S Bissellf ca«l 333.11 Orait F^deiii environnental 18G7 analysis Caa) for the Morris Island purchaso DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS (EA) FOR THE MORRIS ISLAND PURCHASE A Proposed Project for the Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, a Part of Fish, Wildlife & Parks WUdUfe Mitigation ^^«»docuMENTS COLLECTION for Hungry Horse Dam MAY 1 6 1997 April 9, 1997 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 1515 E. 6th AVE. HELENA, MONTANA 59620 by Gael Bissell Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 490 North Meridian Rd. Kalispell, Montana 59901 i'l V^ r,. i y i \i ^ MONTANA ST ATE L'BRARJ', 3 0864 0009 9645 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION 1 PART n. DESCRIPTION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES 5 PART m. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW 6 PART IV. CONCLUSION SECTION 12 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Location of die Morris proposed project area in the Flathead River Valley. Figure 2. Location of die Morris proposed project area and adjacent public lands. APPENDICES Appendix A. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Report by Teresa Kinley: Age Review and Ownership Status of Morris Island, Fladiead River, MT. (widiout photos). Appendix B. Proposed Draft Management Plan, Morris Island. Appendix C. Wildlife species expected to occur on die Morris island based on data coUected at die Owen Sowerwine Natural Area and adjoining areas (D. Casey and odiers, FWP, ui^ublished data). Appendix D. Moms Island Socio-Economic Assessment. PART I. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION A. PROPOSED ACTION The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing to purchase approximately 40 acres of a 58 acre island located at die junction of the Stillwater and Flathead Rivers southeast of Kalispell, Montana (Sections 22 and 27, Township 28 North, Range 21 West.) (Figs. 1 & 2). The proposed purchase would meet the goals of FWP's Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, an element of FWP's Wildlife Mitigation Program for Hungry Horse Dam, and utilize interest from die Wildlife Mitigation Trust Fund. The proposed project is adjacent to die previously proposed Coriell Island project pursued by FWP as part of die Riparian/Wedand Conservation Program in 1995 (Fig. 2). Aldiough FWP had issued a Decision Notice (FWP 1996) widi the intent to purchase the 73 acres on Coriell Island, pending final FWP Commission Review, die final purchase is awaiting Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) clearance of dieir claim to tide to die Coriell project area. DNRC has completed dieir review of die Morris Island project area and determined they have no claim to tide (Appendix A). The portion of Morris Island being considered for purchase is privately owned. The remaining 18 acres are owned by U.S. Forest Service, Fladiead National Forest (FNF). This remaining parcel is part of a proposed land exchange between FNF and FWP (Fig. 2). The Morris property is dominated by a mature riparian/wedand forest w^ch has had a mininmiTn of direct human disturbance. Dominant overstory species are black cottonwood (Topulus trichocarpa^ and spruce (probably Picea englftmaniiV The understory is dominated by riparian shrubs and herbaceous species. No human developments have been observed on die property. Recreation is the primary land use. FWP has negotiated a purchase price for Morris based on recent appraisals of river islands and lands, a nearby recent sale, and timber/recreational values. FWP is proposing to purchase approximately 40 acres owned by the Morris family for $55,000 or $1,375 per acre. The project would result in 40 acres of wildlife mitigation credit. B. AUTHORITIES AND DIRECTION FWP is mandated by public law (87-1-201) to protect, enhance, and regulate die wise use of Montana's fish and wildlife resources for public benefit now and m die future. Recendy, die FWP Commission adopted Habitat Montana policy and plan (I^WP 1995a) which calls for FWP to focus conservation efforts on "intermountain grassland, shrub grassland, and riparian ecosystems". In addition, die Northwest Poweir Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-501) authorized die creation of the Nordtwest Power Planning and Conservation Council (NPPC) and charged it with developing a program to "protect, mitigate and enhance fish and wildlife affected by die development, operation and management" of die federal hydropower system in die Columbia River Basin. Under die Northwest Power Act, die Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and FWP established an agreement diat provided fiinds from BPA for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat affected by the development of Libby and Hungry Horse Dams. This Setdement Agreement was signed in 1988; payments to die Wildlife Mitigation Trust Fund were Figure 1. Location of the Morris proposed project area in the Flathead River Valley. ^ Wfnneger Figure 2. Location of the Morris proposed project area and adjacent public lands. a •t Morris Project Area ^ iuoriell Project Area Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation /y) Flathead County Parks & Recreation Flathead National Forest Montana Fish, WUdlife & Parks completed in 1994. This preliminary project proposal was reviewed and unanimously approved by Ae Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission in May 19%. The proposed project was also reviewed and unanimously supported by die Wildlife Mitigation Advisory Committee (WMAC) members on April 11, 1996. WMAC is the group established by die Setdement Agreement to provide reconmiendations and guidance to FWP on implementation of mitigation activities. C. PURPOSE AND NEED OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The primary purpose of this acquisition is to insure conservation of the riparian and wedand habitat resources of the island as a means to mitigate for some of the 6,400 acres of riparian and wetlands lost due to construction of Hungry Horse Dam. Because die Morris island adjoins odier public lands and is widiin a popular recreation corridor along die Fladiead River mainstem (Fig. 2), die project woidd result in die securing of public recreation values as well. The parcel would be managed as part of FWP's Wildlife Habitat Protection Area Program with primary management emi^iasis on habitat values and secondary focus on recreation values. A proposed management plan for the site is attached in Appendix B. D. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Morris property occupies most of an island widiin the main channels of die Fladiead River (island on right side of cover photo). The property is comprised of both riparian and wedand habitats in nearly pristine condition. The dominant overstory consists of mature cottonwood and spruce, a dense understory of deciduous shrubs, younger spruce trees, and many types of herbaceous communities typical of river systems. The island contains a few bacicwater channels. The island lies between the hi^y active or "delta" section of die Fladiead River and its confluence with die Stillwater River. At diis confluence, die Flathead River becomes a wide, single channel, meandering river system. The highly braided channel area around the Morris Island is caused by die change in gradient between the upper and lower Flathead River systems. The lower portion of die Fladiead River from Flathead Lake up to diis braided river section is influenced by Kerr dam. The operation of Kerr Dam maintains hi^er than normal water levels in die Flathead River mainstem during die summer mondis. One can see bodi die erosional aspects of die higher water levels on die lower part of die island and die depositional effects on the upper end of die island. The dynamic and uiq)redictable nature of diis river section has helped maintain diis island's relatively undisturbed nature. As a result, Morris Island supports some of die best and last examples of undisturbed mature and old growdi riparian forest and high quality riparian habitats widiin die entire upper Flathead mainstem corridor. Historical photos from 1937 to present indicate the island has changed in configuration and size over time probably due to both natural events and to die influence of Kerr Dam. Based on existing trends, die island appears to be gradually eroding along the steeper channel banks (southeast and nortwest) and building at the northeast and soudi points. The Morris Island is adjacent to various types of public and private lands (Fig. 2). The Fladiead National Forest (FNF) owns approximately 18 acres on the north end of Morris Island and anodier small parcel on Leisure Island west of Morris. FNF is in the process of exchanging dieir Fladiead River tracts to FWP. Nortiieast of Morris, along Brenneman's Slou^, another 12.7 acres of riparian forest has been donated to FWP. DNRC owns approximately 442 acres of state land upstream of the proposed project >^ch is currently leased to the Flathead Audubon Society as the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area. This tract is the state's first and only designated state natural area. In 1995, FWP agreed to purchase approximately 73 acres of the Coriell Island directly nortiiwest of Morris from the Flathead Land Trust. Tliis project is awaiting determination by DNRC to their claim to all or a portion of this island. Finally, Fladiead Coimty Parks and Recreation owns an undeveloped 89 acre parcel on Leisure Island northwest of Morris (Fig. 2). E. VALUES OF PROPERTY L WUdlife The Morris property provides year-round habitat for numerous game species including white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasants, ruffed grouse, a variety of waterfowl, beaver, river otter, mink, and muskrat. In fact, die proximity of diis braided section to downstream sloughs, Brenneman's slougji, die Stillwater River, and the island character make it some of die best river otter habitat in Montana. It is located within a river section vAuch supports a hi^ density of beaver (2 colonies per channel mile). It provides foraging habitat for great blue herons and double crested cormorants which have rookeries located just to the east of the island. Active nests of osprey occur along die edge of die island in old Cottonwood snags. This island is consistendy used by migratory and wintering bald eagles. The large diameter trees and snags provides exceUent nesting and brood rearing habitat for cavity nesting ducks such as wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers. Barrows and common goldeneyes. Canada geese nest in osprey platforms, on old snags, and on the ground. The dense vegetation also provides excellent nesting cover for mallards. The island's wedand habitats support western toads and painted turdes. A wildlife species list based on surveys of die Owen Sowerwine Natural Area and adjacent habitats (Appendix C) is indicative of die wildlife diversity and importance of diis habitat. 2. Fisheries In addition to wildlife values, the aquatic habitat provides exceUent foraging and cover habitat for a large number of migratory and resident fisheries. Most notable is the importance the Fladiead mainstem for migratory adult and juvenile bull trout, a species recendy consider "warranted " for listing as a direatened and endangered species by die U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and west slope cutthroat trout, a species of special concern in Montana. (The proposed final status for bull trout is expected by August IS, 1997). Both diese species use die gravel bars, overhanging banks, and channels for foraging and cover during dieir migrations. 3. Recreation The island has traditionally been used for fishing, picnicking, bird watching, deer hunting, upland game bird hunting and waterfowl htmting. The land has not been posted in die past. 4. MitigaUon Credit Fee-title acquisition of diis property would result in 40 acres of mitigation credit for riparian/ wetlands according to crediting policies described in FWP's Final Programmatic EIS on tbe Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program (FWP 1995b). F. THREATS Altfaougji no development has occurred in tiie past, Ae landowner has been approached by buyers to sell this island (and other nearby lands) for cabin, private recreation, and house boat docking sites. The landowner has also planned to log the spruce and cottonwood at various times in die past. If die property stayed in private ownership, one or more of these land uses is likely to occur. G. MANAGEMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The draft management plan (Appendix B) for Morris IslaiKl calls for inclusion of diis parcel in die FWP's Wildlife Division Wildlife Habitat Protection Area program. Wildlife Habitat Protection Areas are small parcels of land, often donated to FWP, witii exemplary or special wildlife values. They are managed primarily for dieir wildlife habitat values and only secondarily for their recreation values. The island may also meet the criteria of die State Natural Areas Program. The potential for including the Morris property into the Natural Areas Program, particularly with the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area located just nordiwest, would be evaluated during implementation of diis management plan. As stated in the Draft Management Plan, tbe management goal for Morris is: " to protect and maintain the riparian/wetiand values and special wildlife uses associated widi diis island property and to allow recreation uses wiiich do not undermine or impact diese natural values" . This management plan would not exclude recreation ri^ts guaranteed under the stream access laws or other recreational laws. PART n. DESCRIPTION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES A. No Action Alternative If FWP does not purchase the private tract on Morris Island, the private landowner will sell to another private entity. Land use on the major portion of the island could change. Habitat values would be altered if timber is harvested or human develc^ments are added. Visual impacts associated witfi human developments would increase. Public recreational opportunities may be foreclosed. In addition, FWP would loose the opportunity to utilize the Riparian/Wedand Conservation program to meet mitigation goals. B. DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DISMISSED 1. Purchase of a Conservation Easement Purchase of a conservation easement is not an option for the private landowners. 2. Purchase Conservation Easement from nert landowners No otiier conservation group has the funds to purchase this island. If sold on the private market, most buyers would probably want the island for some type of personal gain: timber, cabin site, private recreation ground, or some type of commercial adventure. Under this scenario, FWP would have a more difficult time negotiating conservation easement terms which maximize tiie wildlife values of the island. In addition, diere is no guarantee diat tiie new landowner(s) would be interested in working witii FWP. The feet that the island is not presentiy used and functions as a wildlife refuge makes purchase the best option. 3. The landowners have no interest in leasing die island. PARXm. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 1. Land Resources: Proposed Action: The proposed action would result in long-term protection of die island's land resources such as soU, wetlands, gravel bars, and sandbars from impacts assoicated widi human development. Land uses which mi^t negatively impact land resources such as sand and gravel mining or vegetation removal would be precluded imder FWP ownership. The land resources would continued to be impacted by river-related processes such as erosion and deposition. No Action: This Alternative could possibly result in die loss of die land resource values in die future. Land resources, particularly stream banks, could be impacted by timber operations, sand and gravel removal (low probability), local disturbances related to construction of cabins, shelters or boat docks, or domestic livestock grazing (low probability). 2. Air Resources; Proposed Action: No impact expected. No Action: No impact expected. 3. Water Resjources: Proposed Action: The Proposed Action will help maintain long-term protection of Flathead River surface and ground water quality. No developments or land uses wiach would decrease bank stability or lead to increased erosion rates (above normal rates which are already occuring) would be implemented. No Action: Activities >^ch are most likely to occur under diis Alternative include commercial timber harvest and shelter/cabin/dock construction. These activities may negatively impact to water quality dirough disturbance of vegetation and stream banks. In the long term, odier activities which could possibly occur, aldiou^ widi a low probability, include sand or gravel excavation and livestock grazing could signficcantiy impact water quality. 4. Vegetation Resources: t Proposed Action: The proposed action should provide long-term protection for native riparian and wedand plant communities and dieir changes over time. Native plant communities include cottonwood and spruce forest, riparian shrublands supporting willow SalUL spp.), red-osier dogwood (Comus stnlnnifera^ , hawdiom (Crataegus spp.), t SDOwberry rSymphnricarpos albus), and herbaceous communities consisting of various sedges (Care^t spp.), cattail (J^sba latiMa), cow parsnip rHeracleum laoaQim) and other riparian species. The existing infestation of Canadian tiiistie (Oisium arvense), a noxious weed, poses a unique management problem as mechanical means of eradication would be difficult, chemical means could pose environmental risks, and biological control could be ineifective in areas subject to annual flooding. A suitable and safe means of Canadian diistie management (as well as odier noxious weeds should they become established) would be part of FWP's management responsibility. Noxious weed management is addressed in die draft management plan. (Appendix B). No Action: This Alternative could lead to degradation of vegetation resources tiirou^ changes in land use such as commercial timber harvest, construction of shelters or cabins, or mineral extraction, or grazing activities. Increase land disturbances (including flooding) increases liklihood of noxious weed infestations. Weed management would be the responsibility of tiie next landowner. 5. FLsh/Wildlife Resources: Proposed Action: The Proposed Action would help maintain existing and future important aquatic plant and invertebrates communities which, in turn, provide food and cover for a variety of fish and other aquatic mammals which utilize these habitats. Fish species wiiich would benefit from long-term habitat protection include migratory juvenile and adult bull trout, west-slope cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish. Otiier resident native fish v^iiich use tile Flathead mainstem and braided section include squawfish, peamoudi, and large- scale sucker. Nonnative fish species such as rainbow trout, lake trout, and Lake Superior wdiitefish utilize the gravel bars, backwater and main channels of the Flathead River around this island. Nfaintenance of existing vegetation provides bank stability, shade and cover as well as future vegetative and organic material which provides nutrients, cover, and substrate for aquatic plant and animal communities. The river banks and backwater channels would contiinue to provide breeding and foraging habitat for native amphibians and reptiles such as western toads and painted turties \via[t the riparian vegetation would continue to support a number common snakes such as common and western garter snakes. The proposed project would maint^iin higfa quality foraging and nesting habitats for great blue herons, double crested cormorants, osprey, bald eagles, wood ducks, goldeneyes, mergansers, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees and oflier cavity nesting birds (Appendix C). The dense ground vegetation would also contiinue to provide nesting habitat for upland game birds such as ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and pheasants as well as upland nesting waterfowl such as Canada geese and mallard ducks. The forest canopy will continue to support a variety of deciduous forest or spruce forest neo-tropical migrants such as warblers, swallows, vireos, and tiirushes, many of ^^ch are in decline. In addition, the Proposed Action would continue to maintain year-round habitat for white- tailed deer. The aquatic and riparian habitats would continue to support beaver, river otter, mink, muskrat, raccoon, red fox, coyote, aixi striped skunks. No Action: This Alternative offers no guarantee as to die continued maintenance of natural habitats and die species v^ch depend on diem. Anticipated changes in land uses such as sand and gravel operations, logging, or grazing could reduce the existing hi^ quality wildlife habitat values. 6. Unique, endanyerfid. fragile, nr limitftd wivimnmental resmircgs; Proposed Action: Extensive riparian areas in nearly pristine condition are relatively rare in Montana. The braided section near Kalispell has many of these qualities; die proposed project would help ensure at least a part of diis dynamic ecosystem would be maintained into die future. The project would also benefit breeding, wintering, and migratrog bald eagles, a federally direatened species. It benefits river otter, osprey, and great blue herons, also species of special interest in Montana (Flath 1991). In addition, die project would benefit bull trout, a species warranting listing as a federal direatened or endangered species, and west-slope cutthroat trout, a fish species of special concern in Montana (Fladi 1991). No Action: The opportunity to protect a biologically important, relatively rare and unique riparian/wetiand community would be foregone. B. EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES ON THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 1. NoLse/Elcctrical Effects/Traasportatinn Proposed Action: Noise from recreation activities including hunting would probably be similar to that which exists today. No other noise effects expected. No impacts on electricity supply or demand or transportation are expected. No Action: Noise from recreational uses could be die same as the Proposed Action. There is a low probability that activities such as sand and gravel extraction or logging mig^t occur at some point in die future. If diese activities did occur, diey would contribute to noise impacts in a natural setting and relatively quiet area. No impact to electrical or transportation effects are expected. 2. Public or Government Services/SchooLs/Utilities Proposed Action: The Proposed Action should result in no impact on public services or utilities. The proposed action will have no impact on local schools and should not require any other government services (outside of FWP) except during die development of a weed management plan. The proposed project will result in increased management responsibility for FWP; diis could be translated into service contracts or employment. The costs may be shared between die Riparian/Wetiand Conservation Program and FWP Wildlife Management Area programs. No Action: Minimal impacts expected to government services, schools, or public utilities due to low probability of permanent development occurring widiin the main channel of the Fladiead River. r 8 3. K-rixting and Vutun^ Tjind Uses/ Industrial & Agricultural Production/ Housing Proposed Action: Existing land use is primarily recreational. Therefore, no impacts to existing land uses are expected. Commercial timber harvest was contemplated by die existing landowner. Given the current transportation expenses associated with commercial timber harvest on an island (e.g. helicopter or hi^ilines), harvest limits within Streamside Management Zones, and water quality regulations, the present gross commercial timber value (approximately $10,000 - $12,000) is not great enou^ to cover diese costs. However, future values are unknown. Because of the higji value older cottonwood and spruce trees have to wildlife, die proposed management plan does not include commercial timber harvest as an objective. Because of die island's current location in the middle of the Flathead mainstem, die site is not generally suited for agricultural, industrial, residential, or most commercial activities. Industrial activities such as sand and gravel operations would probably never occur due to environmental concerns. However, private recreation-based commercial activities such as landowner outfitting on die island could occur. The Proposed Action would preclude exclusive private commercial operations. Land use and associated impacts assoicated widi fee-titie acquisitions under die Riparian/Wetiand Conservation Program were disclosed in die Riparian/Wetiand Programmatic EIS issued September 1995 by FWP. No Action: Althou^ diere is a low probability of residential, industrial, or commercial development occurring on an island in the main channel of die Fladiead River, these land uses would not be precluded under die no action alternative. Likely potential land uses imder the No Action Alternative include use of 20-40 older spruce trees for house logs or other wood products, cottonwoods for pulp, and die island for private recreational purposes which migjht include cabin sites, houseboat sites, and/or commercial hunting preserve. 4. Hisk/Hi^lth HaTiirHs Proposed Action: Recreational use of die Fladiead River near Kalispell is increasing due to population increases and diversity of water craft available today. Recreational use on the Fladiead mainstem may also increase widi increasing availability of public lands within die river system. The risl^ to human healdi and safety associated widi floating on die Flathead River (die degree of which depends on weather, season, water flows, woody debris, type of boat, and many other factors) may also increase somewhat with die purchase of Morris Island. Any increase in recreational activities due to die proposed project and odier potential ownership changes (for example, the completion of Coriell project by FWP or its claim as school trust land by DNRC) could lead to increased public use of the river and consequentially, an increase in the rate of boating/recreating accidents. No Action: Increasing population growth in die Fladiead with its resulting increase in recreational use of the river is likely to occur without die proposed action. The extent of diis increase may not be as great under this Alternative becasue slightiy less public land in die river would be available. 5. Recreation/I.ncal Ecnnnmv/Acsthetics/Opgn fijuu^ Proposed Action: The proposed action will help maintain hig^ quality fish and wildlife habitat associated widi die island. It will also help maintain the existing recreational opportunities associated with the Fladiead River islands which, in turn, will maintain or encourage local river-related economies such as fishing, boating, bird-watching, and hunting. The proposed action will maintain existing open-space and aesdietics of the area. However, this alternative would not allow commercial development of these recreational (^^rtunities (e.g. commercial hunting preserve). These general impacts have been described in the Riparian/Wetland Programmatic EIS issued September 1995 by FWP (FWP 1995). The fiact tiiat die FNF is exchanging the remaining 18 acres of die Morris island to FWP enhances die recreational values and management opportunities and consistency on die island. No Action: Bodi die habitat base and public recreational opportunity which exist on die island would not be assured. If sold privately, die Morris property would probably be purchased for personal recreational purposes or for profit from its recreational values (e.g. by a landowner/outfitter). Recreation, as die most marketable aspect of the property, would likely continue under both alternatives. However, die proposed action would allow public recreation while die No Action could result in private recreation. i. Taxes. Finanrial. Fmnlovment Opportunities. Private Bitsingss Proposed Action: A Socio-Economic Assessment for die proposed action is attached (Appendix D). As discussed in this report, the Proposed Action will maintain die current tax proceeds to Flathead County as FWP wildlife/habitat programs are required to make Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to die county where tiiey purchase land. Future tax proceeds which mi^t occur from commercial activities (e.g. timber, outfitting) would not be available under die Proposed Action. The Proposed Action will help maintain current habitat and public recreation (^iportunities and help to maintain existing demand for outdoor recreation equipment and services. No Action: The impacts would be similar to the Proposed Action widi die addition that under the No Action Alternative, some type of commercial activity may occur at some point in the future. 7. rultiiraimtstnric Rgsmirces Proposed Action: No expected impact. No permanent structures or vegetation or soil disturbance would occur under this Alternative. The EA is currendy being reviewed by the State Historic Preservation OfRce and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes culture committees to determine if any cidtural or historic values exist widiin the proposed project area. No Action: No immediate impact. Future impacts unknown at diis time, •r 10 8. riimulative Effects Proposed Action: The Proposed Action could stimulate additional interest from private landowners to donate, sell or otherwise transfer to FWP a conservation easement, lease, or fee-titie to their privately owned islands within the Flatiiead River as a means to mitigate for the habitat losses at Hungry Horse dam. However, FWP would not be able to pursue any of tiiese potential projects until DNRC releases their potential interest in claiming tiiese islands. If private landowners do pursue working with FWP, this may stimulate DNRC's need to "adjudicate" their lands witiiin the Flathead mainstem. The results of adjudication may result in conversion of previously existing "private lands" to DNRC ownership. On the otiier hand, due to tiie complexity in determining island ownership with DNRC, private landowners may not pursue additional riparian/wetiand projects with FWP in the Flatiiead mainstem. In tiiis case, die cumulative effects of additional habitat conservation may or may not be realized, depending on tiie role DNRC takes in adjudication. Ultimate protection of die braided island sections widun die Flathead from future development whedier as part of DNRC or FWP ownership, would benefit die existing habitat values, local economy, aesdietics and open space needs of the Flathead Valley. It would help encourage die existing rural lifestyle associated widi die east side of die Fladiead River and Lower Valley areas. The proposed project fits in well with existing public ownership patterns. It would minimize future costs to government associated widi flooding impacts to developments in hi^y vulnerable flood plains. Odier socio-economic impacts of die Proposed Action are set fordi in die Socio-Economic Assessment report attached to this EA (Appendix D). The cumulative impacts of the Riparian/Wetiand Conservation Program were also disclosed in a Final Programmatic EIS issued in September, 1995 by FWP. No Action: If FWP does not purchase die Morris property, die cumulative biological and socio-economic benefits may or may not be realized and die negative environmental impacts may occur as described under die No Action Alternative. 11 PART IV. CONCLUSION SECTION 1. Based on the dgnificance criteria evaluated in tliis EA, is an EIS required? The environmental impacts of this particular project are primarily positive; die project will result in benefits to physical and biological environment and will maintain existing land uses, tax base, and recreational opportunities. The loss of future economic values associated widi resource extraction are not considered significant ^f/b.en weired against tlie impacts of these activities on diis sensitive environment. The project is consistent widi die goals, objectives, and strategies (number 2) of the Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, an obliption FWP has to mitigate die effects of Hungry Horse Dam on wildlife habitat. The environmental effects of diis program have been disclosed in bodi a Draft and Final EIS's. 2. Describe the level of public involvement for this project, if any, and given the complexity and the seriousness of the environmental issues associated with the Proposed Action, is the levd of public involvement appropriate under the circumstances? A notice of diis Draft EA will be sent to approximately S&-7S individuals, organizations, or public offices. A news release and legal notice of EA availability and die a formal public comment '' period will be sent to all regional daily and weekly newspapers. A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at die Outiaw Inn, 2701 Hi^way 93 Soudi, Kalispell, MT on Wednesday, A^ril 30, 1997. In addition, during development of bodi the Draft and Final Programmatic EIS's for die Riparian/Wetland Conservation Program, numerous public hearings and comment periods were held diroughout nordiwest Montana (FWP 1995). 3. Duration of comment period for the Environmental Assessment: April 9. 1997 - May 9, 1997 4. Other jurisdictional agendes/organi/ations! The Fladiead Regional Development Office and die Kalispell Planning Board have die primary review audiority over development projects widiin 4 miles of Kalispell's city limits. The Flathead County Commission is responsible for final approval of proposed developments widiin die County. These entities and odier county or state agencies, public interest organizations, Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, and interested citizens will receive a notification or copy of die Draft and Final EA's as well as draft and final management plans. All adjoining private and public land owners will be sent tlie notification of die public hearing and copies of the Draft EA. 5. Individuals/groups contributing to the EA? Gael BisseU, Wildlife Biologist, FWP Rob Brooks, Economist, FWP Dan Casey, Wildlife Biologist, FWP Mark Deleray, Fisheries Biologist, FWP Darlene Edge, Land Agent, FWP Brent Mitchell, Fladiead Audubon Society Alan Wood, Wildlife Mitigation Coordinator, FWP »?, 6. NamCf title, address and phone number of the personsfst responsible for preparing the E.A. Gael Bissell, Wildlife Biologist, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 490 North Meridian Rd. Kalispell, MT 59901; (406) 751-4580. Alan Wood, Wildlife Mitigation Coordinator, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Flatfiead National Forest, 1935 3rd. Ave. East, KalispeU. MT 59901; (406) 758-5219. 13 REFERENCES CITED Flatii D. 1991 . Species of Special Interest or Concern. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife &. Parks. January 1991. Montana Fish, WUdlife & Parks 1995a. Statewide Habitat Plan, Implementation of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, Habitat Montana Policy, October 1995. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 1995b. Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on the Riparian/Wetland Habitat Conservation Program, Sept. 11, 1995. Montana Dep. Fish, Wildlife & Parks KaUspeU, MT. 59901. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 1996. Final E>ecision Notice and Final Environmental Analysis (EA) for die Coriell Island Purchase (14 pps plus appendices). ref:morrisea.wpd 4/8/97 REF:GB034-97.wpd 14 APPENDIX A DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ^ ; AND CONSERVATION '^ ' TRUST LAND MANAGEMENT DIVISION MARC RACICOT, GOVERNOR 1625 ELEVENTH AVENUE STATE OF MONTANA' DIRECTOR'S OFFICE (406) 444-2074 PO BOX 201601 TELEFAX NUMBER (406) 444-2684 HELENA, MONTANA 59620-1601 March 3, 1997 Arnold B. Morris and Carol C. Morris 130 Shawnee Drive Bigfork, MT 59911 Mr. Joel Holtrop, Forest Supervisor '' *■ izQ Flathead National Forest 1935 Third Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 ^'RScT^l^Jf^- & Mr. Patrick Graham, Director Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 Re: Morris Island in Sections 22 and 27, T28N, R21W, M.P.M.. Kalispell 7.5-minute quadrangle, Flathead County, MT Dear Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Mr. Holtrop, and Mr. Graham: Attached is a copy of the report by our staff hydrogeologist, Teresa Kinley, regarding Morris Island in Sections 22 and 27, T28N, R21W, MPM. This review indicates that the State does not claim ownership to this island. The Department continues to review the other landforms of concern submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and Flathead National Forest. We appreciate your patience and your assistance in providing information and resources pertinent to this review process. If you have any questions, please contact me at (406) 444-2074. Sincerely, y^{. CZ^ X/^^ Jeff Hagener, Administrator Enclosure c: Dan Smiley, Flathead National Forest Darlene Edge, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Kevin Chappell, Agriculture and Grazing Management Bureau, TLMD, DNRC a AGE REVIEW AND OWNERSHIP STATUS OF MORRIS ISLAND, FLATHEAD RIVER, MT Sections 22 and 27, T28N, R21W. M.P.M. Flathead County, Montana by Teresa Kinley, Hydrogeologist Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Trust Land Management Division February 27, 1997 i / 'i' \ . r Of! AGE REVIEW AND OWNERSHIP STATUS OF MORRIS ISLAND, FLATHEAD RIVER, MT Sections 22 and 27, T28N, R21W, M.P.M. Flathead County, Montana by Teresa Kinley, Hydrogeologist Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Trust Land Management Division February 27, 19 97 INTRODUCTION Mr. Arnold B. Morris submitted a letter dated February 1, 1996 to Bill Wright, DNRC-NWLO requesting that the state provide him with a letter "stating if they are claiming ownership or any interest in either of the properties" in several sections in T28N, R21W in northwestern Montana (Figure 1) for which he provided copies of deeds. Part of these sections are crossed by the main stem of the Flathead River. He was particularly interested in the "island property" acquired from "Naimy's" in 1975 because he wanted to sell it. Morris Island comprises much of this "Naimy's" property. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is interested in purchasing the portion of Morris Island owned by Mr. Arnold Morris and possibly exchanging for the portion claimed by Flathead National Forest. Study of this area has been undertaken • due to this request and interest by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and Flathead National Forest. GENERAL BACKGROUND OF STATE OWNERSHIP Based on an 1844 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Pollard vs. Hagen 44 U.S. 212) the original 13 states held ownership of navigable riverbeds consistent with English law. The Supreme Court held that all new states would enter the Union under equal footing. Therefore, all of the states would own the lands beneath navigable rivers and lakes . 70-1-202, MCA confirms state ownership by declaring the state to be the owner of "all land below the water of a navigable lake or stream." 70-16-201, MCA clarifies that the state's ownership is only to the "...edge of the lake or stream at low-water mark." 70-18-203, MCA further provides that islands and accumulations of land formed in the beds of navigable streams belong to the state if there is no title or prescription to the contrary; i.e. an island existing prior to statehood that was surveyed and claimed by the United States government would not be state- owned. 77-1-102, MCA provides that abandoned beds of navigable streams or lakes lying within the meandered lines of the United States survey and all islands existing in the navigable stream or lake which have not been surveyed by the United States government, including lands which at any time in the past comprised such an island or part thereof, except lands owned by adjacent landowners as accretions, belong to the State of Montana to be held in trust for the benefit of the public schools of the state. An island may form up out of the bed of the river, and then later attach to shore. The state retains ownership of these islands, even though they are no longer surrounded by water. A key criteria is that the sandbar stabilize as an island before attaching to shore. Sandbars that attach to shore before stabilization would be owned by the adjacent land owner as an accretion to their land. A recent Montana court decision looked to the establishment of vegetation in determining that a sandbar had grown and stabilized and therefore become an island. Figure 1: Location of the study area. The State of Montana recognizes the Flathead River, main stem, as a navigable waterway due to historical evidence of its commercial use. "Commercial navigation on the upper section of the main river consisted of steamboat traffic and log drives" (Heritage Research Center, 1986, p. 32). The state claims ownership of the bed of the Flathead River outside the Flathead Indian Reservation from low water to low water based on the Equal Footing Doctrine (1844) and state statute. Islands forming out of the bed of navigable waterways after Montana statehood (1889) would be claimed by the state. In addition, abandoned channels or portions of abandoned channels within the GLO meanders that result from avulsion are also claimed by the state. COMMON TERMINOLOGY Accretion, avulsion, and reliction are three terms used in describing river changes over time. Bates and Jackson, 1980, describe these terms in the "Glossary of Geology" as quoted in the following definitions. Accretion is "the gradual or imperceptible increase or extension of land by natural forces acting over a long period of time, such as on a beach by the washing-up of sand or the accumulation of sediment deposited by a stream. " Rivers gradually change their position over time through lateral accretion. Islands are formed up out of the bed of a stream by vertical accretion. Avulsion is "a sudden cutting off or separation of land by a flood or by an abrupt change in the course of a stream, " such as "by a sudden change in current whereby a stream deserts its old channel for a new one." Case law is well settled that the part of land cut off by avulsion still belongs to the original owner. Reliction is "the slow and gradual withdrawal of the water in the sea, a lake, or a stream, leaving the former bottom as permanently exposed and uncovered dry land; it does not include seasonal fluctuations in water levels." LOCATION AND GEOMORPHIC COMPOSITION Morris Island, is located between the middle and eastern branches of the Flathead River's main stem in Flathead County, southeast of Kalispell, MT (Figure 1 and Plate 1) . Plate 1 shows Morris Island outlined and dotted in green in Sections 22 and 27, T28N, R21W, M.P.M. Two core areas are connected by a channel zone, (see dashed lines in the northern portion of the island) . Another channel area with some ponded water is present in the southern portion of the island. Less mature vegetation in the northern channel area is visible in aerial photographs. Part of the northern channel area appears to be a high water channel and the southern channel area may be as well. The process of sediment accumulation in the channels could result from reliction, accretion, and/or avulsion. The channels could be high water features that have not been eroded sufficiently to maintain continuous flow of the river through them. When the water recedes it exposes the bed of the channel which is higher than normal flow levels. The river may also leave behind new deposits in the channels. The channels could also be abandoned by avulsive events, or these areas could have gradually plugged with sediment, resulting in the river moving around the cores in an alternative direction. Lateral accretion of sediment to the island has been occurring on the northeastern side, the southwestern side, and the southern tip, on the inside curves of the river. The river has also eroded portions of the island as evidenced by cutbanks exposed along shore and changes seen in the aerial photographic record. AGE OF TREES Counting of annual growth rings was utilized to determine the age of 13 trees on Morris Island. Nine trees checked for age are cottonwood trees and four are spruce trees. Table 1 lists the age of trees corresponding to the numbers and approximate tree locations shown on Plate 1 and provides additional information on these trees. The oldest of the three trees checked on the north core is a cottonwood, CT-5, with 130 annual growth rings counted and an estimated age of 147 years (1849) . The oldest cottonwood tree cored on the /^-\ /~\ / 2: (\ qJOJ -H OJ OJ o CO u OJ Qj C/0 o CJ U o m o o m X ^ L Q.-P o a o 2;< a c o d 0; -p _d "x o a 0) -P Qj U L a a (/) <: =5 -^ ' ooo 75 -2 I S "So. d c 0) -P I/I _ a Li- ^+* £ O C ^ >, 9 75 +» C U 3 0) O O _2 ]gi U C I c o ■C u c ■H U ^ o •I c en c ■1 -0 V I i 01 en n u < < w n 2 X s "e o a U Q a n *J ij 3 C « « •r-i u « (1 V D» ki h U iJ C ,0 0 0 -4 V o O u JZ J3 J3 1 II i * X x: u U u a c ^^ c ..^ U -^ •1 -^ n c ^ V ■>, u V 01 j: n j: u ? u en u c c c c u -^ -4 4 u kt « O N c ffv n ^ (^ r^ 0> •-4 0) )-( fO c c ■w -H n i/t kl H vt V 3 3 O u ■o p-4 •D o* 1 u U u X JJ X u g .H i •H 0 ^ -4 *^ (Q u kl iJ h n n 0 «i o% II m iJ «i CI « S* en 3 < II < « •o « V C b U •■4 2 U S u 10 a CO u a «w Q tu u •0 0 0 «l « jj U u h a u < u c 3 V o 3 n V iJ V iJ • J) o u a E •I X g -, g -. 01 c ■g « (I 01 a o u c o ti u u I" S u o O 5 > V u u ■o — «l u X 1 -. u u a V yin II 5' . V II ■ Vi S *J a Q iw o It u II II u u C p II I « 3 fi •H iJ C3 O u H iJ S i lA m N A U u 0 Qi 9 U lO 14 • -i • u « Q • O «» Oi n 2 a Q 0 •H « JJ o IS »J •H g 4J n « o u > 0 c a H -H •d b Ci 9 Id Oi H 3 m CO H 0 ca ^ •H 3 U *i U H 0 3 s 0 •H •0 > CH «-H CO iH H * 0 >M •H H U 0 0 S U a a 9 OH U H fa< south core is CT-4 (Figure 2) , with 117 rings counted and an estimated age of 270 years (1726) . Of the four spruce trees cored on the south core, ST-4 is the oldest with 197 rings counted and estimated age of 202 years (1794) . OWNERSHIP STATUS The age of trees on Morris Island indicates that the two core portions of the island were present prior to statehood in 1889. Therefore, Montana DNRC, Trust Land Management Division does not claim ownership of this island. The northern channel zone between the north and south core of Morris Island and the southern channel area on this island are not part of the river meanders shown on the Government Land Office survey (Rakowicz, 1891) . Therefore, these channel areas would not be claimed by the state as abandoned channels. Additional work would be necessary to determine the actual process of channel formation and abandonment, but this is beyond the scope of this study. It is likely that the channels are high water channels due to presence of water in small channel depressions noted within the larger channel area. WORK SUMMARY My review of this island has included preliminary AutoCAD overlays, aerial photo interpretation, gathering flow information, and field work which included coring trees using increment borers, counting annual growth rings from the cores, two sediment profile descriptions and samples (one each core) , and geomorphological and vegetation observations. Flathead National Forest (FNF) personnel have assisted me in collecting tree cores (Figures 3 and 4) , counting growth rings, measuring tree diameters, digging for a sediment profile site, and collecting information on local changes in topography (1 ft or greater) in different directions across the northern core and part of the associated channel. Allen Wolf, DNRC-NWLO Silvaculture Supervisor, supplemented work by Dan Smiley, FNF, and myself by collecting additional tree cores and counting and interpreting the information they provided. Marc Burkhart, FNF, also collected some GPS data for tree locations (Figure 5) to check signal penetration through the vegetative canopy and to establish some tie points for additional work if needed. Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and Walt Bahr, Flathead Land Trust, provided transportation by boat to Morris Island. The details of the work noted above and interpretations drawn from it will be included in a forthcoming geomorphologic report on the area. REFERENCES Bates, Robert L. , and Jackson, Julia A., eds . , 1980, Glossary of Geology, Second Edition: Falls Church, Virginia, American Geological Institute, pp. 4, 45, and 529. Heritage Research Center, 1986, Montana Navigable Water Study: Unpublished report submitted by Heritage Research Center, (P.O. Box 9316, Missoula, MT 59801) to Montana Department of State Lands, Helena, MT, pp. 32- 36. Rakowicz, Ernest, 1891, Survey of Fractional Township No. 28 North, Range No. 21 West of the Principal Meridian Montana, Surveyed 1/17-31/1891, Approved by the Surveyor General's Office, Helena, MT, June 22, 1891, available from Bureau of Land Management, Cadastral Survey, Billings, MT. Wolf, Allen, 1996, Coriell and Morris Island Investigations: Unpublished MT DNRC internal report submitted to Teresa Kinley, Hydrogeologist, MT DNRC, Helena, by Silvaculture Supervisor, (Allen Wolf) , MT DNRC, NWLO, 12/17-18/96, 10 p. APPENDIX B MORRIS ISLAND DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN April 9, 1997 I. PURPOSE The goal of this management plan is to describe how die Morris portion (approximately 40 acres) of die entire S8 acre island will be managed by FWP upon approval for its purchase by the FWP Commission. It can be assumed that die same management plan would be extended to the 18 acres at die Dordi end of die island should the ongoing land exchange between FNF aixi FWP be completed. That land exchange is part of a separate proposal which would be addressed throu^ die FNF National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The Morris Island Management Plan describes die history and wildlife values of diis island, outlines management goals and objectives, specifies various actions FWP plans to implement over die next 2 years, and gives interim guidance on public recreation management until more accurate data can be collected. If die Morris project is approved, FWP would include dieir interest in die Morris Island in die Wildlife Division's network of approximately 40 Wildlife Habitat Protection Areas (WHPA's) across die Montana. WHPA's are usually small parcels of land, often donated or sold to FWP below market value, which hold exemplary wildlife habitats or special wildlife use areas such as nesting islaixis. FWP manages several WHPA's in die Fladiead basin including two islands widiin Flathead Lake. The management philosophy behind die management of WHPA's is focused on protecting die wildlife habitat and special wildlife uses of die property. Recreation can occur on most WHPA's; however, only low impact types of uses are encouraged. Recreation is often discouraged during critical periods of wildlife use (e.g. during spring waterfowl nesting). n. MANAGEMENT GOALS The management goal for Morris Island would be: " to protect and maintain die riparian/wedand values and special wildlife uses associated widi diis island property and to allow recreation uses which do not undermine or impact these natural values" . There is a potential for including die Morris property into die Montana Natural Areas Program. This potential will be evaluated during implementation of this management plan. The Management Plan is organized by die following objectives: 1. Maintain Habitat Values; 2. Provide Public Recreational Opportunities; 3. Monitoring/ Adaptive Management. m. GENERAL PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Morris property occupies approximately 40 acres of a 58 acre island within the main channels of the PHathead River (Figs. 1 & 2). The property is comprised of bodi riparian and wetiand habitats in nearly pristine condition. The dominant overstory consists of very mature Cottonwood Bl and spruce (older trees ranging from 100 to nearly 200 years old), a dense understory of deciduous shrubs, younger spruce trees, and many types of herbaceous communities (cattail, sedge, grasses). The island contains a few abandoned river channels. The island lies between the highly active or "delta" section of the Flathead River and its confluence widi die Stillwater River. At this confluence, die Flathead River becomes a wide, single channel, meandering river system. The highly braided channel area north of die Morris Island is caused by die change in gradient between the upper and lower Flathead River systems. The lower portion of the Flathead River from Flathead Lake up to this braided river section is influenced by Kerr dam. The (^ration of Kerr Dam maintains hi^er dian normal water levels in the Flathead River mainstem during the summer mondis. One can see bodi die erosional aspects of the higher water levels (as well as of normal river channel activity) as well as the depositional aspects from the i^iper river on the Island. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of this river section has helped nmintain diis island's relatively undisturbed nature. As a result, Morris Island supports some of die best and last examples of undisturbed mature and old growdi riparian forest and high quality riparian habitats widiin die entire upper Fladiead mainstem corridor. ■'■"ihm ■" The Morris Island is adjacent to various types of public and private lands. The Flathead National Forest (FNF) owns approximately 18 acres on the north end of Morris Island. FNF is in die process of exchanging their Fladiead River tracts to FWP. To the nordieast of Morris, along Brenneman's Slough, anodier 12 acres of riparian forest was donated to FWP. Fladiead County Parks and Recreation owns an undeveloped parcel on Leisure Island northwest of Morris (Fig. 2). The Department of State Lands owns approximately 442 acres of state land upstream of die proposed project. This area was designated in die late I970's as Montana's first State Natural Area. The 442 acre parcel has been leased by Fladiead County in die past; however, diis lease was recentiy transferred to die Fladiead Audubon Society. In 1995, FWP agreed to purchase approximately 73 acres of die nearby CorieU Island from die Fladiead Land Trust. The final approval for diis project is awaiting determination by DNRC to their claim to all or a portion of this island. rV. MANAGEMENT OBJECnVES -tr e. A. Maintain/Enhance Habitat Values and Ecosystem Functions The major purpose of diis land acquisition is to ensure die long-term protection and maintenance of die riparian/ wedand values and die dynamic ecosystem functions associated widi river islands. The Morris Island presendy supports a wide variety of riparian and wedand habitats typical of river bottom forest including gravel and sand bars, backwater channels, cattail and sedge marshes, dense riparian shrub cover types, and young to very mature cottonwood/spruce forest. The following description represents die key aquatic, wedand, and riparian habitats and general fish and known wildlife values associated widi these habitat types. 1. Aquatic Habitat Types The island provides a diversity of shoreline habitats from hi^-gradient gravel-bottomed channels (upstream end) to shallow or deep mud-bottomed channels or slou^. These B2 habitats support a wide array of aquatic plants and animals which in turn provide habitat for resident and migratory juvenile and adult fish such as bull trout, west-slope cutthroat trout, pygmy and lake whitefish, rainbow trout, lake trout (mackinaw), northern pike, large-scale sucker, squawfish and peamoudi. Western toads and painted turtles also use diese aquatic habitat types. Great blue herons, solitary sandpipers, and killdeer are commonly found foraging along die shoreline. Many species of diving ducks can be seen year-round on die main channels including common mergansers, hooded mergansers, common goldeneyes, and Barrows goldeneyes as well as dabbling ducks such as Canada geese, mallards, and green-winged teal. Aquatic fiirbearing mammals are common along die shoreline, logjams, and backwater channels and include river otter, beaver, mink, and muskrat. 2. Riparian Habitat Types The dense shrub cover along backwater sloughs and channels provides exceUent upland nesting habitat for mallards, Canada geese, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasants, and wild turkey. The older cottonwood snags provide cavity nesting habitat for wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers, woodpeckers, tree swallows, and chickadees. The old snags are used by nesting osprey, Canada geese, and owls. Overhanging banks provide nesting habitat for belted kingfisher, bank swallows, and rou^-winged swallows. Riparian shrubs and mature cottonwood habitats also provide nesting habitat for a variety of neo-tropical migrants and other passerines. The security, cover, and fai^ quality forage on the island provide important year-round habitat for w^te-tailed deer. The island's accumulated logjams, dead and down material, berry-producing shrubs such as hawdiom provide habitat for raccoons, striped skunks, coyotes, and red fox. Black bear and moose are occasional visitors. 3. Proposed Actions a. FWP would complete an inventory and map of all aquatic, wetiand, and riparian habitats and dieir associated species and values during die two field seasons following purchase of die Island. This baseline report would include photo points, vegetation lists, cover type maps, stand size and stocking, species lists, weed maps, human disturbances, and odier data from which future changes in habitat can be detected or quantified. This baseline information would be important for monitoring both natural or man-made changes, developing new management policies as needed, and to ensure maintenance of the existing habitat qualities and functions. b. FWP would incorporate a weed management plan into the Morris Island Management Plan. This plan would address how FWP intends to meet county weed management obligations. The weed management plan would address die current infestation of Canada diisde and any other weeds observed during baseline inventories. c FWP would plan to take at least one field inspection trip each year for purpose of monitoring habitat changes or human impacts, updating resource values, and recommending management changes if needed. FWP would encourage members B3 ': of local interest groups to participate and assist on diis field trip(s). Field inspections would include an inventory any human-related problems such as garbage, permanent blinds, weeds, etc. and natural events or changes such as tree blowdowns, new beaver channels or tree cuts, tree diseases, erosion or depositional events, etc. A record of field investigations will be kept with the management plan. d. FWP will evaluate die benefits or detriments of including the Morris project widiin the Montana Natural Areas Program. B. Maintaining Public Recreational Opportunities Maintaining recreation opportunities for the general public is an important but secondary objective of the Morris island acquisition. Many islands in the mainstem Fladiead are perceived as being in public ownership regardless of plat status. Purchase of Morris Island by FWP will insure some degree of public access, provided access does not conflict with the habitat objectives stated above. 1. Current Recreation Activities Current recreation uses of Morris Island, aldiough a private island, seem to be similar to that vMch occurs on most islands in the mainstem whedier claimed as private or public: boating; picnicking; fishing; day hiking; photography; asparagus picking; bird watching; camping; waterfowl, upland bird, and deer hunting; and fiirbearer trapping. The Island has never been posted. Due to the density of vegetation and downed woody material, much of the island is rarely accessed. Most of diese recreational activities which take place occur seasonally, such as boating in Ae summer, hunting in die fall, or trapping in the winter. Based on preliminary observations, diese activities seem to have had litde or no impact on die islaixls's habitat quality. a. Spring: Intense or frequent recreation activities during die spring bird nesting/reproduction period (March dirou^ June) could impact nesting success of waterfowl and odier wildlife species. Dogs allowed to run dirough die island can pose a significant hazard. However, because of the difficulty in negotiating ) die ever-changing channels near Morris with normal propeller motor boats, the lack of an easy access point adjacent, and rising treacherous water associated widi spring runoff, public use during diis time does not appear to be in conflict with nesting/reproducing wildlife. This could change widi die increased use of jet boats and jet skis which can negotiate die shallow channels and can go up or down stream with few problems. b. Summer: During summer, Fladiead Lake is at full pool vMch allows normal propeller boats to reach Morris from die lower Flathead and Stillwater Rivers. Also, floating from Old Steel down to Foys bend or from Leisure Island is fairly common as die water levels stabilize and warm. Due to die construction of die ' selective withdrawal system at Hungry Horse dam, the Flathead mainstem water should be warmer dian in the past. Tliis may increase recreational activities on the mainstem. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and camping, if it B4 occurs frequently, could disrupt wildlife populations using die island or impact habitat. c Fall: The fall season includes upland bird, waterfowl, and big game hunting seasons. The amount of hunting activity wliich takes place on Morris is not presently known; however, a few existing blinds indicate it is used by the public, probably on most weekends during die hunting season. As with die other recreational activities, if it becomes too frequent, impacts to habitat or wildlife may occur. d. Winter: Trapping primarily for beaver, muskrat, mink, or river otter have probably occurred on Morris during die winter mondis. Access to the island from Leisure island is dependent on water levels and ice cover. The braided section of the Fladiead has had one of the bluest beaver colony densities recorded in die state. Additionally, river otters are abundant dirou^out die Flathead mainstem probably due to habitat quality and high security; Montana allows trappers to take as many beaver as they want, but only one river otter. 2. Recommended Actions: a. Limit certain recreational uses which will likely have an impact on wildlife during the spring nesting/reproductive period or leave excessive signs of human use: i. DO dogs/pets widiout leashes allowed from March 1 to June 30; ii. put up signs >^ch explain management objectives and ask the public to minimize human impacts (pack it in/pack it out; odier restrictions listed below); iii. no overnight camping or campfires except as provided by 23-2-303 MCA (Montana Stream Access Law). No permanent structures (e.g. duck blinds, deer stands, fire rings, tent poles etc.); temporary structures brou^t by an individual and removed by the individual after each hunt would be acceptable. b. Provide copy of die final management plan to sporting good shops, County Offices and Library, local Chambers of Commerce, state and federal agencies, and interested publics to make diem aware of management goals, objectives, and stipulations. c Coordinate management plan and monitoring widi FWP enforcement staff, local interest groups, Fladiead County Parks and Recreation. C. Monitoring and Adaptive Management: Most WHPA's receive litde monitoring by FWP due to dieir small size, isolation, and lack of perceived need to monitor these areas because of low use. However, due to die proximity of Morris to a large population center, die evidence of some past recreational uses, and special wildlife values associated with die island, monitoring on a regular basis is recommended. This could be accomplished with volunteers, water saftey patrols, and other FWP resource personnel working on the river. The purpose of monitoring would be to determine if any recreational or human activities are impacting wildlife or habitat values. B5 a. Monitor recreation activities over die next 2 years to determine to wiiat degree tiiese activities take place, by whom, and widi vviiat frequency. b. Compile brief report of results of monitoring activities and any concerns and distribute to local interests, organizations. County Offices, and other interests. c. Develop proposed management recommendations dirou^ public review process and modify management plan as needed. B6 APPENDIX C WILDLIFE SPECIES EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON MORRIS ISLAND BASED ON DATA COLLECTED AT THE OWEN SOWERWINE NATURAL AREA AND ADJOINING AREAS (D. Casey and others, FWP, unpublished data). GameSpedes White-tailed deer Wood duck Ring-necked ptieasant Mallard Ruffed grouse Common goldeoeye WUd turkey Bufflehead Morning dove Hooded merganser Canada goose Common merganser Furhearen Beaver Raccoon Muskrat Red fox River otter Coyote Mink Stripped skunk Nonsame Birds Double-crested cormorant Black-billed magpie Great-blue heron American crow Osprey Black-capped chickadee Bald eagle Red-breasted nutiiatch Sharp-shinned hawk White-breasted nufliatch Cooper's hawk House wren Red-tailed hawk Ruby-crowned kinglet American kestrel Veery Killdeer Swainson's thrush Spotted sandpiper American robin Ring-billed gull Gray caft)ird Western screech owl Cedar waxwing Great homed owl FAiropean starling Barred owl Warbling vireo Vaux's swift Red-eyed vireo Black-chinned hummingbird Yellow warbler Belted kingfisher American redstart Downy woodpecker Nortiiem watertimish Hairy woodpecker MacGillivray's warbler Northern flicker Common yellowAroat Pileated woodpecker Black^ieaded grosbeak Western wood pewee Lazuli bimting Willow flycatcher Chipping sparrow Least flycatcher Song sparrow Dusky flycatcher Brewer's blackbird Eastern kingbird Brown-headed cowbird Tree swallow Nortiiem oriole CI WILDLIFE SPECIES EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON THE MORRIS ISLAND BASED ON DATA COLLECTED AT THE OWEN SOWERWINE NATURAL AREA AND ADJOINING AREAS (Continued) Nnngame Birds Violet-green swallow House finch Rough-winged swallow Pine siskin Bank swallow American goldfinch Cliff swallow '; House sparrow Bam swallow Amphihians and Reptile58 Western toad Painted turtle Common garter snake Western terrestrial garter snake Rubber boa 02 APPENDIX D MORRIS ISLAND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Prepared by: Rob Brooks Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks April, 1997 I. INTRODUCTION House Bill 526 passed by the 1987 Legislature (MCA 87-1-241, MCA 87-1-242) authorizes Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to acquire an interest in land for the purpose of protecting and improving wildlife habitat. Additionally, the Northwest Power Act authorized funds for acquiring wildlife habitat due to habitat losses from the development of Libby and Hungry Horse dams. These acquisitions can be through fee title, conservation easements, or leasing. In 1989, the Montana legislature passed House Bill 720 requiring that a socioeconomic assessment be completed when wildlife habitat is acquired. These assessments evaluate the significant social and economic impacts of the purchase on local governments, employment, schools, and impacts on local businesses. This socioeconomic evaluation addresses the fee title purchase of land owned by the Morris family. The report addresses the physical and institutional setting as well as the social and economic impacts associated with the proposed purchase. n. PHYSICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SETTING A. Property Description The property is an island in the Flathead River located just upstream from the confluence of the Stillwater River. The Morris property comprises 40 acres of the fifty-eight acre island. The remaining acres are owned by the Flathead National Forest. A comprehensive description and map of the property are in the draft environmental assessment (EA). B. Habitat and Wildlife Populations Due to the braided nature of the Flathead River in this area, the islands in this section contain mature and old growth forest as well as excellent riparian habitat. This land supports numerous game species (white-tailed deer, river otters, pheasants, turkey, and waterfowl) as well as habitat for a long list of other wildlife. A detailed list is provided on page 3 of the environmental assessment (EA) and management plan for the property. As the managemoit plan points out, this island provides a diversity of aquatic habitat (forage and cover) for fisheries, most notably the bull trout. C. Current Use The property is currently owned by the Morris family. They have left the land in an undisturbed state; no development has occurred on the property. Recreation is the main use on the property according to the EA. D. Management Alternatives At this point in time, two alternatives are available to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regarding the Morris property: 1) Fee title purchase of the property by FWP. 2) No purchase Other alternatives were considered in regards to protecting the property such as conservation easements and leasing. They are discussed in the environmental assessment (£A). Fee Tide Purchase by FWP Alternative 1, fee tide purchase will provide protection to the land and wildlife of the Morris property in the long term. The property will continue to be managed for the benefit of the wildlife and fisheries. In addition, public access will be maintained. No Purchase Alternative This alternative requires some assumptions since management of the property will vary depending on what the Morris family decides to do with the property if FWP does not purchase the property. The Morris' have been approached about selling the property for cabin sites, private recreation or housdx)at docking sites. In addition the own^s have considered logging the old growth spruce and Cottonwood. Any of these options would have negative impacts on the wildlife values and public recreation opportunities this property provides. The economic impacts of the no purchase alternative have not been quantified here since they are unknown. m. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS Section n identified the management alternatives this report addresses. Section ED quantifies the social and economic consequences of the fee title purchase alternative following two basic accounting stances: financial and local area impacts. Financial impacts address the cost of the fee title purchase to FWP and discusses the impacts on tax revenues to local government agencies. Expenditure data associated with the use of the property provides information for analyzing the impacts of the purchase on local businesses (i.e. income and employment). D2 A. Financial Impacts The financial impacts on FWP are related to the fee title purchase price and maintenance/ management costs. The Morris propraty will cost FWP $55,000. Maintenance/management costs related to the purchase are associated with the habitat monitoring anticipated for the land as well as a weed control management plan. The financial impacts to local govemmoits are the potoitial changes in tax revenues resulting from fee title purchase. The Morris' paid $633.00 in taxes on this land in 1995. Montana Code Section 87-1-603 requires FWP to pay the county "a sum equal to the amount of taxes which would be payable on county assessment of the property were it taxable to a private citizen". This paymait in lieu of taxes provisicm on land owned by FWP insures Flathead County tax revenues from this land equal to what the Morris' currently pay the coimty. B. Economic Impacts The purchase of this land by FWP will not change the use of this land from what has occurred in the past. This land has not beoi used for commercial purposes in the past and these activities are not planned under FWP owno^p. This area has been used for recreational purposes (picnicking, camping, hunting, boating) and these will continue IV. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS The Morris property purchase will protect important wildlife habitat in the Flathead River and help mitigate habitat losses from Libby and Hungry Horse dams. Since this property is located close to other public lands in the river corridor, public recreation opportunities are enhanced and protected. The fee title purchase wiU not reduce the property tax revalues from this land to local government entities in Flathead County. Tax revenues in 1995 on this property were $633.00. There are no significant economic impacts associated with the purchase. The fee title purchase of the Morris property appears to be in the public interest.