Little historical streamflow information is available for these basins. However, hydrologic model simulations and stream measurements suggest that there are no significant effects from forest management. A 5-year monitoring program is proposed to address the uncertainty, especially in terms of the distribution and melt rates of spring snowpack. Most stream segments within the watersheds met or exceeded the Washington Forest Practices Board criteria for LWD and shade. If the Montana stream management zone guidance is used for harvest here, it would work in most instances but may need to be modified for areas where the stream channel migrates across a wide zone.
Further research is needed to determine the actual effects of timber harvest on riparian function.
The geologic history of the area was used to determine the stream channel types and their potential sensitivity to forest management. The streams were classified into Geographic Mapping Units. These units form borders around areas of high value and lower value fish habitat and indicate the relative sensitivity of stream segments to forest management practices. Goals of the fish habitat module are to document existing and historic fish distribution, assess current habitat conditions, identify important habitat, and identify impacts to habitat from land management. Trout and char species in the analysis area include brook, bull, cutthroat, and rainbow trout.