s 333.7515 U8 £gdn 1993 DECISION NOTICE AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT FRENCH GULCH ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Deer Lodge Ranger District Deerlodge National Forest Granite and Powell Counties, Montana INTRODUCTION The French Gulch Environmental Assessment (EA) forvegetation management, including atimber sale, was completed and is available for review at the Philipsburg Ranger District, the Deer Lodge Ranger District, and the Forest Supervisor's Office. Also available is a letter which provides supplementary information to the EA and which should be considered part of the EA. TheEAdocumentsthe analysis completed forForest Plan implementation of managing vegetation withinthe project area. The management actions include timber harvest, understory burning, tree planting, temporary road construction, road reconstruction, and restrictions on motorvehicles.The EA analyzed different alterna- tives to determine how, when, and where the proposed activities could be implemented on a site-specific basis during the next several years. These management actions will help achieve desired future conditions identified in the North Flints Landscape Ecology Unit (LEU) analysis. Project Location The project area includes portions of the Gold, Dunkleberg, and Flint Creek watersheds, and includes portions of Pioneer Gulch, Crevice, Blum, Griffin, and Gaskill Creeks. The project area encompasses an area of approximately 14,700 acres, and includes sections 13-15 and 22-26, T.9 N., R.12W; sections 17-20, 28-30, 33, and 34, T.9 N., R.11 W; and section 4, T.8 N.. R.11 W. In addition, portions of the following sections are included: sections 21, 27, 28, and 34-36, T.9 N., R.12 W.; and sections 31 and 32, T.9 N, R.11 W. A project area vicinity map. Figure 1-1, is located in the EA. The project area is a part of the North Flints LEU, which encompasses an area of approximately 46,000 acres and is displayed in the EA as Figure 111-1. Range of Actions The North Flints LEU analysis describes the existing condition of the various resources over the landscape, explores the range of natural variability, and identifies desired conditions. The 'coarse filter approach" was used in the analysis. The site-specific French Gulch EA identifies a range of actions which move the project area toward the desired condition. This EA includes proposals to harvest timber using even-aged silvicultural systems (clearcut, sheltenwood, commercial thin, and variations of these using reserve trees). Specific treatments are designed to meet silviculturaland otherland managementobjectivesandto be responsiveto publiccomments. Road construc- tion and reconstruction to access some of the timber stands will be required and,ar5 pansidered to be connected actions to the proposed timber harvesting. o.-.m i^'j-'^" UBRARV MONTANA STATE Activities associated with the proposal to harvest timber include site preparation after harvest for natural regeneration and fuel hazard reduction of the debris after harvest. Site preparation and fuel reduction will utilize both dozer piling and understory burning to achieve specific unit objectives. Othervegetation management activities include understory burning and tree planting outside ofthe harvest areas. Thesetreatments are designedto meet land management objectives inthe Forest Plan and the North Flints LEU analysis. The action alternatives incorporate varying seasonal and year-long restrictions on motor vehicle use on existing roads as a means to achieve travel management objectives. The roads considered are within the French Gulch project area and North Flints LEU. All timber harvest actions are within Management Areas E1 and D2 (MA El and MA D2) of the Deerlodge National Forest Plan, and implementation is scheduled to begin during fiscal year 1993. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose and need for action under this proposal are: 1. Maintain a stand structure in the Douglas-fir zone that resembles large, contiguous, open- grown stands of timber. This includes the maintenance of ponderosa pine old growth and associated wildlife communities. This purpose includes the following components: • Reduce catastrophicfire risk in stands (both previously harvested and unharvested) with high fuel loadings, as well as the larger Douglas-fir vegetative community. • Encourage re-establishment of both quaking aspen and ponderosa pine. • Reduce the present spruce budworm and Douglas-fir beetle risk. • Increase/Improve forage for domestic livestock and ungulates. The proposed action would maintain an overstory consisting of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir while reducing the understory component. Historically, fire periodicity was from 10 to 30 years, which carried a park-like stand structure. The proposal would maintain portions ofthe Douglas-fir zone in a condition that is more resistant to fires of varying intensities, promote vegetative components that evolved ecologically with disturbance, educe risk of insect infestations, and increase forage. This change in stand structure would be i accomplished with commercial thin harvest actions and understory burning. The understory burning would further reduce the fire risk by reducing the dead and/or downed woody material and a portion of the Douglas-fir understory. These actions would reduce the likelihood of timber losses from wildfire. Minimizing timber losses from fire would contribute to achievement of Forest Plan management goals and objectives forthetimbersuitable lands in the project area. In addition, the proposed actions oftimber harvest and understory burning were designed to provide a contiguous fire break between private and Forest Service lands. The proposal would encourage the re-establishment of ponderosa pine and quaking aspen through the haPk^est and understory burning actions. Ponderosa pinewould be re-established (planted) in one previously harvested stand. The proposed action is designed to change the multi-storied composition of a portion of the project area, which would reduce the high risk of insect infestation. This change would occur with the proposed harvest and understory burning actions. Establishing park-like timber stands through harvest and understory burning would increase and improve forage. Improving forage may attract elk and mule deer from private land during a portion of w^inter, and thereby reduce big game damage conflicts. 2. Provide timber from the suitable iands in thie French Gulch project area In response to society's demands for wood fiber. This would contribute to the even flow and continuous supply of timber from timber suitable lands on Deeriodge National Forest. ThedemandforNational Foresttimberin southwest Montana is high as a result ofregional shortages. Recent bid rates on Forest Service timber sales in the local area have produced some of the highest bids ever recorded for National Forest timber in this area. The supply of timber from Deeriodge National Forest is important to the local timber industry (Forest Plan, ROD, page 18). The wood products industry is also recognized as a significant part of the local economy (Forest Plan, page VI-2). This project also contributes to Deeriodge National Forest's Allowable Sale Quantity (ASQ) as identified in the Forest Plan, Appendix E, and Forest Plan, ROD, pp. 7, 18, and 19. The ASQ was determined, in part, by the timber supply needs of the local timber industry (Forest Plan, ROD, p. 18). THE DECISION It is my decision to implement a modified Alternative B which was detailed in the supplementary information letter of March 1, 1993, and in the EA as described for Alternative B. Implementation of this aiterrrative will include 347 acres of commercial thin and 25 acres of clearcut timber harvest, 1,164 acres of understory burning outside of timber harvest units, 48 acres of ponderosa pine planting, 7.1 miles of seasonal road restrictions, and 18.4 miles ofyear-long road restrictions. For additional detail on Modified Alternative B, see section entitled "Alternatives Considered" in this Decision Notice. My decision considers analysis disclosed in the EA, the information in the supplementary information letter, the Biological Evaluations (Attachment 1), the public comments received onthe EA, and the North Flints LEU analysis. Implementation ofthis decision is planned to take place in several stages; the timber sale is the first and is planned to be sold in 1993. The travel management changes will be incorporated into the 1993 scheduled Deeriodge Forest Travel Plan update. Other activities will be implemented as early as 1994. The 7.1 miles that will be closed seasonally consist of the following roads. Motorized vehicle traffic will be restricted during the periods of October 15th through December 1st and April 1st through June 15th. • 3.6 miles of Forest Roads 666 and 78608 (main Gird Creek Road, entire length) • 2.0 miles of Forest Road 5152 (Jones Mountain Road, from top of Jones Mountain west to the junction of Forest Road 1557; onthe east side ofJones Mountain, norestrictionswill be imposed from Crevice Creek north to the junction of 1557) • 1.5 miles of Forest Road 5151 (Lone Tree Hill Road, from top of Lone Tree Hill west to junction of Forest Road 1557) These restrictions are being implemented to increase elk security during the fail big game hunting seasons and the spring elk calving season. The 18.4 miles of Forest roadswhich will be restrictedyearlongto motorizedvehicletraffic, withtheexception of snowmobile use, are: 1.5 miles of Forest Road 5151 (Lone Tree Hill Road, from top of Lone Tree Hill east to junction of 5152; recontour first 0.25 mile and various small segments) 1.4 miles of Forest Road 5152 (Jones IVIountain Road, from top of Jones f^ountain to Crevice Creek; recontour and provide erosion controls) 3.9 miles of Forest Roads 78472 (Davidson Creek drainage; existing gate will be moved to junction with road 636 allowing access to BPA towers and apprcximately 0.25 mile of the road prism behind the existing gate will be recontoured) 1.8 miles of Forest Roads 78477 and 78478 (recontour) 0.4 mile of Forest Road 78442 (recontour 0.25 mile) 1.3 milesofForest Road 851 1 (junction ofDoney Lake Road 645toend ofroad, recontourvarious short sections) 0.9 mile of Forest Road 5162 and spur 0.7 mile of Forest Road 78479 (recontour first 0.25 mile) 1.0 mile of 1557 spur (access to units 4 and 5, closed yearlong with access for logging and post-sale activities; road obliterated after administrative use) 2.0 miles of Forest Road 78493 (South Fork Douglas Road, from Middle Fork of Douglas Creek to end; recontour first 0.25 mile) 1.0 mile of Forest Road 78609 (Middle Fork Douglas Road, from Middle Fork of Douglas Creek to end; recontour first 0.25 mile) 2.5 miles of Forest Road 5168 (Ballard Hill Road, from junction with Emery Ridge Road 5167 to top of Ballard Hill; restrict access with gates to allow occasional administrative use) Snowmobile usewill be allowed on allyear-long closuresfrom December2to March31, and will be restricted the remainder of the year. Road access to Unit 3 will be changed. Forest Road 78479 will not be reopened to provide access to Unit 3. Instead, 0.10 mile of temporary road from Forest Road 1557 will used for hauling wood products. This changes the amount of temporary road from 2.5 miles to 2.6 miles. As identified in the EA for Alternative B, the 2.6 miles of temporary roads necessary to harvest the units in Modified Alternative B will be closed, obliterated, and recontoured following completion of sale activities by the Forest Sen/ice. These, along with Road 1557 spur (identified above), will be closed and obliterated by the Forest Service, using monies collected from the timber sale purchaser. While the sale is active, temporary gates will be installed by the purchaser on temporary roads accessing Units 1, 2, and 3. The 1557 spur accessing Units 4 and 5 currently has a gate. The temporary gates will be used until the completion of post-sale activities, when the obliteration of the above roads occur. The gates will then be removed. Public access on the road accessing Units 1 and 2 will be permitted for 2 years after harvest to allow for firewood gathering from slash piles. The gates will be open between the dates of June 16 and October 14; public access will be restricted during hunting season. Public firewood will also be accessible from landing piles in Units 6 and 7 along the main Blum Creek Road (Road 1557). No other units or roads accessing units will be open for public firewood gathering. Temporary gates on the temporary road accessing Unit 3 and the 1557 spur (access to Units 4 and 5) will be closed yearlong; the gates will be opened only for logging and post-sale activities. This is to provide protection of existing snags and to provide big game security during hunting, spring calving, and mating/ nesting seasons. Road reconstruction of 1.0 mile ofexisting road is necessaryfor removal offorest products. The level of road reconstructionwillbeasingle-lane roadwithsafetyturnoutsand provisionsfor betterdrainage ofthe roadway to reduce erosion (culverts and ditches). The modified slash treatments in Units 1 and 2 will eliminate opportunities for aspen regeneration with fire treatment. Instead, existing aspen clones in Units 1 and 2 will be cut to promote regeneration. As stated in the EA (page 11-6), no ponderosa pine will be harvested in any of the harvest units. Some ponderosa pine may be harvested with the construction of temporary roads and/or landings. Unit sizes proposed in the EA are approximate and may vary when designated on the ground during timber sale layout. REASONS FOR THE DECISION Consistency with Forest Plan Standards, Goals, and Objectives have determined that [Modified Alternative B is consistent with Forest Plan management direction as stated I in the Forest Plan or as amended for EHROGA24. This decision is contingent on approval ofthe site-specific amendmentwhich exempts EHROGA24from meeting the Roadless Hunting Recreation Environment stand- ard for this project. The action will contribute toward the achievement of the desired condition in the project area by placing suitableforest lands underregulated management, whilemaintainingoveralllevelsofwildlifehabitat, livestock grazing, and dispersed recreation. This action will bring the existing condition into Forest Plan standards except as described below, where the existing condition is moved closer to standards. Reasons for the Decision 1. Modified Alternative B best incorporates methods for sustaining the ecological system in the North Flints LEU. This alternative was developed with an understanding of the natural patterns and processes that occurred historically in the ecosystem (North Flints LEU analysis). Further- more, Modified Alternative B best meetsthe objectives of ecosystem management forthe follow- ing reasons: • Modified Alternative B regenerates the most ponderosa pine and quaking aspen ofthe action alternatives and maintains ponderosa pine communities the most. • Modified Alternative B minimizes the effects of fragmentation and results in the lowest degree of edge of the action alternatives. • Commercial thinning will retain old growth characteristics on 271 acres. Maintenance of old growth ponderosa pine communities is highest of the action alternatives with Modi- fied Alternative B. • This alternative also contributes to the long-term strategy of managing vegetation for diversity in structure, composition, and age classes, and encourages stand vigor. • Modified Alternative B introducesfire inthe Douglas-firzone, bringing to the North Flints ecosystem a process that occurred naturally and historically. This alternative reduces natural fuel accumulation over 1,164 acres outsidetimber harvest units, which is slightly less than Alternative B or D, but responds to concerns of adjacent landowners. Modified Alternative B and Alternative B are the only alternatives that provide a continu- ous fuel break across the Douglas-fir zone between private and Forest Service land. • This alternative also reduces the infestation risk of spruce budworm and Douglas-fir beetle the most of any action alternative. 2. Modified Alternative B provides a 25-acre post and pole unit to the local small products industry. 3. Travel management objectives are best met with Modified Alternative B. With this alternative, the most roadsthat are no longer needed are closed yearlong and rehabilitated, eliminating resource problems (erosion) while providing a saving of administrative costs. The decision to leave Blum Creek Road open provides a good tradeoff between the public desires for motorized recreation and access and the need for security areas in the Elk Herd Unit (EHU). 4. Road obliteration and recontouring asspecified for Modified Alternative B will reduce the chances of introducing noxious weeds. This, along with the mitigation measures disclosed in this Decision Notice (see Mitigation and Monitoring Measures), will help control any infestations that may become established. In addition, native seed mixes will be used, maintaining the biodiversity of native plants. 5. ModifiedAlternativeB retainsthemostcoverforelksecurity ofall action alternativeswith347acres of commercialthin and 25acresofclearcut. TheCreviceCreek securityareacreated with Modified Alternative B is smallerthan would result in Alternative B, C, or D. The existing condition, however, is improved upon, and the result is the creation of an 865-acre Crevice Creek security area and an increase in security areas of 2,871 acres in the EHU. 6. Water quality and fisheries will not be adversely impacted with the implementation of Modified Alternative B. Temporary road construction required forthis alternative requires one stream cross- ing. Water and fish resources will be protected through incorporation of BMPs. With these protec- tion measures, Forest Plan standards for water quality and fisheries will be met. 7. Modified Alternative B has a favorable benefit/cost ratio and positive present net value. This alternative is the best economic and ecological alternative of the action alternatives. This alterna- tive assists in meetingthedemandforwood productswhilecontributingtothe local economy, and thus addresses the timber supply and timber sale economics issue. Modified Alternative B offers an overall volume similar to the other action alternatives. MITIGATION AND MONITORING MEASURES Mitigation Measures As a part of my decision, tinefollowing mitigation measureswill be implementedto reducethe adverse effects of Modified Alternative B and to mitigate existing resource problems. This list is included inthe EA (page 11-22 to 24); detail is added below to be more specific to the selected action. 1. Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Protection: Timber sale contract provision CT 6.251 (Protection of Habitat of Endangered Species) will be included in the timber sale contract to protect any threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant or animal species (habitat). This provides for additional protection measures in the event new areas and/or species are discovered. 2. Best Management Practices (BMPs): Specific Bt^lPs listed in Appendix 3 of the Settlement Agreementwill be applied to all road construction andtimbersale activities.These BMPs include physical, biological, and mechanical procedures, and scheduling and permit requirements and/or prohibitions. The goal of these BMPs is to ensure that all Forest logging or road building operations will not place or cause to be placed any wastes, i.e. soil, silt, bark, slash, debris, sidecast, or other organic or earthen materials, in a location wherethey are lil<ely toviolate State water quality standards. It is recognized that application of these practices will not eliminate all pollution from all land-disturbing activities. The intent of these practices is to control pollutionto the extent practicable and necessary to protect beneficial uses. 3. Sensitive Soils: Road locations in Blum Creel< that access harvest Units 3, 4, and 5 will cross soils that have low bearing strength when they are moist. Road construction and access will be permitted only during dry and/or frozen soil periods (CT6.316, Limited Operating Period). Harvest Units 1, 2, and portions of 4, 5, and 7 have soils developed in granitic (diorite) parent materials. Disturbed soils in these areas need special treatment to prevent erosion, i.e. careful location of roads and sl<idtrails so they can be properly drained. 4. Noxious Weed Controls: Noxious weed spread will be monitored annually along the National Forest roads leadingtothetimbersaleareaandwithinthetimbersalearea. Basedonthefindings of the annual evaluation, appropriate control measures will be used to minimize and control the spread of spotted knapweed. Timber sale contract provision CT6.26# (Noxious Weed Control) will be required in the timber sale contract. This provision will insure that loading, skidding, and harvest equipment will be cleaned prior to entering the sale area each operating season. Thiswill help prevent the spread of noxious weeds from roadsides to skid trails and landings within the harvest units. Temporary road prismswill be put backtothe original contourtothe extent possible. This action will encourage the revegetation of the road prisms. It is expected that road locations going through the habitat types in this project area will rapidly regenerate with lodgepole pine, pon- derosa pine, and Douglas-firtrees. Thesetrees will eventually shade out any spotted knapweed that may infest the area. 1 5. Timber Harvest Operating Season Restrictions: Current vehicle access restrictions will re- main in effect as shiown on tine 1990 Forest Visitor/Travel Map, except as stated tiere. Logging activities will be prohibited between October 15 and December 1 and between Aoril 1 and June 15. These restrictions will apply to the following units and associated access ro ds: Units 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Logging will be allowed from December2through March 31 and Jun 6 to October 1 14. There are no time restrictions with Units 6 and 7. During the period September 1 to December 15, timber sale contract provisions will be used to prohibitthe carrying offirearms and archery equipment in vehicles behind closed gates. Further- more, hauling of logs on weekends and holidays from September 1 to October 15 will be prohibited. Also refer to Goshawk nest protection, mitigation measure #11. 6. Snag Management: Within all harvest units and the sale area, all existing snags (standing dead) other than lodgepole pine that do not present safety hazards will be left standing. Where other tree species are not available (densities are less than 5 per acre), lodgepole pine snags will be left for retention. In Unit 12, green snag replacements will be marked for retention in addition to the snags . All snags and snag replacement trees will be protected from harvest removal under timber sale contract clauses CT2.3#, CT2.35#, and CT6.32#. Within harvest units 1, 2, 6, and 7, public firewood gathering from slash piles will be permitted. If standing snags are also being cut, the Forest Service will prevent access into those units or use some other form of mitigation to prevent unacceptable damage. 7. Livestock Controls: If any natural barriers are removed or made ineffective from implementa- tion of Modified Alternative B, fences will be constructed to maintain existing livestock use patterns. Installation of fences in areas where natural barriers are breached will enhance allot- ment management, aid in protection for reforestation, and enhance opportunities for adequate summer/fall forage for wildlife. 8. Cultural Resources Protection: To provide protection for known cultural resources and those yet to be discovered, contract provisions (CT6.24, Protection of Cultural Resources) will be included for both timber sale activities and road construction to protect any such findings. 9. Elk Wallows Protection: Although no elk wallows are currently defined within the proposed harvest units, if wallows are discovered during field layout, unit design will be altered to protect the wallows. Two sight distances (approximately 300-400 feet) will be maintained around the wallow. 10. Contact Adjacent Landowners: Prior to underburning activities, whether for slash disposal or natural fuels reduction, the Fire Management Officer (or other Forest Service representative) will contact adjacent landowners. 1 . Northern Goshawk Protection: If an active goshawk nest is found during harvest operations, the nest tree will be protected and logging operations within a 30-acre area around the nest will be deferred until the nest is no longer occupied. This will be enforced with a contractual clause. 12. Rehabilitate Existing Water Diversion: To reduce current erosion of the streambanks and diversion ditch on Blum Creek andtomaintainthestream in its natural channel, theexistingwater diversionwill be rebuilt. Currently, Blum Creek is running along a portion ofthe unused diversion ditch and is eroding (undercutting) the ditch and bank in an unnatural course backtotheoriginal channel. 8 13. Rehabilitate with Willow Planting: To reduce instability resulting fromthe existing road cross- ings on a portion of Road 5162 proposed for year-long closures, willow will be planted. The plantingwill occur on the first-ordertributary entering Blum Creek abovethe existing crossing in section 20. This mitigation measure would be based on availability of funds. 14. Protection of Improvements Not Owned by the Forest Service: Timber sale contract provi- sion CT6.22 (Protection of Improvements Not Owned by Forest Service) will be included in the timber sale contract to protect the existing fence line along Unit 5 and other improvements such as cattleguards, water developments, fences, and claim corners. During Forest Service pre- scribed burning, private improvements will be protected or repaired as necessary. 15. Buffer Strip Adjacent to Blum Creek: Harvest in Units 4 and 5 adjacentto Blum Creek will be limited to areas outside of the riparian zone, leaving a buffer strip of 100 feet from the stream channel. Limiting harvest will meet concerns of low woody debris recruitment resulting from historic han/est activities adjacent to Blum Creek. 16. Buffer Strip Adjacent to Private Land: Prescriptions for harvest in Unit 2 adjacent to private land in section 14 (Jackson Park) will include leaving a bufferstrip of50feetfromthe private land boundary. 17. Protection of Improvements: Timber sale contract provision BT6.22 (Protection of Improve- ments), astandard provision, will be included inthetimbersale contractto protect existing fence lines and water ditches. Fence lines are located in Units 6 and 7. The water ditch is located in Unit 5. 18. Livestock Controls: Atotal of 1.5 milesofdriftfencewill beconstructed near Unit 12to replace the natural timber barrier lost to harvest, if monitoring of cattle movement indicates the natural barrier has been breached. (This measure is included to mitigate potential effects of Unit 12; it was listed in the EA specific to Alternatives C and D). Monitoring Measures It is also my decision to implement the following project-specific monitoring work (EA, page 11-25 to 26): Project implementation of activities and their effectswill be monitored in accordance with the monitoring and evaluation requirements identified in FigureV-1, Forest Plan Monitoring Requirements, on pages V-4 to V-17 of the Forest Plan. Project preparation is monitored to insure appropriate Forest Plan standards and guide- lines are being met and that project-specific mitigation measures are being incorporated. During and after project implementation, monitoring and evaluation continually occur to determine if any adjustments are necessary. Outputs, environmental effects, and costs are all considered in monitoring and evaluation. Project-specific monitoring and evaluation records are maintained, e.g. regenerationsurveys, off-roadvehicle (ORV) compliance, weed infestations, etc. Deerlodge National Forest publishes an annual monitoring and evaluation report for public distribution. The following project-specific monitoring will be implemented if an action alternative is selected. 1. Regeneration Surveys: Regeneration surveyswill be completed the first, third, and fifth years after site preparation to insure that each regeneration harvest unit is satisfactorily stocked with trees indigenous to the site and in compliance with National Forest Management Act (NFMA) srielqvuiciurletmureanltsp.resItcriisptailosnotnoemceeesstatrhyetdoesiinrseudrecotnhdaittitohnefournitthsealraendrsecgaepneeraanteddfoprurMsAuaEnlt.to the 2. Snag Management Effectiveness Monitoring: The effectiveness of the snag management plan will be monitored annually for 5 years after timber harvest. Snag losses will be categorized as due to natural or man-related incidents. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is available. 3. 0\n\ Surveys: Boreal and flammulated owl surveys will be conducted after timber harvest and site preparation are completed. Three surveys will be conducted, one every second year for 5 years, to monitorthe presence ofthe owls and to determine if harvest activities impact the owls' use of the area. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is availabie. 4. BMP Implementation and Effectiveness Monitoring: When the resource activity (i.e. timber harvesting orroad construction) begins, timbersale administrators, engineering representatives, resource specialists, and others will ensure that the Best Management Practices (BMPs) are implemented as planned. BMP implementation monitoring is done before, during, and after resource activities have begun. Once BMPs have been implemented, further monitoring is done on representative sites to evaluate if BMPs are effective in meeting management objectives and protecting beneficial uses. A checklist such as the one from the R-1/R-4 "Timber Management - Sediment - Fish Issue - Monitoring Needs and Guidelines" or the "Montana Forest Practices Review Worl<sheet" will be used to monitor BMP implementation and assess BMP effectiveness. 5. Noxious Weed Monitoring: Monitoringofnoxiousweedswillcontinueannuallyfor5yearsafter thetimbersale is closed. Objectives of monitoring will be detection of noxious weed infestations, with recommended treatment if warranted. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is available. 6. Road Restriction Effectiveness Monitoring: Effectiveness of road restrictions will be moni- tored at a minimum annuallyfor 5years. Monitoring will be done during thefall big game season. Monitoring will be done to determine if prescribed road restriction measures were accomplished and effective. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is available. 7. Small Mamma! and Bird Monitoring: Changes in composition (species) and abundance of small mammals relative to changes in habitat composition and structure will be monitored. This will occur annually in a permanent plot established during 1992 and will proceed for as many years as it takes to establish the range of natural variation of population dynamics and habitat use by small mammals and their associated predators. Resident and neotropical migratory songbirds and raptors will also be surveyed annually during May and June to determine fre- quency of occurrence. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is available. 8. Fuel Load Monitoring: Changes in composition, continuity, and arrangement offuel loads will be monitored. In addition, vegetative and soil changes will be monitored. Monitoring will consist of field plots and photo surveys, and the timing of monitoring efforts will vary. During the first growing season after underburning, a surveywill be conducted each month. Two surveyswill be conducted during the second year, one at the beginning and one at the end of the growing season. During years three, five, and ten, one survey will be conducted in the middle of the growing season. These monitoring efforts will occur as funding is available. 9. Livestock Use Monitoring: Changes in livestock use near Unit 12will be monitored to evaluate the need for a drift fence to replace the natural timber barrier lost to harvest. UndertheAllotment ManagementPlan, cattleutilizationwill be monitored; theeffectstothe aspen being regenerated in this projectwill also be monitored. In the event that damage is at unaccept- able levels, specific mitigation will be used which is tailored to the type of damage occurring. 10