 24, were
field-checked and were determined to not meet current old-growth criteria. Stand 16 was checked
by collecting field data and Stand 10 was visually inspected.

DNRC has adopted Green et al (1992) to define old growth on State lands. This definition is based
on the number, age, and size of trees over a specified diameter at breast height (dbh) per acre
based on habitat type and covertype. The SLI provides the initial data for labeling stands as old
grovirth. At the project level, stands identified as old growth through the SLI are verified through field
reconnaissance and/or the collection of field data from the project stands.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Portions of the 2 old-growth stands would be harvested. However, since the only trees harvested
are either dead or dying, any effect from this salvage operation would mimic natural events with
regard to these stands meeting the old-growth criteria. Old-growth attributes would be effected by
reducing snags in larger diameter classes and by removing a minor amount of down and woody
material greater than 3 inch diameter. After harvest it is anticipated that there would be 1 5 to 20
tons per acres of down woody material, and the number of snags reserved in all size classes would
still provide diversity. The number of large snags reserved would exceed requirements under the
Forest Management Rules and would consist of all commercial species.

Cumulative Effects

General site characteristics and past road construction, timber harvesting, insect and disease
events, weather events, and wildfires have led to the current forest structure and composition. The
overall composition of the forest is not expected to change under either alternative since only dead,
down, damaged, diseased, and dying trees are being considered for harvesting. Other active timber
sales in the area include the Big Slowdown, Goat Squeezer, and Goat Squeezer II timber sales.
Both Goat Squeezer sales harvested green trees, but no old growth. The Big Slowdown sale
salvages timkjer that is dead, down, damaged, diseased, and dying in old-growth stands.
Essentially, that same approach would be followed in this project. Based on the harvesting of trees
as described above, the impacts to old-grov\rth stands would be very similar to what would occur
naturally. Impacts from this project would be minimal under either alternative.

FIRE EFFECTS

Existing Conditions

Wildfire hazards in these stands are above natural levels, with moderate to high accumulations of
downed woody debris in all size classes and increased ladder fuels. On-the-ground fuel loads
would increase significantly if the current and future snags killed by the current cycle of insect and
disease attacks begin to fall over or break off above the ground. The encroachment and
establishment of young shade-tolerant trees, coupled with the continuing mortality of dominant and
co-dominant trees caused by beetle kill and windthrow, are increasing fuel loads and, therefore,
catastrophic fire risks.

Page CEA-14 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Direct AND Indirect Effects -^ -

The risks of wildfire would continue to increase over time. With continued accumulations of
large and fine fuels, snags, ladder fuels, and deadwood components, the risk of a stand-
replacement fire would increase.

• JtCTION JlLTERJ\JlTIVE

The proposed salvage would remove a significant portion of the dead and dying large woody
fuel material. These treated areas would see short- and long-term fire hazards reduced.
Immediately following the salvage harvesting, the amount of fine, flashy fuels would moderately
increase. Scattering slash and cutting limbs and tops to lay low to the ground to hasten
decomposition, coupled with yarding trees to landings and piling slash for later burning would
reduce fire hazards. Residual fuel loads after harvesting would be within the range of 15 to 20
tons per acre.

Cumulative Effects

• JVO-^CTI()JVJlLTERJV^ITn'E

The risk of stand-replacing wildfires in historically nonlethal regimes would continue to increase
as a result of forest fuel acummulation.

• *iCTiaN^L,TEItJ\^lTI\-E

Fuel loads would be reduced in stands that are treated with salvage harvests, thus, wildfire risks
in these specific areas would be reduced. Similar treatments on other sales would decrease fire
hazards as well.

FOREST INSECTS AND DISEASES

Existing Conditions

A number of insects, pathogens, and abiotic factors are significantly and adversely altering stand
productivity, structure, and composition in a large part of the project area (see APPENDIX D -
FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE REPORT). Stands are rapidly declining as the number of healthy
trees continues to fall.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Trees would continue to be lost from the project area due to insects and diseases. Stand growth
and vigor would continue to decline as insect infestations and disease infections spread
unchecked. Stand composition would be significantly altered as serai tree species are killed
and replaced by shade-tolerant species, primarily grand fir.

• JlcrmjK ,lLTEitJ\jiTiyE

This salvage harvest would remove Douglas-fir that host active bark beetle broods and those
that have been recently killed by insect attacks. Western larch trees would be removed if they
are dead or if mistletoe infection is a 5 to 6 on the Hawksworth scale (see APPENDIX D -
FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE REPORT). Mortality would be reduced within these stands
by reducing beetle populations and, thereby, limiting further attacks. Top-killed or obviously
blister-rust-infected western white pine would be harvested. Small amounts of lodgepole pine,
Engelmann spruce, and grand fir would also be harvested. All of these efforts would reduce the
future and immediate threat of insect attacks and disease infections spreading to the remaining
healthy trees.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-15

Cumulative Effects

Dead or dying trees would not be harvested. These stands would continue to significantly
decline with loss of growth and volume per acre due to insect and disease mortality. Fuel
loading would continue to increase. Current forest conditions would continue throughout Swan
River State Forest. Nearby timber sales are harvesting insect-infested and disease-infected
wood. In the immediate project area control of these insect and disease outbreaks would be
through natural means only.

• JlCTIOJ\ JtliTEttJ^/JITtVE

Harvesting infected trees on this project, in combination with harvesting efforts on the Big
Slowdown and Goat Squeezer and Goat Squeezer II timber sales, would reduce the overall
threat of Douglas-fir bark beetle attacks in the area. The risk of increasing attacks on western
larch from flatheaded fir borers would also decrease. The risk of further attacks in the project
area could be reduced significantly in the short term.

SNAGS
Existing Condition

The project area contains a large number of snags in all diameter classes. Snags in larger diameter
classes (over 21 inches) are common throughout the project area and are heaviest to the south and
west. Predominant species of large snags are western larch and Douglas-fir. Western white pine
and grand fir occur in this size class incidentally. Sample snag surveys show the north end of the
project area averages 6.8 snags per acre 21 inches dbh and greater and 15.3 snags per acre 15
inches dbh and greater. The south end of the project area averages 9.3 snags per acre 21 inches
dbh and greater and 13.3 snags per acre 15 inches dbh and greater.

There are numerous snags per acre between 8 and 15 inches. All tree species common to the area
are represented.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Snag numbers in all of the stands would continue to increase. Due to restricted access,
firewood losses would be minimal or not occur. Short-term snag recruitment would be
accelerated due to the number of trees under attack from insects and diseases.

• JiCTIOJS ^LTEiiJ\JlTiVE

In Stands 8, 10, 16, 19, and 24, snags per acre that are 15 inches dbh in diameter and larger
would be reduced to a minimum of 4 to 7 per acre. Snags 21 inches dbh and larger would be
reduced to 2 to 4 per acre (see APPENDIX A - WILDLIFE ANAYSIS). Snag density after
harvesting on any given acre of land would vary based on the original snag numbers. A large
portion of the merchantable snags would be harvested. Residual snags would be well scattered
throughout the portion of the stand that would be salvaged, although some snags in Stands 16
and 10 may be clumped together in small groups as well as scattered. All snags that have
nesting-cavity openings would be reserved from cutting.

Snags that are considered merchantable, but are reserved for wildlife, would be marked on the
uphill and downhill sides with a blue "W". A total count of reserve snags would be kept for each
harvest unit.

Page CEA-16 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Cumulative Effects

• jy/O-JlCTiOJM ^LTERJ^JlTrVE

Snags in the project area would continue to increase, especially in the larger diameter classes
of Douglas-fir. Snag recruitment in and around the project would be accelerated due to the
large number of trees under attack from insects and diseases. The total number of snags in all
size classes in all stands would increase.

• JlCTIOJ\ JlL,TERJ\JITiVE

In harvest areas within Stands 10, 16, and 24, the majority of snags would be harvested;
therefore, the snags per acre would decrease. Live trees with active bark beetle attacks or
severe dwarf misteltoe infection would also be harvested, thereby, reducing the number of
Douglas-fir and western larch, the primary snag-recruitment species in these stands. However,
unharvested areas of stands and surrounding stands would continue to provide snags in the 10-
to 20-inch and 21 -inch-plus size classes. The number of reserve snags over 21 inches in all
harvest units would be greater than the minimum required by the Administrative Rules for Forest
Management. Firewood cutting would have minor effects on the number of snags.

SENSITIVE PLANTS

Existing Condition and Analysis Methodology

Swan River State Forest had a sensitive plant survey completed on all State lands within the forest
boundaries; fieldwork was finished in the summer of 2003. Plants targeted were species of special
concern listed by the Montana Natural Heritage Program. Results of this survey were then
compared to the proposed harvest sites for potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposal. No
sensitive plant species are known to exist in the project area. If sensitive species were discovered
during operations, appropriate mitigation measures would be developed, if needed.

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects (

No short-term or cumulative impacts on sensitive plants are anticipated from this project.

NOXIOUS WEEDS

Existing Condition

Spotted knapweed {Centaurea mauclosa) has become established along roads within the project
area. Swan River State Forest has a program to reduce the spread and occurrence of noxious
weeds.

Direct and Indirect Effects t i

• jyift-JiCTUtJ\ ^LTERjy/JITIVE

Swan River State Forest may initiate spot spraying under the Forest Improvement (Fl) program
to reduce noxious weeds along roads in the forest.

• JlCTIOJV JtLTERJV^m^E

Logging disturbance may provide opportunities for noxious weeds to establish; log trucks and
equipment may introduce seeds from other sites. Mitigation steps would require machinery to
be washed and inspected prior to entering the project area. Grass seeding disturbed roads and
landings would reduce or prevent the establishment of new weed populations. Roadside
herbicide spraying is not planned as a part of this project. Swan River State Forest may initiate
spot spraying under the Fl program at a later date to reduce noxious weeds along roads.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page cEA-17

Cumulative Effects

The No-Action Alternative would have negligible effects on the weeds in the area. If spraying
were initiated in the area, weed populations would be reduced.

• JlCTiajV^LTEItJV^TrfE

Following the above mitigation measures; this alternative is expected to have negligible effects
on the noxious-weed population. If spraying were initiated in the area, weed populations would
be reduced.

8. TERRESTRIAL, AVIAN AND AQUATIC LIFE AND HABITATS:

Consider substantial habitat values and use of the area by wildlife, birds or fish. Identify cumulative effects to fish
and wildlife.

Wildlife and avian discussions and concerns are addressed in APPENDIX C - WILDLIFE
ANALYSIS.

Impacts to streams are discussed under item 5 (WATER QUALITY, QUANTITY AND
DISTRITUBTION) of this document. Impacts to streams are minimal to none; thus, impacts to fish
would be very slight to none. Brook trout are known to inhabit Cilly Creek below the project area.
Through the lower part of the project area Cilly Creek is dry with all flow going subterranean. No
impacts to fish or the stream itself below the project area are expected. In the upper half of the
project area Cilly Creek has surface flow, but contains no fish (verified by DFWP). No impacts to
fish populations are expected.

9. UNIQUE, ENDANGERED, FRAGILE OR LIMITED ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES:

Consider any federally listed threatened or endangered species or habitat identified in the project area.
Determine effects to wetlands. Consider Sensitive Species or Species of special concern. Identify cumulative
effects to these species and their habitat.

The proposed salvage units are not near any known sensitive wetlands or upland sites. The
Foothills Meadow wetland area, a different drainage than any in the project area, is approximately
4,000 feet to the south-southwest. Several small springs were located very near the bottom of the
project area in Stand 16. These springs flow into the ditch along Lower Cilly Ridge Road and all
appear to go dry shortly after crossing the road. Mitigation for these springs is discussed under item
5 (WATER QUALITY, QUANTITY AND DISTRITUBTION). The area where the springs surface and
flow down to Lower Cilly Ridge Road would not be included in a salvage unit.

This analysis considers species of special concern and threatened and endangered species in
APPENDIX C - WILDLIFE ANAL YSIS.

10. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES:

Identify and determine effects to historical, archaeological or paleontological resources.

Historical and archaeological sites are not known to be located on the project area.

11. AESTHETICS:

Determine if the project is located on a prominent topographic feature, or may be visible from populated or
scenic areas. What level of noise, light or visual change would be produced? Identify cumulative effects to
aesthetics.

None of the project areas are visible from any open road. The project areas are near an open road,
but the short duration of the actual harvesting, combined with the wintertime schedule for completing
a majority of the work, would create no significant long- or short-term effects to aesthetics.

PageCEA-18 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Harvesting and road construction in the summer would create minor impacts due to a short
operating period and restricted access. The proposed new road would not be visible from any open
roads or viewpoints. Few green trees are planned for cutting so the viewshed will not appreciably
change.

12. DEMANDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF LAND, WATER, AIR OR ENERGY:

Determine the amount of limited resources the project would require. Identify other activities nearby that the
project would affect. Identify cumulative effects to environmental resources.

None.

13. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS PERTINENT TO THE AREA:

List other studies, plans or projects on this tract. Determine cumulative impacts likely to occur as a result of
current private, state or federal actions in the analysis area, and from future proposed state actions in the
analysis area that are under MEPA review (scoped) or permitting review by any state agency.

The Goat Squeezer Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Big Slowdown Environmental
Assessment (EA) were considered in the cumulative effects analysis. ,..

In relation to grizzly bears, cumulative effects of timber management and road construction were
analyzed in the EA and Biological Opinion for the SVGBCA (USFWS, 1995a and 1995b). Timber
harvesting and road use related to the proposed alternative would be conducted in accordance with
this agreement {USFWS et al, 1997).

IV. IMPACTS ON THE HUMAN POPULATION

RESOURCES potentially impacted are listed on the form, followed by common issues that would be

considered.

Explain POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS following each resource heading.

Enter "NONE" If no impacts are identified or the resource is not present.

14. HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY:

Identify any health and safety risks posed by the project.

None.

15. INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURE ACTIVITIES AND PRODUCTION: ,

Identify how the project would add to or alter these activities.

Approximately 500 to 700 mbf of logs will be made available to the wood-products industry.

16. QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Estimate the number of jobs the project would create, move or eliminate. Identify cumulative effects to the em-
ployment market.

The wood-products industry currently employs people in this area. Due to the relatively small size of
this project, the proposed action would result in no significant changes to local employment, but
would provide loggers with wintertime employment that may not otherwise be available in this area.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-19

17. LOCAL AND STATE TAX BASE AND TAX REVENUES:

Estimate tax revenue the project would create or eliminate. Identify cumulative effects to taxes and revenue.

People currently employed in the wood-products industry in this region are paying income and
business taxes. Due to the relatively small size of this salvage project, the proposed action would
result in no measurable cumulative impact on tax revenues. However, this sale will produce enough
logs for one medium-sized mill in the area to operate 4 to 6 weeks, which may result in the payment
of additional corporate taxes.

18. DEMAND FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES:

Estimate increases in traffic and changes to traffic patterns. What changes would be needed to fire protection,
police, schools, etc. ? Identify cumulative effects of this and other projects on government services

The demand for government services would not be cumulatively impacted as a result of this
proposal. The predominately winter operating period would have minimal impacts to traffic, and the
probability of a few people temporarily relocating to the area would be low.

19. LOCALLY ADOPTED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS AND GOALS:

List State, County, City, USPS, BLM, Tribal, and other zoning or management plans, and identify how they
would affect this project.

In March 2003, DNRC adopted Administrative Rules for Forest Management {ARM 36.11.401
through 450). DNRC will manage lands involved in this project in accordance with the Rules.

20. ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL AND WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES:

Identify any wilderness or recreational areas nearby or access routes through this tract. Determine the effects
of the project on recreational potential within the tract. Identify cumulative effects to recreational and
wilderness activities.

EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project area receives light to moderate recreational use
throughout the year. The area is primarily used for firewood gathering, snowmobiling, bicycling,
hiking, and hunting.

Direct and Indirect Effects

Recreational uses would not change.

• JlCTiOJS ^LTERJM^TirE

All parts of this project are behind locked gates on restricted roads. Harvesting is planned for
the winter months outside of the hunting season and for a 30-day period in the summer of 2005.
Short delays due to log hauling, road grading, and snowplowing may inconvenience
recreationists; however, recreational use in the project area is not expected to change with the
implementation of this project. The closed roads would be open to logging traffic only during
harvesting operations.

The status of the closed roads used to access this project would not change with project
implementation.

Page CEA-20 Checklist Environmental Assessment

Cumulative Effects

Recreational use is not expected to change.

• JiCTION JtLTERjyiJITn'E

The log-hauling activities of this project utilize the first 3.8 miles of Soup Creek Road and the
first 1 .8 miles of Cilly Creek Road, both open roads. Logging traffic may displace recreational
use to adjacent areas for a short time. All levels of existing recreational use on Swan River
State Forest are expected to continue.

21. DENSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION AND HOUSING:

Estimate population clianges and additional housing the project would require. Identify cumulative effects to
population and housing. .,

Due to the relatively small size of this project and the fact that people are already employed in the
forest-products industry in the region, no measurable cumulative impacts related to population and
housing would be expected.

22. SOCIAL STRUCTURES AND MORES:

Identify potential disruption of native or traditional lifestyles or communities.

None.

23. CULTURAL UNIQUENESS AND DIVERSITY:

How would the action affect any unique quality of the area?

None.

24. OTHER APPROPRIATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES:

Estimate the return to the trust. Include appropriate economic analysis. Identify potential future uses for the
analysis area other than existing management. Identify cumulative economic and social effects likely to occur
as a result of the proposed action.

Direct and Indirect Effects

• J\0-JICTI0J>1 JlLTEItJVJITn'E

Since there is no direct economic activity associated with the No-Action Alternative, local
employment or wages would not be affected and there would be no monetary return to the trust.

• ^CTIOJV^ETERJVJITIVE

The potential benefit to the trust can be estimated by looking at recently sold timber sales in the
area and adjusting for the degree of difficulty of this proposed sale compared to the recently
sold timber sales. Recent sales of sawlog material have sold in the range of $43 to $48 per
ton. These sales had slightly lower logging costs than this sale would have, though road costs
on a per ton basis are roughly the same. To estimate this sale, we will take the average of the
above values and reduce it by $5 per ton. Hence the average of $45.50 minus $5.00 equals
$40.50 per ton. Using 600 MBF times 5 tons per MBF equals 3,000 tons; 3,000 tons times
$40.50 per ton equals $121 ,500. This is a potential return to the trust and is higher than the

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-21

appraised value would be. This figure assumes a highly competitive market with several
interested parties. This calculation is not an actual appraisal of the projected timber sale.

The average employment and wage effects are found in the table below. This project is
estimated to create the equivalent of 6.88 jobs. These would not necessarily be new jobs but
would be employment in the winter months primarily when jobs typically are scarce for loggers.

Table 24-1 Average Employment Impact - Action Alternative

Employment

Wages

Average

10.58jobs/MMBF

$34,000 per job

Estimate effect of sale

6.35 jobs

$215,900

Cumulative Effects

If the dead and dying trees are not salvage harvested, their commercial value and the benefits
described above would be permanently lost to the trust and to the local and State economy.

EA Checklist
Prepared By:

Name: Roger M. Ziesak

Title: Forest Management Supervisor

Date: December 23, 2004

V. FINDING

25. ALTERNATIVE SELECTED:

Two alternatives are presented and fully analyzed in the CEA:

• No-Action Alternative - includes existing activities, but does not include a 500 to 700 MBF timber
sale salvage permit.

• Action Alternative - In addition to existing activities, the Action Alternative proposes preparing a
Timber permit that salvage harvests a total of 500 to 700 MBF of timber from approximately 100
acres and constructs approximately 1.3 miles of new road.

I have reviewed the correspondence from the public and information presented in the CEA. For the
following reasons, I have selected the Action Alternative without additional modifications:

• The selected Action Alternative meets the goals and objectives listed in the checklist.

• The analysis of identified issues did not reveal information to persuade DNRC or myself to
choose the No-Action Alternative.

• The project area is located on State-owned lands that are principally valuable for the timber that
is on them (77-1-402 MCA). DNRC manages these lands according to the standards adopted
by the Administrative Rules for Forest Management (ARM 36.11.401 through 450) and the
philosophy within the SFLMP, which states:

Page CEA-22

Checklist Environmental Assessment

Our premise is that the best way to produce long-term income for the trust is to
manage intensively for healthy and biologically diverse forests ...In the future,
timber management will continue to be our primary source of revenue and our
primary tool for achieving biodiversity objectives.

• The proposal provides an important mechanism to manage intensively for healthy and
biologically diverse forests in a way that harvests dead timber before a substantial value loss
occurs while limiting environmental impacts.

• As mandated by State statute 77-5-222, MCA, the proposed sale will contribute to DNRC's
sustained yield.

26. SIGNIFICANCE OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS:

I find that the Action Alternative will not have significant impacts on the human environment for the
following reasons:

• The proposed salvage project conforms to the management philosophies of DNRC and is in
compliance with existing laws, rules, policies, and standards applicable to this type of proposed
action.

• The Action Alternative will not preclude analyses of future actions on State land.

• Mitigations and specifications identified in APPENDIX A - STIPULATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS of the CEA will be implemented as prescribed.

• The proposed activities, similar to past projects on State lands, use common practices in the
industry and are not being conducted on unique or fragile sites.

27. NEED FOR FURTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:

Based on the following, I find that a more detailed EA or an EIS does not need to be prepared:

• The CEA adequately addressed the issues identified during project development and displayed
the information needed to make the decisions.

• Evaluation of the potential impacts of the proposed Cilly Bug Salvage indicates that no signifi-
cant impacts would occur.

• The ID Team provided adequate opportunities for public review and comment. Public concerns
were incorporated into the project design and analysis of impacts.

EIS

More Detailed EA

No Further Analysis

EA Checklist
Approved By:

Signature:

Name: Daniel J. Roberson
X'tle: Unit Manager

V[>-....r4\\ ^o

Date:

iM

or"

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page CEA-23

APPENDIX A
SPECIFICATIONS AND STIPULATIONS

SALVAGE CRITERIA

The following salvage criteria identify
requirements that must be met before a timber
sale can be harvested under this CEA.

TREES TO BE HARVESTED

Trees that meet 1 or more of the following
requirements:

A. All harvest trees outside of the road right-of-
way have been marked at dbh or above with
a blue horizontal paint stripe. The criteria
listed below were used for selection. Any
additional trees approved for harvesting must
meet these criteria. All trees within the road
right-of-way both merchantable and
nonmerchantable will be cut.

a. Dead and/or dying timber, including
insect-attacked Douglas-fir, western
larch, western white pine, grand fir, and

• lodgepole pine. A tree with definite
insect attack/damage (frass, pitch
seams, pitch tubes, beetle galleries,
bore holes) is considered a dying tree.
Insect attack may be from Douglas-fir
bark beetles, mountain pine beetles, flat-
headed fir borers, or Scolytus beetles.

b. Western white pine infected with white
pine blister rust that exhibit a
combination of 2 or more of the following
characteristics: blister-rust canker on the
bole, red blister-rust flagging in the lower
two-thirds of the crown, dead tops, pitch
flows on the stem, and poorly colored
crowns (yellowing needles).

c. Blown down timber of any commercial
species.

d. Any commercial species (grand fir,
western larch, western white pine,
Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce,
lodgepole pine) damaged by wind
(damage to 1/3 or more of the bole and/
or root systems pulled out of the
ground).

e. Commercial species that are infected,
dead, or dying from disease. Western
larch must score a 5 or 6 on the
Hawksworth scale (used to measure
degree of infection for mistletoe) to be
eligible for salvage.

SNAGS

Snag retention will meet or exceed the Forest
Management Rules per-acre requirement in the
harvest units. All merchantable snags that are to
be left standing have been marked with a blue
"W" on 2 sides to designate them as wildlife trees.
Nonmerchantable snags will not be cut except for
safety or operational concerns, as approved by
the Forest Officer.

ROADS and SKID TRAILS

Existing roads and skid trails must be used to
remove harvested material in Unit 1 . Units 3 and
4 are winchline units to be yarded to the existing
road. The new road in Unit 2, as well as the
existing road, will be used for cable-yarder
landings. Corridors for line skidding are not
planned. If the operator finds an area where this
may prove to be the most effective method for
removing logs, it must be approved by the Forest
Officer prior to cutting the corridor and yarding the
timber. In Unit 2, existing skid trails should be
used whenever practical for tractor ground.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

All road construction activities are restricted to the
road corridor defined by the clearing limits.
Clearing limits are marked with yellow paint.
Slash must be piled in natural openings or
constructed burn bays for burning. Right-of-way
slash will be piled and burned by the Purchaser.

STREAMSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONES

Minimal harvesting is planned in small portions of
SMZs and WMZs. No mechanized equipment
will be allowed into the areas. Trees to be felled
away from the stream are to be winched out of
the SMZ, WMZ, and 1 equipment restriction zone.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page A-1

STEEP SLOPES

Tractor yarding will be permitted on slopes up to
40 percent. Cable yarding systems are required
on slopes greater than 40 percent.

SLASH TREATMENT

All logging slash and cull material created by
harvesting activities will be lopped to a
maximum height of 18 inches and scattered.
Concentrations of slash at landings will be
machine piled for burning.

DOWN WOODY DEBRIS

An average of 1 5 to 20 tons per acre shall be
left on the ground in the harvest areas.

SOILS

Skidding and yarding activities are restricted to
periods when 1 or more of the following
conditions exist:

The soil moisture content at a 4-inch
depth is less than 20 percent of oven-dry
weight.

The minimum frost depth is
approximately 3 inches.

The minimum snow depth is
approximately 18 inches, loose, or 8
inches, packed.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

• Harvest-related activities must adhere to
BMPs.

• Harvest-related activities must follow the
SVGBCA.

Page A-2

Specifications and Stipulations

APPENDIX B
SCOPING DOCUMENTATION

INITIAL SCOPING

The following is a list of landowners, Agency
representatives, various specialists, and all
interested parties that were sent an initial scoping
letter on August 13, 2004.

Jane Adams

Alliance for the Wild Rockies

Rod Ash

Roger Bergermeier, ,e>*^

Montana Trust

Bigfork Eagle

Steve Brady

Swan Lake Ranger District

Kathy Bramer,

Office of Public Instruction

Allen Branine, Fire Supervisor
Swan River State Forest

Ron Buentemeier

F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Company

Dan Bushneli, DNRC

Tommy Butler, Legal Council
DNRC

Steve Caldbeck

Kevin Chappell, DNRC

Jeff Collins, Soil Scientist
DNRC

Marcia Cross, Tribal Historic Preservation Office,
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Ann Dahl

Swan Ecosystem Center

Jon Dahlberg, Area Manager
Northwestern Land Office

Ecology Center

Paul Engelman, Forest Economist
DNRC

Ellen Engstadt

Montana Wood Products Association

William Ensign

Brennan Ferguson, Contract Forest Pathologist

Steve Fuecht

Steve Funke

Donald Gee

Ted Geisey

Manager Forestry and Land Programs

Northwestern Land Office

Randy Gordon

David GroeschI, Bureau Chief
DNRC

Patrick Heffernan

Montana Logging Association

Caesar Hernandez

Montana Wilderness Association

Jeanne Holgrem, DNRC

Tony M. Hulett Logging

Sara Johnson

Steve Kelly

Jim Krantz,

Plum Creek Timber Company

Fred Lestiko

Stuart Lewin

Tim Litchfield, Wildlife Biologist
Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page B-1

Brian Long, Inventory Section
Forestry Division

Luckow Logging

Jinri Mann
Daily InterLake

Norm Merz, Wildlife Biologist
Northwestern Land Office

Neil Meyer

Swan Valley Ad Hoc Committee

Montana Environmental Information Center

Arlene Montgomery
Friends of the Wild Swan

Doug Mood

Pyramid Mountain Lumber

Bill Moore

Bud Moore

Tony Nelson

Hydrologist/Fisheries Biologist
Northwestern Land Office

Todd O'Hair, Policy Advisor
Governor's Office

Sara Pierce, MEPA Specialist
DNRC

Tom and Melanie Parker

Mark Phares, Legal Council
DNRC

Plum Creek Timberlands

Patrick Rennie
DNRC

Steve Rolfing

Bruce Rowland, DNRC

Scott Rumsey
Fisheries Biologist
Fish, Wildlife and Parks

:*«

Gordon Sanders
Pyramid Mountain Lumber

Tom Schultz

Forest Management Bureau

Roger Sherman

Gayle Shirey,

Secretary of State's Office

Lyndee Stevenson

Swan View Coalition

Pat Tabor

Steve Thompson

Natural Resource Consultant

Ed Tinsiey,

State Auditor's Office

Donna Thornton
Montanans for Multiple Use

Tom Weaver

Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Candace West,
Department of Justic

Allen Wolf, Silviculture Supervisor
Northwestern Land Office

Page B-2

Scoping Documentation

APPENDIX C
WILDUFE ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

The discussion in this section pertains to wildlife
species and their habitat as they currently exist
and the changes expected to that environment
due to this proposal. This discussion occurs on 2
scales. The project area includes DNRC-
managed lands primarily along restricted roads in
Section 18, T24N, R17W and Section 24, T24N,
R18W. The second scale relates to the
surrounding landscape for assessing cumulative
effects. This scale varies according to the
species being discussed, but generally
approximates the size of the home range of the
species in question. In the cumulative-effects
analysis area, prior State actions and foreseeable
future actions, along with current conditions on
other ownerships, were considered and
discussed. Species were dismissed from further
analysis if habitat did not exist in the project area
or would not be modified by any alternative.

To assegs the existing condition of the project
area and the surrounding landscape, a variety of
techniques were used. Field visits, field data,
scientific literature, data from the SLI and
Montana Natural Heritage Program, aerial
photography, consultations with other
professionals, and professional judgment
provided information for the following discussion
and effects analysis. In the effects analysis,
changes in the habitat quality and quantity from
the existing conditions were evaluated and
explained. Specialized methodologies are
discussed under the species in which they apply.

COARSE-FILTER ANALYSIS

This project proposes to harvest standing and
blown down dying and/or dead trees. No
substantial changes in age classes, forested
cover, connectivity, or covertypes would occur
from what would be expected if no action were
taken. Therefore, the coarse-filter analysis will
only consider the direct effects of disturbance to
wildlife species using the area and the indirect
effects of the project related to deadwood
habitats.

Deadwood (downed trees and snags) is an
important component of forested ecosystems.

Five primary functions of deadwood in the
forested ecosystems are: 1 ) increase structural
diversity, 2) alter canopy microenvironment, 3)
promote biological diversity, 4) provide critical
habitat for wildlife, and 5) act as a storehouse for
nutrient and organic matter recycling agents
{Parks and Shaw 1996). This analysis focuses
on the importance of dead wood as wildlife
habitat and the effects of this project on those
habitats.

Snags and downed trees provide feeding and
rearing sites, along with shelter for an array of
wildlife species. Deadwood provides insects,
fungus, and food sources for small mammals. In
turn, these small mammals provide prey for
predatory birds and mammals. Additionally,
deadwood provides areas with stable
temperatures and moisture for animals, along
with shelter from the environment, lookout areas,
and food storage sites. Small mammals, such as
red-backed voles, to large mammals, such as
black bears, rely on deadwood for survival and
reproduction.

The dbh, height, and snag densities determine
the snag habitat value for wildlife species.
Larger, taller snags tend to provide nesting sites,
while shorter snags and stumps tend to provide
feeding sites for birds and mammals. Cavity-
nesting birds often nest in areas where several
snags are available, while using individual snags
as feeding or roosting sites. Similarly, the size,
length, decay, and distribution of deadwood affect
their capacity to provide specific habitat. Logs
less than 6 feet in length tend to dry out and
provide limited habitat for wildlife species. Single,
scattered down trees could provide lookout and
travel sites for squirrels or access under the snow
for small mammals and weasels, while log piles
provide foraging sites for weasels. Therefore,
considering the size and distribution of these
resources is important.

The presence of insects, predaceous birds, and
mammals are important to forest management.
Insects and birds are suspected of controlling
insects that are harmful to wood production, such
as the Douglas-fir tussock moth, bark beetles,
and spruce budworm {Otvos 1979, Dahlstan
1982, Torgensen 1994). However, at epidemic

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-1

levels, mammalian and avian predators probably
exhibit minor effects on population reductions
(Torgensen 1994). Therefore, maintenance of
habitats for insectivorous birds and mammals is
important for long-term forest health.

EXISTING CONDITION- COARSE FILTER

The project area contains 6 stands in mature age
classes in the mixed-conifer and western larch/
Douglas-fir covertypes. These areas received a
variety of timber harvests (see CEA, Part 7 for
detailed information), which affected the presence
and attrition of deadwood. Currently, the area is
experiencing disease infections and insect
infestations, especially by larch mistletoe,
Douglas-fir bark beetles, and flathead
woodborers. Therefore, the project area in
general, and the proposed units in particular,
consist of clumped distributions of snags and log
piles, along with scattered deadwood throughout
the stands.

DNRC collected large tree data in Proposed Units
1 , 2, and 4 to verify the units' old-growth status
(Green et al 1992). No plot data were collected in
proposed Unit 3. The large trees in the proposed
units are primarily Douglas-fir and western larch,
while the understory is primarily grand fir. Fifth-
acre plots were used to estimate large tree
densities. Sampling determined that proposed
Units 1 and 4 met the minimum old-growth
definition {Green et al 1992) with an average of
1 5 and 1 7.7 trees per acre over 21 inches dbh,
respectively. In proposed Unit 2, many of the
large trees in this stand are currently dead
resulting from insect and disease vectors. The
remaining large live tree density in
proposed Unit 2 averages 5.0 trees per
acre, which is half of the tree density that
is required to meet the old-growth
definition. Ocular estimates in proposed
Unit 3 indicated that the unit did not meet
the minimum old-growth definition.

2-43) found in old-growth stands (Green et. al
1992) and lies between the mean densities found
by Harris (1998) on uncut plots (18.3 snags per
acre) and cut plots (9.8 snags per acre) sampled
in the warm, moist habitat group. However, the
number of large and very large snags greatly
exceeds those reported in Harris (1998), while
small and medium snags are underrepresented
(TABLE A-1 - CURRENT SNAG-DENSITY AND
SIZE-CLASS DISTRIBUTION COMPARED TO
THOSE THAT WOULD BE EXPECTED UNDER
HISTORICAL CONDITIONS REPORTED BY
HARRIS [1998]). The abundance of large and
very large snags is primarily due to the effects of
insects and diseases in these stands, while the
underrepresentation of medium to small snags
could be due to the sampling design. Obviously
cull snags, nontarget species (grand fir,
Engelmann spruce), and staubs of less than 20
feet tall were not counted. Since many of the
smaller snags are nontarget species and tend to
deteriorate much quicker than larger snags, many
of the smaller snags were not included in the data
set. Because of these reasons, the snag density
estimates are expected to underestimate the
existing and retention densities, especially in the
smaller size classes.

TABLE A-1 - CURRENT SNAG-DENSITY AND
SIZE-CLASS DISTRIBUTION COMPARED TO
THOSE THAT WOULD BE EXPECTED
UNDER HISTORICAL CONDITIONS
REPORTED BY HARRIS (1998)

A more complete sampling of the

proposed harvest units occurred to

quantify timber volume. In addition, data

on the snags and live trees proposed for

harvesting and the snags planned for

retention were tallied. An average of 12.1

snags per acre occur on all proposed

units. Presently, snag densities are consistent

with what would be expected under historic

conditions. The current density approximates the

mean snag density of 1 5 snags per acre (range

SNAG
CLASS

SNAGES PER ACRE

HARRIS (1998)

DF

WL

WWP

TOTAL

UNCUT

CUT

9 to 14.9

0.5

0.3

0.0

0.8

13.2

6.7

15 to 20.9

2.6

0.6

0.1

3.3

3.9

2.0

21 to 26.9

2.8

0.6

0.0

3.4

0.9

0.6

27+

1.0

0.3

0.0

1.4

0.3

0.5

Unclassified
snags

2.2

1.7

0.1

4.0

0.0

0.0

Total

9.1

3.6

0.2

12.1

18.3

9.8

Page C-2

Wildlife Analysis

Effects - Coarse Filter

• Direct and Indirect F^ecttt of the JVo^lction
tllternatice on Coarite Pilter

No additional disturbance would occur in the
area and the amount and distribution of
deadwood would not be altered by DNRC-
reiated projects. In the near future, canopy
cover would decline due to recent insect and
disease activity, resulting in an increase in
the number of large snags. If insect and
disease mortality continues, most to all large
trees would be killed within several years.
This situation could result in a pulse of snag
recruitment in the proposed harvest units,
especially in the large and very large size
classes. This pulse of snags would provide
large amounts of foraging and nesting
structures in the near-term, but in the very
distant future, snags, especially large shade-
intolerant snags, could become rare. Use of
the area by cavity-nesting birds and other
deadwood-associated species is expected to
follow the abundance of snags. Therefore,
these species would benefit from an increase
in habitat structure in the near future, but
these benefits could wane in the very distant
future.

• Direct and indirect Elffecbt qf the miction
Mtemative on Coarse loiter

Under this alternative, harvesting operations
would occur during the grizzly bear denning
period (November 16 through March 31) or
during 30 days or less in the summer period
(June 16 through August 31). During
harvesting operations, disturbance could
affect wildlife species using the area. The
response of wildlife species could range from
apparently unaffected to displacement from
the area. If displacement of individuals from
the area occurs, negligible effects would be
expected, because most species are highly
mobile, not reproducing or rearing young, and
able to leave the area during this time period.
Additionally, the area affected is small and
adjacent habitat is available for animals that
are displaced.

Under this alternative, canopy cover changes
would be accelerated and snag densities
would be decreased. The Action Alternative
proposes to focus harvesting on Douglas-fir
trees that are currently beetle-infested brood
trees, western larch that are heavily infected

with mistletoe, and other species
experiencing insect or disease mortality.
Harvesting of live, infested trees would
accelerate canopy cover loss by
approximately 1 season, while harvesting of
heavily infected western larch would not
affect canopy closure substantially. Trees
that are infested with bark beetles and would
be harvested are expected to lose their
needles this summer and are unlikely to
contribute to canopy cover by next autumn.
Harvesting of these trees also would reduce
snag recruitment in the short term. However,
if beetle populations are reduced by the
removal of brood trees, the unaffected trees
are expected to contribute to the snag
populations slowly over time. In addition to
harvesting, approximately 1 .3 miles of new
road would be constructed to harvest Unit 2.
This road would be constructed
approximately one-half mile behind an
existing gate, with most of the road length
occurring in the unit. The added disturbance
and habitat loss related to this road would be
minimal.

Timber cruising indicates that approximately
352 snags would be retained throughout the
89 harvest acres, for an average of 4.0 snags
per acre. These estimates do not include
snags less than 20 feet long nor distinguish
between dbh of the leave snags. Ocular
estimates indicate that a majority of the leave
snags exceed 21 inches dbh and adequate
numbers of live trees would be retained,
thereby meeting ARM 36. 1 1.41 1(a) (see ,
TABLE A-2 - SNAG DENSITIES BY
PROPOSED HARVEST UNIT AND
OVERALL).

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-3

TABLE A-2 - SNAG DENSITIES BY PROPOSED HARVEST UNIT AND OVERALL

SPECIES

ALL UNITS

UNT1

UNIT 2

UNITS

UNIT 4 1

CUT

RETAIN

CUT

RETAIN

CUT

RETAIN

CUT

RETAIN

CUT

RETAIN

Douglas-
fir

6.9

2.2

3.5

1.1

8.8

2.9

7.6

2.9

9.8

1.8

Western
larch

1.9

1.7

3.4

1.1

1.1

2.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Western
white pine

0.1

o.r

0.3

0.2

0.0

0.1

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.2*

Total

8.9

4.0

7.3

2.4

9.9

5.2

7.6

2.9

9.8

2.0

* Includes 1 ponderosa pine snag

In all proposed harvest units, the remaining
snag density meets ARM 36. 1 1.411(a). The
proposed harvesting of snags would result in
decreased foraging and nesting sites for
wildlife species. However, the proposed
salvage is expected to maintain a diversity of
existing snags to provide habitat, albeit
reduced amounts, for snag-dependent
species. Some additional losses could occur
during harvesting; however, due to the
scattered distribution of trees and snags,
these losses are expected to be minimal.
The Forest Officer would be responsible for
keeping these losses to the absolute
minimum.

In addition to salvaging snags, the proposed
harvests would include snag-recruitment
trees in the near future. Harvesting these
trees is expected to slow infection to other
susceptible trees in and around the proposed
stands. If effective, reduction in mortality of
large Douglas-fir and, to a lesser extent, other
species, would result in maintenance of
higher canopy closure and provide snag
recruitment in a steadier stream through time.
These situations are expected to provide
habitat for snag-associated species more
consistently over time. Additionally, the
slower mortality would allow more time for live
trees to grow and contribute to the canopy
closure and snag recruitment. However,
these trees would be primarily shade-tolerant
species. Followup harvests to promote
reproduction of shade-intolerant trees is
recommended in the future.

The loss of feeding or reproduction habitat is
not expected to substantially affect wildlife
species in the area. The retention of snags,
nonmerchantable trees, and leave trees

would continue to provide foraging sites. The
retained amount of snags is expected to meet
or exceed the densities expected historically
in the large and very large size classes.
Additionally, live large trees would be left on
site, which could provide snag and log
recruitment through time. Many small- to
medium-sized trees would be retained,
thereby providing a source for recruitment of
small- to medium-sized snags. Reductions in
small- and medium-sized snags would be
shorter lived, while large and very large
snags would be retained along with live trees
to provide recruitment for the future.
Although deadwood resources would be
reduced, deadwood retention levels and the
potential for future deadwood recruitment
would continue to provide adequate habitat in
the project area for native species that rely on
deadwood.

• Cumulative E^ectH of the J\o^1ction
,1ltemaHve • Coarse I'llter

No additional disturbance to deadwood
habitat would occur. Other DNRC projects,
such as the Goat Squeezer Timber Sale
Project, would continue in nearby areas.
Douglas-fir bark beetle populations would
continue to cause mortality in and around the
project area. The increased tree mortality in
Douglas-fir would provide additional foraging
opportunities for wildlife species. The
mortality of these large trees reduces the
potential for heartrot infection. Unless the
affected tree was already infected with
heartrot, additional nesting trees and hollow
logs for use by wildlife species are not
expected. Additionally, continued increased
mortality would reduce snag and coarse
woody debris over the long term. The

Page 0-4

Wildlife Analysis

recently killed trees would continue to provide
wildlife forage and a source of Douglas-fir
bark beetles, which would infect other trees.
This project falls within the Three Creeks
analysis area and is under concurrent
consideration.

• Cumulative FJffecbs of the »1ction Mtematiee
• Coarse Miter

The loss of deadwood resources would be
additive to past reductions, primarily salvage
harvests, on Swan River State Forest. The
Goat Squeezer Timber Sale Project is
currently active. All these actions
incorporated standards for snag and log
retention. These standards were designed to
retain deadwood for wildlife and ecological
resources. This alternative would continue to
remove deadwood from Swan River State
Forest; however, as discussed earlier,
mitigations to retain deadwood and structure
are expected to conserve adequate amounts
of deadwood habitats. This project falls
within the Three Creeks analysis area and is
under concurrent consideration. If this
alternative is selected, consideration of a
reprpduction harvest under Three Creeks
could establish shade-intolerant species to
provide snags in the distant future.

FINE-FILTER ANALYSIS

In the fine-filter analysis, individual species of
concern are evaluated. These species include
wildlife species federally listed as threatened or
endangered, species listed as sensitive by
DNRC, and species managed as big game by
DFWP. These species are addressed below.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED
SPECIES

> BALD EAGLE

The bald eagle is classified as "threatened"
and is protected under the Endangered
Species Act. Strategies to protect the bald
eagle are outlined in the Pacific States Bald
Eagle Recovery Plan {USFWS 1986) and
Montana Bald Eagle Management Plan
(Montana Bald Eagle Working Group, 1994).
Management direction involves identifying
and protecting nesting, feeding, perching,
roosting, and wintering/migration areas
(USFWS 1986, Montana Bald Eagle Working
Group, 1994).

No nesting activity in or near the project area
is documented. The nearest documented
nest sites are located on Flathead Lake, 18
miles west and over the Swan Divide, and on
Swan River, approximately 20 miles north of
the project area. Potential nesting habitat
exists along the portion of Swan River that
runs through Swan River State Forest. The
project area lies nearly 3 miles from Swan
River. Since no breeding activities occur in
the area and the project lies far from likely
breeding habitat, and important nesting and
perching structure provided by the existing
large trees and snags would be left, no
effects to bald eagles are expected.
Therefore, bald eagles were not considered
) further in this analysis. If a bald eagle nest
were discovered within 1 mile of the project
area before or during operations, DNRC
would apply stipulations outlined in ARM
36.11.429.

> CANADA LYNX

Canada lynx are listed as "threatened" under
the Endangered Species Act. Currently, no
recovery plan for Canada lynx exists.
. Several reports have been written to

summarize the research on Canada lynx and
develop a conservation strategy {Ruediger et
al 2000).

Canada lynx are associated with forests of
subalpine fir, generally between 4,000 to
7,000 feet in elevation, in western Montana
{Ruediger et al 2000). Lynx habitat in
western Montana consists primarily of young
coniferous forests with plentiful snowshoe
hares, stands with abundant coarse woody
debris for denning and cover for kittens, and
densely forested cover for travel and security.
Additionally, the mature forests provide
habitat for red squirrels, an alternative prey
source. These conditions are found in a
variety of habitat types, particularly within the
subalpine fir series (Pfister et al 1977).
However, lynx are poor competitors with
other predators and are rarely found on
ungulate winter ranges, presumably because
low snow loads allow use of the area by
many other predators, such as bobcats,
*j coyotes, and mountain lions. These

predators are able to outcompete and prey
upon lynx (Buskirk et al 2000). Since this
project occurs on elk winter range, lynx are
not expected to use the area, nor are they

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-5

expected to be affected by this project.
Canada lynx will no longer be considered in
this document.

> GRAY WOLF

The gray wolf is listed as "threatened" under
the Endangered Species Act. Currently, the
gray wolf population that inhabits Montana,
Wyoming, and Idaho meet the recovery
standards listed in the Northern Rocky
Mountain Wolf Recovery Plan (USFWS
1987). Delisting this species in Montana is
hinged upon the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's (USFWS) approval of each state's
management plan. Presently, the Montana
and Idaho wolf-management plans are
approved, but Wyoming's wolf-management
plan has not yet been approved. The
delisting process will be initiated following
approval of Wyoming's wolf-management
plan.

The gray wolf is a wide-ranging, mobile
species. Adequate habitat for wolves
consists of adequate vulnerable prey and
minimal human disturbance, especially at den
and/or rendezvous sites. Primary prey
species in northwest Montana are white-tailed
deer, elk, moose, and mule deer. The
distribution of wolves is strongly associated
with the winter ranges of white-tailed-deer.
Wolves in northwest Montana typically den in
late April. Wolves choose elevated areas in
gentle terrain near a water source (valley
bottoms), close to meadows or other
openings, and near big game wintering areas
for dens and rendezvous sites.

The project area contains elk winter ranges,
which could provide winter prey for wolves.
Within the project area, the topography,
access to water, and proximity to the big
game winter range adhere to the description
of denning and/or rendezvous-site habitats.
Wolves could use the project area as part of
their home range or enable them to be
transient to the area; however, no recent
denning or rendezvous sites or recent use
has been documented in or near the project
area (T. Meier, personal communication,
USFWS, 1/28/04). Wolves or their habitat
are not expected to be affected by this project
because wolves presently do not use the
area. If wolves used the area, the timing of
this project avoids critical denning periods

and would be unlikely to affect denning
behaviors. If a den or rendezvous site were
discovered within 1 mile of the project area,
DNRC would follow the stipulations outlined
in ARM 36. 1 1.430 to protect the den or
rendezvous site. Since wolf use of the area
is not suspected, the gray wolf was not
considered further in this document.

> GRIZZLY BEAR

Grizzly bears are listed as "threatened" under
the Endangered Species Act. The Grizzly
Bear Recovery Plan defines 6 recovery areas
{USFWS 1993). This project is proposed in
grizzly bear habitat in the North Continental
Divide Ecosystem Recovery Area, which is
divided into subunits. Each subunit
approximates the size of a home range for a
female bear and is separated from other
subunits based on landscape features. This
project is proposed in the South Fork Lost
Subunit.

Commitments made in the SVGBCA apply to
this project (ARM36. 1 1.431(1)(a)). This
project is proposed to be completed during
the denning period of 2004/2005. If the
harvests cannot be completed during the
winter period, a 30-day harvest period during
the summer period (June 16 through August
31 ) could occur. The project would affect
approximately 3 acres of grizzly bear
preferred habitat. All stipulations in the
SVGBCA would be upheld.

Effects to Grizzly Bears

• Direct and Indirect F^ectn qf the J\o-,lcti(m
Mtematice to Grizzly liear«

No additional direct or indirect effects would
occur.

• Direct and Indirect tiffectuqf the tlction
Jlltemative to Grizzly liearn

If the proposed project were conducted
during the winter period, no direct effects
would be expected. If an extension into the
summer period were granted, the proposed
harvesting and associated road construction
and use could result in direct effects to grizzly
bears by displacing or preventing bear use of
important habitats and indirect effects by
altering habitat components. However, any
displacement would be short term and affect
a relatively small area. These effects are

Page C-6

Wildlife Analysis

within the stipulations in the SVGBCA and
are expected to result in no to minor direct
effects to grizzly bears.

in the proposed harvest units, trampling of
vegetation and construction of skid trails
could slightly alter small pockets or strips of
hiding cover, visual screening, and/or forage.
These areas would not likely affect the area's
ability to provide habitat for grizzly bears
appreciably. Since hiding cover, visual
screening, and forage resources are not
expected to be altered substantially; no
change in bear use of the area is expected.
Therefore, these effects are expected to be
negligible.

• Cumulative tiffecUtiftlte miction ^lltemative
to Grisstly Bears

Under this alternative, no cumulative effects
are expected.

• Cumulative Effects t^the .Iction .lltemative
to firizzly Hearts

During the implementation of this project,
several other DNRC projects could be active
in the subunits. The Goat Squeezer Timber
Sale Project may be active concurrently with
this project during the winter period. Also,
activities on Plum Creek Timber Company
lands are possible throughout the activity
period. This sale could add to the overall
disturbance to grizzly bears in the South Fork
Lost Subunit if the activities occur outside the
winter period. However, the increase is
expected to be minor and within the
stipulations in the SVGBCA.

SENSITIVE SPECIES

When conducting forest-management activities,
the SFLMP directs DNRC to give special
consideration to the several "sensitive" species.
These species are sensitive to human activities,
have special habitat requirements that may be
altered by timber management, or may become
listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act
if management activities result in continued
adverse impacts. Because sensitive species
usually have specific habitat requirements,
consideration of their needs serves as a useful
"fine filter" for ensuring that the primary goal of
maintaining healthy and diverse forests is met.
The following sensitive species were considered
for analysis. As shown in TABLE A-3 - LISTED

SENSITIVE SPECIES FOR THE NWLO
SHOWING THE STA TUS OF THESE SPECIES
IN RELATION TO THIS PROJECT, each
sensitive species was either included in the
following analysis or dropped from further ,»

analysis for the stated reasons.

> Fisher

Due to their use of mature and late-
successional forested habitats, fishers are
listed by DNRC as a sensitive species
{DNRC 1996). DNRC's strategy to conserve
fishers in a managed landscape is aimed at
protecting valuable denning and resting
habitat near riparian areas and maintaining
travel corridors.

Fishers are generalist predators that use a
variety of habitats and structural stages, but
are disproportionately found in stands with
dense canopy (Powell 1982, Johnson 1984).
Fishers appear to be highly selective of
resting and denning sites. In the Rocky
Mountains, fishers appear to prefer late-
successional coniferous forests for resting
sites and use riparian areas
disproportionately to their availability.
Fishers tend to use areas within 155 feet of
water. Such areas contain large live trees,
snags, and downed trees, which are used
for resting and denning sites and dense
canopy cover, which is important for snow ;
intercept (Jones 1991).

On State trust lands in the project area, field
reconnaissance determined these stands
could provide fisher habitat.

To assess cumulative effects, the project
area would be considered in the context of
the surrounding lands.

Effects to Fishers

• Direct and Indirect F^ffectn qfthe jyio^ictUm
tlUemative to PiMhers

No additional human disturbance would
occur; therefore, no direct effects to fishers ^i.,
are expected. Under the No-Action
Alternative, fisher habitat quality could
increase due to the deadwood component
and increase in shade-tolerant trees. Due to
the small amount of habitat affected, these
changes to fisher habitat are expected to
result in negligible effects.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-7

this project proposes minimal harvesting
within 100 feet of these areas. Any increases
in disturbance are expected to be minimal
and short term.

• Direct and Indirect fiffect* qf the tlction
Mtemotive to FH«lier»

Some displacement could occur; however,
the effects of this displacement are expected
to be minor. The risk of displacement is
approximately proportional to the amount of
habitat affected. Areas along perennial
streams provide high-use fisher habitat and
travel corridors. To reduce effects to fishers,

TABLE A-1 - LISTED SENSITIVE SPECIES FOR THE NWLO SHOWING THE STATUS OF
THESE SPECIES IN RELATION TO THIS PROJECT

Species

Determination - Basis

Black-backed
woodpecker

No further analysis conducted - No recently (less
than 5 years) burned areas in the project area would
be affected.

Boreal owl

No further analysis conducted - All harvest areas
occur below 5,000 feet elevation.

Coeur d'Alene
salamander

No further analysis conducted - No moist talus or
streamside talus habitat occurs in the project area.

Columbian

sharp-tailed

grouse

No further analysis conducted - No suitable
grassland communities occur in the project area.

Common loon

No further analysis conducted - No large lakes occur
in the project area.

Ferruginous
hawk

No further analysis conducted - No suitable
grassland communities occur in the project area.

Fisher

Included - Potential fisher habitat occurs in the
project area.

Flammulated
owl

No further analysis conducted - Ponderosa pine
habitats did not occur in the project area.

Harlequin duck

No further analysis conducted - No harvesting would
occur in potential habitat along perennial streams.

Mountain
plover

No further analysis conducted - No suitable
grassland communities occur in the project area.

Northern bog
lettiming

No further analysis conducted - No sphagnum or other
fen/moss mats occur in the area.

Pileated
woodpecker

Included - Western larch/Douglas -fir and mixed-
conifer habitats occur in the area.

Towns end' s
big-eared bat

No further analysis conducted - No caves or mine
tunnels occur in the project area.

Page C-8

Wildlife Analysis

The proposed project is not expected to
reduce canopy cover over what is expected
under the No-Action Alternative. The
proposed prescription could reduce mortality
in these stands, thereby preserving canopy
cover over the No-Action Alternative.
Removing deadwood used by fishers and
their prey v\/ould occur over approximately 89
acres. The proposed harvest prescription
and mitigations attempt to retain snags and
downed wood throughout all the proposed
units, especially within 100 feet of perennial
streams, is expected to result in negligible
effects to fishers.

• CumulatiiBe t^ffecbt qftiie JVo-wJction
Mtematiee to Pidier»

Under the No-Action Alternative, additional
deadwood material would be accumulated in
the area.

• Cumulative B^ffecbt qftlietlction ^tlternatice
to Pi«lier»

This project would further reduce deadwood
structure for fisher habitat. The Goat
Squeezer Timber Sale Project is expected to
reduce fisher habitat quality and quantity. In
these projects, deadwood material would be
retained, especially around perennial
streams. Therefore, the total reduction in
deadwood structure is not expected to
substantially affect fishers; therefore, minor
cumulative effects are expected.

> PILEATED WOODPECKERS

Pileated woodpeckers are listed by DNRC as
sensitive and play an important ecological
role by excavating cavities that are used in
subsequent years by many other species of
birds and mammals. Pileated woodpeckers
excavate the largest cavities of any
woodpecker. Preferred nest trees are
western larch, ponderosa pine, cottonwood,
and quaking aspen, usually 20 inches DBH
and larger. Pileated woodpeckers primarily
eat carpenter ants, which inhabit large
downed logs, stumps, and snags. Aneyand
McClelland (1985) described pileated nesting
habitat as "stands of 50 to 100 contiguous
acres, generally below 5,000 feet in elevation,
with basal areas of 100 to 125 square feet
per acre, and a relatively closed canopy."
The feeding and nesting habitat requirements
include large snags or decayed trees for

nesting and downed wood for feeding, which
closely tie these woodpeckers to mature
forests with late-successional characteristics.
The density of pileated woodpeckers is
positively correlated with the amount of dead
and/or dying wood in a stand {McClelland
1979).

Potential pileated woodpecker nesting habitat
was identified by searching the SLI database
for old stands with basal areas of more than
100 square feet per acre, more than 40-
percent canopy cover, and below 5,000 feet
in elevation. Based on these parameters and
field reconnaissance, the project area
provides potential nesting habitat for pileated
woodpeckers in the proposed stands. These
acres are relatively connected to other
nesting stands. Younger-aged stands could
provide feeding or nesting habitat of lower
quality.

Effects to Pileated Woodpeckers

• Direct and Indirect ^ffectts of the J\o-, Iction
,1lternatiee to IHIeated Woodpeckent

No additional disturbance effects to pileated
woodpeckers would occur; therefore, no
additional direct effects are expected.

In the near future, many of the large western
■^ larch and Douglas-fir are expected to die and
contribute to the nesting and foraging habitat.
Douglas-fir snags could provide marginal
nesting structure in these stands due to the
relatively rapid decay of the sapwood {Parks
et al 1997). Under this alternative, a pulse of
snag recruitment is expected to increase the
amount of pileated feeding habitat. Over
time, these will deteriorate to the point that
they no longer provide feeding habitat. With
few live recruitment trees adding to the snag
component over time, nesting and feeding
habitat is expected to increase in the short-
term, but decrease in the distant future. In
the distant future, the smaller live trees would
^ gain in size and provide large snag

recruitment; however, these trees are shade-
tolerant species, which provide a more
inferior nesting structure than shade-
intolerant species.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-9

• Direct and Indirect Effect* nfthe , Iction
tllternatire to Pileated 'W'wtdpeckerH

Timber harvesting would occur outside of the
pileated woodpecker nesting season;
therefore, no direct effects to reproducing
pairs or their nestlings are expected.
Harvesting during the winter and summer
could displace feeding woodpeckers. The
effects of harvesting disturbances are
unknown; however, Bull et al. (1995)
observed a discernible woodpecker roosting
near a harvest unit consistently throughout
harvesting. If displacement of woodpeckers
occurred, there appears to be abundant
habitat in and adjacent to the project area;
therefore, negligible negative direct effects
would occur.

Salvage harvesting would remove primarily
Douglas-fir and western larch. The harvests
would focus on insect-infested brood trees to
reduce spread and mortality due to forest
insects. If successful, many live large trees
. would die over a period of time instead of
most of these trees dying out in the next
several years. Under this alternative, current
snag levels would be reduced heavily (refer
to the Deadwood Resource section in the
Coarse-Filter Analysis), resulting in a
decrease in foraging and nesting structure.
However, snag recruitment would continue to
provide feeding habitat over time. In all
stands, at least 2 large snags per acre, on
average, would be retained where they
currently exist and canopy closure would be
reduced slightly. Therefore, pileated
woodpecker foraging and nesting sites are
expected to decrease in the short-term, but
some structure would be retained.

• Cumulative ElffectM qfthe JVo-* Iction
tlltemative to Pileated Woodpecker*

No additional reductions in foraging and
nesting habitat or movement corridors would
occur in the short-term.

• Cumulative EfffectHttft/ietlcttontlUemative
to Pileated 'WoodfteckerH

Foraging and, to a lesser extent, nesting
structure would be removed. This would be
additive to the reductions of deadwood by
unauthorized firewood cutting in the area,
resulting in decreased habitat for pileated
woodpeckers. Due to the topography and

location of the proposed units, illegal firewood
cutting is expected to be a minor concern.
Current and recruitment of nesting and
foraging material are expected to be retained.
If the expected amount of deadwood were left
on site, the effects to pileated woodpeckers
would be minimal.

BIG GAME

DFWP delineated major winter ranges for big
game species in the State. The project area lies
in mule deer and elk winter ranges. White-tailed
deer, mule deer, elk, and moose use the area in
the nonwinter period. Typically, moose winter in
other areas farther away. The big game analysis
focuses on elk winter-range habitat.

This project could affect thermal cover and
downed-wood loading on the winter range.
Thermal cover is an important component on a
winter range, especially the winter range for
white-tailed deer. Thermal cover provides areas
of lower snow loads that allow animals access to
forage and to conserve energy while moving.
Additionally, the closed canopy also reduces
heat-loss expenditures to the environment.
Excessive downed-wood material can inhibit
movement in stands and prevent access to
forage.

Effects to Elk

• I>irect and Indirect Elffecttt f^the JVo^lction
« Iltematice on Elk

No additional direct effects are expected.

Many of the trees proposed for harvesting are
expected to die and lose their crown by next
winter. Additionally, if these brood trees are
not removed, additional large trees (with large
crowns) are expected to die within the next
several years, further reducing overstory
canopy closure and contributing to the
downed-woody-debris component of these
stands. In the near term, this alternative is
expected to reduce overstory canopy cover
and increase downed-woody-debris loading
in these stands. These conditions are
expected to reduce the snow intercept and
forage access. However, these effects to the
overstory cover would be dampened by an
increasing understory and midstory. Elk
habitat would be negatively affected to a
minimal degree under this alternative.

PageC-10

Wildlife Analysis

Direct and Indirect Ejects qfthe »1ctioH
tllternatice on Elk

Harvesting activities during the winter of 2004
could draw elk into the proposed harvest
units to capitalize on the forage value of
logging slash. In the short-term, the
harvesting operations could increase this
winter's forage availability, thereby reducing
winter mortality to an unknown, but expected
small, degree.

Under this alternative, canopy cover losses
would be accelerated, a short-lived increase
in forage could occur, the future downed-
woody-debris load would be reduced, and
additional winter disturbance due to the new
road could occur. However, the effects
related to reduced overstory would be
dampened by an increasing understory and
midstory. Timber harvesting would reduce
canopy cover during the late winter; however,
this cover would be expected to be lost by the
following winter due to tree mortality caused
by insect infestations under the No-Action
Alternative. Additionally, removal of brood
trees is expected to curb mortality in these
stands, thereby conserving canopy cover.
Harvesting activities would increase the
amount of forage available to big game
during harvesting by putting material (green
tops) on the ground where animals can
access the forage. Harvesting would also
reduce the amount of coarse-woody-debris
accumulation in the future. The reduction of
coarse woody debris could result in easier
travel and access to forage by big game. The
new road could receive snowmobile use into
the future. This use would occur during the
time when elk are on winter range. This
increased disturbance is expected to result in
additional avoidance of habitats adjacent to
the new road. Additionally, elk energy
expenditures could increase due to
snowmobiles. Overall, this alternative is
expected to result in a beneficial effect in the
short-term by providing forage in late winter
and in the longer term by reducing canopy-
cover loss and downed-woody-debris
accumulations. However, if snowmobile use
occurs on the new road, elk energy
expenditures could result in increased
mortality or decrease reproduction. Since the
road affects a small portion of the winter

range, these effects are expected to be
minimal.

Cumulative Effects to Elk

The reduction in thermal-cover loss under both
alternatives would be cumulative to the ongoing
Goat Squeezer Timber Sale Project and current
insect-induced tree mortality. However, the
Action Alternative could slow or reduce canopy
cover to a small, albeit probably negligible,
amount.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page C-1 1

APPENDIX D

FOREST INSECT AND DISEASE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

This report discusses the primary causes of
damage and mortality that are currently, or have
recently been, affecting mature western larch
{Larix occidentalis), Douglas-fir {Pseudotsuga
menziesii), western white pine {Pinus monticola),
and grand fir (Abies grandis) within the proposed
Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project on Swan
River State Forest, Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Details of the proposed salvage sale are
presented in the Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale
Proposal, available from Roger Ziesak of Swan
River State Forest.

A walk-through inspection of the Cilly Bug project
sale area, in addition to a recent report on wood-
borer damage to western larch in northwest
Montana (Gibson 2004), revealed that the major
pathogens and insects either causing, or
contributing to, the damage and mortality are, by
tree species:

• Western larch

- Western larch dwarf mistletoe (Pathogen =
Arceuthobium laricis)

- Flatheaded fir borer (Melanophila
drummondi)

• Douglas-fir

- Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus
pseudotsugae)

- Brown cubical root and butt rot (Pathogen
= Phaeolus schweinitzii)

• Western white pine

- White pine blister rust (Pathogen =
Cronartium ribicoia)

- Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus
ponderosae)

• Grand fir

- Fir engraver (Scolytus ventralis)

Indian paint fungus (Pathogen =
Echinodontium tinctorium)

In addition to the pathogens and insects listed
above, the prolonged drought prior to 2004 would

have caused physiologic stress in these mixed-
conifer stands. Drought stress can either
exacerbate the damage being caused by the
pathogens and insects already affecting these
trees or predispose them to damage from insects
that take advantage of stressed trees.

RELEVANT BIOLOGY OF AND
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE .
PRIMARY PATHOGENS AND INSECTS

• Vi^eMern larch diratf mistletoe

Western larch dwarf mistletoe, caused by
Arceuttiobium laricis, is considered the most
important disease of western larch in the
Inland West (Beatty at al. 1997). Dwarf
mistletoes are parasitic plants that obtain
moisture and nutrients from their hosts,
resulting in a reduction in tree vigor, growth,
and seed production. Dwarf mistletoe
infections greatly decrease the growth of
western larch; 10-year basal-area growth of
trees in western Montana classed as lightly,
moderately, and heavily infected was
decreased 30 percent, 42 percent, and 65
percent, respectively, compared to that of an
uninfected western larch (Pierce 1960).

The life cycle of dwarf mistletoe is generally 4
to 6 years in length, depending on the
species. Dwarf mistletoes spread when
seeds from the female mistletoe plants are
forcibly dispersed, often for 10's of feet, in the
late summer and fall; seeds that land on
susceptible hosts germinate the following
spring and infect the host tissues. Infections
on western larch eventually cause branches
to form dense clumps of twigs and branches,
also known as "witches brooms". In western
larch, these brooms are brittle and prone to
break off under snow load, thus leading to
gradual, top-down decline of the tree as more
and more branches are lost. Dwarf mistletoe
infection increases moisture stress in its host,
all the more so when there is a drought in
progress.

Similar to most of Swan River State Forest,
incidence and severity of western larch dwarf
I mistletoe appears to be highly variable in the
Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale project area.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page D-1

This variation is most likely due to a history of
complex, mixed-severity fire regimes in these
forests. Such fires would leave both
mistletoe-infected and noninfected trees to
provide seed for the next generation.
Depending on the spatial distribution of the
infected, mature trees, the regeneration
might: 1 ) remain free of infection, 2) have a
substantial lag time prior to infection, or 3)
become infected early in development. The
earlier a tree becomes infected by dwarf
mistletoe, the greater the impacts.

Severity of mistletoe infection is most
commonly based on the Hawksworth dwarf
mistletoe rating (dmr), in which the live crown
of each tree is divided into thirds and rated
individually for presence and amount of
infection {Hawksworth 1977). The scores for
each third (0 = no infection; 1 = less than 50
percent of branches infected; 2 = greater than
or equal to 50 percent of branches infected)
are then added together. A Hawksworth dmr
of 0 designates an uninfected tree, a dmr of 1
to 2 is considered a "light" infection, a dmr of
3 to 4 is considered a "moderate" infection,
and a dmr of 5 to 6 is considered a "severe"
infection.

Due to the seeding habit of dwarf mistletoe,
spread and intensification are at their worst
' when an infected overstory exists over
regeneration of the same tree species.
J Removal of the most severely infected trees
in these stands would be a way to salvage
recent and near-future mortality in severely
infected western larch, as well as to take the
first step in a silvicultural strategy to promote
vigorous, non- or lightly-infected western
larch regeneration in these stands.

• I'tatheadedfir borer

Wood borers are not generally considered
primary mortality factors of healthy, vigorous
trees. Instead, they very commonly attack
trees that have been weakened or recently
killed by other causes, such as fire, disease,
or bark beetle attack. However, the
flatheaded fir borer is capable of killing
seemingly healthy trees growing on dry sites
or affected by severe drought. Over the last
several years in northwest Montana, a
seemingly abnormal amount of mortality has
been observed in western larch, and a recent
'; report has implicated the flatheaded borer in

much of the mortality {Gibson 2004).
Western larch is one of the hosts for
flatheaded fir borer, and drought and/or dwarf
mistletoe infection are considered
predisposing factors for attack. However, as
Gibson (2004) pointed out, as long as a
drought persists, there is little that can be
done to mitigate the damage by the
flatheaded fir borer.

Doiigltvt-fir beetle

Douglas-fir bark beetle is a native, common,
and potentially very damaging bark beetle of
Douglas-fir in the Northern Rocky Mountains
{Schmitz and Gibson 1996). Mortality due to
Douglas-fir bark beetle usually occurs in
small groups within dense, mature stands of
Douglas-fir, but during outbreaks of Douglas-
fir bark beetle, 100-tree groups are not
uncommon. The first indication of successful
attack by Douglas-fir bark beetle in the spring
and early summer is an accumulation of
reddish-orange frass, produced as beetles
bore into the inner bark of the tree, in bark
crevices up and down the stem, and at the
base of the tree. Due to wind and rain, the
frass may be dispersed over the course of the
summer, so close inspections are required
when examining trees with green foliage in
the late summer or fail for evidence of
attacks. Numerous long, clear, narrow pitch
streamers may be seen coming from well up
the bole of Douglas-fir bark beetle-attacked
trees, but these are not consistently present.
Attacks by bark beetles are generally
concentrated at the mid-bole of trees, so
evidence of current attacks, such as frass
and beetle galleries underneath the bark, are
not always readily visible at eye-level.

The Douglas-fir bark beetle has one
generation per year, with broods
overwintering mostly as adults. Adult
emergence and flight occurs from late April to
early May, depending on temperature and
elevation. Dispersing adults seek out and
attack suitable hosts, mate, and lay eggs,
thereby producing the next generation of
beetles. Foliage of trees that were
successfully attacked in the spring can start
turning color by August of the same year, but,
depending on various factors, can remain
green till the following spring or early
summer. Therefore, Douglas-fir bark beetle
brood trees, or those containing overwintering

Page D-2

Forest Insect and Disease Report

adults and larvae, that are removed during
winter and early spring salvage operations
nnay still have green crowns. Once a tree has
died from bark beetle attack, it is no longer
suitable as habitat.

Characteristics of stands that are highly
susceptible to attack by Douglas-fir bark
beetle form the basis for a Douglas-fir bark
beetle hazard-rating system that categorizes
stands as having either low, moderate, or
high hazard for Douglas-fir bark beetles.
These stand characteristics, and their values
for highest hazard, are:

• Stand basal area - greater than 250
square feet per acre

• Percent Douglas-fir - greater than 50
percent

• Average stand age - greater than 120
years

• Average dbh of Douglas-fir - greater than
14 inches

Although Douglas-fir bark beetle and other
bark beetle hazard-rating systems can
indicate the stands most likely to be attacked,
they cannot indicate when such stands will be
attacked.

Management of Douglas-fir bark beetle
generally falls into 2 broad categories,
silvicultural control or direct control {Schmitz
and Gibson 1996). Silvicultural control is
based on changing the stand conditions so
they are less attractive to bark beetles;
without these changes there is a tendency for
reoccurrence of attacks until the bark beetles
themselves have altered the stand conditions,
often to the detriment of old-growth structure
in Douglas-fir stands. Periodic thinnings can
reduce the density of Douglas-fir and the
overall proportion of bark beetle-susceptible
trees, but caution must be exercised due to
the impact thinning can have in promoting
damage by other pathogens, particularly the
root diseases. Timely salvage of windthrown
or otherwise-damaged trees removes high
quality brood trees. Without the salvage of
such trees, beetle populations can build
quickly and make successful attacks on
adjacent, standing trees.

• Red-Brotm Butt Rot

Red-brown butt rot, caused by the root-
infecting pathogen Phaeolus schweinitzii, is a
very common disease in older stands. Any
conifer can be a host, but it is found most
often in mature Douglas-fir. Instead of
affecting trees in expanding mortality centers,
as root diseases such as Armillaria typically
do, red-brown butt rot tends to affect trees on
an individual basis (Hansen and Lewis 1997).
The fungus can, however, cross from tree to
tree at root grafts and contacts. Most
damage occurs in stands older than 80 years
of age. The pathogen infects via small roots
and causes decay in the interior of roots.
This decay often extends into the butt log an
average of about 8 feet, making such trees
much more susceptible to stem collapse or
windthrow. Since such trees are most often
green when they fall, they can provide prime
habitat for Douglas-fir bark beetle.
Management options are limited; rotations
can be shortened in order to minimize loss of
merchantable volume and structural integrity,
or less-affected host species can be
emphasized.

• WViite IHne BlUter Rmtt

Western white pine has declined as a
component of the species mix in which it
historically occurred on Swan River State
Forest. The primary cause is white pine
blister rust, a disease caused by the
nonnative fungus Cronartium ribicola, which
can infect and kill western white pine of all
ages and sizes. Large dominant or co-
dominant western white pine that become
infected by blister rust are often top-killed
since the fungus first infects via needles, then
grows down the infected branch till it infects
and girdles the bole. The portion of the
crown above such a bole infection will die
once the stem is girdled.

Retention of various numbers of mature,
seed-bearing western white pine is
encouraged in order to maintain genetic
diversity of the species and promote natural
regeneration where possible (Scliwandt and
Zack 1996). Once mature western white pine
are top-killed by rust, however, their seed-
producing capacity is often very limited or
eliminated, and such trees can then be
considered for salvage or retention as snags

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page D-3

(Schwandt and Zack 1996). Unfortunately,
western white pine are also very susceptible
to attack by the mountain pine beetle, even
when they exist as relatively isolated
individuals or small groups in mixed-conifer
stands; damage is chronic in the Inland
Empire.

• Mountain pine beetle

Mountain pine beetle is a native North
American bark beetle with 4 major hosts, one
being western white pine {Amman et al.
1989). Historically, when extensive stands of
mature western white pine still existed,
mountain pine beetle outbreaks could kill a
large majority of trees just as mountain pine
beetles do today in extensive stands of
lodgepole pine {Pinus contorta). The
occurrence of pitch tubes along the bole is
one way to determine if attacks by mountian
pine beetles have occurred. Pitch tubes on
successfully attacked trees are generally very
numerous, 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter, and
consist of cream- to dark-red-colored masses
of resin mixed with frass. Pitch tubes on
unsuccessfully attacked trees are widely
scattered over the bole of the tree, 3/4 to 1
inch in diameter, and mostly cream-colored.
Confirmation of mountain pine beetle attacks
can be done by looking for the characteristic
gallery patterns on the inner side of the bark.
Bark beetles attacking western white pine
also introduce aggressive blue-stain fungi
that grow into the sapwood and contribute to
the death of the tree.

Mountain pine beetles have 1 generation per
year, sometimes lasting longer at higher
elevations. The beetles overwinter mostly as
larvae within the egg galleries, then maturate
and emerge as adults to attack more trees
from June through August. The foliage of
trees that have been successfully attacked
during the current year can change color
anywhere from a few months to a year later.
Therefore, mountain pine beetle brood trees
attacked the previous summer and removed
during late-winter or spring salvage
operations may still have green foliage.

• Pir Engraver

The fir engraver is a wide-ranging bark beetle
in the western United States that has grand fir
as one of its primary host species (JFeneW
1986). For the past several years, the fir

engraver has been killing grand fir in Swan
Valley at levels not seen for decades (Steve
Kohler, DNRC forest entomologist [retired],
personal communication). Nonoutbreak
populations of fir engraver beetle are closely
associated with trees affected by root disease
or other localized factors that stress trees
(Goheen and Hansen 1993). They can attack
vigorous trees, but often only damaging
instead of killing them (Ferrell 1986).
However, when grand fir become stressed
during periods of severe drought, such as
that occurring for several years prior to 2004
in western Montana, the fir engraver can
begin killing trees across a landscape, and
the association with localized stress factors,
such as root disease, becomes much less
distinct {Goheen and Hansen 1993).

Management of the fir engraver is
problematic. In general, silvicultural practices
that promote the vigor of grand fir stands,
thinning, for example, will also reduce the
chances of extensive damage during periods
of drought {Ferrell 1986). Management
practices aimed at reducing the impact of root
disease will also help lessen the long-term
impacts of the fir engraver. Such practices
include the promotion of less root-disease-
susceptible species, such as western larch,
western white pine, and ponderosa pine, in
areas with extensive root disease.

Indian Paint Fungus

Indian paint fungus, so called because Native
Americans used the interior of the fruiting
body to make pigment, is a true heartrot that
very commonly infects true firs and hemlocks.
It is the predominant cause of heartrot and
volume losses in these species in western
North America {Hansen and Lewis 1997).
True heartrots are generally confined to the
heartwood of trees, consistently produce
fruiting bodies or conks on the stems of living
trees, and do not rely on mechanical
wounding as their principal infection court
{Etheridge and Hunt 1978). Large diameter
grand fir with decay caused by Indian paint
fungus provide important habitat, both when
standing and downed, for various species of
cavity-nesting birds and mammals {Bull et al.
1997).

Echinodontium tinctorium spores infect trees
via the exposed stubs of small, broken-off

Page D-4

Forest Insect and Disease Report

branchlets. The spores become overgrown
by the tree and can lay dormant for decades
(Maloy 1991). Heaviest infections tend to
occur in advanced regeneration growing
under an infected overstory. Growth of the
fungus is reactivated when the tree is
wounded, either naturally or mechanically,
develops frost cracks, or is otherwise altered
physiologically. The fungus causes extensive
decay of the heartwood and, over time, these
trees become much more susceptible to stem
breakage. A rule-of-thumb is that 1 conk on
the stem of a tree indicates approximately 16
feet of extensive decay in either direction,
while several conks on the stem of a tree
indicate that the tree is nonmerchantable.

To reduce losses from this pathogen,
management recommendations include: (1)
keeping rotations of susceptible species
under 150 years; (2) not avoiding or delaying
early thinnings; (3) selecting the most
vigorous, nonwounded trees as residuals;
and (4) minimizing wounding of susceptible
hosts when thinning, prescribed burning, or
performing any silvicultural treatments (Filip
eta!. 1983).

Literature Cited

Amman, G.D., McGregor, M.D., and Dolph, R.E.,
Jr. 1989. Mountain pine beetle. Forest Insect and
Disease Leaflet 2. USDA Forest Service,
Washington, D.C. 11 p.

Beatty, J.S., Filip, G.M., and Mathiasen, R.L. 1997.
Larch dwarf mistletoe. Forest Insect and Disease
Leaflet 169. USDA Forest Service, Washington, D.
C. 7p.

Bull, E.L., Parks, C.G., and Torgersen, T.R. 1997.
Trees and logs important to wildlife in the Interior
Columbia River Basin. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-
391 . USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest
Research Station, Portland, Oregon. 55 p.

Etheridge, D.E., and Hunt, R.S. 1978. True
heartrots of British Columbia. Pest Leaflet 55.
Canadian Forestry Service, Pacific Forest
Research Centre, Victoria, British Columbia. 10 p.

Ferrell, G.T. 1986. Fir engraver. Forest Insect and
Disease Leaflet 13. USDA Forest Service, Pacific
Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station,
Berkeley, California. 8 p.

Filip, G.M., Aho, P.E., and Wiitala, M.R. 1983.
Indian paint fungus: a method for reducing hazard
in advanced grand and white fir regeneration in
eastern Oregon and Washington. Report R6-
FPM-PR-293-87. USDA Forest Service, Pacific
Northwest Region, Portland, Oregon. 24 p.

Gibson, K. 2004. Western larch mortality in
western Montana. Report TR-04-1 1 . USDA Forest
Service Region 1 , Forest Health Protection,
Missoula, Montana. 3 p.

Goheen, D.J., and Hansen, E.M. 1993. Effects of
pathogens and bark beetles on forests. Pages
175-196 in: Beetle-Pathogen Interaction in Conifer
Forests. Schowalter, T.D., and Filip, G.M., eds.
Academic Press, San Diego. 252 p.

Hansen, E.M., and Lewis, K.J., eds. 1997.
Compendium of Conifer Diseases. American
Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, Minnesota.
101 p.

Hawksworth, F.G. 1977. The 6-class dwarf
mistletoe rating system. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-48.
USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and
Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, Colorado.
6 p.

Maloy, C. 1991. ReV\e\N of Echinodontium
tinctorium 1895-1990. Extension Bulletin 1592.
Washington State University Cooperative
Extension, Pullman. 29 p.

Pierce, W.R. 1960. Dwarf mistletoe and its effect ■
upon the larch and Douglas-fir of western
Montana. Bulletin No. 10. Montana State
University School of Forestry, Missoula. 38 p.

Schmitz, R.F., and Gibson, K.E. 1996. Douglas-fir
beetle. Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet 5.
USDA Forest Service, Washington, D.C. 8 p.

Schwandt, J., and Zack, A. 1996. White pine leave
tree guidelines. Report 96-3. USDA Forest
Service, Northern Region, Missoula, Montana. 7 p.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page D-5

APPENDIX E

REFERENCES

Aney, W. and R. McClelland. 1985. Pileated
woodpecker habitat relationships (revised).
Pages 10-17 /n Warren, N.eds. 1990. Old
growth habitats and associated wildlife species in
the Northern Rocky Mountains. USPS, Northern
Region, Wildlife Habitat Relationships Program
R1 -90-42. 47pp.

Bull, E, T Torgersen, A Blumton, C McKenzie,
and D Wyland. 1995. Treatment of an old-
growth stand and its effects on birds, ants, and
large woody debris: a case study. USDA For.
Serv.. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-353. 12pp.

Buskirk et al. 2000 Apps, Habitat fragmentation
and interspecific competition: implications for lynx
conservation. Chapter 4 In Ruggiero, L.F., K.B.
Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, et al (Tech. Eds). 2000.
Ecology and conservation of lynx in the United
States. Univ. Press of CO, Boulder, CO. 480pp.

Dahlsten, DL. 1982. Relationship between bark
beetles ^nd their natural enemies. Pages 140-
182 in Mitton, JB and KB Sturgeon, eds., Bark
Beetles in North American conifers. University of
Texas Press, Austin.

DNRC. 1996. State forest land management
plan. Montana Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation, Missoula, MT.

Gilbert, B., A. Vanderhey, V. LaFountain, R. Baty.
2000. 1999 Swan Valley Conservation
Agreement Monitoring Report. Plum Creek
Timber Company, Columbia Falls, MT. 9pp.

Green, P, J. Joy, D. Sirucek, W. Hann, A. Zack,
and B. Naumann. Old-growth forest types of the
Northern Region. R-1 SES 4/92. USDA FS.
Northern Region, Missoula, MT. 60pp.

Harris, R. 1998. Abundance and characteristics
of snags in Western Montana Forests. Gen
Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-31. Ogden, UT: USDA
FS, Rocky Mountain Research Sta. 19pp.

Heinemeyer, K and J. Jones. 1994. Fisher
biology and management in the western United
States: A literature review and adaptive
management strategy. USDA For. Serv.
Northern Region, Missoula, MT. 108pp.

Heinemeyer, K.S. 1993. Temporal dynamics in
the movements, habitat use, activity, and spacing
of reintroduced fishers in northwest Montana.
M.S. Thesis, Univ. Montana, Missoula, MT.
158pp.

Johnson, S. 1984. Home range, movements,
and habitat use of fishers in Wisconsin. M.S.
Thesis, Univ. Wiscon, Stevens Point. 78pp.

Jones, J. L. 1991. Habitat use of fisher in
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Moscow, ID. 147pp.

McClelland, R. and P. McCelland. 1999.
Pileated woodpecker nest and roost trees in
Montana: links with old-growth and forest
"health". Wildlife Soc. Bull. 27(3): 846-857.

Montana Bald Eagle Working Group. 1991.
Habitat management guide for bald eagles in
Northwestern Montana..

Montana Bald Eagle Working Group. 1994.
Montana bald eagle management plan. USD!
Bureau of Land Management. Billings, MT.
61pp.

Otvos, IS. 1979. The effects of insectivores bird
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Pages 341-374 in The role of insectivores birds in
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Parks, CG and DC Shaw. 1996. Death and
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Powell, R. 1982. The fisher: National history,
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Ruediger, B, J Claar, SI Mighton, B. Nanaey, T.
Tinaldi, F. Wahl, N. Warren, D. Wenger, A.
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conservation assessment and strategy (2""^
edition). USDA For. Serv., USDI Fish and
Wildlife Serv., USDI Bureau of Land
Management, and USDI National Park Serv.
Missoula, MT. 122pp.

Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project

Page E-1

Ruggiero, L.F., K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, et al
(Tech. Eds). 2000. Ecology and conservation of
lynx in the United States. Univ. Press of CO,
Boulder, CO. 480pp.

Ruggiero, L.F., K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, et al.
2000a. The scientific basis for lynx conservation:
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United States. Univ. Press of CO, Boulder, CO.
480pp.

Torgersen, T. 1994. Natural enemies in forest
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USFWS 1987. Northern Rocky Mountain wolf
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24pp.

Page E-2 References

CILLYBUG SALVAGE TIMBER SALE PROJECT
ACRONYMS

ARM

Administrative Rules of Montana

mbf

BMP

Best Management Practices

MCA

dbh

Diameter at Breast Height

NWLO

DEQ

Department of Environmental Quality

SFLMP

DFWP

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife
and Parks

SLI
SMZ

dmr

dwarf mistletoe rating

SVGBCA

DNRC

Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation

TMDL

EA

Environmental Assessment

USPS

EAC

Environmental Assessment Checklist

USFWS

EIS

Environmental Impact Statement

Fl

Forest Improvement

WMZ

Land Board State Board of Land Comm

ssioners

thousand board feet

Montana Codes Annotated

Northwestern Land Office

State Forest Land Management Plan

Stand-level Inventory

Streamside Management Zone

Swan Valley Grizzly Bear
Conservation Agreement

Total Maximum Daily Load

United States Forest Service

United States Fish and Wildlife
Service

Wetland Management Zone

Copies of this document were published at an approximate cost of $2.90 per
copy for printing and $1.52 for mailing.

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

SWAN UNIT OFFICE - SWAN RIVER STATE FOREST

58741 HIGHWAY 83 SOUTH

SWAN I.AKE, MT 599II

(406) 754-2301

Persons with disabilities wiio need an alternative, accessible

Format of this document should contact DNRC

At the address or phone number shown above.