United States 

Department of Agriculture 

Lewis and Clark 

National Forest 

P.O. Box 871 

Great Falls. MT. 59403 

Fiscal Year 1988 

s-’i38i 

LEWIS AND CLARK 

NATIONAL FOREST PLAN 

Monitoring and Evaluation Report 

Belt Creek Canyon below Monarch in the Little Belt Mountains. 
Forest 

Service 

Lewis & Clark NF 

Agriculture 

REPLY TO: 1950 Date: April 17, 1989 

SUBJECT: FY 1988 Monitoring and Evaluation Report 

.. 

TO: Forest Plan Participant 

Enclosed for your review and use is the second 'Monitoring and Evaluation Report' for the Lewis and Clark 

National Forest Plan. 

The Forest Plan describes a new phase of integrated resource management. Integrated management of 

resources as defined by the Northern Region is 'where all resources are considered together for the same 

area of land. Planned activities are designed to work toward a desired future condition of the land to 

achieve a common good.' 

This past summer, the Regional Forester, his Staff, Forest Supervisors, District Rangers, and Forest 

Planners met to explore a common approach for implementing Forest Plans. Implementing the Forest Plan 

is a process of selecting, scheduling, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluating management practices 

described in the Plan. 

To better meet this need on the Lewis and Clark National Forest, I am reorganizing my staff. The Staff Officer 

for Recreation, Range and Wildlife, Jerry Reese, will head up a new section called, Forest Plan Implementation. All of the resource specialist in the Supervisor's Office will report to him. They will be responsible for 

all phases of implementing the Forest Plan. The Staff Officer for Planning, Dick Smith, will be responsible 

for Forest Plan monitoring and maintenance. This section will also provide the technical expertize in NEPA 

and will process any appeals. Engineering and Administration will continue as service and support 

functions. 

Overall, I believe this organization will help bridge the gap as we move from several resource management 

plans into one integrated Forest-Wide Plan. It should also free up some of the time of field going personnel. 

As shown in the FY 1988 report, many outputs and activities levels met or exceeded those projected in 

the Forest Plan. Some do not. When there is a significant difference, the report - explains why. 

Although the overall budget to implement the Forest Plan has been lower than envisioned, some funding 

elements, such as fuels management, timber sale preparation and administration, and silvicultural examinations, have been fully met. Through the outyear programming process the actual forest budget is being 

moved towards those elements that are emphasized in the Forest Plan. 

As we have gone through the second year of monitoring the Forest Plan we have found that most 

monitoring items have worked like we had envisioned. However, in some cases the Interdisciplinary Team 

has recommended a change to strengthen or improve the understanding of the monitoring requirements. 

These change are detailed in Forest Plan Amendment No. 3 which is enclosed with the Monitoring and 

Evaluation Report. In some cases there is a need for the Forest to improve its record keeping so that the 

necessary monitoring items can be tracked at the end of the fiscal year. These cases are &cussed in the 

report. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

I. 

11. 

Ill. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

INTRODUCTION 

GOALS 

FOREST PLAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Elements: 

Recreation (A) 

Wilderness .(B) 

Wildlife and Fish (C) 

Range (D) 

Timber (E) 

Soil, Water, and Air (F) 

Minerals (G) 

Lands (J) 

Facilities (L) 

Protection (P) 

All (I) 

1 

2. 

2 

3 

11 

13 

24 

28 

36 

40 

43 

45 

48 

52 

Comparison of Outputs and Activities with those Projected in the Forest Plan 57 

for the Planning Period - Fiscal Years 1987 through 1996 

Comparison of the Actual Budget Received in FY 1988 with the Forest Plan 

Projected Annual Budget 

58 

PLANNED ACTIONS 59 

RESEARCH NEEDS 60 

AMENDMENTS 61 

APPENDICES 62 

LIST OF PREPARERS . 63 

APPROVAL 63 - 

C. 
FOREST PIAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION REPORT 

LEWIS AND CLARK NATIONAL FOREST 

FISCAL YEAR 1988 

I. INTRODUCTION 

The Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) for the Lewis and Clark National Forest was 

approved by the Regional Forester on June 4, 1986. Part of the process was a commitment to monitor and 

evaluate how well the Forest Plan was being implemented. A commitment was also made to consider 

modifications in the Forest Plan based on the monitoring and evaluation efforts. 

This report summarizes results of Forest Plan monitoring and evaluation conducted during Fiscal Year 1988 

(October 1, 1987 through September 30, 1988) the second year of implementing the Forest Plan for the Lewis 

and Clark National Forest. 

The significance of the results of the Fiscal Year (FY) 1988 monitoring and evaluation program have been 

analyzed by the Forest Interdisciplinary Team and have been reviewed for action by the Forest Leadership 

Team. 

This report summarizes the results of the Forest's monitoring effort and provides the rationale for the 

modifications, if necessary, that will be made in the Forest Plan in the form of amendments. Any changes in 

the Forest Plan will follow the process outlined in Chapter V and will include appropriate public notification 

and completion of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. This report also provides a communication link with the public and other levels of Federal, State, private industry, and other interest groups to 

document the status on implementing the Forest Plan. 

The regulations in 36 CFR 21 9 describe the purpose for evaluation of the Forest Plan. These regulations are 

summarized below: 

--To determine if conditions or demands in the area covered by the Forest Plan have changed 

significantly enough to require any revision to the Forest Plan (36 CFR 219.10(9)); 

--To determine if budgets have significantly changed the long-term relationship between levels of 

multiple-use goods and service enough to create a need for a 'significant amendment' (36 CFR 

21 9.1 O(e)); 

--To determine how well the sfated objectives of the Forest Plan are being met (36 CFR 219.12(k)); 

--To determine how closely Forest Wide Management Standards in Chapter II of the Forest Plan have 

been followed (36 CFR 219.12(k)); and 

--To determine how the Forest is satisfying the requirements for Monitoring and Evaluation (36 CFR 

21 9.12(k)). 

1 
II. GOALS 

The goals for monitoring and evaluating the Forest Plan are to determine: 

--How well the Forest is meeting its planned goals and objectives; 

--If existing and emerging public issues and management concerns are being adequately addressed; 

--How closely the Forest Plan management standards are being followed: 

--If outputs and service are being provided as projected; 

--If the effects of implementing the Forest Plan are occurring as predicted, including significant 

changes in the productivity of the land; 

--If the cost of implementing the Forest Plan are as predicted; 

--If implementing the Forest Plan is affecting the land, resources, and communities adjacent to or near 

the Forest; 

--If activities on nearby lands managed by other Federal or other governmental agencies, or under the 

jurisdiction of local governments, is affecting management of the Forest; 

--If research is needed to support the management of the Forest, beyond that identified in Chapter II 

of the Forest Plan; and 

--If there is a need to amend or revise the Forest Plan. 

111. FOREST PIAN MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Forest Plan management activities were monitored and evaluated as outlined in Table 5.1 Forest Plan 

, Monitoring Requirements and Forest Service Handbook 1909.12, to determine how well objectives were met 

and how closely management standards were applied. The document resulting from the use of the Decision 

Flow Diagram constitutes the evaluation report. As applicable, the following will be included in the evaluation 

report: 

--A quantitative estimate of performance comparing outputs and service with those projected by the 

Forest Plan; 

--Documentation of measured effects, including any change in productivity of the land; 

- 

--Unit costs associated with carrying out the planned activities as compared with unit costs estimated 

during Forest Plan development; 

--Recommendations for changes: 

--A list of needs for continuing evaluation of management systems and for alternative methods of 

management; c 

2 
--A list of additional research needed to support the management of the Forest; and 

--Identification of additional monitoring needs to facilitate achievement of the monitoring goals 

The results of the evaluation report have been summarized and are discussed on the following pages. Each 

'monitoring item lists: (1) what is being measured; (2) frequency of measurement; (3) reporting period; (4) 

variable which would initiate further evaluation; and (5) the results of the monitoring. They are grouped by 

resource area and follow the monitoring requirements in the Lewis and Clark Forest Plan (Table 5.1). 

RECREATION 

A-1 Recreation Opportunity Spectrum setting being implemented. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent per 10 years. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 10 percent of projected Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) setting. 

The settings to be monitored in the Forest Plan are: primitive, semi-primitive, and roaded, natural. No 

differentiation is made between semi-primitive non-motorized and semi-primitive motorized settings in the 

Forest Plan. These settings are determined by the Forest Travel Plan. 

The Forest Plan provides for management of 436,000 acres in a primitive setting as wilderness. Currently the 

Forest has 384,000 acres in wilderness and the Forest Plan proposes an additional 52,000 acres which is 

managed in a primitive setting. The final decision concerning wilderness designation is dependent on 

Congressional action. A Wilderness bill was passed by Congress in 1988 which would have provided 

considerably more wilderness than recommended in the Forest Plan. However, the legislation was vetoed by 

the President and no change actually occurred in the wilderness acreage in 1988. 

The Forest Plan also provides for 933,000 acres to be managed in a semi-primitive condition and 457,000 

acres to be managed in a roaded natural setting during the first decade. No significant change occurred in 

these settings during FY 1988. The only activities conducted which would affect thesesettings were timber 

sales totalling approximately 1,000 acres. These were all conducted in presently roaded areas where the 

Forest Plan recreation setting is roadpd, natural. Therefore, the recreation setting is consistent with Forest 

Plan direction. The monitoring plan suggests measuring this item only at ten-year intervals and requires no 

additional evaluation unless the setting deviates plus or minus 10 percent from the planned recreation 

settings. Therefore, no additional evaluation is required. 

The recreation settings in the Forest Plan were refined in FY 1988 by completing a new Forest Travel Plan. 

This Travel Plan implemented the recreation settings in the Forest Plan and also differentiated between 

semi-primitive motorized and semi-primitive non-motorized settings on the Forest. This Travel Plan was 

completed with extensive public involvement and is a key tool for Forest Plan implementation of recreation 

settings. The new Travel Plan was adopted in June, 1988. New signs have been ordered and newsnaps have 

been prepared and made available to the public. Seventeen appeals were received on the Travel Plan and 

these were responded to in FY 1988. Three appeals are still being negotiated at the end of FY 1988. In all 

of the other appeals, the Forest Supervisor decision was affirmed. The new Travel Pian is currently being 

implemented (Also see 1-2 - Forest Travel Plan Revision). 

3 
A-2 Recreation direction meets expectation of visitor. 

Frequency of Measurement: 10 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988) 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Adverse comments or correspondence. 

This particular item is difficult to measure in an objective way. At almost any point in time, some people’s 

expectations would be met and the expectations of others would not be met. The measurement is through 

visitor contacts, inspections, and plans. In this monitoring report the assumption is made that the Forest Plan 

direction is satisfactory unless strong public complaints have been received and/or major issues have 

developed which indicate that the direction is not correct. Several identified issues were addressed in the 

revision of the Forest Travel Plan. 

Another measure of the effectiveness of recreation direction was the recreation program review conducted 

in FY 1987 by the recreation staff group in the Regional Office. This review was conducted at the request of 

the Forest to assess the current status of the recreation program and to make recommendations for future 

improvements in the program. Some of the key management concerns which were surfaced in that review 

are listed below. These have been addressed with an action plan in FY 1988 and accomplishment of the 

action items to date are reported below. The major findings of this review as they relate to visitor expectations 

are as follows: 

A. The Forest Pian budget as originally proposed is probably inadequate to meet all of the 

recreation goals. This finding is based on a Regional analysts of Forest Plan budgets and related 

workloads. 

The Forest Plan budget was amended to correct the identified problem. 

E. The coordination between timber management activities and snowmobilelcross country ski 

activities in the Kings Hlli area needed to be strengthened. Several comments were received from 

recreationists Concerning timber sales (particularly small sales) which have created problems; 

such as, (1) plowing of roads which had been approved for snowmobile trail grooming, (2) 

placement of hazards such as snow berms In groomed snowmobile trails, (3) unsafe dual use of 

plowed areas by snowmobiles and logging equipment, (4) placement of slash in cross country ski 

trails, and (5) concerns for wind scour of snow trails (due to opening of the tree canopy). 

These concerns have since been addressed through timber sale contract clauses and development 

of a coordination procedure. This procedure involves consultation between the snowmobile clubs and 

Forest Service when timber sales are proposed for winter logging in areas of groomed snowmobile 

trails. Generally, the amount of winter logging has been reduced in new timber sales which has 

reduced the potential for conflict. Coordination between timber management and snowmobilelcross 

country ski activities was accomplished in 1988. All potential conflicts were resolved. Four timber sale 

contracts had winter restrictions included to accommodate snowmobile and cross country use. 

C. Several concerns about signing were surfaced during the review and are listed below. 

These concerns with signing led to a major Forest objective in FY 1988 to correct signing problems. 

As a result of that effort, a new Forest policy concerning signing was developed tdaddress the 

problems listed below. That policy was developed in consultation with the Regional Office and with the 

District Rangers on the Forest. This policy is currently being incorporated into the Forest Service 

Manual and considerable progress was made in FY 1988 to implement the policy on the ground. 

4 
(1) Signing is not adequate on the Forest to direct recreatlonlsts to the opportunities which exist. 

A major provision of the new sign policy is to direct people from major highways to the National Forest, 

This will be done with standard signs stating 'National Forest Access' at intersections with main 

highways, followed by appropriate directional signing at intermediate intersections between the highway and the National Forest boundary. The new Forest Travel Maps also show access routes to the 

National Forest where a public right-of-way exists. This signing has largely been completed on the 

Rocky Mountain Division of the Forest. Attention will focus on the Jefferson Division .in FY ?989. 

(2) In some cases signing is negative and focuses on regulations without providing useful visitor 

information. 

Standard specifications were developed for bulletin boards at trailheads and in campgrounds. Several 

suggestions were adopted in the signing policy to reduce negative messages and emphasize providing positive user information. 

(3) In many cases it Is difficult to identify access routes to the Forest. 

This was addressed above. 

(4) Signing on some of the winter sports trails also needs to be improved. 

A policy was developed to provide consistent signing of snow trails on the Forest. This policy is being 

implemented in the Kings Hill area at the present time. The new signs have been ordered and a new 

snowmobile trail brochure has been prepared which ties to the signing on the ground. It will be printed 

and distributed as soon as the signs are installed. 

(5) The new Forest Travel Plan will need to be signed on the ground to be effectively implemented. 

A standard approach to signing the new Forest Travel Plan was developed. Ail signs have been 

ordered and many have been installed. The remainder will be installed in the spring of 1989. The 

intensive fire season on the Forest in 1988 prevented completion of the signing as soon as desired. 

D. A major concern highlighted In the review Is the need to obtain reasonable public access to 

the National Forest. The Lewis and Clark National Forest is composed of six separate mountain 

ranges which are surrounded by private land. Because of this, a large number of rights-of-way are 

required to provide long term public access. The current Forest Plan direction identifies most of 

the rights-of-way needed to provide this access. However, progress on obtaining these access 

points has been slow and protracted negotiations with landowners has been the rule. A need 

exists to more efficiently acquire the identified rights-of-way. 

The action proposed to meet this need is to focus efforts in a given mountain range or area until the 

job is complete. This will allow an 'area' analysis of access needs in a given mountain range/area. 

Personnel can also be focused efficiently to negotiate with landowners, survey, and produce right-ofway plats, and appraise the value of right-of-ways. This approach was initiated in the Highwood 

Mountains in FY 1988, Access needs in the Highwoods were given high priority because of their 

proximity to recreation users in Great Falls. Negotiations are continuing on the Highwoods access 

routes. Coordination with other public agencies, particularly the counties, is also being strengthened. 

E. Another concern identified in the review Is the need to improve integrated plannincfor recreational opportunities on an 'area' basis and to use this planning to Identify appropriate recreation 

facilities. This planning must be based on the recreation setting in the Forest Plan and be 

coordinated with recreation users. No need (because of projected demand) is identified in the 

- 

5 
Forest Plan to construct new developed campgrounds. Therefore, this planning will be focused 

on rehabilitating existing sites to meet today’s needs and on providing facilities such as trails and 

trailheads which facilitate dispersed recreation opportunities. 

In FY 1988 a training session was held on the Forest to facilitate use of the Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum settings as a basis for this coordinated planning. Each of.the Districts on the Forest had 

representatives at this training. The recreation capital investment program for the Forest was developed using the priorities listed above. 

Forest personnel and cooperators completed the plans for the Marias Pass Recreation Complex in FY 

1988. Construction is programmed for the summer of 1989. When complete the area will include a 

redesigned viewing area for the Roosevelt Memorial and other statues and memorials in the Pass area. 

Parking will be provided for the Memorial Square and for snowmobile winter use of the area. The 

existing Summit Campground will be rehabilitated and the roads and parking spurs will be paved. 

Visitor information concerning Marias Pass, Glacier National Park, and other recreation opportunities 

in the area will be provided. This is a cooperative project with several agencies and individuals involved. 

Funding is being provided by the Forest Service, Montana Department of Highways, and Montana 

Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

Legislation was also passed in 1988 authorizing construction of the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center in 

Great Falls which will be managed by the Forest Service. The legislation requires that a final plan for 

the Center be prepared and presented to Congress within two years for funding. Much of the recreation 

planning activity in FY 1989 will focus on the Visitor Center. This planning will be done in partnership 

with local agencies and individuals. 

F. Another concern Is to develop a policy towards providing outfitter services on the Forest. An 

Interim policy was developed on the Forest In FY 1987 and Is currently being followed. 

Development of a more definitive policy was initiated in FY 1988 and will be completed in FY 1989. 

Outfitter policy for the Smith River on the Kings Hill Ranger District was developed in the Smith River 

Management Plan completed in FY 1988 and will be implemented in FY 1989. The Smith River 

Management Plan was developed in coorporation with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and 

Parks and was finalized in FY 1988. The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex outfitter policy conforms 

with the Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Scapegoat Wildernesses Recreation Management Direction 

completed in FY 1987. 

G. A strong internal and public concern is the ability of the Forest to provide adequate law 

enforcement to implement the changes in the new Forest Travel Plan. - 

This concern was addressed jn an updated Workforce Management Plan for the Forest completed in 

FY 1988. A Level IV Law Enforcement Officer was assigned to the Supervisor’s Off ice in FY 1988, in 

addition to the Level IV Officer on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. Additional training is being 

provided to a person on the Kings Hill Ranger District to qualdy that person for enforcement duties in 

FY 1989. In addition, patrols were conducted during the hunting season to enforce Travel Plan rules 

and during the firewood season to enforce firewood regulations. Information from Ranger District 

personnel indicates that the new Forest Travel Plan was implemented with few problems. Particularly 

noticeable was a reduction in complaints about All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) during the 1988 hunting 

season. Some localized areas will require additional signing and additional enforcement effort in FY 

1989. The Tenderfoot-Deep Creek area on the Kings Hill Ranger District was specificala! mentioned. 

Late season efforts may also need to be intensified in some areas. Overall, however, the new Forest 

Travel Plan was implemented with a minimum of conflict and enforcement problems were limited. 

6 
A-3 Actual recreational use In the categories of Wilderness, dispersed, and developed recreation as 

compared to projected levels In the Forest Plan. 

I 

Developed Recre- 169 ' 145 175 

ation 

Non-Wilderness 61 4 581 503 

Dispersed Recreation 

Wilderness 86 54 42 

Frequency of Measurement: Annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluatlon: Plus or minus 25 percent variance yearly or plus or 

minus 10 percent over a 5-year period. 

.. 

The Recreation Information Management (RIM) reports for the Forest provide the base information to measure 

use in the categories described. The Forest Plan projects that total recreation use will average 869,000 visitor 

days in the first decade. This is broken down as follows: (1) Developed recreation - 169,000 visitor days; (2) 

non-wilderness dispersed recreation - 61 4,000 visitor days; and (3) wilderness use - 86,000 visitor days. 

The use reported in FY 1988 was as follows: (1) Developed recreation - 175,100 visitor days (1 04 percent of 

the Forest Plan level): (2) non-wilderness dispersed recreation - 503,100 visitor days (82 percent of the Forest 

Plan level); and (3) wilderness use - 42,000 visitor days (49 percent of the Forest Plan level). Developed site 

use was very similar to the use in FY 1987. Dispersed recreation use and wilderness use declined. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 recreation use is as follows: 

RECREATION (Thousand Visitor Days) 

I87 I 1988 I 1989 I 1990 I 1991 I 1992 I 1993 I 1994 1 1995 I 19961 

A major decline was noted in wilderness use over FY 1987 use levels. However, the decline is due at least 

partially to the large prescribed fires'which burned most of the summer. These large fires resulted in area 

restrictions (closed to public recreation use) and use was rerouted onto adjacent National Forests. 

The decline in wilderness use may also be representative of the trend observed in recent research which 

noted that use in most National Park and National Forest wilderness areas peaked in the late 1970s and early 

1980s. Use has since grown much more slowly than was the case in the late 1960s early 1970s. In many cases 

use has actually declined since the early 1980s. The Bob Marshall Wilderness was projected to have peaked 

in 1982, and this is borne out by use figures. The recreation use projections used in the Forest Plan were valid 

in the 1970s but may not be valid in the future. This changing trend may require some adjustyents in the 

Forest Plan in the future. 

7 
The level of use in dispersed areas outside wilderness also is below the projected Forest Plan level, but by 

a less significant margin. The projections for dispersed use will also need to be monitored for validity. As 

projected now, a steady rate of increase would occur through the planning period.' Increases in dispersed 

recreation use may well occur as a result of better marketing of recreation opportunities on the Forest and 

by providing additional public access and improved informational signing. Better marketing is planned as the 

Forest responds to the National Recreation Strategy. 

A-4 Condition of developed sites. 

Frequency of Measurement: Annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Less than acceptable standards, public safety hazards 

not corrected by 1990, poor conditions not corrected by 2005. 

The condition of developed sites was about the same or slightly improved in FY 1988. Most Districts were able 

to focus at least some attention on 'heavy maintenance' in FY 1988. The Forest has identified recreation 

rehabilitation projects by priority through the year 2000 based on the budget level programmed in the Forest 

Plan. All developed site water and sanitation systems have been brought up to proper standard in the past 

few years (the last ones were completed in 1988). Public health and safety hazards are corrected at all sites, 

except for routine maintenance. Poor site conditions will be corrected by 2005 as projected in the Forest Plan, 

provided that recreation funds are received as programmed. Attention will be necessary to provide handicapped facilities. 

Even though 'heavy maintenance' occurred in FY 1988, most sites were managed at the Reduced Service 

Level. This was reflected in the fee collection schedule and the intensity of normal maintenance. The 'heavy 

maintenance' was accomplished primarily by giving it a high priorty. 

The Canyon Creek Fire damaged two trailhead facilities on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. These have 

been identified for replacement in the request for fire rehabilitation funds. Also, offers have been made from 

local users to help with reconstruction of these facilities. It is hoped that they can be replaced in the summer 

of 1989. 

A-5 Recreation Opportunity .. 

Frequency of Measurement: Annwlly. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Failure to complete by FY 1986. 

This standard is measured by the status of Recreation Opportunity Guides (ROG) on each Ranger District. 

Further evaluation is triggered by a failure to complete these guides on all Districts by FY 1986. Currently the 

guides have been completed on the Rocky Mountain Division, but are not complete for the Jeff3rson Division 

of the Forest. This resulted in a Forest Objective in FY 1988 to complete key ROG pages for specific areas 

in the Jefferson Division. The ROG for the Kings Hill Ranger District in the Little Belt Mountains.was completed 

in FY 1988. ROGs were initiated in the Snowy Mountains and in the Highwood Mountains, but fire duties 

a 
precluded their completion in FY 1988. They will be completed in FY 1989 and the remainder of the ROG will 

be completed over the next 2-3 years. 

A-6 Off-road vehicle damage and Travel Plan effectiveness. 

Frequency of Measurement: Annually. - 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Varlability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: 

Off -road vehicle damage - Conflicts with Forest Management Area goals. 

Travel Plan effectiveness - Increase of 20 or more citations or variances yearly. 

This standard is monitored by two items. The first item is the status of the Forest Travel Plan as it relates to 

Forest Plan goals. As stated earlier, the Forest Travel Plan was revised in FY 1988 specifically to bring it into 

compliance with Forest Plan standards and to implement the recreation settings in the Forest Plan. The new 

Forest Travel Plan also addressed several issues; such as, ATVs which surfaced. 

The second monitoring item is the number of Forest Travel Plan citations issued and the number of Travel 

Plan variances granted. These are summarized below along with a short narrative response concerning the 

types of violations and problems experienced by the Districts. An increase of 20 violations/investigations 

indicates the need for further evaluation. 

Rocky Mountain Ranger District 

No travel plan citations were issued nor were any variances granted. This reflects to some extent a reduced 

level of enforcement activity and incomplete signing of the new Forest Travel Plan because District personnel 

were extensively involved with fire suppression and rehabilitation activities for the Canyon Creek and Gates 

Park Fires. However, personnel on the District feel that compliance is better than in the past. The new Travel 

Plan is not significantly different than the previous plan in many areas of the Rocky Mountain District and 

people are becoming accustomed to the closures. A new Level IV Law Enforcement Agent has been assigned 

to the District to continue enforcement in the future. 

’ 

Judith Ranger District 

No citations were issued and no variances were granted in FY 1988. Overall impressions were that the new 

Forest Travel Plan was generally supported and violations were few. Some violations were noted on unmarked 

roads (tracks in the snow, but no one5till in the area to cite). These violations should be alleviated in FY 1989 

with better signing. A need was noted for better area restriction signing in the Hoover Spr?ngs/Ant Park/Lost 

Fork Ridge area and this will be done in FY 1989. 

.. 

Musselshell Ranger District 

Two citations and 12 warnings were issued once the travel plan signing was installed in September 1988. 

A total of 70 days were spent on compliance and public education about the Forest Travel Plan. This is down 

from FY 1987. The most significant problems noted continue to be summer off trails motorcycle use and fall 

4x4/ATv use for both off trails and roads. This is a particular concern on the Musselshell District%ecause of 

the large areas of rolling, open country. 

9 
Kings Hill Ranger District 

A total of 5 Travel Plan violations were investigated by District personnel. NO violation notices or warrllng 

notices were issued because offenders had left the area prior to arrival of Forest Officers and evidence was 

limited. In general, compliance was good and few incidents were noted in 26 days of patrolling during the 

fall. District personnel felt that additional enforcement effort was needed in the Tenderfoot-Deep Creek area 

and during the last two weeks of hunting season. This will be addressed in FY 1989. 

Overall Forest Picture 

Overall, District personnel felt that more Travel Plan enforcement was needed and that attention must be given 

to completion of signing in FY 1989. However, the general impression of District personnel was that overall 

Compliance with the new Forest Travel Plan was good. Particularly noticeable was the limited number of 

complaints about ATVs during this hunting season. Few complaints were received in the Supervisor's Office 

concerning the new Forest Travel Plan and it appears to have reasonable public acceptance. The extensive 

public involvement in development of the Forest Travel Plan may have paid dividends in that the Travel Plan 

was understood by many people prior to implementation. 

A-7 Condition of visual resource meets objectives in plan. 

Frequency of Measurement: 25 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Deviation from approved Visual Quality Objectives 

determined by Interdisciplinary Team review of environmental assessments. 

This item is measured by taking a 25 percent sample of environmental assessments completed in FY 1988. 

The visual quality objective was met in all of the project environmental assessments sampled. Therefore, the 

visual quality objectives in the Forest Plan were met. 

A-8 Cultural Resource Protection. 

Frequency of Measurement: Selected sites - Once per 5 years. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

- 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Less than 10 percent accomplishment per year. 

The cultural resource program continued to show improvement through FY 1988. For the second year, the 

program has successfully operated under the Region 1 objective of 'Level 11.' 

In all, forty-one projects were field inventoried in FY 1988. This resulted in cultural inventory of about 3,800 

acres. While this is a decrease in acreage from FY 1987, projects were more complex and often involved use 

of more sophisticated archaeological techniques. Many projects required intensive inventory @thin a small 

unit of land (such as range projects involving one acre). 

Almost half of the projects inventoried had cultural sites located within their boundaries. A total of 34 cultural 

sites were inventoried, of which 23 sites were newly recorded in FY 1988. Most of these inventoried sites were 

10 
archaeologically tested and Determinations of Eligibility were made. An eligibility determination is a helpful 

management tool, as it resolves the status of site, so that a 'reassessment' does not need to be done in the 

future. If no eligibility determination is made, then project activities must avoid sites, regardless of their 

significance. Also, attention is diverted from sites which are truly significant. 

7 

Description 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

I 

Field Inventory Projects 66 41 

Acres Inventoried 5,700 3,800 

Cultural Sites Inventoried 40 34 

Newly Recorded Sites 30 23 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 cultural resource accomplishment is as follows: 

CULTURAL RESOURCE 

Testing was completed at the Hoover Springs prehistoric site on the Judith Ranger District. Archaeological 

fieldwork for the Chevron/Fina Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District 

was completed (eight sites recorded). 36 CFR 800 process was completed for the relocation of the Roosevelt 

Memorial Monument on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. 

Some of the more important trends in the cultural resource program over the past few years include: (1) 

inventories are more thorough and intensive, (2) smaller-type projects are now more routinely surveyed, (3) 

a greater number of cultural sites are being recorded and tested, and (4) Determinations of Eligibility are being 

sought. 

Significant progress has also been made in developing a procedure with the Blackfeet Tribe to recognize and 

protect Blackfeet religious practices on the Forest. This has helped to meet Forest Service responsibilities 

under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 and to meet the standards in the Forest Plan which 

relate to Blackfeet Traditional use. A procedure has been agreed with the Tribe to provide appropriate 

consultation regarding traditional practices. In addition, many meetings have been held with traditional 

leaders to exchange information and share concerns. 

WILDERNESS 

6-1 Maintenance of existing quality of Wilderness ecosystems. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October i, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

rb. 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Degradation of environment. 

The monitoring for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District is outlined 

in detail in the Forest Plan amendment (Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Scapegoat Wildernesses Recreation. 

11 
Management Direction) approved in FY 1987. The Forest Plan amendment provided recreation management 

direction and a monitoring plan based on the concept of Limits of Acceptable Change. The four Forests 

.involved in management of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex all adopted .an identical Forest Plan 

amendment and monitoring plan. The monitoring which was completed in FY 1988 on the Lewis and Clark 

National Forest is detailed in Appendix A. 

Two large wildfires were managed under prescription in the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness ,areas 

in FY 1988 providing an opportunity for improving vegetative diversity and the quality of Wilderness ecosystems. 

The Gates Park Fire, in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, started from a lightening strike near Gates Park on July 

11, and spread to 50,850 acres, when it was controlled by wet weather conditions in midSeptember. The fire 

remained in prescription within the wilderness except for one spot fire. The fire effects varied widely within 

the fire perimeter. Unburned islands accounted for 30 percent of the total area; low intensity ground fire - 35 

percent; medium intensity fire - 22 percent; and high intensity stand replacement fire - 43 percent. The spatial 

distribution of these widely varying fire intensities greatly increased 'edge effect', improving wildlife habitat 

conditions for many species, and increasing landscape variety in a complex, natural mosaic pattern. 

The Canyon Creek Fire burned 20,636 acres of the Scapegoat Wilderness of the Lewis and Clark National 

Forest. This fire spread onto the Forest from the Lolo National Forest on August 9. Fire effects within the 

wilderness were similar to that described above for the Gates Park Fire. Unburned islands and low to 

moderate intensity fire effects were present on about 29 percent of the fire area; high intensity stand 

replacement fire - 43 percent; and rock outcrop/sparsely vegetated areas - 28 percent. 

Studies to monitor the short and long term fire effects of both the Gates Park and Canyon Creek Fires are 

planned in FY 1989. Preliminary studies indicate that the fires within the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat 

Wilderness areas in FY 1988 resulted in improvement of wilderness values and the quality of wilderness 

ecosystems. 

8-2 Bob Marshall-Great Bear-Scapegoat Management Direction. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 7987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would initiate Further Evaluation: Failure to meet the Bob Marshall, Great Bear and 

Scapegoat Wildernesses Recreation Management Direction (Appendix U). .. 

As indicated above, new recreatior? management direction was completed for the Bob Marshall Wilderness 

Complex in FY 1987 and each of the four Forest Plans were amended to include this-direction. 

It appears that monitoring items 8-1 and 8-2 could be incorporated into a single Monitoring and Evaluation 

item now that the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Management Direction has been completed. 

12 
8-3 Change in Roadless Inventory. 

Frequency of Reporting: 100 percent per 10 year. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 10 percent projected change in roadless 

inventory. 

This item is only measured at ten-year intervals. However, no significant change occurred in the roadless 

inventory in FY 1988. Timber sales sold in FY 1988 were all in existing roaded areas and no other management 

activities occurred which would alter the present roadless inventory. 

WILDLIFE AND FISH 

C-1 Threatened and Endangered Species: Grinly Bear-Maintain occupied habitat capacity. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Any indication of downward trend in grizzly bear 

population. 

The grizzly bear population appears to be stable or increasing (Dood, et al. 1986). In a monitoring effort tied 

to the recovery plan, efforts have been made to record sows with cubs and sows with young for the last two 

years (1 987 and 1988). The results of these surveys have revealed that all six Bear Management Units (BMUs) 

on the Rocky Mountain Front have either had a sow with cubs or sow with young located within them. This 

is not an indication of population levels, but it is the beginning of trend information that shows occupancy 

of each BMU by sows with young and that reproduction is taking place. 

Law enforcement efforts were maintained to deter illegal grizzly bear taking on RM-1 Geographic Unit. 

One biological evaluation was completed in response to a prescribed fire to improve wildlife habitat in the 

Ford-Fairview Plateau area, with a no effect resulting to the grizzly bear. Data bases were completed on two 

BMUs to provide information for the Lumulative effects model to be used on two major projects - Blackleaf 

EIS and Chevron/Fina EIS. 

. 

Two major fires occurred during the summer - one in the Dearborn/Elk Creek BMU and one in the North Fork 

Sun River BMU. The Dearborn/Elk Creek BMU was burned by the Canyon Creek Fire. The total acres within 

the perimeter of the fire was 120.1 19 acres. Of this, 42,424 acres (35 percent) were burned intensely (crown 

destroyed), 52,714 acres (44 percent) were burned by low intensity fire or unburned, and 24,981 acres (21 

percent) was rock or shallow soils that did not burn. The BMU totals 188,000 acres, therefore, about 64 

percent of the BMU has been influenced by fire. The effect of the fire will be long term and the nsed to treat 

additional acres with fire in this BMU will not be needed for at least 20 years. 

The Gates Park Fire was within the North Fork Sun River BMU. The total perimeter of the fire included 

approximately 50,800 acres, of which 36,500 acres (72 percent) were burned from a low to high intensity. 

13 
About 15,500 acres (42 percent) of the approximate 36,500 acres were burnt at a high intensity (stand 

destroyed). The BMU contains 164,000 acres which means about 22 percent of this BMU was influence by 

fire. 

. 

The benefits of both the Canyon Creek and Gates Park Fires to the grizzly bear include providing a more 

diverse habitat by creating openings in the timber canopy, producing more usable edge between cover and 

non-cover, and increasing the palatability and production of grasses, forbs, and berry producing species for 

all seasons of use. 

The Canyon Creek Fire had an extensive rehabilitation of all firelines. All dozer constructed firelines were 

waterbarred and seeded. About 28,600 acres of the burnt area was seeded with a grass mixture which 

included orchard grass and white dutch clover which will provide additional forage for the grizzly bear. 

In all the fires on the Rocky Mountain Division, the presence of grizzly bears was stressed and the need to 

maintain clean camps and dispose of garbage on a regular basis. There were no incidents reponed that 

involved grizzly bear/fire fighting interactions. 

The Rocky Mountain Ranger District personnel developed a Policy and Guidelines for Avoidance and 

Management of Problem Bear Situations. This document was designed to minimize the influence people have 

on the natural habits and habitats of grizzly and black bears and to provide for human safety. During FY 1988, 

there were 3 problem bear incidents that involved grizzlies, including one livestock depredation. 

C-2 Threatened and Endangered Species: Gray Wolf, Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon - Maintain suitable, 

unoccupied habitat. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Deterioration or continuing disturbance on more than 

5 percent of suitable unoccupied habitat. 

No projects were approved which would cause a deterioration or continuing disturbance to suitable unoccupied habitat for the gray wolf, bald eagle, or peregrine falcon. 

Management of gray wolf habitat on the Forest is currently limited to the Rocky Mountain Division. Habitat 

management has included review of the Chevron/Fina EIS in combination with grizzly-bear and prey species 

management. Project specific implementations were identified which would avoid adverse impacts to wolves 

and their habitat. The analysis included two key deer and elk winter ranges. Restrictions on human actions 

and habitat modification for grizzly bear spring range are expected to help maintain exis$ng habitat for grizzly 

bear as well as potential habitat for gray wolf. Ream et al. (1987) showed that radio collared wolves utilized 

Glacier National Park, but did not extend their range onto the Lewis and Clark National Forest. There were 

no confirmed wolf observations on the Forest in FY 1988 (personal communication, R. Hazelwood, USFWS, 

1/88). There is still a single wolf that is the survivor of a pack that was controlled on the Blackfeet Reservation 

last year. This single wolf has been tracked and sited on several occasions by the Chief Game Warden for 

the Blackfeet Tribe. 

There are currently no known active nest sites of bald eagle or peregrine falcons on the ForestJIbservations 

of bald eagles were recorded and added to the Forest data base. Bald eagles continued to be seen foraging 

over broad areas of private rangeland and on the Forest during the winter. Management practices that could 

potentially affect wintering bald eagles were reviewed. 

14 
Forest Service biologists cooperatively assisted United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) biologists in completing surveys. The Forest again 

participated in the National Bald Eagle survey in January 1988. A total of 18 bald eagles were observed. 

Two bald eagle nests are located on private lands between the Rocky Mountain and Jefferson Divisions. In 

FY 1988 the "Craig' bald eagle nest was abandoned and unoccupied and the 'Cascade' nest was identified 

and fledged two young. The 'Craig' nest is thought to have failed as a result of human disturbance. 

No surveys were conducted by the USFWS or Forest Service of historic peregrine falcon sites during FY 1988 

(personal communication, R. Hazelwood, USFWS, 1/89). The need for future surveys *of, bald e.agle and 

peregrine falcon nest habitat was"identified in a Challenge-Cost Share project on the Kings Hill Ranger 

District. 

All projects possibly affecting any known Federally listed Threatened or Endangered Species were reviewed. 

C-3 Elk: Winter range capacity (population level), sex, age ratios, and habitat effectiveness. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: 

Winter range capacity, sex, and age ratios: Decrease of 5 percent or more in 3 year running means. 

Habitat effectiveness: Decrease of 10 percent or more in habitat effectiveness in any timber compartment. 

Elk Population Level and Sex Age Ratios 

In general the populations appear to be stable at this time. The reporting source for the statistical 

information is the MDFWP. The MDFWP is in the process of revising its reporting system, and therefore, 

information is not available at this time. The FY 1987 and FY 1988 data will be included in the MDFWP 

report in September 1989, after which date the information will be available annually. 

Summary of elk population numbers 1980-1986 running means is as follows: 

ELK (Numbers) 

15 
MDFWP again provided updates on results of radio telemetry data on elk movements and relative 

numbers in the Jefferson Division for FY 1988. The information was used in evaluating proposed timber 

harvest and road construction projects. 

Elk Habitat Effectiveness 

On the Rocky Mountain Division guidelines were completed for elk (BLM. 1987. page 23). These 

guidelines were considered in the evaluation of land management activities. 

The existing methods for calculating elk habitat effectiveness were changed from the past photo index 

vegetation codes to the new strata codes used in the Timber Stand Management Record System 

(TSMRS). The TSMRS data base is updated as necessary to reflect changes from timber harvest and 

fires. 

On the Jefferson Division the emphasis continued to be placed on analyzing timber compartments in 

which road construction and timber harvest projects are planned and in which changes in elk habitat 

effectiveness values are most likely to occur. Several compartments and sub-compartments were 

examined as part of the environmental assessment for several proposed road construction and timber 

sales. Areas examined include: Judith Ranger District - Mixes Baldy, compartment 465, was updated 

and included a capital investment road, the Wolf Butte access road into Mixes Baldy as well as the 

Mixes Baldy timber sale; Musselshell Ranger District - West Fork of Cottonwood Creek, compartment 

623; and Kings Hill Ranger District - Moose Creek, including all of compartment number 711 and 

sub-compartments numbered 71 2-002,006, and 007. All selected alternatives by the Forest Supervisor 

met the level in the minimum effective cover level specified in the Forest Plan (pages 2-30 and 3-1 6). 

Habitat analysis is ongoing for the East Fork of Spring Creek, Tenderfoot Experimental Forest, and 

Smokey-Moose areas in the Little Belt Mountains. Elk habitat in the south end of Belt Park on the Kings 

Hill Ranger District continued to be monitored in FY 1988 in response to a 1985 Congressional Inquiry 

on the effect of a change in road location on a known elk calving area. The FY 1988 evaluation showed 

the same relative level of continued use of the area by elk for calving and security cover as identified 

in FY 1987. 

FY 1987 District reporting indicated that in some B Management Areas, road densities may have been 

exceeded prior to the Forest Plan; for example, Divide road on the Kings Hill Ranger District. An 

analysis was begun in the Moose Creek area on the Kings Hill Ranger District in FY 1988 to measure 

and evaluate road densities in these areas. 

C-4 Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat: Winter range capacity (population level); sex, and age ratios. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Decrease of 5 percent or more in 3 year running means. 

In general, the bighorn sheep and mountain goat populations appear to be stable at this time. The reporting 

source for the statistical information is the MDFWP. The MDFWP is in the process of revising its reporting 

system, therefore, the 1988 information is not available at this time. The 1987 and 1988 data wifl be included 

in the MDFWP report in September 1989, after which date the information will be available annually. 

In checking with local MDFWP biologists, the Sun River bighorn sheep herd has recovered to a target 

population range of 800-1,000 animals. In a survey for sheep in hunting district 441 which lies north of the 

16 
Sun River herd, 72 sheep where noted. This was an incomplete survey. However, this herd still maintains a 

high number of rams and the ram harvest has remained high. 

Low - Rocky Mtn 

Division 

Summary of bighorn sheep population numbers 1980-1986 running means is as follows: 

I 

104 .. 

BIGHORN SHEEP (Numbers) 

Description I 

In a goat survey for hunting districts 414 and 415, 70 goats were seen. Sixteen of these were kids. According 

to the department, the goat population appears to be stable or a slight upward trend. 

On the Rocky Mountain Division the Interagency Rocky Mountain Front wildlife monitoring and evaluation 

program was completed in FY 1987 and included guidelines for bighorn sheep and mountain goats (BLM, 

1987. page 13). These guidelines continue to be considered in the ongoing evaluation of land management 

activities (Chevron/Fina EIS, and fire suppression actions). 

Summary of mountain goat population numbers 1980-1 986 running means is as follows: 

MOUNTAIN GOAT (Numbers) 

987 I 1988 I 1989 I 1990 I 1991 I 1992 I 1993 I 1994 I 1995 I1995/ 

Mountain goats are limited to the Big Snowy and Crazy Mountain ranges within the Jefferson Division. Forest 

Service employees observed at least three mountain goats including at least one kid near Crystal Lake in the 

Big Snowy Mountains in August 1988. The MDFWP does not conduct inventories on this population. 

17 
C-5 Other Big Game Species: Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, population trend, 

sex, and age ratlos. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Decrease of 10 percent or more in 3 year running 

means for mule deer. ,. 

Monitoring shall be accomplished on only mule deer. Monitoring requirements for mule deer will include 

harvest data and hunting success and shall be included starting with the FY 1989 Forest Monitoring Report. 

The Forest is managing the habitat for elk and mule deer. Habitat requirements will also benefit black bear 

and mountain lion. 

The MDFWP recommended changes in hunting season regulations were supported by the Forest. Restrictions on vehicle use on selected roads as well as area vehicle restrictions for elk management are felt to also 

benefit whitetail deer, black bear, and mountain lion. 

An interagency monitoring and evaluation program document for the Rocky Mountain Division was completed 

and approved (BLM 1987) which includes guidelines for mule deer management. These guidelines were 

considered in the Chevron/Fina EIS on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. 

On the Jefferson Division, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks limited outfitter guides to a 

quota of two female bears and two female or five male lions in the Snowy and Little Belt Mountains. These 

limitations set by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks were supported by the Judith Ranger 

District. 

C-6 Small Game (Blue Grouse): Harvest level. No further monitoring will be accomplished on this item 

during the planning period of the Forest Plan. Brood observations have been discontinued by the Montana 

Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. 

ia 
C-7 Furbearer (Beaver & Bobcat) Special Interest (Lynx & Wolverine): Harvest level. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 3-years (FY 1989). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Decrease of 10 percent or more in'average trapper take 

from previous reporting period. 

No further monitoring will be accomplished on this item during the planning period of the Forest Plan. Data 

on these species is available only at a State level and is lumped for both private and public lands. The harvest 

level is not a reliable measurement of a population as it is heavily influenced by the fur market. Incidental FY 

1988 observations of wolverine on the Jefferson Division include one or two wolverines near Sandpoint on 

the Judith Ranger District by hunters reported through an outfitter during the archery season in September 

1987. A wolverine was reported by outfitter near King Creek at the head of the Middle Fork of the Judith River 

on the Judith Ranger District. A Forest Service employee observed 3 wolverines crossing US Highway 89 just 

south of the Many Pines campground on the Kings Hill Ranger District during the late summer of 1988. 

One wolverine was trapped in the Sweetgrass Creek area of the Crazy Mountains on private land adjacent 

to National Forest lands during FY 1988 (personal communication, Wayne Butts, Forest Service, 1/89). 

On the Rocky Mountain District, a wolverine was trapped on Waldron Creek and an otter was sighted near 

Bear Gulch. 

C-8 Old Growth Habitat (Goshawk): Active nestlng territories. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Decrease of 10 percent or more in active nesting 

territories. 

On the Rocky Mountain Division the Interagency Rocky Mountain Front wildlife monitoring and evaluation 

program was completed and included guidelines for goshawk (BLM, 1987 page 34). These guidelines were 

considered in the evaluation of land management activities. 

On the Jefferson Division the R-1 HSlgoshawk model (Hayward et al. 1983) was used as a guide. Old growth 

stands were field checked to validate the model. A total of 9 goshawk nest territories (active at least one year) 

on National Forest lands were reported in FY 1988. A new active site was discovered at Neil Creek on the 

Musselshell Ranger District in FY 1988. Six of seven monitored sites were active in FY 1988. The active sites 

were Beldon Flat on the Judith Ranger District; Whitetail, Elephant Rock, Pasture Gulch, and Neil Creek on 

the Musselshell Ranger District; and Lake Creek on the Kings Hill Ranger District. Mill Creek on the Musselshell Ranger District was inactive. Two previously active sites, Townsend Gulch Spring, and West Fork 

Comb Creek on the Musselshell Ranger District were not checked. Emphasis was placed on identifying new 

territories while protecting the habitat around known nest territories. Barred owls and pileated w2odpeckers 

were observed in Pasture Gulch in association with nesting goshawks. The goshawk, barred owl, and pileated 

woodpecker are MDFWP species of 'Special Interest and Concern.' 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 goshawk nesting territories is as follows: 

19 
GOSHAWK (Numbers) 

Description 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

r 

Nesting Territories a 9 

1993 1994 1995 1996 

Forest Service biologists also surveyed several proposed timber sale areas and field checked various 

reported nest sites of forest nesting raptors. 

Nesting Territories’ 

Old growth stands were identified as part of environmental assessment for Mixes Baldy, Judith Ranger 

District; Mill-Lion and the West Fork of Cottonwood Creek, Musselshell Ranger District; and Moose Creek, 

Kings Hill Ranger District. 

Personnel provided input into the Regional goshawk habitat model revision and collected prey remains from 

active nests for analysis. Food habits data will be used to evaluate existing and future goshawk foraging 

habitat. 

I I 

I I 4. 

21 

C-9 Special Interest Specles (Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon): Nesting territories. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sampled of selected nesting territories annually. 

Reporting Period: 3-years (FY 1989). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Reduction in occupied nesting territories of 10 percent 

or more from previous reporting period. 

The Forest Plan requirement is to monitor this activity at least once every three years. The item was not 

formally monitored in FY 1988. 

On the Rocky Mountain Division the Interagency Rocky Mountain Front wildlife monitoring and evaluation 

program was completed and included guidelines for golden eagles and prairie falcons (BLM, 1987. page 13). 

These guidelines were considered in the evaluation of land management activities. 

Limitations on funds and manpower along with biologist assignments to fire suppression activities restricted 

the monitoring of nests in FY 1988. One new prairie falcon eyrie defended by two adu-lts was detected near 

Lone Tree Gulch on the Judith Ranger District in FY 1988. 

Summary of golden eagle nesting territories prior to 1987 is as follows: 

- 

GOLDEN EAGLE (Numbers) 

I Description I Pre1987 I 1989 I 1992 I 1995 I 

Summary of prairie falcon nesting territories prior to 1987 is as follows: 

20 
Description Pre 1987 1989 

Nesting Territories 1 30 

I/ Data is for only the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. 5~ 

' 

C-10 Cavity Nesting Habitat (Northern 3-Toed Woodpecker): Percent optlmum habitat. 

1992 1995 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Description 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 

Commercial Woodcutters 28 22 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

1993 1994 1995 1996 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Reduction in snags to below numbers needed to 

maintain minimum viable population level in any timber compartment. 

The Forest Plan requirement is to monitor this activity at least once every five years. The item was not formally 

monitored in FY 1988. 

Pileated woodpeckers were again observed in Pasture Gulch in the Castle Mountains. It appears pileated 

woodpeckers may be breeding at this location. Pasture Gulch is the only location at which pileated woodpeckers have been identified. The pileated woodpeckers is a MDFWP species of "Special Interest and Concern.' 

The following progress was accomplished toward the monitoring objective. A complete assessment of the 

non-wilderness timber stand data base shall be available in FY 1991, Stand delineation, strata designation, 

and stand examination are ongoing and several compartments in Management Area B are complete. 

Availability of this information will permit queries of the data base for existing snag densities. 

The impact of commercial woodcutting on snag management was evaluated. The majority of woodcutting 

activity takes place on the Kings Hill Ranger District. Administrative changes in commercial woodcutting on 

the District have improved management options for managing snags. In FY 1987 commercial woodcutting 

was restricted to a specified sale area and operators were required to purchase a minimum of 40 cords. The 

number of commercial cutters in FY 1988 was 22. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 commercial wood cutters is as follows: 

- 

The existing practice of allowing woodcutters to cut standing dead trees is thought to have an actverse effect 

on snag recruitment, a reduction in snag diameter, and the removal of snags from roaded areas such as 

clearcut units. Implementation of the Forest Travel Plan has improved the potential post-timber sale snag 

retention and management. Additional management of personal use woodcutting activity will be required if 

21 
snag management objectives are to be met. Changes: such as, restricting the cutting of standing dead snags 

to designated areas, and restrictions on the unauthorized construction of wheel-track roads are needed 

before snag management can be effective over the long term. 

In FY 1988, only a portion of the small timber sales within Management Area B was monitored. Initial 

impressions are that many of these areas have not had a proactive snag management plan implemented, 

and those that did continue to be impacted. by woodcutting activity. 

C-11 Aquatic Habitat Condition (Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout): Habitat quality (Coordinate with F-7 and F-8). 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 3-years (FY 1989). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Predicted decrease of 5 percent or more (below 

planned level) in fish habitat capability based on predicted or actual changes in water quality or fish habitat 

parameters in any stream or lake. 

Measures of effects on habitat quality have been made by sampling 4 streams in FY 1988 for intragravel 

sediment (also reported in item F-7) and by riparian evaluations using the COWFISH model and shrub 

condition on 3 streams (also reported in item F-8). Populations of cutthroat trout were also evaluated on two 

streams. Impacts on time as a result of last summers fires have delayed completion of data analyses; however, 

reports of data analyses will be available by April, 1989. At least one additional year of data is necessary to 

indicate relative change in condition. 

C-12 Threatened and Endangered Habitat Improvement Outputs, Wildlife & Fish Habitat Improvement 

outputs. 

. Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluatlon: 

Threatened and Endangered Habitat Improvements: Accomplishment 10 percent below Forest Plan level 

over 5-year average. - 

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Improvement Outputs: Accomplished 20 percent below Forest Plan level over 5-year 

average. 

. 

All variations below targets -are attributed to either the extreme fire season which .required people to be 

assigned fire suppression duties during the field season or to funding below Forest Plan levels. 

The following table summarizes FY 1987 and FY 1988 wildlife habitat improvement accornplishrnent in 

comparing what the Forest Plan states and what was actually completed: 

22 
WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT) 

The Canyon Creek Fire burned through about 1,000 acres of mule deer winter range and 120 acres of elk 

winter range that is on the Forest, which is about 90 to 95 percent of the mapped winter range for these two 

species on National Forest land. This will improve the palatability of the grasses and shrubs as well as 

increasing production for a period of years. It is anticipated that these winter ranges will not need treatment 

for the next 15 to 20 years. The summer fall ranges that were burned will also show an increase in production 

and palatability of grass and forb species and an increase diversty of the habitat by the conversion of cover 

to non-cover by timber stand replacing fires. 

The Gates Park Fire burnt in spring, summer, and fall ranges. There may be some creation of winter range 

during light snow fall years on the south slopes of Headquarters Creek. The fire will increase the production 

and palatability of the grasses and forbs on the spring, summer, and fall ranges for deer, elk, and sheep as 

well as improve habitat diversity. (For acres burned in the Canyon and Gates Park Fires, see item C-1). 

C-13 Oil and Gas Activity/Wiidlife Monitoring Rocky Mountain Front. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. . 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Any indication of downward papulation trend in 

speciedmanagement guidelines related to oil and gas activity. 

- 

The major disturbance on th? Rocky Mountain Ranger District was the Canyon Creek and Gates Park Fires. 

Major suppression efforts were taken once these fires began burning out of prescription. These activities 

occurred after August 1, 1988, thereby taking place during a time that usually allows for high amounts of 

human activity without significant affects to key wildlife species. The acres of habitat burned will make any 

impacts that would have occurred by the high intensity of human activities unmeasurable. rc 

23 
An underground powerline was constructed to the Mount Baldy repeater. The Rocky Mountain Front guidelines (BLM, 1987) were followed and an operating window of July 1 to October 15, 1988 was imposed. The 

work was accomplished in August 1988. 

In summary, the guidelines were followed on all projects that required some type of permit from the Forest 

Service. Therefore, there was minimal impacts to wildlife populations on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District 

due to permitted activities. Because of the amount of acres that were burned by prescribed and wildfire on 

the District there will be some impacts to wildlife populations. it remains to be seen whether or not this will 

actually result in an increase in populations or just a better forage base for the existing populations. 

RANGE 

D-1 Range Outputs. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 10 percent of target. 

Summary of Forest Plan 1 O-year average Range Management targets and actual accomplishment for FY 1987 

and FY 1988 is as follows: 

RANGE 

b. 

M AUM = Thousand Animal Unit Month. 

24 
Permitted grazing use (M AUM) in FY 1988 is less than 2 percent of the Forest Plan projection and therefore 

requires no further evaluation. Permitted use is based on the grazing permits issued and estimates of 

recreation pack stock use before the grazing season begins. At the end of the grazing season the actual 

grazing use is gathered and reported. Actual grazing use in FY 1988 was 63.4 M AUM. The eight year average 

actual use (1 980 through 1988) was 66.3 M AUM. The decline in actual grazing use in FY 1988 was a result 

of declining forage production because of drought, resulting. in livestock leaving the Forest early. 

Nonstructural and Structural Range Improvements and Range Resource Plans in FY 1988 are outside of the 

Forest Plan standard variability limit. Reasons for these deviations are as follows: *' 

Nonstructuraal Range lmprovernehr - The over accomplishment in prescribed fire used for range improvement 

partially reflects the scheduling of logical burning units. For example, much of the acreage burned in FY 1988 

is to implement the Management Plan for the Highwood Allotment on the Judith Ranger District, which 

provides for completing a five year burning plan with rather large acreages per year during this period. Over 

the ten year period these high years will likely be compensated for by years of lower burning acreages, and 

average out to near the average projected in the Forest Plan. These overages may also reflect the need for 

further planning and scheduling in the use of prescribed fire in vegetation management of the Forest 

ecosystems. 

Structural Range lmprovement - The under accomplishment in structural range improvements reflects the 

lower budget in range improvement in FY 1988 than is scheduled in the Forest Plan. Continued funding at 

this level will result in under accomplishment in structural range improvement. Without these investments in 

range improvement during the first decade of Forest Plan implementation, it is unlikely that the increase in 

permitted grazing use that is scheduled in the second decade of the Forest Plan will be possible. 

Range Resource Plans - The under accomplishment in allotment management plans (AMP) is a result of 

budget and targets for this activity that are below the Forest Plan level. The Region did not assign allotment 

management plan (AMP) targets to the Forest in FY 1988 at this budget level. Funding for range management 

must increase to the Forest Plan level in order for allotment planning to reach the priority to accomplish the 

Forest Plan target level of 10 allotment management plans per year. Even at this Forest Plan level the Forest 

will continue to have a high percentage of AMPs that are outdated. See monitoring item D-4 for further 

evaluation and discussion. 

D-2 Range Conditions and Trend. 

Frequency of Measurement: 25 allotments per year which will allow all Forest allotments to be sampled every 

10 years. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

.. 

Variability Which Would Initiate Fufther Evaluation: 

Condition - Acres of range in fair or less condition that have not shown any improvement in condition score 

during the monitoring interval (10 years). 

Trend - Any acres now in downward trend which were previously (at the last reading) stable or in an upward 

trend. 

Trend - Any acres in downward trend which still show a downward trend after another monitoring interval (1 0 

years). 4- 

There are 276 condition and trend studies on 243 range allotments on the Forest. Most of these are on the 

173 type A priority livestock grazing allotments. There were 28 condition and trend studies monitored on 12 

allotments of the Forest in FY 1988. Data from these studies show 10 (36 percent) of the sites to be in 

25 
satisfactory range condition and trend. The remaining 18 (64 percent) of the sites are within the unsatisfactory 

categories that follow: 

Description Existing 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

I 

Condition & Trend 276 0 28 

Studies 

Allotments Moni- 243 0 12 

tored 

--Range previously in fair or less condition that has not shown any improvement in condition score - 

8 monitoring sites. 

--Range in downward trend, which was previously stable or in an upward trend - 7 monitoring sites. 

--Range previously in downward trend, which still shows downward trend - 3 sites. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 range condition and trend studies is as follows: 

About two thirds (64 percent) of the range monitoring studies in FY 1988 indicate unsatisfactory range 

condition and trend, outside of the Forest Plan standards. However, this does not represent typical or average 

conditions of ranges on the Forest. Because of limited funding for range monitoring, key areas in unsatisfactory condition were emphasized in selection of ranges for condition and trend monitoring. Unsatisfactory ranges 

were selected for monitoring because they provide an opportunity for improvement and therefore the highest 

priority areas for monitoring changes in range condition over time. 

The level of range condition and trend monitoring in FY 1988 is a marked improvement in this activity over 

the FY 1987 level. At the FY 1988 rate of monitoring 12 allotments per year, it would take about 20 years to 

monitor all of the allotments. This is double the Forest Plan standard of 10 years. However, the 173 priority 

type A allotments could be monitored at this level within 14 years, which is approaching the Forest Plan 

standard of 10 years. 

Frequency of Measurement: AnnGally. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: More than 1 percent reduction in suitable range acres 

from previous year. Cumulatively, any reduction of 3 percent or more in suitable range acres over a 5-year 

period. 

Suitable range for FY 1988 is 249,200 acres. No change in suitable range acres was reported &ring FY 1988. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 suitable range acres is as follows: 

26 
SUITABLE RANGE (Thousand Acres) 

Description 

Suitable Range 

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

249.2 249.2 

0-4 Allotment Management Plan status. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

.& 

~~ 

71 

42 

141 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

41 

24 

81 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: If more than 10 percent of the allotment plans are 

outdated. Plans approved more than 15 years ago (before 1974) are considered to be outdated. 

Only priority type A allotments are considered. These are cattle, sheep, and horse allotments; excluding all 

administrative pastures, special use pastures, and commercial packer grazing areas. 

A summary of the number of allotments and allotment management plans follows: 

Category 

Total allotments (priority type A) 

Total allotment management plans 

Allotments without plans 

Outdated plans approved before 1974 

Plans that will become outdated this decade (approved 1974-1981) 

Total allotments outdated by the end of the 

decade 

Number of Allotments I Percent of Allotments 

100 I 1 73 

28 I 16 

There are 28 allotments without an allotment management plan (AMP) and another 71 allotments that have 

outdated AMPs, approved before 1974. Within the balance of the first decade of the Forest Plan (through 

1996) another 42 allotments (approved 1974-1981) will become outdated. A total of i41 allotments (81 

percent) would have outdated plans by the end of the decade, if no further allotment planning were done. 

This data shows a major departure from the Forest Plan standard of 'less than 10 percent of AMPs outdated.' 

To correct this situation within the first decade of Forest Plan implementation (through 1996) will require 18 

AMPs per year. Four new AMPs and fourteen revisions must be completed per year to stay within the'forest 

Plan standard by the end of the first decade. 

The projected outputs for AMPs in the Forest Plan are only 10 AMPs per year. At this level orf allotment 

planning the Forest will remain behind. 80 allotments would receive allotment planning by the end of the 

decade, but 61 allotments (35 percent) would remain unplanned or have outdated AMPs. 

27 
In FY 1988, the Forest accomplished 4 AMPs. These were all revisions of existing plans. At the rate of 4 AMPs 

per year, 32 AMPs would be accomplished to the end of the decade, leaving 109 allotments (61 percent) 

unplanned or with outdated AMPs. . 

I .-a. 

L 

New Plans 10' 2 

Revision of Existing 3 

Plans 

It is apparent from this evaluation that to meet the Forest Plan monitoring standard (no more than 10 percent 

of AMPs outdated) will require a higher output of allotment planning than is now targeted in the Forest Plan, 

or currently being programmed. Funding for range management on the Forest must be increased above the 

current level in order to meet this objective. Allotments must be carefully selected by priority, when programming allotment planning, to insure that the backlog is reduced. Only priority type A allqtments that are 

unplanned, or currently have plans approved before 1982, will contribute to reducing the backlog of outdated 

AMPs. 

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

0 

4 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 range allotment management plan accomplishment is as follows: 

ALLOTMENT MANAGEMENT PLANS (Each) 

Forest I Description 1 I 1987 

1/ Includes both new and revision of existing Allotment Management Plans. 

TIMBER 

E-1 Assure silvicultural management prescriptions are best suited to management area goals with all 

resources considered. 

Frequency of Measurement: One sale annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: A departure from management prescription. 

- 

An interdisciplinary sale review was conducted on the Posey Springs Timber Sale on the Musselshell Ranger 

District. The basic silvicultural prescription was found to be consistent with the management area goals and 

considered all resources. 

28 
E-2 Assure prescription not primarily chosen on basis of greatest dollar return or greatest timber output. 

. . Frequency of Measurement: One sale annually. 

Reporting period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Test management area outputs against those predicted. 

5. 

Objectives for the Posey Springg Timber Sale included providing recreational access to the area, breaking 

up vegetation patterns for fire management purposes, increasing forage production for elk, and opening up 

stands to provide favorable conditions for wild turkeys. Investments in timber marking and care required in 

logging to protect reserved trees increased costs to the Forest Service and reduced timber yields and 

incomes. 

Evaluation for the entire Forest will be done during the FY 1991 review. 

E-3 Assure openings comply with size limits and are periodically evaluated for appropriateness. 

Frequency of Measurement: One sale annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (N 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review. 

Some harvest units on the Posey Springs Timber Sale have openings that are larger than 40 acres in size. 

This sale was sold March 3, 1980 and cruising and marking of the timber was accomplished to pre Forest 

standards during the mid 1970s. The size and arrangement of openings occurred because timber markers 

were attempting to react to the changes in timber conditions that they encountered. Their general goal was 

to create a mosaic of different aged trees over the area. 

A review of timber sales offered during FY 1988 shows that none of the cutting units were larger than 40 acres 

in size, the current Forest Plan maximum standard. 

.. E4 Assure timber offered does not differ from allowable sale quantity (ASQ) for 10-year period. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: More than plus or minus 20 percent annually or more 

than plus or minus 10 perceat over a 5-year period. 

The following discusses the total timber program and the allowable sale quantity for the Fores5 

During FY 1988, the Forest sold 57 percent of the Forest Plan total timber program volume. The Decisions 

Notices for three other sales containing 7.2 MMBF were appealed and the volume was not offered. Of the 1.3 

MMBF of timber that was offered but not sold in FY 1987,0.7 MMBF was sold in FY 1988. In addition, 1.2 million 

board feet (defaulted timber sale) was advertised and sold in FY 1988. 

29 
Volume Sold: 

Regular Program 

Live Timber 

A. Chargeable 

B. Nonchargeable . 

Mortality Timber 

A. Chargeable 

B. Nonchargeable 

TOTAL VOLUME 

Total Volume 

Percent of Total Volume Sold 

Volume Not Sold: 

Regular Program (Chargeable) 

Volume Offered But Not Sold 

Sold in Subsequent Years 

Volume Appealed 

Sold in Subsequent Years 

TOTAL NOT SOLD 

Total Subsequently Sold 

TOTAL VOLUME FY 1988 

7/ (MMBF) million board feet 

FOREST 

PlAN(MMBF)l 

11.0 

1 .o 

1 .o 

1 .o 

14.0 

~ 

14.0 

1988 TARGET 

(MMBF) 

12.8 

2.0 

14.8 

14.8 

1988 ACTUAL 

(MMBF) 

6.9 

0.3 

1.5 

0.1 

8.8 

8.8 

59% 

~ 

0.0 

1.9 

7.2 

0.0 

7.2 

1.9 

30 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 timber sold or offered is as follows: 

TIMBER SOLD OR OFFERED (MM Board Feet) 
* Reduced by 620 MBF from FY 1987 Monitoring and Evaluation report per 2430 memorandum, dated 11/12/87 

from Zone Timber, Helena National Forest. 

1 

Description 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 -. I 

% 

Annual Forest Sell Program 11.6 14.8 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 annual timber sell program is as follows: 

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 

9.1 

1994 1995 1996 

Timber Sale Appeals has kept the Forest from making its Timber Sale Targets. The Forest’s goal is to have 

NEPA documents approved two years in advance of a project. To accomplish this, the Forest has reorganized 

its workforce to place more emphasis on Forest Plan implementation. 

Allowable Sale 

Quantity (ASQ) 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 allowable sale quantity is as follows: 

12.1 7.1 

Description I I 1987 

ASQ (MM Board Feet) 

E-5 Assure restocking is in progress within 5 years. 

Frequency of Measurement: 1,3, and 5 years (FY 1987, FY 1989, and FY 1991). 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review. .. 

Stocking surveys indicate that all stands planted within the past five years and 94 percent of stands where 

natural regeneration has been initiated within the past five years are either certified as being adequately 

stocked or are on a trajectory to meet adequate stocking within the desired time frame. Stocking surveys 

taken during the first year, and occasionally during the second year after site preparation, often do not have 

adequate numbers of seedlings to indicate whether or not the stand is proceeding toward the desired level 

of stocking. If the stand is still below desired levels at the time of the third year examination, then it will be 

evaluated to determine if treatment is needed to bring it to that level. 

31 
E-6 Assure timber acres harvested are as projected. 

Forest 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Plan Description 

r I 

Volume Under Con- - 25.2 22.0 

tract (MMBF) 

Acres Harvested 1,800 2,000 890 

Volume Harvested - 16.9 13.5 

(MMBF) 

i 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: More than plus or minus 10 percent deviation over a 

5-year period. 

-_ 

The Forest Plan projected that'annual harvest would average about 1,800 acres. About 890 acres were 

harvested in FY 1988. This is about 50 percent of the anticipated acreage. The average harvest is down due 

to the backlog of timber sales not being offered because of appeals. FY 1988 volume under contract is about 

22.0 MMBF. Harvested timber volume in FY 1988 was approximately 13.5 MMBF 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 timber volume under contract, acres, and volume harvested is as follows: 

TIMBER UNDER CONTRACT AND VOLUME & ACRES HARVESTED 

E-7 Assure accomplishment of thlnning and other silvicultural treatments as projected in plan. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-Years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: More than plus or minus 10 percent deviation over a 

5-year period. - 

The following chart indicates accomplishment of timber stand improvement (TSl) and other silvicultural 

treatments: 

32 
TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT 

The Forest, in conjunction with Regional objectives, has accelerated the stand examination program to 

complete the timber data base for use in the next round of Forest planning. Forest Plan acres to be 

accomplished each year has been increased from 15,500 acres to 28,000 acres. 

Most reforestation on the Forest is accomplished by natural regeneration. During FY 1988, 225 acres in a 

burned area in the Little Snowy Mountains on the Musselshell Ranger District was planted to help meet 

resource objectives. Reforestation accomplished with Knutson-Vanderberg (K-V) funds has been site prepared for natural regeneration. In the future, most site preparation for natural regeneration will be accomplished by the Timber Sale purchaser. Thus, K-V treatments are expected to be at the average level over the 

five year period. - 

Thinning accomplishment have exceeded Forest Plan targets. The Cross Creek burn (1970) and many of the 

young stands created by harvest in the late 1960s and early 1970s are showing evidence of reduced growth 

and thus are being thinned. The variation of plus 10 percent for the decade will very likely be exceeded. 

Fuel treatments with brush disposal funds are tied closely to the acreage harvested in the past two years. 

Although there will be large fluctuations in individual years, average acreages should be achieved over the 

five year period (Refer to P-5-Fuel Treatment Outputs). 

33 
This item will be completely evaluated in FY 1991. 

I 

Description 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

I 

Firewood Removal 3.5 2.3 .. 

E-8 Insure harvest by even-age management Is compatible with resource values 

Frequency of Measurement: One sale annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiak'f urther Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review. 

The review of the Posey Springs timber sale indicated that the even-aged treatments were compatible with 

resource goals for the area except that some of the openings exceeded current opening standards (See 

description for E-3). Steps have been taken to assure that units are kept to a size which is compatible with 

resource goals. 

E-9 Firewood removal. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Use increase exceeds 10 percent per year. 

In FY 1988, 2.3 million board feet of personal use firewood was removed from the Forest. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 personal use firewood removal is as follows: 

FIREWOOD (MM Board Feet) 

c 

There has been a downward trend in the demand for firewood from the Forest. It is expected that the use 

will probably level off at near the current amount. 

34 
E-10 Evaluate availability of lands classified as suitable/unsuitable. 

r 

lg7' 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1985 Description 

Growth Plots 27 2 0 1 

Established 

Growth Plots 7 2 2 0 

Remeasured 

Frequency of Measurement: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Reportlng Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

I 

. 

Variability Which Would lnitlate Further Evaluation: More than plus or minus 5 percent change in acreage 

The evaluation of land suitability is_ongoing through area and project analyses. Data is being entered into 

the Timber Stand Management Record System data base to provide information for the planned evaluation 

to be accomplished in FY 1991 and for future Forest Plan revisions. 

E-11 Projected yields. (Growth' Plots) 

Frequency of Measurements: 5-years (FY' 1991). 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which'Would lnitlate Further Evaluation: Standard error of 10 percent at 1 standard deviation. 

The installation of two new permanent growth plots and the remeasurement of four growth plots was 

programmed for this fiscal year. Due to the 1988 fire season, only one new growth plot was established and 

no growth plot remeasurement was accomplished. 

Summary of growth plot establishment and remeasurement is as follows: 

GROWTH PLOTS (Number) 

Efforts during the planning period (1045 years) will be to continue the remeasurement so that at least each 

Growth Plot is remeasured on a 5-year interval in order to establish a base data file. The Forest is still on 

schedule to accomplish the remeasurement program. 

At this time there is insufficient data available to run any type of comparison between the Growth Plot data 

and the projected yields of the Forest Plan. 

When these Growth Plots were established, they were to be installed in stands that were scheduled for a 

timber activity within the next five years, other than a regeneration harvest; example, precommercial or 

commercial thinning. Therefore, Growth Plots that have had their planned timber activity accomflshed and 

remeasurement completed have data only from one remeasurement. 

Evaluation will be done in FY 1991 

35 
SOIL, WATER, AND AIR .. 

F -1 Adequacy and Cumulative Effects of Project Best Management Practices. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). -- 

* 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Projected deterioration of soil productivity or water 

useability. 

Each proposed project with a potential for impact on soil or water quality is reviewed to determine the 

adequacy of the project's Best Management Practices (BMPs) before it is approved to ensure soil productivity 

and water useability. Four projects were evaluated in FY 1988 to provide detailed BMPs required to protect 

soil and water quality. In addition, cumulative effects on water yield.and sediment were evaluated on all 4 

projects. 

All of these projects provided adequate BMPs to meet water quality goals and State water quality standards. 

These standards require that all reasonable land, soil, and water conservation practices are used. The 

cumulative effects analyses indicated, in each case, that reasonable use of conservation practices would 

protect the beneficial uses and goals for the water resource and prevent deterioration of the soil or water. 

Cumulative effects of water yield and sediment yield increases for three projects involving timber harvest were 

evaluated using guidelines of 10 to 20 percent above natural levels; these increases are acceptable according 

to available guidelines and are within the general increases resulting from previous activity, before recovery. 

Of those three projects, one was delayed because of expected harvest on private land, one met the guidelines 

but a decision was delayed for other reasons, and one was referred for further planning to accommodate 

these guidelines. The fourth project involved new road construction across a watershed and would have less 

than 2 percent increase in sediment. This amount is too small for measurement by ordinary means, and 

therefore, shows no cumulative impact on the water resource. 

F-2 Revegetation of temporarily disturbed areas and roads within 5 years. 

Frequency of Measurement: 75 percent sample 2 years after termination. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). . 

Variability Which Would Initiate Farther Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review. 

Projects completed under the Forest Plan with temporarily disturbed areas and roads are required to be 

revegetated within 5 years. A review 2 years after completion indicates the effectiveness of seeding required 

by the project and the need fdr any follow-up revegetation. All projects in the last 5 years have been informally 

reviewed. Projects completed during the first year under the Forest Plan will be closed for 2 years for a formal 

review beginning in FY 1989; however, monitoring was accomplished on four previous projects. Three of 

these projects showed adequate revegetation; one area, a gravel pit, had only 20 percentsuccessfully 

reclaimed; as a result that project is planned and financed for FY 1989 completion. There have been no 

unacceptable Interdisciplinary Team reviews indicating unacceptable revegetation of temporarily disturbed 

areas. 

36 
Rehabilitation needs on the Canyon Creek Fire were evaluated by an Interdisciplinary Team including 

representatives from the Montana Department of State Lands, Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Land 

Management, and the Forest Service in September 1988. Based on their recommendations, a total of 28,600 

acres of severely burned forested nonwilderness land were seeded by helicopter to replace understory 

vegetation that was consumed by the fire. 

Seeding on the other major fires and waterbarring of firelines was also completed. The seeding will also help 

to restore wildlife habitat. Wildfire activity delayed some planned early monitoring that will be completed in 

FY 1989. Monitoring in 1989 will include all of the 1988 fires with significant areas needing revegetation. 

including all fires over 1,000 acrhs, and the seeding of firelines and burnt areas on the Canyon Creek Fire. 

No grass seeding was done on the Gates Park Fire area. 

F-3 Water quality effects of activities in municipal watersheds. 

Frequency of Measurement: All projects.. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Adverse water quality effects or violates water quality 

standards. 

No activities were proposed or conducted that would disturb the soil or water resource in either of the two 

municipal watersheds on the Forest in FY 1988. Any projects to be conducted in municipal watersheds, as 

required by law, are first reviewed by the State Water Quallty Bureau. 

F-4 Activities in riparian areas, flood plains, and wetlands. 

Frequency of Measurement: 50 percent of all projects. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review. 

- 

Riparian areas include flood plains and wetlands, and activities conducted in them pose an added risk to 

water-related resources and to watefquality. The two projects planned for FY 1988 were delayed because 

of the extreme wildfire situation; therefore, no projects were reviewed that impacted riparian areas. 

F-5 Effects of other activities on watershed conditions. 

Frequency of Measurement: 20 percent of all projects. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluatlon: Unacceptable management practices or land productivity. 

37 
Activities not in municipal watersheds nor in riparian areas may also have impacts on soil or water quality. . . There were no such activities in FY 1988. For that reason, there have been no Interdisciplinary Team reviews 

of activities that might indicate unacceptable management practices On soil, land productivity, or water 

quality. 

The North Fork Sun River has a presently abandoned United States Geological Service (USGS) stream 

gauging station just below the Gates Park Fire and just above Gibson Reservoir. This station has 20 years 

of records available that are correlated with four snow courses in the North Fork Sun River drainage, The 

Bureau of Reclamation and the Ghenfields Irrigation District are cooperating with the Forest Service to have 

the USGS reestablish this station and to measure stream sediment there and compare it to baseline 

information. In addition, photopoints (some in FY 1988), channel condition surveys, grab samples and erosion 

transects are being established for the fires, and a sediment survey is being done for Gibson Reservoir. 

F-6 Elimination of soil and water restoration backlog. 

Frequency of Measurement: Annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Less than 50 percent by 1990; less than 100 percent 

by 1995. 

Direction is that the backlog of soil and water restoration needs be eliminated by the year 1995. The Forest 

Plan identified a backlog of 373 acres of these restoration needs. Only 10 acres of this backlog were restored 

in FY 1988 for a total of 57 acres over the last 4 years. An average of 45 acres per year is now necessary 

in order to meet this objective. 

Summary of soil and water restoration backlog accomplishment is as follows: 

SOIL AND WATER RESTORATION (Acres Accomplished) 

Total 

Description Back- 1987 1987 

log 

'987 I 1988 I 1989 I 1990 I 1991 I 1992 I 1993 I 1994 1 1995 

1 SoilWater I 373 

Restoration I21 I26_ I 

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 

.. 

The Forest Plan target for Soil Inventory is 2,000 acres. In FY 1988, no acres were inventoried. 

1996 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 soil inventory accomplishment is as follows: , 

38 
SOIL INVENTORY (Acres Accomplished) 

Description 

Soil Inventory 

Forest 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Plan 

2,000 0 0. 

F-7 Water and Stream Quality ‘as affecting fish habitat and other uses: validation of estimations of 

sediment. 

Frequency of Measurement: Seasonal-continuous and annual. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Not meeting State or Federal water quality standards 

or significant (90 percent confidence) deterioration, by best available indexes. 

Water quality monitoring did not identify any significant deterioration which would require immediate action. 

State or Federal water quality standards are met when all reasonable land, soil, and water management or 

conservation practices (BMPs) have been applied. The adequacy of these BMPs is determined through 

monitoring item numbered F-1, and the application and effectiveness of these BMPs monitored in items 

numbered F-3, F-4, and F-5. 

Data is necessary to validate estimates of sediment and to determine if water quality or fish habitat might 

deteriorate where estimates of effects are incorrect. Methods and intensity of validation and evaluation of 

sediment are still in a state of development. Considering this, sampling of representative streams by available 

techniques has been conducted over the last three years. The sampling in FY 1988 included four stations 

with regular (automated) sampling of suspended sediment along with a continuous record of streamflow and 

four streams sampled for intragravel sediment. Full analysis of results will require at least one more year of 

data, as annual variability in streamflow requires at least 3 seasons of data. Impacts on time as a result of 

the 1988 fire season have delayed completion of data analyses; however, reports of data analyses will be 

available by April, 1989. At least one additional year of data is necessary to indicate relative change in 

condition. 

.. F-8 Riparian areas and streams: stream cover and pools. 

Frequency of Measurement: High-impact annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Significant (90 percent confidence) decline in condition. 

Inventory of the condition of riparian areas and streams is presently conducted using the COWFISH model 

and shrub condition. Three streams were evaluated in FY 1988 by these methods. Additional galysis and 

additional years of data are necessary to indicate relative change in condition. Indication of further riparian 

condition requires classification. This is being done in cooperation with the Montana Riparian Association to 

39 
provide a basis of ecodata plots for emphasis in development of range allotment management plans. Riparian 

areas and stream monitoring did not identify any significant decline which would require immediate action, 

F-9 Public Health. 

frequency of Measurement: Monthly when in use. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). * 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Violates State or Federal drinking water standards per 

year. 

All water systems maintained by the Forest Service were sampled monthly while in use. During FY 1988, 39 

Forest systems and 7 special use systems were opened for use. All were tested and operated in accordance 

with State and Federal Safe Drinking Water Acts except for 3 of the special use systems on the Rocky 

Mountain Ranger District which did not get tested for Nitrates. . 

MINERALS 

G-1 Effect of Mining Activities. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent annually of active operations on a monthly basis. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Adverse effect of Forest Service project on mineral 

activities or revision or departure from approved operation plans. 

Review of Forest Service activities showed that no mining activities were effected by these projects. 

All proponents of mining type prospecting and development proposals are required to submit a Notice of 

Intent, and in some cases, an operating plan prior to any surface disturbance. Seven operating plans were 

reviewed during FY 1988. An environmental analysis is prepared and the proposal is approved, modified or 

denied, and subject to mitigation and application of the surface operating standards h the Forest Plan. Only 

three of the operating plans resulted in activity on the ground. 

During the summer of 1988 the most complex operating plan involved drilling two shallow holes by a mining 

company in the vicinity of Black Butte-Iron Butte area on the Kings Hill Ranger District. An analysis was 

conducted on the applications and specific mitigation included: 

--Activity was limited to the actual drill sites, no access roads were constructed, the drilling took , place 

along existing roads; 

40 
--A plan for prevention of noxious weed introduction was established; 

--A reclamation plan was agreed to in advance and a performance bond was established; and 

--A Cultural Resource Inventory was completed. 

Other on the ground activity included operation of a small decorative building stone quarry south of Stanford, 

Montana, and continued exploration and development work for sapphires along Yogo Creek. -r 

* 

G-2 Effect of Geophysical Seismic Prospecting. 

Frequency of Measurement: 1.00 percent of active operations on a biweekly basis. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would initiate Further Evaluation: Adverse effect upon surface resources or departure 

from conditions of the approved permit. 

There were no requests for geophysical seismic prospecting in FY 1988. 

G-3 Effect of Drilling. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent of active operations on a weekly basis. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Adverse effect upon surface resources or departure 

from conditions of the approved permit. 

An EIS is being prepared on two pending Applications for Permit to Drill by Chevron Corporation and Fina 

Oil and Chemical Company, in the North End (RM-1) Geographic Unit, on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. 

In addition, the Forest is working with the BLM on preparation of a field development EIS for the Blackleaf 

Canyon area. Temporary approval was granted by the Forest, BLM, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and 

Parks, and the Teton County Commissioners for connecting a surface pipeline to a shut in gas well in 

Blackleaf Canyon on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. The well was drilled in 1957 and re-completed in 

1981. The temporary approval was granted pending completion of the Blackleaf EIS. An Environmental 

Assessment was completed for the entire length of the pipeline. Approximately 1,300 feet of the pipeline is 

on National Forest land. The pipeline will be continuously monitored during production." 

G-4 Rehabilitation of disturbed areas. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent of activity on a weekly basis during rehabilitation. A final inspection 

will be made within 5-years after rehabilitation has been completed. 

y. 

41 
.Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Rehabilitate less than 90 percent of disturbed areas. 

Three mineral related proposals were reviewed and prior to permit issuance reclamation standards were 

established. Forest Plan Standard G-5 was applied to all proposals. Reclamation bonds were collected to 

cover the cost of each project, and retained until final reclamation standards are met. In addition, the Forest 

continued to assess past disturb,ed areas and develop a long term rehabilitation strategy. 

G-5 Minerals Availability. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Denial of morelhan 10 percent of proposed projects. 

There have been no changes from the situation as shown in the Forest Plan. 

The Forest Plan target for Mineral Management in FY 1987 and FY 1 988 was 90 cases. In FY 1988,134 cases 

were reviewed and approved. The Forest Plan target has been increased to 160 cases per year for the 

remainder of this planning period. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 mineral cases reviewed and approval is as follows: 

MINERAL CASES (Each) 

42 
LANDS 

J-1 Compliance with use permits. 

Frequency of Measurement: As needed. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate'Further Evaluation: Unacceptable results or deviation from permits. 

-. 

The special use permits on the Forest are generally up to date and are in conformance with current policy. 

The recreation residence policy was finalized in FY 1988 and new permits have been offered to all recreation 

residence permittees to implement this policy. This has resulted in additional permit workload and uncertainty 

by the public. Even so, the permits have generally remained up to date and questions from the public have 

been answered. The automation of the permit preparation and billing system has been in large part responsible for meeting these challenges. 

The recreation residence policy also provides for a review of definite tenure permits two years prior to permit 

expiration. This review is to determine whether the original decision to terminate the permits is still valid today. 

Seven such reviews were completed in FY 1988 and appropriate action taken on the permits. 

The administration of special use permits on the ground has been focused on health and safety problems 

and on permits which are under definite tenure. The continuing low level of funding for administration of 

non-recreation special uses reduces the number of special use inspections which would be desirable. 

However, the condition of special use facilities on the ground is generally acceptable. 

5-2 Right-of-way Easements Accomplishment. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Less than 75 percent accomplishment of 5-year 

program. 0 

The Forest Plan does not spec0 a level of accomplishment for the acquisition of rights-of-way easements. 

However, the Monitoring Section does refer to the Forest's 5-year program. The program-for FY 1988-1 992 

was transmitted to the Forest Leadership Team on January 8, 1988 by the Forest Supervisor in a 5460/1900 

memo contains seven road easements and one trail easement for FY 1988. 

43 
One road easement (Castle-Checkerboard) and no trail easements were acquired in FY 1938 for an 14 

percent accomplishment. This is not within the acceptable limits of variability, therefore, further evaluation IS 

warranted. The following IS an explanation of the status of each project in the FY 1,988 program 

Description 198? 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

L I 

Road A-0-W Program 4 7 

Road R-0-W Acquisition 3 1 

Trail R-0-W Program 1 1 

Trail R-0-W Acquisition 1 0 

?’ 

Dupuyer Creek Road. 

This project involves one easement. Intensive negotiation, even with facilitation by the Governor’s 

Office, failed to result in the acquisition of an easement. Currently, the case is involved in litigation 

between the Public Land Access Association, the landowner, and the State of Montana. 

Falls Creek Trail. 

* 

An Environmental Assessment and associated Decision Notice was completed in 1980. A review of this 

analysis and decision is now needed to validate or change the earlier work. Until this is done the 

acquisition process can not proceed. 

Dry Fork Belt Creek Road. 

This project involves acquiring one easement on an existing Forest Development Road presently open 

to public traffic. The landowner has agreed to grant after completion of a grazing management plan 

involving his permit. The grazing Allotment Management Plan is not scheduled to be completed in FY 

1989. 

Dry Wolf Creek Road. 

This project involves the acquisition of three easements on an existing Forest Development Road 

which remains open to public use. Delays in acquiring geometronic services in turn delayed the 

platting process. Plats are now complete and the easements are expected to be acquired early in 1989. 

Wolf Butte Road. 

This project involves one raw land easement across State of Montana land. Although an analysis has 

been underway and discussion has taken place with the State, the environmental analysis process has 

not been completed. Without these documents the acquisition process can not begin. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 road and trail right-of-way easement program and acquisition is as follows: 

EASEMENT ACQUIRED (Each) . 

44 
J-3 Land Ownership Adjustment Accomplishment. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Description 

Land Exchange 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Annual 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Target 

60 

Variability Whlch Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Less than 75 percent accomplishment of 5-year 

program. *. 

-% 

$ 

The Forest Plan does not specify a rate of accomplishment for this item except in the Monitoring Section 

where a reference is made to the Forest's 5-year Program. However, the Forest does not have an established 

Land Exchange Program but rather relies on opportunities that are forwarded by proponents. Other opportunities to acquire tracts which are desirable for National Forest System ownership are pursued as they develop. 

The Forest Plan specifically says that '----it is not the intent of the Forest Service to pursue this direction (land 

exchange) except on a willing grantor basis.' For this reason, it would be very difficult to 'lock-in' on targets 

for accomplishments. 

As a part of the Forest Plan Amendment Number 3, the Forest's annual target with the Region for land 

exchange has been established as 60 acres. In FY 1987 and FY 1988, no lands were exchanged. The Forest 

is continuing to work on exchanging approximately 200 acres of Federal land. The Decision Notice and real 

estate appraisal has been completed at this time. In addition, an exchange involving approximately 2,000 

acres of land is being negotiated for possible FY 1989 accomplishment. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 land exchange program accomplishment is as follows: 

LAND EXCHANGE ACCOMPLISHMENT (Acres) 

In FY 1988, the Forest did not complete any cases as a part of the Small Tract Act. .. 

FACILITIES 

L-1 Road and Trail Construction and Reconstruction; Trails; Arterlal and Collector Roads; Local Roads. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Whlch Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 20 percent of programmed construction 

and reconstruction accomplishment. 

r(. 

45 
ROADS - The Forest Plan Road Program, as amended, provides for 9.0 miles of road construction, and 24.0 

miles of reconstruction yearly. In FY 1988, the Forest constructed 0.6 miles and reconstructed 16.1 miles for 

a total of 16.7 miles under the Capital Investment Program. Under the Timber Program 2.3 miles were 

constructed and 4.2 miles were reconstructed for a total of 2.9 miles of construction and 20.3 miles of 

reconstruction under all programs. 

When considering the total miles constructed and reconstructed in both programs, the output was 30 percent 

under that projected by the amended Forest Plan. This is not within the variability tolerance. Therefore, 

additional evaluation is required. Three reasons account for accomplishment shortfall. 

* 

--Three timber sales and one capital investment project were appealed which prevented a FY 1988 

award: 

--Lack of rights-of-way acquisition prevented one capital investment project from being awarded: and 

--One capital investment project was not given funding priority by the Region. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 road construction and reconstruction as part of the Capital Investment and 

Timber Program is as follows: 

ROADS (Miles) 

UNDLINE - The Forest Plan target for landline location is 26.0 miles per year. In FY 1988,21 .O miles of landline 

location was accomplished on the Forest. 

Summary of FY 1987 and Fy 1988 landline location accomplishment is as follows: 

46 
LANDLINE LOCATION (Miles) 

. 

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 199s 1996 Forest 

Plan Description 

Landline Location 26 14 21 

-. 

\ 

TRAlLS - The Forest Plan, as amended, programs an average of 14.0 miles of trail construction and reconstruction annually. In FY 1988, a total of 13.3 miles of trail was reconstructed on the Forest. Therefore, the 

accomplishment was 95 percent of the Forest Plan target. Trail funding has increased in the past 2-3 years 

and good progress is being made in reconstructing unsatisfactory trails. 

Forest 1987- 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Plan Description 

I 

Trail Construction 10.0 8.5 - 

and Reconstruction 

Trail Construction 14.0 13.3 

and Reconstruction 

Trail construction and reconstruction was aided by volunteer efforts in FY 1988, similar to other years. The 

Great Falls motorcycle club provided manpower to solve some resource problems on trails in the TenderfootDeep Creek area on the Kings Hill Ranger District and the Backcountry Horsemen groups provided volunteer 

assistance on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. One trail project in the Scapegoat Wilderness on the Rocky 

Mountain RangerDistrict which was to have been done by volunteers had to be cancelled because of the 

Canyon Creek Fire. 

The large fires on the Forest, particularly the Canyon Creek and Gates Park Fires in the Bob Marshall and 

Scapegoat Wildernesses on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District, had a large impact on the trail system. The 

fires caused concentrations of snags to fall across the trails and burned most of the signs and wood structures 

in the trails. These include corduroy, small bridges, water bars, and log cribbing structures. The initial downfall 

was removed as part of the fire rehabilitation effort this fall. However, increased downfall is expected for 

several years and the structures will need to be rebuilt. These needs were identified in supplemental budget 

requests for fire recovery. In all, a total of 11 7 miles of trails were severely impacted. Reconstruction and 

rehabilitation costs are estimated at $1 99.500. 

The accomplishment in FY 1988 was within the limits of variability for this monitoring requirement (plus or 

minus 20 percent of the goal). Therefore, no additional evaluation is required at this time. The budget trends 

indicate that the Forest Plan goals for trail construction and reconstruction will be met. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 trail construction and reconstruction is as follows: 

TRAILS (Miles) - 

47 
L-2 Miles of roads open to public use. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 20 percent of target miles to be left open 

to public. ,. -. 

The Forest Travel Plan resulted in the following summation of road restrictions and closures. On the Jefferson 

Division, approximately 230 miles of roads are restricted either yearlong or seasonally to some forms of 

motorized public use. On the Rocky Mountain Division, approximately 23 miles of roads are restricted either 

yearlong or seasonally to some forms of motorized public use. 

It is estimated that there are approximately 1,480 miles of roads left open to the public. The Forest Plan does 

not established any target miles to be left open to the public. 

In FY 1988, no significant changes were made in the Forest Travel Plan, therefore, no monitoring was 

accomplished. 

PROTECTION 

P-1 Assure harvest emphasizes the removal of high risk stands for mountain pine beetle attack and that 

timber sales are located to break-up continuous natural fuel accumulations. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Unacceptable results of an Interdisciplinary Team 

review, or if less that 70 percent of timber volume is programmed from high risk mountain pine beetle stands, 

In FY 1988, 80 percent of the sawtimber sold on the Lewis and Clark National Forest %as high risk lodgepole 

pine. Reviews of timber sale locations showed the Forest is continuing to breakup large concentrations of 

natural fuels. Future planning is alsp emphasizing removal of high risk lodgepole pine. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 removal of high risk lodgepole pine stands is as follows: 

REMOVAL OF HIGH RISK LODGEPOLE PINE (Percent) 

I I I I I I I I I I I t 1 

t I I I I I I I I I I I 

48 
P-2 Acres and volume of insect and disease infestations. 

Frequency of Measurement: Once annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Varlabllity Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Introduction of new insect or disease or spread of an 

existing insect or disease. .c- 

\ 

Insect and disease surveys conducted during the summer of 1988 showed no significant change in insect 

and disease infestation on the Forest. However, mountain pine beetle activity has increased on the adjacent 

Helena National Forest. 

P-3 Management practices to ensure activities do not promote an increase in insect and disease 

organisms. 

Frequency of Measurement: Continuous. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Varlabllfty Whlch Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Significant increase in insect and disease organisms. 

No significant increase in insect and disease organisms has been observed. Post sale reviews showed that 

the Forest still may be leaving a larger amount of untreated slash than was necessary to provide shade for 

new seedlings and nutrient recycling. This could increase insect and disease organisms. Fire Management 

Officers have been instructed to insure timber slash treatments meet regional standards. 

P-4 Assure prescribe fire meets air quality standards. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

.. Variability Whlch Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 10 percent beyond standard guidelines. 

The quality of the air was a concern with many local residents along the east slopes of theRocky Mountains 

this past summer in light of the prescribed fires burning in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Smoky 

conditions were experienced in the towns of Choteau, Augusta, Fairfield, and even Great Falls periodically 

throughout the fire season. On August 10, in response to concerns raised by several residents west of 

Choteau, an air quality monitor was installed in Choteau. It was operated under a cooperative effort with the 

State Air Quality Bureau in Helena. Although the monitor measured the total suspended particulate levels (all 

particulate), a PM-10 level (respirable particulate) was extrapolated from this information. 

Great Falls has been operating a PM-10 monitor for several years. The readings are taken on a 6-day rotation 

schedule. This past summer, the Forest contacted the Great Falls City-County Health Department and 

requested that sampling be done any time noticeable smoke or particulate was experienced. The Department 

accommodated the request and made several additional reading throughout the summer. 

.c 

49 
The samples recorded do not show that the Great Falls area exceeded EPA air quality standards of 150 

micrograms/cubic meter. The highest sample was recorded on September 6, 1988 at 86 micrograms/cubic 

meter. That same day (9/6/88) Choteau exceeded the EPA air quality standards with’an extrapolated reading 

of 298 micrograms/cubic meter. This reading represents the only day throughout the summer that Choteau 

exceeded the air quality standard. 

P-5 Fuel treatment outputs. -- 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

< 

Reporting Perlod: October I, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 25 percent of programmed targets. 

In FY 1988. the Forest treated 1,201 acres of activity fuels and 863.acres of natural fuels. The Forest Plan 

shows a target of 1,470 acres of activity fuels and 700 acres of natural fuels per year. The annual accomplishment is within the limit of variability, therefore no further evaluation is required. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 natural and activity fuels reduction is as follows: 

ACTIVITY AND NATURAL FUELS (Acres) 

Natural Fuels 700 I I I I I I 

Forest 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Plan Description 

r 

Activity Fuels 1,470 1,813 1,201 

Natural Fuels 700 665 863 . 

P-6 Wildfire acres burned. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: October 1, 1987 - September 30, 1988 (FY 1988). 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus or minus 25 percent above projected average 

annual wildfire burned acres. 

- 

r 

The 1988 fire season was one of the dryest on record. Fire behavior exceeded all known predictions. Rain 

that usually comes in late AGgust, did not arrive until mid-September. In FY 1988, wildfires burned 174,162 

acres which is well above the 497 acre projected average annual acreage. The Forest took action on 51 fires; 

45 lightning and 6 person caused. The Forest allowed two unplanned ignitions to burn under fire management prescriptions in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex on the Rocky Mountain Ranger Disbcict; the Gates 

Park and Canyon Creek Fires. These fires covered 72,476 acres of wilderness lands, which is included in the 

above total, before being declared wildfires. 

50 
P All major fires on the Forest have been reviewed. Forest level fire reviews recognized the need to: (1) improve 

Forest radio communication, (2) strengthen the training of rural, cooperative, and volunteer firefighting forces 

in wildland fire suppression, (3) provide for on-the-job training and additional fire training for Forest Service 

personnel, (4) strengthen Forest fire operation procedures, and (5) improve process of injury paperwork. 

Recommendations from Regional and National fire reviews will be released soon. 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 wildfire acres burned is as follows: 

1 O-year 

Description aver- 1987 1988 

age 

Acres Burned 497 37 174,162 

--% 

' WILDFIRE AREA BURNED (Acres) 

- 

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 

1991 

P-7 Cost of Suppression and Protection Organization. 

Frequency of Measurement: Once annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Whlch Would Initiate Further Evaluation: Plus 5 percent increase in total costs. 

1992 1993 1994 1995 

The total cost of fire suppression and protection in FY 1988 was $6,361,000. This is well above the 10-year 

average of $590,000. This is the result of one of the dryest fire seasons on record. 

1991 

Summary of FY 1987 and FY 1988 suppression and protection costs is as follows: 

1992 1993 1994 1995 

FIRE SUPPRESSION AND PROTECTION COSTS (Thousand Dollars) 

1 O-year 

Description aver- 1987 1988 

Fire Costs I590 I379 I 590 I 379 ' I 6,361 I Fire Costs 

- 

1996 

Y 

51 
GENERAL 

1-1 Validation of cost and values used In the Forest Plan. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would InItlate'Further Evaluation: In general, plus or minus 25 percent: however very large 

cost items such as stump-truck costs would have a smaller degree of acceptable variability. 

% 

The Forest is reviewing and updating all costs and values in the Forest Plan. This project should be completed 

by September 30, 1989. 

1-2 Effect of emerging issues or changing social values. 

Frequency of Measurement: 1 00 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: Continuous. 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: If issue cannot be dealt with under the Forest Information and Involvement Plan. 

Public interest in the management of the Lewis and Clark National Forest continues to play a major role in 

the implementation of the Forest Plan. Three ongoing projects carried into FY 1988 in addition to several new 

projects and issues. While each Ranger District was involved with several smaller scale projects requiring 

public involvement, the key projects necessitating more extensive efforts because of the sensitivity of the 

issues involved were: Chevron/Fina Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on Exploratory Oil and Gas Wells, 

Galt Land Exchange Environmental Assessment (EA), Revision of the Forest Travel Plan, Eligibility Determination for Wild and Scenic Rivers, Marias Pass EA, Prescribed Fire Program in the Bob Marshall Wilderness 

Complex and Timber Sale Program (Timber sale EA appeals and Timber Sale Program Information Report 

System - TSPIRS). 

CHEVROWFINA EIS: - 

A decision was made to combine the analysis for the exploratory oil and gas drilling proposals from 

both the Fina (Hall Creek) and the Chevron (Badger Creek) in order to provide a more thorough 

examination of the cumulative and interrelated effects of both projects in the RM-1 Geographic Unit 

on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. Because scoping efforts had been conducted for each of the 

projects individually (Fina in 1983-84 and Chevron in 1986), it was decided that public scoping 

meetings were not necessary for the combined EIS effort. Instead, the Study Team sent summary 

packages to the individuals and organizations on their mailing list. The summary packages included 

the scoping comments and the issues identified the initial scoping periods for both projects. It also 

included a summary of the issues identified in the appeals on the original Hall Creek decision. Those 

receiving the packages (approximately 350) were asked to review the issues that had bsen identified 

and submit any additional issues to the Study Team. The Forest received seven written letter and one 

telephone comment during this third round of scoping. 

52 
In April 1988, a second letter was sent to the mailing list (350) identifying the alternatives to be analyzed 

and a colored map of the alternative locations. 

A social assessment was prepared during 1987 as part of the background materials for the EIS. The 

information in this report provided insight into the social values, perceptions, and attitudes of those 

residents most likely'to be influenced by oil and gas exploration and/or development. The need for a 

social/economic issue was identified by the Study Team and included in the analysis. The social 

conditions and analysis were based on the comments received during the scoping process, comments 

on the Forest Plan (1985), hewspaper articles, and the results from the unstructured interviews 

conducted in the preparatibn of the Social Assessment background document. During FY 1988, the 

Study Team continued work on the preparation of the draft EIS using all of this information. 

Feelings and perceptions about the social implications of exploratory drilling in the RM-1 Geographic 

Unit vary. Some feel oil and gas development would bolster the economic condition on the reservation 

and the local communities. They believe the National Forest should be managed for multiple use 

purposes, oil and gas being an acceptable use. Others support protection of the area. The amount 

of protection ranges from those who support a recreation-based management concept to those who 

advocate Wilderness classification. Blackfeet traditionalists feel.that the area deserves protection for 

the continued practice of the traditional Blackfeet religion. 

A draft EIS will be released for public comment this spring. 

GALT LAND EXCHANGE: 

An ongoing process to evaluate and finalize a land exchange proposal in the Crazy Mountains has 

been the focus of concern for publics having an interest in both the Lewis and Clark and the Gallatin 

National Forests. Many people were involved in public scoping meetings during 1986 to assist the 

Forest in identifying issues. Access to the National Forest lands was identified as the key issue during 

the scoping process. Also expressed was the concern that the National Forest lands involved in the 

exchange may be more valuable for wildlife than those lands to be acquired. 

In response to the access issue, the proponent has agreed to include five trail easements and one road 

easement in the exchange package. Perfection of these easements would ensure public access to the 

National Forest. The total acreage of the original exchange proposal was reduced. Letters were sent 

in late January 1988 to those who had been involved in the scoping process explaining the modifications to the original proposal. 

The Forest has continued to negotiate with the landowners on this exchange-A decision on this 

analysis is expected to be available in the spring of 1989. 

FOREST TRAVEL PLAN REVISION: 

In December 1987, a final decision was made on the revision of the Forest Travel Plan (Jefferson and 

Rocky Mountain Divisions). The Forest received 17 appeals on the revision decisions. Of this total, two 

were withdrawn by the appellants after negotiations with the Forest and one was dismissed for 

untimeliness of notificaiion. Three appeals are still being negotiated with at the end of FY 1988. In-all 

other appeals the Forest Supervisors decision was affirmed. Because no 'Stays' to the decision were 

granted to the appellants, the travel plan has been implemented on the Forest. 

WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS EA: c 

To fulfill the requirements specified in the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSR Act), an analysis was 

initiated on the Forest to determine the eligibilrty of every river on or crossing the National Forest and 

53 
to assign a potential classification (wild, scenic, or recreational) to those I ivei segments deterirui let1 

eligible. 

On March 21, 1988 scoping was started. Over 380 letters were sent describing the process that the 

Forest was using to determine the eligibility and potential classification of the rivers on the Lewis and 

Clark National Forest. Those receiving the letters were asked to review; (1) the proposed eligibility 

qualifications, and (2) a list of potential candidate rivers. Twenty-two comment letters were received 

with several recommendations for additional river candidates. As a result of the public comments 

received, four rivers were added to the eligibility list. On December 12, 1988 a letter was sent to those 

who commented during the'scoping period (22 letters) to update them on the status of the Study Team. 

A Decision Notice and Environmental Assessment, and Forest Plan Amendment was approved on 

March 13, 1989. These documents identify nine rivers on the Forest as having free-flowing and 

'outstanding remarkable' values that may be suitable for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River 

System. These rivers are: North Badger Creek, North Fork Birch Creek, North and South Forks Sun 

River, Green Fork of Straight Creek, and the Dearborn River on the Rocky Mountain Division: and Smith 

River, Tenderfoot Creek and the Middle Fork Judith River on the Jefferson Division. These documents 

also provide interim direction on how these rivers will be managed until the river suitability study is 

completed in the future. The documentation package was sent to those names on the Forest Plan and 

Wild and Scenic Rivers mailing lists. 

MARIAS PASS EA: 

FIRE 

On April 25, 1988 a decision was made on the Marias Pass Master Site Plan. The main issues 

addressed by the Study Team were: public safety, effects to a National Register eligible historical site, 

interpretation of historical features, protection of resource values, and attractions to the area. Copies 

of the decision were mailed to approximately 70 individuals and groups. The project is proceeding on 

schedule. 

SEASON 1988: 

Because of the severity of the fire season, a special effort was made to keep local residents in the 

communities along the Rocky Mountain Front apprised of the situation. The 'Up Front News" was 

periodically published to inform residents on the status of the prescribed fires and wildfires occurring 

in their vicinity. The publication was printed on July 27, August 2, August 17, daily from September 

9-13, and again on November 10. These printings were hand-delivered to government offices and 

business establishments in most of the local communities along the Front. Most of the people contacted during the deliveries were appreciative of the information. As a result of the Canyon Creek and 

Gates Park Fires, the Forest Service prescribed fire policy will continue to remain an issue on the 

Forest. 

TIMBER SALE PROGRAM (TIMBER SALE EA APPEALS AND TSPIRS): 

Several timber sale decisions on the Jefferson Division of the Forest have been affected by recent 

appeal decisions. 

The Mill-Lion Timber Sale on the Musselshell Ranger District was appealed by the Montana Wildlife 

Federation. The Regional Forester remanded the environmental assessment back to the Forest for 

additional disclosure of how clearcutting was determined to be the optimum harvest method to meet 

the area objectives. A site-specific diagnosis of alternative treatment needs for each standonsidered 

in the design of the Mill-Lion Timber Sale will be prepared and a new decision will be rendered by the 

Forest Supervisor. 

54 
The American Wilderness Alliance appealed the District Ranger’s decision on the Lone Tree road 

improvement and Mixes Baldy Timber Sale on the Judith Ranger District. The Forest Supervisor 113s 

affirmed the District Ranger’s decision. 

The American Wilderness Alliance has also appealed a decision on the Sheep Mountain Timber Sale 

on the Judith Ranger District. Because of the Chief’s decision on the roadless issue (8/15/88) and the 

Regional Forester’s decision on the Mill-Lion Timber Sale, this decision has been withdrawn. The 

Forest is currently working on the required evaluation. .. 1 

Three appeals have beemreceived on the South Fork Complex Timber Sales on the Judith Ranger 

District. The appeals were received from Dick Bucsis, Ben Steel, and the American Wilderness Alliance. 

Because of the Regional Forester’s decision on the Mill-Lion Timber Sale, this decision has also been 

withdrawn. A site specific diagnosis of alternative treatment for each stand considered in the design 

of the South Fork Complex Timber Sales will be prepared and a new decision will be rendered by the 

Forest Supervisor. 

OTHER ISSUES: 

The Johnson Park/FLEX Northwest land exchange in the Little Belt Mountains has been appealed by 

three individuals: Jim Norgaard, Ronald D. Isackson, and Dennis Seyfert. These appeals are currently 

under consideration by the Regional Forester. 

Management of the Badger-Two Medicine area remains sensitive with the Blackfeet people and 

Wilderness advocates. Protection of the lands continues to be a key issue with traditional Blackfeet 

practitioners. 

Reissuance of oil and gas leases on the Forest is an upcoming issue for managers. Many of the 

previously issued leases expire beginning in 1991. Currently, no requests for reissuance of expired 

leases have been received by the Forest. Requests are anticipated within the next several years. A 

decision on the future status of leasing will be made after further NEPA analysis. 

1-3 Evaluate lands identified as not meeting physical or biological characteristics used in initial allocation. 

Frequency of Measurement: 100 percent sample annually. 

Reporting Period: Continuous. - 

Variability Which Would Initiate Further Evaluation: All changes will be evaluated annually. - 

The Forest is updating its timber stand inventory data base. As of the end of FY 1988, 350,208 acres of the 

Forest total of 1,843,397, or 19 percent has been updated. 

\ 

55 
Following is a summary by Ranger Districts: 

Rocky Mountain . 

Judith 

Musselshell 

Kings Hill 

I Ranger District I Total National Forest I Inventoried I 

776,259 acres 38,329 acres 

362,841 135,529 

$7,415 58,771 

436,882 1 17,579 

Total 1,843,397 acres 350,208 acres 

This inventory program is scheduled for completion by the end of FY 1991. Project level environmental 

analysis completed in FY 1988 found no variation in allocation from the Forest Plan. 

1-4 Validation of employment and income projections. 

Frequency of Measurement: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Reporting Period: 5-years (FY 1991). 

Variability Which Would initiate Further Evaluation: More than plus or minus 20 percent of projected 

changes. 

This is a 5-year frequency measurement and will be validated in FY 1991 

The following tables compare the outputs, activities, and budgets with those projected in the Forest 

Pian. 

56 

, 
TABLE I 

COMPARISON OF OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES WITH THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FOREST PLAN FOR THE 

PLANNING PERIOD (1987-1996) 

Projected Outputs and Activities by Time Period (Average Annual Units) 

- 

First 

Decadl 

169 

86 

61 4 

- 

Output or Activity 1990 1993 

- 

1995 

- 

- 

Unit of 

Measure 1987 

- 

145 

54 

51 8 

300 ', 

2 

0 

2 

16 

71 .O 

1999 

20 

5 

772 

0 

1988 

- 

175 

42 

503 

1400 

0 

0 

0 

19 

1989 

- 

1991 

- 

1992 

- 

- 

- 

1994 

- - 

1996 

Developed Use 

Dispersed Use 

Wilderness 

Non-wilderness 

M RVD 

M RVD 

M RVD 

Acres 

Acres 

Acres 

Structures 

Structures 

Wildlife Habitat Imp 

Fish Habitat Imp 

TBE Habitat Imp 

Wildlife Habitat 

Structures 

Fish Habitat Structures 

600 

5 

100 

10 

25 

- 

71.1 

1329 

40 

10 

300 

600 

2000 

Permitted Graze 

Use 

Range Improvement 

Nonstructural 

Structural 

M AUM 

Acres 

Structures 

Plans 

Acres 

Acres 

Acres 

72.3 

2433 

18 

4 

61 6 

0 

Range Resource 

Plans 

(Allotment Mgt 

Plans) 

Noxious Weed Control 

Noxious Weed Control 

Soil Inventory 

Minerals Mgmt 

Mineral Mgmt 

Cases 

Cases 

90 

160 

160 134 

Total Volume 01- 

fered 

Silvicultural Exams 

Silvicultural Exams 

Reforest-Approp 

Reforest-KV 

Timber Stand ImpAppropriation 

Timber Stand 

Imp-KV 

Landline Location 

Fuels Mgrnt-BD 

MM BF 

M Acres 

M Acres 

Acres 

Acres 

Acres 

Acres 

Miles 

Acres 

14 

15.5 

28.0 

54 

270 

200 

0 

26 

1470 

11.8 

30.6 

0 

1064 

563 

125 

14 

1813 

16.0 

33.9 

225 

490 

568 

12 

21 

1201 

Fuels Mgmt-FFP Acres 700 665 863 

2.9 

20.3 

23.2 

13.3 

- 

Road Construction 

Road Reconstruct 

Total 

Trail Construction/ 

Reconstruction 

Miles 

Miles 

Miles 

Miles 

9.0 

24.0 

33.0 

14.0 

6.7 

29.7 

33.4 

8.5 

c 

57 
TABLE II 

COMPARISON OF THE ACTUAL BUDGET RECEIVED IN FY 1988 WITH THE FOREST PLAN 

PROJECTED ANNUAL BUDGET: 

Funding Item 

00 

01 

02 

03 

04 

05 

06,07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

23 

26,28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

42 

43 

24,38 

Budget Actlvlty 

General Administration 

Fire 

Fuels 

Sales Prep/Admin 

Timber Planning 

Silvicultural Exams 

Range 

Minerals 

Recreation 

Wildlife and Fish 

Soil, Air, Water 

Facility Maintenance 

Special Uses 

Geometronics 

Land Exchange 

Landline Location 

Road Maintenance 

Trail Maintenance 

Co-op Law Enforcement 

Reforestation - Appropriated 

TSI - Appropriated 

Tree Improvement 

KV (Trust Fund) 

CWFS - Other (Trust Fund) 

Timber Salv. Sales (Perm.Fund) 

Brush Disposal (Perm. Fund) 

Range Improvement 

Recreation Construction 

Facility Construction - FA&O 

Engineering Construction Support 

Const. - Capital Investment Roads 

Trail Construction/Reconstruction 

Land Status 

Land Acquisition 

CI 

Total Budget 

Timber Purchaser Credits 

Total Cost 

Forest Plan 

Projected 

Budget FY88 

Dollars 

Thousand $ 

$1 034 

$322 

$32 

$263 

$1 58 

$207 

$432 

$475 

$549 

$497 

$1 71 

- $120 

$54 

$1 2 

$51 

$97 

$41 0 

$300 

$44 

$61 

$30 

$8 

$1 08 

$25 

$34 

$25 

$53 

$49 

$0 

$483 

$556 

$1 44 

$41 

$1 66 

$7,008 

$229 ~~ 

$7,237 

1988 Actual 

Budget 

FY88 Dollars 

Thousand $ 

$954 

. $308 

$36 

$31 2 

$1 31 

$245 

$350 

$223 

$332 

$225 

$85 

$36 

$29 

$0 

$1 5 

$8 1 

$257 

$1 84 

$38 

$87 

$90 

$8 

$1 44 

$1 5 

$22 

$57 

$32 

$4 

$2 

$348 

$532 

$1 16 

$0 

$5 

.. 

$5,303 

$1 79 

$5,482 

58 
IV. PLANNED ACTIONS 

These planned action items have been identified in this report. They are in addition to the routine actions listed 

in Chapter V Implementation section of the Forest Plan. 

Planned Action 

A. There is a need to increase awareness and commitment to monitoring range condition and trend (0-2). \. 

8. There is a need to place greater emphasis on range management planning (Allotment Management 

Plans) (D-4). 

C. There is a need to estabiish a process for obtaining an accurate timber harvest acre figure by fiscal 

year (E-6). 

D. 

E. 

There is a need to place greater emphasis on elimination of soil and water restoration backlog (F -6). 

There is a need to continue to validate costs and values used in the Forest Plan (1-1). 

. 

t 

. .. 

c 

59 
V. RESEARCH NEEDS 

The following additional research needs have been identified: 

. No additional research needs have been identified. 

.. 

60 
n - 

VI. AMENDMENTS 

b The following amendments have been made to the Lewis and Clark National Forest Plan: 

A. Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Scapegoat Wildernesses Recreation Management Direction (Replaces 

Appendix U, Wilderness Recreation Opportunity Class Descriptions and Guidelines, April 1987) 

(Amendment Number 1). 

B. 

C. Amendment Number 3. 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Study, March 13, 1989. (Amendment Number 2). 

. '. 

61 
VII. APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A - Lewis and Clark National Forest Wilderness Monitoring Report (B-1) 

62 
VIII. LIST OF PREPARERS 

b 

c 

The following individuals contributed to the development of the Monitoring and Evaluation Report for the 

Lewis and Clark National Forest for Fiscal Year 1988. 

Name Functional Resource Area 

William Duryee 

James Eakland 

Chuck Frey 

Sam Gilbert 

Donald Godtel 

Cynthia Hamlett 

Valdon Hancock 

Ronald Meyers 

Wayne Phillips 

Jerry Reese 

Donald Sasse 

Dick Smith 

Len Walch 

Jane Weber 

Staff Officer Engineer/Lands 

Forester - Planning 

Staff Officer Soil/Water/Air/Minerals 

Zone Timber (Silviculturist) 

Archaeologist 

Hydrologist 

Civil Engineer 

Ecologist 

Staff Officer Range/Wildlife/Recreation 

Wildlife Biologist 

Staff Officer Land Management Planning/Fire 

Zone Fisheries Biologist 

Public Information Officer 

* Wildlife Biologist 

-. 

In addition, the report was reviewed by the following individuals: 

John Gorman 

Dwight Chambers 

Paul Threlkeld 

Robert Casey 

Jerry Dombrovske 

Carl Fager 

Victor Standa 

Forest Supervisor 

Acting Zone Staff Officer (Timber) 

Staff Officer Administration 

District Ranger, Rocky Mountain Ranger District 

District Ranger, Judith Ranger District 

District Ranger, Musselshell Ranger District 

District Ranger, Kings Hill Ranger District 

IX. APPROVAL 

I have reviewed the annual Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Report for Fiscal Year 1988 for the Lewis 

and Clark National Forest that was prepared by the Forest Interdisciplinary Team. I am satisfied that the 

Monitoring and Evaluation effort meets the intent of the Forest Plan (Chapter V), Forest Service Handbook 

1909.12, and 36 CFR 219. I have also considered the recommendations of the Interdisciplinary and Management Teams on proposed changes to the Forest Plan and will process the necessary Amendment after 

appropriate public notification. .. 

This report is approved: - 

JOHN D GORMAN 

Forest Supervisor 

Date: April 17, 1989 

x 

63 
r 

APPENDIX A 

LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL FOREST 

WILDERNESS MONITORING REPORT (8-1) 

* 

I 

Not a great deal of Monitoring was accomplished on the Rocky Mountain Ranger District in 1988, because 

of the Gates Park and Canyon Creek Fires: the employees ordinarily assigned to monitoring were either 

reassigned to fire duty or to patrolling area and trail closures in,midJuly. After the fires were finally contained 

the employees were opening trails and replacing facilities damaged by the fires. 

Fire closures and extreme areas of dense smoke may have changed use patterns to some extent during 

summer season - most of the outfitt%rs, for instance, took their trips to the Flathead National Forest. Despite 

fire and other problems the areas that exceeded standards in 1987 did so again in 1988. The fires caused 

a very distinct change in the use patterns during the 1988 hunting season. The hunters refused to camp in 

or hunt within the burned area. No private hunting camps were found in the Scapegoat Wilderness. In the 

Sun River Area, the hunting camps were concentrated from Grouse Creek southward to the Elk Hill camp 

closure and on Windfall Creek. 

A summary of the monitoring that was accomplished is as follows: 

Intensive campsite inventories were completed on 20 sites. This is estimated to be 5 percent of total inventory 

of campsites. . 

OPPORTUNlTY CUSS lV, Trail Encounters Standard: 80 percent probability of 5 or less encounters per day. 

South Fork Sun River: 12 days monitored of which 0 days exceeded standard, or 100 percent time 

within standard. 

West Fork Sun River: 10 days monitored of which 4 days exceeded standard, or 60 percent time 

within standard. 

North Fork Sun River: 8 days monitored of which 2 days exceeded standard, or 75 percent time 

within standard. 

Total for Opportunity Class IV: 20 times monitored, exceeded standard 6 times, or 70 percent of time within 

standard. 

CAMPSITE DENSlN Standard: 80 percent probability of 3 other camps within sight or sound: 

South Fork Sun: 

West Fork Sun 

North Fork Sun 

12 days monitored, 4 days exceeded, 67 percent of time within standard. 

10 days monitored, 2 days exceeded, 80 percent of time within standard. 

8 days monitored, 1 day exceeded, 88 percent of time within standard. 

.. 

c 

Total for Opportunity Class IV: 20 days monitored, 6 days exceeded standard, or 70 percent of time within 

standard. 

lMPACTfD SITES Per 640 Acres Standard: no more than 3 moderately and one highly impacted per 640 

acres. 

Several areas reached standard: Bear Creek, Wind Fall Creek, Glenn Creek, and Reef Creek areas. but no 

area exceeded it. 

GRAZING Standard: no more than 40 percent forage (key species) utilized. Standard was approached at the 

south end of Pretty Prairie, Reef Creek, Lower Indian Creek, and from Whiskey Creek to Glenn Creek on the 

North Fork Sun River. 

64 
OPPORTUNITY CLASS 111, Trail Encounters: 80 percent probability of 3 encounters per day. Times monitored 

4 standard; was not exceeded except on Chinese Wall which was monitored 6 days of which 4 days exceeded 

standard, or 33 percent of time within standard. 

CAMPSITE DENSIN Standard: 80 percent probability of one or less camps within sight or sound; 6 times 

. ' monitored; two times the Chinese Wall Area exceeded the standard, or 67 percent of time within standard. 

IMPACTED SlTES Per 640 acre area. Standard: 3 per 640 acres. Monitored 6 times. No area exceeded 

standard, but Upper Moose Creek and Upper West Fork of Sun approached the standard. 

GRAZING Standard: No more than 40 percent forage utilized; monitored for grazing twice during season. All 

areas were within standard, but Upper Moose Creek and West Fork Sun River. .\ 

OPPORTUNIN CUSS I/ Areis were not monitored during summer. 

OPPORTUNITY CUSS I Areas were not monitored. Funding and fire activity did not allow us to monitor the 

Birch Creekneton addition to-the Bob Marshall. 

FALL 7988 /NTfNSIV€ MONITORING Much of the Rocky Mountain Ranger District Opportunity Class IV is 

within the Sun River Game Preserve and therefore receives little use. 

OPPORTUNITY CLASS IV 

TRAIL ENCOUNTERS North Fork Sun Trail #201, 12 days monitored of which 4 days exceeded standard, or 

67 percent of the time area was within standard. 

CAMPSITE DENSlNFor five days campsite density of standard of 3 occupied campsites within sight or sound 

was exceeded at Cabin Creek, Grouse Creek, and Circle Creek. However, fire activity limited large areas for 

camping so these areas were used all season long. 

IMPACTED CAMPSITES Per 640 acres. 

GRAZING Grazing area on Circle Creek exceeded standard of 40 percent utilization on key species (fescue) 

being 44 percent utilized when season ended November 26, 1988. Windfall area also exceeded 40 percent 

utilization (on fescue) by the end of the hunting season. 

FALL 

OPPORTUNITY CUSS I// Primarily in Scapegoat Wilderness and Upper North Fork Sun River. Monitored 2 

days during fall. No standards were exceeded in any areas. It should be noted that most of the Class 111 areas 

were burned over and received little or no use. 

OPPORTUNIW CUSS I/ Because of hunter concentration in Opportuncty Class IV area and lack of funding 

Opportunity Class I and II area we!e not monitored. 

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT ACCOMPLISHED BY ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGER DISTRICT Two-acre grass 

enclosure on Elk Hill. Fence was dismantled by Back Country Horsemen Association. Part of the material 

packed to K-L Ranch by Forest Service and boated out by outfiier. 

.. 

x 

65