University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana
Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School
1983
Squaw Rock a proposed Montana State Natural Area
Janet L. Illgner The University of Montana
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Recommended Citation Illgner, Janet L., "Squaw Rock a proposed Montana State Natural Area" (1983). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 5952. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/5952
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STATE NATURAL AREA
by
Janet L. Illgner
B.S., University of Nebraska (Omaha), 1975
Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Arts
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
1977
Approved by:
Chairman, Board of Examiners
Dean, Graduate School / UMI Number: EP36753
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ABSTRACT
Illgner, Janet L., M.A., December, 1977 Botany
Squaw Rock: A Proposed Montana State Natural Area
Director: James R. Habecji^/^.
In 1974, the Montana Natural Areas Act was enacted by the Montana State Legislature. This stimulated interest in setting aside representative, natural ecosystems throughout Montana. A detailed interpretation of the Natural Areas Act is presented, including earlier legis lative history of this act; progress in implementing this natural area legislation, since 1974, is also reviewed. The objective of this investigation centers around the development of an approach to be followed in compre hensively describing the ecological features and values of nominated state natural areas. One such nominated area. Squaw Rock, located in Granite County in the upper Rock Creek drainage (T7N-R16W, Section 16) was the recipient of detailed study during the summers of 1976 and 1977. Utilizing the special knowledge and expertise of pro fessional scientists and resource managers familiar with Squaw Rock and the surrounding areas, extracting information from past research reports, and spending many days examining and measuring the proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area's biotic features, a natural area description was developed. Emphasis has been placed on the zoologie, geologic, aquatic and botanic character istics of Squaw Rock. Detailed maps of vegetation (habitat types), geology and soils were prepared. Suggestions for site management are presented and di scussed.
11 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This thesis has required time and cooperation from many individuals. It is my pleasure to acknowledge them.
I would like to thank Dr. J.R. Habeck, my committee chairman, for his help and patience, especially during the last few weeks of thesis preparation.
I am indebted to Dr. Stephen Arno for his constant support, encouragement and advice.
I would also like to extend my thanks to Dr. Sherman
Preece and Dr. Riley McClelland, the other members of my commi ttee.
The study was financially supported in part by the
Department of State Lands and the Graduate School of the
University of Montana.
David Ondov designed the computer program for analy zing the field data, and Kathy Davis Sneck spent a day with me studying the fire history of the study site.
I would like to thank my fellow graduate students at the University of Montana Botany Department for their advice and encouragement.
A warm thank you to the people of Rock Creek; Earlene and Lawrence E llio tt, the Bob Neal family, Cathy, and Larry and Barbara Clark for, the hospitality shown me during my stay in their valley.
i i i 1 V
Finally, a very special thank you to Laurel Hilary
Pye, my colleague and cohort, who lived with me for the summer in the one-room USFS cabin, and to Alan K. Johnson, who shared the joys and sorrows of my work, keeping faith until the end. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT...... i i
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... iii
LIST OF TABLES...... viii
LIST OF FIGURES...... ix
LIST OF PLATES...... x
Chapter
I. INTRODUCTION ...... I
II. REVIEW OF THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY ...... 5
The Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974 . . . 5
History of the Montana State Natural Areas A c t ...... 7
II I . STUDY AREA...... 16
Location ...... 16
General Site Description ...... 16
C l i m a t e...... 21
IV. METHODS...... 25
Literature Search and Review ...... 25
Field Procedures...... 27
Data A n a ly s i s...... 29
V. RESULTS...... 31
G e o lo g y...... 31
S o i l s ...... 37 V 1
Chapter Page
Grassland and Shrub!and Types ...... 46
Habitat Types ...... 47
Effects of G razing ...... 54
F o r e s t s ...... 56
Habitat Types ...... 57
Disturbances ...... 65
Aquatic Features ...... 70
Water Qua 1 i t y ...... 71
F i s h e r i e s...... 72
W i l d l i f e ...... 73
Mammals...... 74
B i r d s ...... 76
The Rock Creek Bighorn Sheep...... 77
VI.MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS ...... 82
Management Zones ...... 84
Management Practices ...... 85
VII. SUMMARY...... 92
REFERENCES CITED ...... 94
APPENDIX A ...... 98
APPENDIX B ...... 103
APPENDIX C ...... 104
APPENDIX D ...... 109
APPENDIX E ...... Ill V 1 1
Page
APPENDIX F ...... 118
APPENDIX G ...... 120
APPENDIX H ...... 123
APPENDIX I ...... 130
APPENDIX J ...... 131 LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1. Climato iogica1 Data for the Philipsburg Ranger Station ...... 23
2. Fish population estimates for the 7200' Hogback section of Rock Creek (4/1973) . . . 74
3. Population information on the transplanted Rock Creek bighorn sheep ...... 79
4. Minimum estimate of bighorn sheep on Rock Creek, June 1977 (Butts, 1977) .... 80
VI 11 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Procedures established by the Natural Areas Advisory Council in natural area designation ...... 8
2. Public ownership of the lands surrounding the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural A re a...... 17
3. The proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area . . 22
4. Geology of the proposed Squaw Rock Natural A re a...... 33
5. Soils of the proposed Squaw Rock Natural A re a...... 41
6. Forest, grassland and shrubland habitat types of the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural A re a...... 49
1 X LIST OF PLATES
Plate Page
1. Aerial photograph of the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural A r e a ...... 4
2. Talus rock of Mill G ulch ...... 20
3. Tertiary conglomerate on Squaw R o c k ...... 20
4. "Hoodoos" of Mill G u l c h ...... 36
5. Elymus c i nereu s between the Agropyron spi catum stand and the Festuca idahoensis grassland ...... 52 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
The Montana Natural Areas Act was introduced during the 1973 legislative session by Representatives Dorothy
Bradley of Bozeman and Larry Fasbender of Fort Shaw. The primary impetus behind HB 628 was that the natural qual ities of many school trust lands were being permanently lost. There are approximately 5.2 million acres of school trust lands in Montana, set aside under the Federal Enabl ing Act which admitted Montana into the Union. These lands have been set aside for the financial support of public schools and institutions. The proposed bill was discussed at public meetings, publicized by the press and reviewed and supported by the State Environmental Council (Lukes,
1975). The bill was signed by the Governor of Montana on
21 March, 1974.
Prior to the b ill, the state was without means for establishing natural areas. Now, with the passage of the Act, Montana has officially recognized the need for such protection, and has established procedures for creating natural areas on federal, state, county and private lands.
The primary objective of this study was to develop an approach for the comprehensive description of the
1 2 physical and biological features of a nominated natural area. This thesis would then be the descriptive, ecolog ical study that could be used as the basis for a management plan for the proposed natural area. The nominated Squaw
Rock Natural Area [SRNA], Section 16, T7N-R16W, was selected (Plate 1). Hopefully, this study will serve as a procedural approach for the comprehensive descriptions of other potential natural areas. Plate 1. Aerial photograph of the proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area. Distortion of this square mile results from the oblique angle at which the photograph was taken J- I Chapter II
REVIEW OF THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
The Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974
The Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974 is found in sections 81-2701 to 81-2713 of the Revised Codes of
Montana, 1947 (Appendix A). Section 81-2702 contains the statement of legislative intent to establish a system for the protection of natural areas. The Legislature recog nized that the establishment of natural areas on selected portions of school trust lands is both a legitimate and desirable use of these lands (Lukes, 1975).
Section 81-2703 defines a natural area as follows:
81-2703. Definitions. (1) "Natural area" means an area of land which must generally appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature with the visual aspects of human intrusion not dominant, and also must have one or more of the following characteristics : (a) An outstanding mixture or variety of vegetation, w ildlife, water resource, landscape and scenic values. (b) An important or rare ecological or geological feature or other rare or significant feature worthy of preservation for scientific, educational or ecological purposes.
Section 81-2704 outlines the five basic methods by which lands may be designated or acquired as natural areas
In this section, the "board" referred to is the Board of
Land Commissioners, a body composed of the Governor, the
5 6
h} Attorney General, the Superintendent of Public Instruction,
Sh the Secretary of State and the State Auditor. Under the
^4 Federal Enabling Act, the Board of State Land Commissioners mv administers the 5.2 million acres of school trust lands.
is important to recognize that the Board of State Land p Commi ss i oners is the governing board of the Department of % f*-' State Lands. On 20 February, 1 973 , the Board adopted a
resolution delegating its responsibilities concerning
school trust lands to the Department. As a result, the
functions of the Natural Areas Act were assumed by the
: - department of State Lands. The Board maintains control
assigned by law, by reviewing all natural area activities
at its monthly meetings, either affirming or rejecting the
Department's actions (Lukes, 1975).
Natural areas may become subject to the provisions
of the Act by any of the following ways:
(1) Designation of school trust lands by the Board
of State Land Commissioners.
(2) Designation of state owned lands by the
legislative assembly.
(3) Gift accepted by the board.
(4) Acquisition by the board.
(5) Trade of state owned school trust land for
federal, county or private land equal in value.
Section 81-2705 directs the Department of State
Lands to identify natural areas on its lands, and collect 7 information on potential natural areas on private, county or other state lands.
Section 81-2710 provides for the appointment of a seven member advisory council by the Governor, requiring that four of the members possess experience in the eval uation and preservation of natural areas, and that the remaining three members represent agriculture, ranching and industry. The Natural Areas Advisory Council is directed to make recommendations to the Board for the administration of the natural areas system and additions thereto from private, state, federal or county lands.
Along with the Montana Natural Areas Act, the
Legislature provided an appropriation of $20,000 to the
Department of State Lands to implement the Act.
History of the Montana State Natural Areas Act
After the passage of the Natural Areas Act, the
Department of State Lands created the position of Natural
Areas Specialist, which was fille d by William Courter.
Mr. Courter, aided by the Advisory Council, developed rules which specify procedures to be followed in estab lishing and managing natural areas. These rules were adopted prior to making specific natural area recommenda tions, so that an orderly process could be developed
(Fig. 1). PUBLIC NOMINATION MONTANA NATURAL AREAS ADVISORY COUNCIL Private citizens Land owners 7 Members Appointed by Schools & Universities EVALUATION Governor State agencies Federal agencies 1-Agriculture Industry PROFESSIONAL REPORTS 1-Ranching Supporting organizations 1 - Industry 4-Experienced in Natural Area Work
MANAGING ENTITY
BOARD OF STATE LAND COMMISSIONER
DESIGNATED NATURAL AREAS
Figure 1. Procedures established by the Natural Areas Advisory Council in natural area designation 00 9
The procedure outlined by the Council and William
Courter is as follows: (1) review of a one page nomination
form {Appendix B), (2) review of the more extensive field
evaluation (Appendix C), (3) review of the narrative
(professional) reports, which describe the natural char
acter, condition and extent of geological, zoological,
aquatic and vegetational features represented in the
proposed natural area. (4) If the Natural Areas Advisory
Council decides to recommend the area to the Board of Land
Commissioners, a master plan, which includes proposed
management practices, is drawn up for the area. (5) After
presentation to the Board of Land Commissioners, the Board
has 90 days to act on Council recommendations, by beginning
negotiations to acquire the area by purchase or trade of
federal, county or private lands, by adopting the recommen
dations for the area if it is school trust land, or by
denying the recommendations with a written statement of
its reasons. No area shall be designated by the Board
unless the opportunity for public testimony has been
afforded at meetings provided for in the regulations of
the Act.
Another goal of the Natural Areas Advisory Council
was to create public awareness of natural areas and solicit
public support and involvement in their establishment. An
example of such interest was provided by the Montana Natural 10
Areas Committee. This committee was organized by a coop erative effort on the part of the Society of American
Foresters, the Society for Range Management and the Soil
Conservation Society of America. This committee was formed prior to the passage of the Natural Areas Act, in an independent effort to establish a state natural areas
system. This committee, comprised of interested citizens,
researchers, educators and land managers from throughout
the state, sponsored two Montana natural area workshops
in 1974. Five working groups were formed: Forest, Grass
and Shrubland, Aquatic, Geologic and Zoologie. Their goals were to develop classification schemes and inven
tories for respective areas (Schmidt and Dufour, 1975).
As of 31 January, 1976, nominations had been received
for 25 areas. Of these 25 areas, only Crown Butte had been
fully described by professional reports. Five other areas
had completed field evaluations. Although the legal
framework existed for the establishment of natural areas,
the envisioned system of natural areas was far from a
reality two years after the passage of the Natural Areas
Act of 1974.
The in itia l problem appeared to be the amount of
funding provided to the Department of State Lands to
carry out the legislative mandate of establishing a state
natural areas system. The Legislature's appropriation of
$20,000 to implement the Act, was barely enough to get the 11 program underway, much less begin an active program of natural area designation and acquisition. As a result, the nomination, evaluation and scientific descriptions of natural areas relied on volunteer individuals and organizations.
Most volunteer citizens lack the expertise and technical skills necessary to describe the biological and physical features of nominated areas. The volunteered expertise of professionals proved impractical because of the time and money required. The theoretical classifica tion scheme developed by the Montana Natural Areas
Committee never resulted in any designated natural areas.
This thesis project was proposed to the Natural Areas
Advisory Council at their 28 February, 1976 meeting. The objective of the study was to organize a complete and comprehensive description of one proposed state natural area. This would serve as a prototype or example for others to follow. Utilizing the expertise and time of interested professionals, previous research and personal skills, a natural area description including an assessment of the geologic, zoological, aquatic and vegetational features was planned. This study was aimed at fu lfillin g the Natural Areas Advisory Council's requirements of both the site evaluation and the narrative (professional) reports. This descriptive, ecological study would then 12 be used as the basis for a management plan for the proposed natural area.
Several areas were recommended for study by William
Courter. The nominated Squaw Rock Natural Area [SRNA] was selected because of its proximity to Missoula, Montana, and for its outstanding physical and biological features.
Complicated land trades could be avoided because Section
16, as school trust land, was already under the jurisdic tion of the Department of State Lands.
During the spring of 1976, the Department of State
Lands attempted to procure funding from the Old West
Regional Commission to develop, refine and apply a procedure for the establishment of a system of natural areas. This request was unsuccessful.
Funding for the natural areas program during the fiscal years of 1975-76 was obtained through the Resource
Development Funds from the Department of State Lands, amounting to $20,000 annually. This budget permitted the
state to compensate natural area evaluators for their efforts in identifying and assessing potential natural
areas. A consultant fee of $50 would be provided for a
site-specific evaluation for each feature (i.e. geologic,
aquatic, forest, etc.), in addition to reimbursement for
living and travel expenses in accordance with Chapter 5,
Title 59 (R.C.M. 1947); expenses for supplies, postage,
film, maps and aerial photos would also be provided. 13
This approach of compensating natural area evaluators announced in early July, 1976, seemed to provide an interim solution. But on 7 July, 1976, the Montana State Attorney
General announced an opinion concerning the Natural Areas
Act that caused the development of a natural areas system to come to a "screeching halt" (Bradley, 1976).
An inherent weakness in the establishment of a natural area system in Montana stems from a basic conflict between the Federal Enabling Act and the Montana Natural Areas Act.
This conflict was brought to light during the Advisory
Council's meeting of September 5 and 6, 1975. The Enabling
Act of February 22, 1889, 25 Sta. 676, which admitted
Montana into the Union, granted sections 16 and 36 in every township "for the support of common schools," and prohibited disposition of such lands "unless the full market value of
the estate or interest disposed of...has been paid"
(Woodahl, 1976).
Literally, this was interpreted by the Attorney General to mean the State of Montana must generate and sustain real
income from the school trust lands whenever possible. The
Legislature had assumed that the educational value of a natural area fu lfille d the State's obligation to the school
trust fund. But the Attorney General's opinion states:
So that the State will not commit a breach of trust under the Enabling Act and Montana Constitu tion, the State must actually compensate its school trust in money for the full appraised value of any 14
school trust lands designated as or exchanged for natural areas pursuant to the Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974. Such compensation can only be avoided by securing the consent of Congress (Woodahl, 1976).
Representative Dorothy Bradley of the Governor's
Natural Areas Advisory Council gave oral testimony in a
November 15, 1976, public hearing at a Board of Land
Commissioner's regular meeting.
At our last meeting the State Natural Areas Advisory Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting an amendment to the Enabling Act. This would have to be done in Congress. An amendment which would simply state that the educational value of Natural Areas fu lfills the state obligation to the school trust fund. In other words, that compen sation would not be necessary...
No further attempts have been directed towards amending the Federal Enabling Act. The last Advisory
Council meeting of 17 December, 1976 was conducted infor mally, due to an insufficient number of members necessary to comprise a quorum.
William Courter resigned his position as Natural Area
Specialist in March, 1977. Another Specialist was hired for a three month period, until the position was terminated.
Michael Shea, a Land Use Technician, now assumes the duties of overseeing the natural areas program as part of his position within the Department of State Lands. The natural areas program was funded by appropriated coal tax monies during the fiscal year of 1977. The Legislature allocated
a $15,000 amount for the fiscal year of 1978 (Osborne,
pers. comm.). The Montana Natural Areas Committee dissolved 15 after the Attorney General's opinion was released, as key members of the working groups left the state for other work pos it ions.
Because of the expense in compensating the school trust fund in permanently designating natural areas, the
Department presently has taken the position of leasing the natural areas to appropriate agencies. Current efforts are centered around the Owen Sowerwine and Crown Butte
Natural Areas (Shea, pers. comm.). The proposed Owen
Sowerwine Natural Area is located along the Flathead
River one-half mile from Kali spell. This area of school trust land would be managed and leased by the Flathead
County Park Board, for the same amount obtained from area's grazing lease. If the Department of Fish and Game will manage and lease the Crown Butte Natural Area, another section of school trust land will be traded for Crown Butte, which is privately owned. Chapter III
STUDY AREA
The Department of State Lands nominated the Squaw
Rock site for consideration as a state natural area based on the information gathered in the Department's state-wide recreation inventory conducted in 1973. All members of the Natural Areas Advisory Council walked through the area
5 September, 1975. Discussions of the section's qualities and potential designation problems were held, and the
Council unanimously requested that further investigation of the area be conducted.
Location
The proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area, T7N-R16W,
Section 16, is located along the extreme southern end of the John Long Mountains, east of the Sapphire Mountains and the Bitterroot Valley, and west of the Flint Creek
Valley (Fig. 2). The site is located 18 miles (29 km.) west of Philipsburg and 60 miles (97 km.) southeast of
Missoula. County Road 348 provides year round access to the study site.
General Site Description
The most prominent feature of this square mile area is the precipitous cliffs bordering Rock Creek. The
16 ] 7 R16W
^ I
01
24
USFS 27
B LfVI
STATE
PRIVATE
Figure 2. Public ownership of the lands surrounding the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area (Aderhold, 1972) 18 largest of these. Squaw Rock, obtained its name from an obscure Indian legend. Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nest yearly on Squaw Rock, and the cliffs serve as lambing grounds in the spring for an introduced herd of bighorn
sheep (Ovis canadensi s ).
Much of Section 16 is underlain by the Ravalli forma
tion of grey-pink argillaceous quartzite and dark-blue
shale. These rocks are typically found in slides and talus
of such areas as Mill Gulch (Plate 2). Eroded materials
from this Belt Series formation were deposited during the
Tertiary and were metamorphosed into the conglomerate
found throughout the cliffs (Plate 3). Alluvial deposits
of the above materials form most of the Rock Creek valley
floor, and the alluvial fans at the mouths of the side
drainages (Aderhold, 1972).
The SRNA possess six different soil series within
two soil orders. The Incepticols order, which includes
the Garlet soil series, is a group of young mountain soils,
which are thin and stoney without well-developed horizons,
commonly found in areas of extreme topographic relief.
The second is the Molli sols soil order, including the
Bearmouth, Slocum, Cheadle, Marcetta and Maukey soil
series. These soils have developed on well drained parent
material and have well developed horizons with a character
istic thick, dark surface horizon (Brady, 1974). 19
Plate 2. Talus in Mill Gulch
Plate 3. Tertiary conglomerate on Squaw Rock M il
. m - - 'y 21
The cliffs grade northward into rolling Agropyron spicatum, Festuca idahoensis and Festuca scabrel1 a grass land covered hills. These grasslands are dissected by predominantly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menzi esi i ) forested ridges and draws. The slopes of Windlass and Mill Gulches
(Plate 1) support a Douglas-fir forest, with some ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juni perus scopulorum) . At the base of the cliffs flows a mile-long segment of Rock Creek
(Fig. 3), famous as one of seven Mountain Blue Ribbon trout streams (Brown, ejt ^ . , 1965).
The entire section is leased to John Luthje for $70 annually, based on a carrying capacity of 113 animal unit months (Appendix D). The irrigated pasture in this section south of Rock Creek (Fig. 3) has received heavy grazing impact, and consists chiefly of non-native species. On this 70 acre (28 ha.) parcel of Section 16, are some old ranch buildings of undetermined origin and a modern tele phone line. The 570 acres (231 ha.) north of Rock Creek are in very good condition.
Climate
The climatological data for 1976, as well as the summary of temperatures for 64 years and precipitation for
71 years is listed in Table 1. This information is taken
from the Philipsburg Ranger Station, USDA Forest Service 22
I
V
C
Figure 3. The proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area 23 weather records. The latitude of the station is 46° 19'
North, and the longitude is 113° 18' West. The elevation is 5,270.
The elevational range for the proposed SRNA is from
4,800 to 5,962 feet. The latitude is 46° 21' North, and the longitude is 113° 36' West. Berwick (1968) installed a weather station including a seven day thermograph at the
Neal ranch two miles southeast of Section 16 for the winter months of January, February and March, 1968. The mean minimum temperature at Rock Creek was 0.5° F. less than the
Philipsburg Ranger Station, while the mean maximum
Table 1
CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA FOR THE PHILIPSBURG RANGER STATION
Preci pi tati on Temperature °F. Month
1976 Average 1976 Mean
January 0.24" 0. 83" 29.0 21.6 February 0.36" 0.60" 28.3 25.9 March 0.48" 0.94" 28.8 29.3 Apri 1 1 .47" 1.16" 40.3 39.2 May 2.08" 2.01" 50.2 47.0 June 2.92" 3.15" 53.2 53.6 July 1 . 56" 1.17" 61.4 61.2 August 1.88" 1.21" 57.3 59.0 September 1.71" 1.23" 52.8 51.5 October 0.55" 1.01" 43.5 42.8 November 0.14" 0.81 " 34.6 31 .6 December 0.26" 0.80" 30.2 25.2
Year 13.65" 14.93" 42.5 41.7 24 temperature was 0.5° F. higher. He concludes that the
Rock Creek and Philipsburg data are quite comparable, although temperature extremes are more pronounced at Rock
Creek.
Although the months of January, February and March of 1976 received less than the average amount of precipi tation, the months from April through October received more precipitation than average, except during June. This was reflected in the extent and diversity of the spring and summer flora. Chapter IV
METHODS
Training in botany, specifically in plant ecology, provided the skills needed for the field work in vegeta- tional sampling. Field oriented studies occupied the summer months from June through August, 1976, followed by periodic visits through the remainder of the year and during the spring of 1977. The Deerlodge National Forest provided a cabin one-quarter mile from the study site.
In order to adequately describe the geology and soils, aquatic resources and w ildlife, a variety of sources were used. Consultation with professionals of various govern ment agencies, and researching published studies and university theses, provided the information for these features.
Literature Search and Review
In itial efforts were directed towards obtaining maps and air photos of the study area. Mrs. Joyce Haley pro vided valuable assistance locating air photos and maps of the area. She is administratively responsible for the atlas files and archives within Region I of the USDA
Forest Service, Division of Engineering, Geometronics, located at Fort Missoula.
25 26
The advanced topographic sheet of Section 16 and surrounding area were purchased from the Geological Survey.
The U.S. Geological Survey address is STOP 510, Box 25046,
Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, 80228.
Information for the soils description originated from the Granite County Soil Survey (U.S. Soil Conservation
Service, 1965). The soils of the ranching areas of upper
Rock Creek, including Section 16, were typed in 1965 by the Soil Conservation Service under the direction of Ralph
Dunmire, Missoula District Office. With the help of
Douglas Harrison, of the same office, original soil maps were traced (Fig. 5), and the soil survey draft was condensed.
Much of the geological description was obtained from library research and from Aderhold (1972), in his lit e r ature review of the geology of the bighorn sheep winter range which includes the proposed SRNA.
Primary sources of information concerning the w ildlife of Section 16 were the individual studies of Berwick (1968),
Cooperrider (1969) and Aderhold (1972). Personal communi cations with Mr. Ruel Jansen, Montana Department of Fish and Game, and Mr. Tom Butts, Bureau of Land Management, as well as many of the residents of the Rock Creek area, provided valuable information. Daily observations of birds and mammals were recorded throughout the summer of
1976 (Appendices I and J). 27
A segment of Windlass Gulch, a perenn i a 1 stream, and a one mile (1.6 km.) segment of Rock Creek flow through
the proposed SRNA. Because of Rock Creek's superior water quality (Montana Water Quality Criteria, 1974) and impor
tance as a Blue Ribbon trout stream (Brown, ^ , 1965),
it has been the subject of numerous studies by the Lolo
and Deerlodge National Forests, and the Fisheries Division
of the Montana Department of Fish and Game. The descrip
tion of the aquatic features was taken from the information
found in these reports.
Field Procedures
The procedures used to sample the forested areas were
described in the Forest Habitat Types of Montana (Pfister,
et a l., 1 977 ). At least one 375 square meter (about one-
tenth acre) circular plot was laid out in each stand. The
canopy coverages of the grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees
were recorded by the following classes: Trace = 0-1%,
1=1-5%, 2=5-25%, 3=25-50%, 4=50-75%, 5=75-95%, 6=95-100%
and +=present in stand but not in plot (Pfister, et a l.,
1977).
For tree species in the plot, the canopy coverages
were recorded collectively for all trees in the following
size classes: <4 in. d.b.h.; 4-12 in. d.b.h.; >12 in. d.b.h
Two trees per plot were increment bored four feet from the 2 8 ground to obtain stand age. A total of 119 trees were bored.
Estimates of ground covered by moss and lichen, rock and exposed mineral soil, were also recorded. Observations were recorded on fire history, tree disease occurrence, animal use and stand position in relation to adjoining stands. The physical parameters of the site such as ele vation, slope aspect, inclination and topographic location were also recorded.
Grassland and shrubland communities were sampled according to procedures outlined in Mueggler and Handl's
(1974) preliminary manual. Several 37.5 square meter
(about one-hundredth acre) circular plots were laid out
In each stand. A lis t was prepared for all species in the plot, and canopy coverage was recorded as in the forested stands. Estimates of exposed soil, rock, moss and lichen coverages were also obtained, as well as the physical site parameters recorded in the forested stands.
In itia lly , 20x50 cm. quadrats were used in sampling the grasslands. This method was abandoned because it was too time-consuming for the descriptive objectives described.
Therefore, the remainder of the grassland and shrubland series were sampled and described by the 37.5 square meter circular plots. 29
Sample plots were located in representative portions of the selected timbered and nontimbered stands. Efforts were made to avoid edge effects, obvious ecotones, openings, dense clumps, recent disturbances and microsites (rock outcrops, seep areas or swales). No attempt was made to use a random system of stand selection. The objective of sampling was to create a vegetation map (Fig. 6), and the descriptive information necessary for inclusion and manage ment within the Montana State Natural Area system.
There were a total of 215 vascular species identified in the 59 timbered, and 114 nontimbered plots sampled
(Appendix E). Plant species observed after a stand had been sampled were recorded by a "+," and listed with the data for each habitat type. Nomenclature is based on
Hitchcock ejt (1 973 ). Peter Stickney of the United
States Forestry Sciences Research Lab and Klaus Lackshewitz of the University of Montana Botany Department aided by verifying identification of the plant collection from the study site.
Data Analysis
The objectives of the vegetational study were to delineate and describe the forest, grassland and shrubland habitat types. A species composition lis t for each habitat type was compiled from the individual plot data within each type. Constancy values as described by Pfister et a l.. 30
(1977) and coverage values were figured for each species in each habitat type.
Determination of average per cent cover in each habitat type (Appendices G and H) was accomplished by summing the midpoints for cover classes (or adding zero when the species was absent in the plot), each time they were recorded, and dividing by the total number of plots for each habitat type. Midpoints for the coverage classes are: +=0.3%; T=0.5%; 1=2.5%; 2=15.0%; 3=37.5%; 4=62.5%;
5=85.0%; and 6=97.5%. Chapter V
RESULTS
Geology
Calkins and Emmon’s (1915) work on the Philipsburg
Quadrangle came within three miles of the study site.
Ross, Harris and Burke (1945), on a two day reconnaissance, drew a map of the Sapphire Quadrange that included Section
16, but the work was never published. The contents of this map were included later in Ross's Geological Map of
Montana (1955). The geology of this area has never been adequately studied or described (Alt, pers. comm.).
The earliest geologic event detectable on the sheep
range was the deposition of sand which has been consoli
dated into the rock of the Montana Belt Series. The Series was named for the Little Belt Mountains of central Montana, where the type was firs t discovered. Making up the surface
geology of much of the Montana Rockies, it has possible
correlatives exposed from Alaska to northern Mexico (Ross,
1963). Recent radiation research has placed the age of
the Belt Series at between 1,200 and 750 million years,
well into the Precambrian Era, and easily among the oldest
surface rocks in North America. Due to the absence of
diagnostic fossils and the presence of lateral variations,
31 32
Figure 4. Geology of the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area
Precambrian Ravalli Formation
Tertiary Conglomerate
P ] Quaternary Alluvium
34 the rocks have been d iffic u lt to work with geologically.
Nonetheless, the Belt Series in Montana has been divided
into several formations, only two of which have been
found on or near the Squaw Rock sheep range (Aderhold,
1972). These two formations are the Ravalli Formation and the Helena Formation. Only the former of these two formations is present on Section 16.
The Ravalli Formation is the older of the two (Ross,
1963). The lower two-thirds of this formation consists of a light gray, very fine grained quartzite, while the
upper third is a much darker blue and green shale inter bedded with dark quartzite sandstone and quartzite similar
to the lower two-thirds. Chemically, both layers are dominated by silicon dioxide (SiOg), aluminum oxide
(AlgOg) and ferric oxide (FegOg) (Twenhofel, 1961). The
upper layer differs in its greater percentage of calcium and magnesium oxides and carbonates. The lower rock was
deposited in shallow marine waters, as is shown by its
composition and cross bedding. The increase in the pro
portion of muddy material found in the higher shale beds was probably due to the diminished erosional activity
such as would occur with a deepening of the water body.
Excellent examples of the Ravalli Formation may be seen
in Mill Gulch and much of the talus or slide
rock (Plate 2) in the area is of this formation (Aderhold,
1972). 35
In the three-quarters of a billion years or so since the formation of the Belt Series was terminated by the
upheaval and warping of the earth's crust, western Montana was elevated at least six times and flooded at least five
times (Eardley, 1962). Sedimentation was repeatedly
interrupted by upheaval, erosion and resubmersion.
About 75 million years ago, during the Tertiary Age,
the surface of this area was repeatedly crumbled, broken
and tilted. Compressive forces resulting in thrust faults
and folding, and volcanic activity roughed out the Rocky
Mountains (Langton, 1935). During this unsettled period,
large bodies of eroded material were deposited along the
Rock Creek area. The eroded material was compressed to
a conglomerate, much of which has been eroded away. Fine
exposures of this can be seen on Squaw Rock (Plate 3).
Erosion of this rock into spires or "hoodoos" is visible
along both sides of Mill Gulch (Plate 4). The pebbles of
the conglomerate average golf ball size, and are composed
of a dull red quartzite sandstone. The matrix consists
of a quartz sand mixed with a whitish dust, apparently
of volcanic origin. Aderhold (1972) reports cattle, deer
and bighorn sheep pawing, nosing and apparently using the
soils of this formation as a mineral source.
Chemically, the formation carries traces of b iotite,
orthoclase and agate minerals, which are sources of sodium 36
Plate 4. "Hoodoos" of Mill Gulch 37 and potassium, elements generally absent from the Pre cambrian formations (Aderhold, 1972).
The process of erosion and sedimentation continued until about one million years ago, when the relief of the larger features was similar to what it is now. At this time, the climate was much colder than it had been, and the precipitation was much heavier. Alpine glaciers formed and the earth entered a time of glaciation. Thus far, there have been four major periods of glaciation, the last declining about 10 to 15 thousand years ago.
Glaciers, forces of moving water and gravity, and time, created the youngest of the study site's three formations, the Quaternary gravels. These gravels spread across the narrow floor of the Rock Creek valley and extend into the mouths of the larger gulches. This alluvium is composed of loose sediments ranging from s ilt size to boulders, which have been derived from the Belt and Tertiary deposits in the area. These gravels from the valley floor are best viewed along the banks of Rock Creek during low water
(Aderhold, 1972).
Soi 1 s
All soils are a product of interaction of climate, parent material, topography, time and biological activity.
Based upon the relative influences among these factors, soils are classified into orders. Section 16 possesses 38 two different soil orders, the Inceptisols and the Molli- sols. The Inceptisols, which include the Garlet soil series, are young soils without well-developed soil horizons. The Molli sols include the Bearmouth, Slocum,
Cheadle, Marcetta and Maukey soil series. These soils are fe rtile , with a characteristic thick, dark surface horizon and a well-developed profile (Brady, 1974).
The Bearmouth Series. The Bearmouth soils underlie most of the pasture land of the Rock Creek valley. They consist of well drained, nearly level to strongly sloping loamy soils that are underlain by loose gravelly sand at a depth of 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 cm.). The loose materials under laying these soils are well rounded, assorted outwash materials derived from high gradient streams. The native vegetation consists of bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) , green needlegrass (Stipa viridula) and Sandberg bluegrass (Poa sandbergi i ). The mean annual soil temperature ranges from 42° F. to 44° F.
(5.7° C. to 6.7° C.). The pH ranges from 6.6 to 7.3.
Annual precipitation is 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm.),
and the frost free period is less than 90 days. Elevation
varies from about 5,000 to 5,600 feet (1,525 to 1,708 m.).
Bearmouth soils are used primarily for irrigated
native and domestic hay and pasture. Because of their
thin profiles, and low water capacities, these soils are 39 subject to drought and require irrigation to produce decent yields. When irrigation water is not available,
their use is dryland range.
The Slocum Series. Slocum soils underlie the few
swampy areas in the Rock Creek valley. They consist of
somewhat poorly drained, nearly level to very gently
sloping loamy soils that are about 20 to 48 inches (51 to
122 cm.) deep. These soils are developed under grass in
noncalcareous, stratified alluvium. The native vegetation
consists mainly of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata)
and wild ryegrass (E1ymus g 1aucus ). The mean soil temper
ature for drained areas is 43° F. (6° C.). The pH range
is from 6.6 to 7.3. They occur at elevations of 3,800 to
5,500 feet (1,159 to 1,678 m.) in areas having mean annual
precipitation of 11 to 19 inches (30 to 48 cm.}. The
frost free period is less than 110 days. Slocum soils are
used for irrigated pasture and hay production, and range.
The SIocum-Bearmouth Complex. A complex is defined
by Mr. Harrison as two or more contrasting soils together
in an intricate pattern which cannot be mapped separately
at this scale of mapping.
The SIocum-Bearmouth Complex occurs on low bottomland
areas in the Rock Creek valley. It consists of 50 to 60
per cent moderately deep Bearmouth gravelly loam, 20 to 25 40
Figure 5. Soils of the proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area
Bearmouth Cobbly Loam
Bearmouth Loam
SIocum-Bearmouth Complex
Garlet Soi 1s
Garlet Rock Outcrop Association
Cheadle Association, 35-65% Slopes
Cheadle Association, 9-35% Slopes
Marcetta-Cheadle Association
Maukey Complex
Rock Outcrop and Talus MÏÏMÏÏ:
Æ e :::::::: «: «liHÜHiliîifl iiuliiiiill »»»» ;nUIHJiiliiiiiiii H iUHH-iU»::::::::::::::: üHxli Hüiuîmu
:::::: ::::::
mSSSSSSSSSSS* ■il•••■•«••••a 42 per cent very shallow Bearmouth gravelly loam and 10 to
15 per cent of small, scattered inclusions of Bearmouth cobbly loam and moderately deep Slocum gravelly loam. The
Slocum loam occupies the low concave swales, and the Bear mouth gravelly loam is intermixed on the slightly higher convex relief in the landscape. Soils of this complex are used for range, and irrigated hay and pasture.
The Garlet Series. The Garlet soils consist of well drained, strongly sloping and very steep loamy soils that are more than 50 inches (152 cm.) deep. These soils are developed under dense boreal conifer forests in noncal- careous, very gravelly or cobbly loams. The native vegeta
tion consists mainly of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine.
Elevation ranges from 4,800 to 6,200 feet (1,464 to
1,891 m.), and the mean annual precipitation from 15 to
22 inches (38 to 56 cm.). The mean annual soil temperature
is about 40° F. (4.4° C.). The pH ranges from 6.6 to 7.3.
The frost free period is less than 90 days.
These soils are young and generally the horizons are formed at relatively short intervals of time. They have a high water holding capacity, but are low in organic matter and fe rtility . These soils are used for timber
production, w ildlife habitat and very limited livestock
grazing. 43
Rock Outcrop and Talus. This miscellaneous land type consists of barren, hard bedrock outcrop and inclu sions of talus areas that occupy canyons, mountain slopes and escarpments. The areas range from 10 to 80 acres
(4.5 to 32.4 ha.) in size. Included and intermixed with some of the rock outcrop are a few small areas of shallow soi 1.
The talus inclusions consist of local accumulations of angular and fractured metamorphic and traprock that form loose and unstable stone and cobble fields on mountain slopes. Most areas are devoid of higher, vascular vegeta tion except a few scattered trees that are deeply rooted to the bedrock.
The Garlet-Rock Outcrop Association. An association
is defined by Mr. Harrison as two or more similar soils occurring together, not mapped separately due to similar
i n terpretati ons.
The association consists of 40 to 60 per cent Garlet gravelly loam and 20 to 30 per cent barren rock outcrop
that occupies strongly sloping and very steep mountainous
terrain. In this unit are other small areas of soils that
include Duncan loam, Marcetta gravelly loam, Cheadle
gravelly loam and Garlet loam. The above inclusions make
up 10 to 15 per cent of this association. The Garlet
gravelly loam occurs on the general landscape in areas of 44
50 to 250 acres (20.2 to 101.2 ha.) in size. The areas of rock outcrop are intermingled in the Garlet gravelly loam, and usually outcrop along the strike of the prominent beds. This association is used for timber production and wildlife habitat.
The Cheadle Series. The Cheadle soils consist of well drained, strongly sloping and very steep, shallow loamy soils. They have formed under bunchgrasses in noncalcar- eous, very gravelly loam material underlain by bedrock at a depth of 20 inches (51 cm.) or less. The native vegeta tion consists mainly of bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) and rough fescue (Festuca scabrella). The mean annual soil temperature is about 45° F. (7.2° C.). The pH range is from 6.6 to 7.3. The Cheadle soil series occurs in areas having 15 to 19 inches (38 to 48 cm.) of annual precipitation, less than a 90 day period free from frost, at elevations from 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1,525 to
2,135 m.). The areas of this soil are used for range.
The Cheadle Association. This soil association consists of 50 to 60 per cent Cheadle gravelly loam, 15
to 20 per cent Cheadle cobbly and stoney loam and 15 per cent inclusions of other soils; Marcetta loam, Ringling
gravelly loam, Donald loam and rock outcrop. 45
This soil is well drained, has moderate permeability and holds less than one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) of moisture for plant use. It has moderate natural fe r tility and a moderate amount of organic matter in the surface layer. The areas of this association are used for range.
The Marcetta Series. The Marcetta series consist of well drained, strongly sloping and steep loamy soils that are more than 60 inches (152 cm.) deep. They are developed under bunchgrass in noncalcareous, very gravelly loam on mountain slopes and on associated higher benches. The native vegetation consists of rough fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass and Richardson needlegrass (Stipa richardsonii).
The mean annual soil temperature is about 45° F. (7.2° C.), and the pH range is from 6.6 to 7.3. These soils occur in areas having 15 to 19 inches (38 to 48 cm.) of precipi tation, with a frost free period of less than 90 days, at elevations of 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,525 to 1,830 m.).
The Marcetta-Cheadle Association. This soil type occurs on steep foothills and lower mountain slopes of the
Garnet and John Long Ranges. This unit consists of 50 to
60 per cent Marcetta gravelly loam, 25 to 35 per cent
Cheadle gravelly loam and about 15 per cent inclusions of
Ringling gravelly loam, Garlet loam. Rattler loam and rock outcrop. The soils of this association are used for range. 46
The Maukey Series. The Maukey series consists of well drained, very gently sloping to steep, loamy soils on uplands. They have formed under grasslands, and in calcareous materials weathered from gravelly loam. The native vegetation consists mainly of bluebunch wheatgrass and rough fescue. The mean annual soil temperature is abour 42° F. (5.7° C.). The pH ranges from 7.4 to 8.4.
They occur at elevations of 5,200 to 6,000 feet (1,586
to 1,830 m.) where the frost free period is less than
90 days.
The Maukey Complex. This soil complex occupies
strongly sloping uplands. It consists of 65 to 75 per cent
Maukey gravelly loam, 15 to 25 per cent of an unnamed soil
and about 15 per cent inclusions of other soils. It is moderately fe rtile , and has a low organic matter content
in the surface layer. The soil is well drained, has
moderate permeability and will hold about 4 inches (10 cm.)
of moisture. Soils of this complex are used for range.
Grassland and Shrubland Types
Approximately 20 per cent or 136 acres (55 ha.) of
the proposed Squaw Rock State Natural Area is dominated
by shrubs and grasses (Plate 1). These grassland and
shrubland types were classified according to the system
established by Mueggler and Handl (1974). 47
Five habitat types were identified, described and mapped (Fig. 6). These five types are:
(1) Agropyron spicatum/ Poa sandbergi1 (MONT.) h.t.
(AGSP/POSAN)
(2) Festuca i dahoens i s/ Agropyron spicatum h.t.
(FEID/A6SP)
(3) Festuca scabrel1a/ Festuca i dahoens i s h.t.
(FESC/FEID), Gernaiurn viscosissimum phase (GEVI)
(4) Artemi s i a tri denta/ Festuca i dahoensis (MONT.)
(5) Artemis i a triden ta ta/ Festuca scabre11 a h.t.
(ARTR/FESC)
The location of these five grassland and shrubland types corresponds well with aspect, elevation, degree of slope and soil type. The effects of aspect appear to provide the strongest correlation.
Habitat Types
AGSP/POSAN h.t. -- 6 acres (2.4 ha.). Thirty-two
20x50 cm. (one-tenth square meter) rectangular plots were
sampled in the bluebunch wheatgrass habitat type. This
type corresponds well with the description given in
Mueggler and Nandi's (1974) handbook.
Agropyron spi caturn dominated areas are found between
5,200 and 5,400 feet (1,586 to 1,617 m.), on southeast
facing slopes between 150° and 175°. The slope inclination
for these plots is from 20° to 30°. This grassland type. 48
Figure 6. Forest, grassland and shrubland habitat types of the proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area
Rock Outcrop and PSME/CARU h.t Talus
AGSP/POSAN h.t. 7j PSME/SYAL h.t
FEÎO/AGSP h.t PSME/CARU-PSME/SYAL complex
FESC/FEID h.t. PSME/PHMA h.t.
L. ARTR/FEID h.t. PSME/LIBO h.t.
ARTR/FESC h.t Riparian hardwood
PSME/AGSP h.t Pondère sa pine/Black cottonwood
PSME/FEID h.t Douglas-fir/ponderosa pine
PSME/FESC h.t Irrigated pasture
50 found on the Marcetta-Cheadle Association soils, occupies the least amount of area of the grassland and shrubland types.
Thirty-one species were identified within this habitat type. Slopes are steep and rocky, resulting in low coverage values for most species. Constancy and average canopy covers are given for each species in Appendix G. Agropyron spicatum and Koeleria cristata are the only species having a class 2 (5-25%) canopy cover value. Lupinus sericeus,
Erigeron composi tus, Poa sandberg i i and Achillea m illi- folium are some of the other important species. Poa compressa and Bromus tectorum are present in rodent disturbed sites.
FEID/AGSP h.t. -- 36 acres (15 ha.). Of the grassland types, the Idaho fescue dominated grasslands occupy the
largest amount of area in the proposed state natural area.
This type is found between 5,280 and 5,680 feet (1,610 and
1,732 m.), on southwest facing slopes with azimuths from
200° to 300° west-northwest. The average slope is 15° to
20°, with extremes of 0° to 35°. Generally, on slopes of
less than 250° azimuth, this grassland type extends the entire 400 foot (122 m.) range of elevation. As the azimuth increases, Festuca scabrella becomes the dominant
grass above 5,500 feet (1,678 m.). This grassland type
is also found on the Marcetta Cheadle Association. 51
Seventy-four species were identified in the forty
20x50 cm. and 37.5 square meter plots sampled (Appendix G)
Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass are the dominant species. The forbs with the highest coverages in the
FEID/AGSP h.t. are Achillea m illifolium . Taraxacum o fficinale, Arenari a conges ta , Lupinus sericeus, Eri geron composi tus and Astragal us miser (Appendix G). Elymus qlaucus was found in a swale with Aqastache u rtic ifo lia , between the bluebunch wheatgrass stand and the Idaho fescue grassland (Plate 5).
FESC/FEID h .t., GEVI phase -- 24 acres (9.6 h a .).
Rough fescue dominates the west and northwest facing upper grasslands, occurring between 5,500 and 5,920 feet
(1,678 and 1,806 m.). Slopes vary from 10° to 30° in steepness; the average slope inclination being 25°.
Azimuth readings range from 250° to 300°. The rough fescue grasslands are found on the Marcetta-Cheadle
Association.
Seventy-two species were identified in the eighteen
37.5 square meter circular plots sampled within the FESC/
FEID h.t. GEVI phase. These grasslands, dominated by rough fescue, have the highest canopy coverage values of the three grassland types.
Rough fescue and Idaho fescue each had an average cover class of 3 (25-50%). Important forbs associated 52
Plate 5. E1ymus qlaucus between the Agropyron spicatum stand and the Festuca idahoens1s grassland 53 include Antennaria microphyl1 a, Astragal us miser.
Taraxacum offi cinale. Phlox 1ongifolia, Eri geron compos i tus, Arenari a conges ta and Achillea millifolium
(Appendix 6).
ARTR/FEID h.t. -- 56 acres (22 ha.). This habitat type is found on southeast facing slopes from 95° to 175° and on southwest facing slopes from 205° to 265°, on 10° to 35° slopes. The elevational range is from 5,480 to
5,920 feet (1,671 to 1,806 m.) on three soil types; the
Marcetta-Cheadle Association, the Cheadle Association and the Maukey Complex.
There were seventy-seven species identified within the twenty plots sampled (Appendix G). The average canopy coverage class for Artemi s i a tri den ta ta , Festuca idahoensi s and Agropyron spicatum individually was a 2 (5-25%). Some important associated forbs are Agastache u rtic ifo lia ,
Ba1samorhi za sagi tta ta , Achillea millifolium and Lupinus sericeus.
The east side of the ridge between Windlass and Mill
Gulches supports vegetation that differs from the west
facing slopes. The vegetation is dominated by Artemisia
tridentata, Lupinus sericeus, Festuca idahoensis,
Agropyron spicatum and Ba1samorhi za sagi tta ta . Balsam
root is found very infrequently elsewhere. On this slope,
its average cover class is 3 (25-50%). 54
ARTR/FESC h.t. -- 14 acres (5.5 ha.). The ARTR/FESC h.t. is restricted within Section 16 to the upper eastern slope of Mill Gulch (Fig. 6). Found on 15° to 30° slopes, it occurs in a small area on the Maukey Complex from
5,480 to 5,500 feet (1,671 to 1 ,678 m. ) on slopes with northwest azimuths of 265° to 285°.
The five sampled 37.5 square meter circular plots of this shrubland type were taken late August, 1976; forty- one vascular species were identified (Appendix G). Although the average number of species found in ARTR/FESC h.t. plots was thirty-one in Mueggler and Handl's (1974) study, this number is low in comparison with the other four grassland and shrubland types. This may be attributed to the area's
late August sampling date, because of its less accessible position on Section 16.
Big sagebrush had an average canopy cover class of
3 (25-50%). Rough and Idaho fescue had cover class values of 2 (5-25%). The forbs with the highest coverages are
Agastache u rtic ifo lia , Lupinus sericeus, Achi1 lea m illifolium , Solidago nemora1is and Artemisia michauxiana
(Appendix G).
Effects of Grazing. Upon in itia l observation of the
grasslands and shrublands of the proposed SRNA, the effects
of grazing are not obvious. The areas most disturbed are 55 those under isolated trees in open areas, which are heavily used by cattle for shade and shelter.
The area of Section 16 north of Rock Creek is subjected to grazing from September through December. Mr.
John Luthje, whose lease of the area's 640 acres allows him to graze 113 animal unit months (Appendix D), restricts the cattle to the riparian area and irrigated pasture south of Rock Creek, until the end of August or early September.
They are turned into the upper region through a gate at the mouth of Windlass Gulch, and graze until January firs t.
Therefore, grazing has lit t le direct effect on the flower and seed production of the bunchgrasses.
Mueggler and Handl (1974) give lists of decreaser, increaser and invader species for the three grassland series found on the Squaw Rock area. These lists have been condensed to contain only the species identified within Section 16 (Appendix F).
Mueggler and Handl (1974) state that lit t le direct information exists regarding grazing effects upon plants within the shrubland series. Explaining that the shrub series are similar f 1oristically to the grass series, except for the dominance of a shrub, insights to species reaction to grazing within a particular shrub series might be gained by looking at their grassland counterparts. 56
L ittle can be learned from just listing the decreaser, increaser and invader species (Appendix F), without sampling over a period of time to determine changes in species composition. The establishment of Taraxacum officinale appears to be the only serious effect resulting from grazing. Overall, the rangeland of this proposed state natural area appears to be in good condition.
Forests
The forested area of the proposed Squaw Rock State
Natural Area covers about 42 per cent or 270 acres (109 ha.) of the entire section (Plate 1). Coniferous tree species present within the area are Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce and Rocky Mountain juniper. The timbered areas include both slopes of Windlass and Mill
Gulches, as well as upper ridges and ravines.
Using the forest habitat type classification method
(Pfister iX - » 1 977 ), seven habitat types were mapped
(Fig. 6) and described. These habitat types are:
(1) Pseudotsuqa menziesii/ Agropyron spicatum h.t.
(PSME/AGSP)
(2) Pseudotsuga menziesi i / Festuca i dahoensi s h.t.
(PSME/FEID)
(3) Pseudotsuga menziesi i/Festuca scabrel1 a h.t.
(PSME/FESC) 57
(4) Pseudotsuga menziesi i / Ca1amagrostis rubescens h.t. (PSME/CARU)
(5) Pseudotsuga menziesii/ Symphoricarpos al bus h.t.
(PSME/SYAL)
(6) Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus ma 1vaceus h.t.
(PSME/PHMA)
(7) Pseudotsuga men z i esi i / Linnaea boreali s h.t.
(PSME/LIBO)
Habitat Types
PSME/AGSP h.t. -- 18 acres (17.2 h a.). This habitat type occurs on steep southern exposures on rock outcrop and talus, from 5,000 to 5,600 feet (1,525 to 1,708 m.).
Within Section 16, this type is found on rocky slopes of
35° to 40° inclination. Azimuth readings were between
105° and 225°. In the five stands sampled, the trees are widely spaced, and the understory vegetation is sparse.
There is some regeneration of Douglas-fir, but the stands consist largely of older trees over 10 inches d.b.h.
Juniperus scopulorum is present in all but one stand.
A few Pinus ponderosa are also present.
Agropyron spicatum dominated the undergrowth, with an average cover class of 2 (5-25%). Poa sandbergi i ,
Koeleria cristata, and Carex rossii are common graminoids.
The forbs with the highest coverages are Phacelia linearis. 58
Eri geron composi tus, Artemi si a mi chaux iana , Penstemon d i p hy11u s, Arabi s holboel1i 1 and Collinsia parviflora
(Appendix H).
PSME/FEID h.t. 32 acres (13 ha.). The PSME/FEID h.t occurs on western and eastern aspects on rock outcrop and talus, Garlet soils and the Garlet Rock Outcrop Associa tion. Elevation for this forest type is slightly higher than for the PSME/AGSP h .t., ranging from 5,300 to 5,700 feet (1,617 to 1,739 m.). Slopes face southeast from 110* to southwest 255*. The slopes are rocky, varying in steepness from 15* to 40°.
This habitat type occurs in cooler areas than the preceding type. There is more regeneration of Douglas-fir in the PSME/FEID h.t. than in the PSME/AGSP h.t. The canopy coverages of trees are higher, with equal per cent cover of trees in both the 4-12 inch d.b.h. class as the trees over 12 inches d.b.h. The serai trees occasionally found are ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper.
The dominant grasses are Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass. The forbs with the highest coverages are
Achillea mi 11i foli um, Collinsia parvi flo ra , Eri geron composi tus, Phaceli a he terophyl1 a, Antennari a mi crophyl1 a,
Astragal us mi ser and Ba1samorhi za sagi ttata (Appendix H). 59
PSME/FESC h.t. -- 25 acres (9.8 h a .). This forest habitat type is found on northwest facing slopes, from
280° to 315°, on Garlet soils and on the Garlet Rock
Outcrop Association. It occupies a limited area between
5,500 and 5,800 feet (1 ,678 to 1 ,769 m. ) on gentle slopes of 10° to 20° inclination.
Rocky Mountain juniper is the only other tree species present in the open Douglas-fir stands. There was lit t le regeneration in the three stands sampled. There are many standing dead Douglas-fir under 5 inches d.b.h., presumably
killed by western budworm. The oldest tree successfully bored was a 19 inch d.b.h. Douglas-fir, 126+ years old.
Growth rings are wide and many of the trees are over 12
inches d.b.h.
Sixty species were identified within the PSME/FESC
h.t. stands sampled (Appendix H). Rough fescue, Idaho
fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass had average coverage class
values of two (5-25%). Many forbs were present in this
open forested habitat type. The forbs with the highest
coverages are Erigeron speciosus, Lupinus sericeus,
Achi11ea m illifolium , Soli dago nemora1i s, Crepi s
occidentali s, Antennari a mi crophyl1 a, Geum triflorum and
Fraqaria virgiana. 60
PSME/CARU h.t. -- 96 acres (38.4 h a.). This habitat type is one of the more common forested types within the square mile of Section 16. It is found on the Marcetta-
Cheadle Association, Garlet soils and on the Garlet Rock
Outcrop Association. The azimuth varies from west at
245° to northeast at 15°, at elevations between 5,000 and
5,900 feet (1,525 to 1,800 m.). Steepness of slope is between 15° and 35°.
Douglas-fir is the dominant tree in all of the sixteen stands sampled. Stand structure varies, reflecting the fire history of individual stands. This type occurs on the eastern slopes of the gulches, and on the ridges and upper ravine (Fig. 6). Most of the stands are old growth, all-aged forests at least 300 years old, with moderate regeneration. These eastern slopes a re interrupted by younger, even-aged forests which burned about 160 years ago. The ridge timber, surrounded by grasslands, is comprised of even younger stands, approximately 100 years old. Serai trees occasionally present are Pinus contorta,
£-• ponderosa, and Juni perus scopulorum.
In most stands, pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens) dominates the understory vegetation. It has an average cover class of four (50-75%) for the sixteen PSME/CARU stands sampled. There were 91 species identified in the habitat type. Some of the more common species are 61
Astragal us miser, Fragaria vi rgin1 ana, Antennaria racemosa,
Koeleria cri s ta ta and Arnica cordifolia. Their constancy and average coverage values are found in Appendix H.
PSME/SYAL h.t. -- 72 acres (29 ha.). This habitat type occurs as frequently as the previous type (Fig. 6).
It ranges in elevation from 4,900 to 5,800 feet (1,495 to
1,769 m.) on rock outcrop and talus, Garlet soils, the
Garlet Rock Outcrop Association and the Cheadle Association
The PSME/SYAL h.t. stands are located on the west slopes of Windlass and Mill Gulches. This habitat type is also found on the eastern slope of Windlass Gulch. These stands were always located on rocky slopes, often bordering areas classified as scree. This habitat type occurs on all aspects, on slopes between 20® and 40°.
The most prominent feature shared by each of the sixteen stands sampled, was the steep, rocky slopes. The presence or absence of loose rock has a correlation with the habitat type of the stand. PSME/CARU h.t. stands consistently occurred on more developed soils than the
PSME/SYAL h.t. stands.
Douglas-fir is the dominant tree in all stands. Also present in small numbers are Pinus ponderosa, £. contorta,
Juniperus scopu1orum and Populus tremuloides. The forests are old growth, all-aged stands with less regeneration
than the PSME/CARU h.t. stands. 62
Eighty-seven species were identified in the under- stories of the PSME/SYAL h.t. stands sampled (Appendix H).
The average cover class value for Symphori carpos a 1 bus is three (25-50%). Some important graminoids are Calamagro sti s rubescens, Festuca i dahoensi s and Agropyron spi catum.
A few commonly found forbs are Fraqari a vesca, Achi11ea m illifolium , Valeriana dioica, Arnica cordi foli a and
Potenti11 a arguta. Acer glabrum and Ribes cereum are also important species within this forest habitat type.
PSME/PHMA h.t. -- 3 acres (1.2 ha.). One small area was typed as a PSME/PHMA h.t. stand. Located on the northern section line (Fig. 6), it occupies a north facing ravine at 340° on Garlet soils. The slope of the ravine is 25°.
The timber is very dense, with much evidence of recent western budworm damage among trees less than 6 inches d.b.h.
The timber consists of 8-11 inch d.b.h. Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine, established after a fire about 100 years ago.
This stand is classified as a PHMA phase. Thirteen species were identified (Appendix H). Ninebark (Physo- carpus malvaceus) has a cover class of three (25-50%).
Symphoricarpos albus and Spi raea betulifolia are common shrubs. 63
PSME/LIBO h.t. -- 16 acres (6.4 ha.). The PSME/LIBO h.t. occurs on a moist bench between the riparian hardwood forest of Rock Creek, and the talus slopes west of Squaw
Rock (Fig. 6), on Bearmouth cobbly loam. Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine are the dominant trees. Also present are a few Engelmann spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, ponderosa pine, aspen and water birch.
The largest trees could not be accurately aged with a
12 inch increment bore. The oldest trees sampled were a
19% inch d.b.h., 160+ year old Douglas-fir and a 12% inch d.b.h. lodgepole pine at least 150+ years old.
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is well represented
(5-25%) in the understory. Other shrubs are Salix sp. ,
Shepherdia canadensis, Potenti11a fruticosa, Rubus idaeus ,
Spiraea betulifolia and Ribes cereum. Some of the moist site forbs are Pyrola secunda, Smilacina racemosa, Goodyera oblongifolia and graminoids Phleum pratense and Juncus balticus (Appendix H).
Forested Scree Communities. A large part of Section 16 is classified as forested scree, or rock outcrop and talus.
As defined by Pfister e_t , ( 1 977 ), forested scree is any slope covered with loose rock fragments, which support an open forest cover. Ecologically, these areas are considered as topographic climaxes, where the vegetation reaches a quasi-equilibrium with the constantly shifting 64 substrate. Forested scree is characterized by steep, unstable slopes, lack of soil development, low site productivity and regeneration difficulty.
Areas classified as forested scree in the forest habitat type manual (Pfister ejt , 1 977), are called rock outcrop and talus by the Soil Conservation Service
(c.f. p.43). This latter designation includes not only the area classified as scree by the forest habitat type system, but also the west slope of Windlass and Mill
Gulches (PSME/SYAL), and all of the timber types south of the grasslands (PSME/AGSP, PSME/FEID and PSME/CARU). The
PSME/AGSP, PSME/FEID and PSME/SYAL types are very rocky and border the area classified as forested scree (Fig. 6).
A few PSME/CARU h.t. stands occupy small pockets on west facing slopes with deeper soils included in the rock outcrop and talus.
The forested scree slopes support open timber with an extremely sparse understory. Some ponderosa pine and Rocky
Mountain juniper are present, but Douglas-fir is the dominant tree. The timber above Rock Creek on the south facing talus slopes consists of all-aged trees. The oldest trees in the entire section were found on Squaw Rock and adjacent c liffs . Two Douglas firs, one a 15% inch d.b.h. tree, and the other a 16% inch d.b.h. tree, had 436 and
493 growth rings, respectively. The oldest tree sampled 65 was a 534+ year old Douglas-fir, measuring 18% inch d.b.h.
There exists a small degree of regeneration in this open
timber type.
Riparian Hardwood Forests. The current classification
of forest habitat types (Pfister ejt , 1977) does not
define habitat types for all forested areas in Montana.
Some of these undefined communities occur on sites where
succession toward climax is frequently disrupted by physical
disturbance, such as flooding.
Riparian forests in Section 16 extend along Windlass
Gulch and Rock Creek. The dominant tree species are species
of Sa 1iX, Betula , A1nus and Populus. The shrubs include
Cornus stolonifera, Acer glabrum, Ribes hudsonianum, Rubus
idaeus and Rosa species.
A Populus trichocarpa/ Pinus ponderosa community is
found at the mouth of Mill Gulch. This particular stand
is open and grassy. The dominant understory species are
Phleum pratense, Juncus balticus , Potenti11 a fruticosa
and Rosa species.
Disturbances
The primary disturbance in the grassland and shrubland
types is grazing. The forested areas have been influenced
primarily by natural disturbances, such as fire and insect
infestations. The 640 acre section has never been logged,
although it has been modified by grazing. 66
Fire. Evidence of past fires can be observed in almost every timbered stand in Section 16. Charred stumps, and dead, decaying trees are common. The fire history of the area is reflected in the stand structure of the forest.
The western slopes of both gulches and the south facing cliffs above Rock Creek are the driest timbered stands. They are characterized by open, all age, old growth timber, with lit t le regeneration. The oldest trees discovered are on Squaw Rock and adjacent cliffs (see p.64).
The oldest trees sampled from the western slopes of Windlass and Mill Gulches are at least 230 years old.
The stand structure of the eastern slopes, and the upper ravine, is also old growth, all age Douglas-fir forests. These stands differ from the western slopes, because of greater tree density, regeneration, moisture and understory vegetation. The oldest trees sampled on the east slope of Windlass Gulch are about 280 years old.
Several trees over 300 years old were found in the small, timbered ravine east of the c liffs . The oldest tree sampled on the east slope of mill Gulch was a 24% inch d.b.h. Douglas-fir at least 400 years old.
Without the presence of fire-scarred trees, the fire history of these stands cannot be accurately described.
Ground fires have probably occurred periodically on these timbered slopes without destroying the timber. 67
These all-age Pseudotsuga forests on the eastern slopes of Windlass Gulch are interrupted by younger, even- aged forests. A fire occurred approximately 100 years ago along the northern section line. That area is located in the PSME/PHMA h.t. ravine (Fig. 6), and is now composed of 8 to 11 inch Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine.
Another fire occurred south of there, burning a 10 acre (4 ha.) area, approximately 160 years ago. The stand is now an even-aged forest of Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine 8 to 12 inches d.b.h. This area was typed as a PSME/
SYAL-PSME/CARU h.t. complex (Fig. 6), mapped as a unit.
This complex of habitat types could not be mapped separately at the scale of mapping used.
Fires have occurred more recently on the timbered ridges surrounded by grasslands (Plate 1). Three lightning struck Douglas-firs were discovered on the highest ridge.
The oldest tree sampled was a 125 year old, 18% inch d.b.h.
Douglas-fi r .
The timber north of Squaw Rock burned approximately
100 years ago. One other grassland burn, some 90 years ago, destroyed the ridge timber north of the upper ravine.
Donald Abbott, Fire Control Officer at the Philipsburg
Ranger Station USDA Forest Service reports the occurrence of a small 10 acre fire in 1940, just north of Section 16
(Abbott, pers. comm. ) on the east slope of Windlass Gulch.
There are no written records of fires in Section 16. 68
Insect Infestations. Dead, standing Douglas-fir under 8 inches d.b.h. are evident in many of the stands.
The cause is presumed to be western budworm (Chori stoneura fumiferana Clem.). There seems to have been considerable
Douglas-fir regeneration in the recent past, much of which
became infested. Hampered by the infestation, much of
this reproduction has been killed.
Recent surveys by the Deerlodge National Forest show
that Section 16 is currently free of western budworm
infestation. The Stoney Creek drainage south of Squaw
Rock, however, has a continuing light infection of 25% to
40° defoliation, according to John Joy, Silviculturist of
the USFS Deerlodge National Forest.
Twenty trees in the southwestern corner of Section 16,
infested by the Douglas-fir bark beetle (Dendroctonus
pseudotsugae), were observed in the summer of 1977. These
trees are located just west of Squaw Rock, where Rock Creek
bends southward, in the PSME/LIBO h.t. The trees were
probably infested in the spring of 1976, and the damage
is now evident in their crowns. The only other reported
area infested by the Douglas-fir bark beetle is in Section
27, T8N-R17W, located five miles northwest from the proposed
SRNA, in the Rock Creek drainage of the Deerlodge National
Forest (Joy, pers. comm.) 69
Effects of Grazing. Changes in the native vegetation of the forested areas above the cliffs and along the gulches as a result of grazing, are restricted to a few heavily used areas. The cattle tend to congregate In the stringers of timber along ridges and in the ravine north west of the cliffs for shade and shelter. The understory in these areas, as a result, is often very sparse. The most heavily grazed areas are those adjacent to the grass lands.
Grazing also occurs in the riparian areas contiguous to Rock Creek. Many riparian communities in western
Montana are heavily grazed. The bottomland forests of
Rock Creek are relatively lightly disturbed. During years of average rainfall, the cattle pastured south of Rock
Creek cannot cross the stream until August. John Luthje turns his cattle into the riparian area north of Rock
Creek in late August. They are prevented from moving up
Windlass Gulch by a fence at the mouth of the gulch.
The riparian community east of Squaw Rock, and Mill
Gulch is inaccessible to cattle. Because the face of
Squaw Rock projects out into the creek, it forms a natural barrier along the north shoreline of the creek. The black cottonwood/ponderosa pine community remains in undisturbed condi tion. 70
Aquatic Features
Rock Creek, as one of Montana's seven Blue Ribbon
trout streams (Brown e_t , 1 965 ), supports the major
impact of human activity within the proposed SRNA. It
has its origin in the Anaconda-Pintlar and Sapphire ranges.
The drainage encompasses approximately 566,353 acres.
About 82 per cent of the drainage is in public ownership, with the Forest Service having management responsibilities
for 80 per cent of this area (Haugan, 1971).
Rock Creek flows through the lower half of the
proposed state natural area (Plate 1). The segment
included is approximately one mile in length, occupying
about 5 per cent of Section 16's total area. The course
of Rock Creek leads through riparian hardwood forests
passing directly beneath the face of Squaw Rock. Rock
Creek divides Section 16 on an east-west line. South of
Rock Creek is a narrow stretch of Douglas-fir and
ponderosa pine forest and an irrigated pasture used for
grazing. The north shoreline area and area north of the
creek are relatively undisturbed.
A segment of Windlass Gulch, a perennial live stream,
flows within Section 16 in the northwest corner. Water
is found in Mill Gulch only during the spring runoff. 71
Water Quality
Because of Rock Creek's superior water quality and importance as a Blue Ribbon trout stream, it has been the subject of numerous studies by the Lolo and Deerlodge
National Forests, and the Fisheries Division of the
Montana Department of Fish and Game.
The Rock Creek Fishery Habitat and Water Quality
Study was o fficially recommended for Regional approval
April 10, 1971. The objectives of the study were to establish baseline fish habitat and water quality para meters from which the rate and direction of change could be assessed (Haugan, 1971).
Data is not available on past conditions of the water within the drainage. Therefore, the baseline data secured does not indicate that the quality of water in Rock Creek
is better or worse than historical waters. Rather, the
value and primary objective of analysis is to provide
baseline data necessary to detect any future changes of water quality (Haugan, 1971).
Preliminary intragravel monitoring commenced August,
1969, while water quality and discharge monitoring were
initiated June, 1970 (Haugan, 1971). Sixteen stations
established along Rock Creek monitored alkalinity, bio
chemical oxygen demand, microbiological examinations,
chemical oxygen demand, chlorides, conductivity, dissolved 72 oxygen, hardness, nitrogen, phosphates, pH, suspended sediments, tannin and lignin, temperature, turbidity and heavy metals (Haugan, 1974). The results indicate the water quality of Rock Creek is excellent and conform to the State of Montana Water Criteria for Class B-D^ waters (Montana Water Quality Criteria, 1974).
Fisheries
Gordon Haugan, United States Forest Service Fisheries
Biologist and project coordinator of the Rock Creek
Fishery Habitat and Water Quality Study, initiated pre liminary intragravel monitoring in the fall of 1969, continuing through the fall of 1973. Surface and intra gravel dissolved oxygen, permeability and substrate size composition of potential trout spawning gravels were obtained at six stations along Rock Creek. Size composi tion, texture and compaction of material within the intra gravel environment influence the intragravel oxygen and water exchange rate. The potential of a salmonoid spawning site to produce fry to the surface water is directly related to the permeability and compaction of the intra gravel environment. Haugan (1974) reports the intragravel and permeability readings were consistently within the range required for reasonable egg survival and fry emergence. 73
The high quality of fish habitat and water are two of the most important features which produce excellent trout populations in Rock Creek. Fish population inven tories and creel census information have shown that wild trout provided the foundation for most of the trout caught in Rock Creek. Subsequently, stocking of fish was stopped in 1973 (Peters, 1975).
According to Spence (1971), six species of game fish are found in Rock Creek: rainbow trout, Sal mo ga irdneri; cutthroat trout, Salmo clarkii; brown trout, Salmo trutta;
Dolly Varden, Sal vel i nus ma 1 ma ; brook trout, Salveli nus fontina1is and mountain whitefish, Prosopiurn williamsoni.
Fish populations were sampled in Rock Creek by the
Montana Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Division between 1 July 1974 and 30 June 1975. The Hogback section, four miles west of Section 16, was the closest sampled segment of Rock Creek to the proposed state natural area. Results of this inventory are listed in
Table 2 (Peters, pers. comm.).
Wildlife
In the past, the Rock Creek drainage supported a population of big game animals many times greater than it has since the arrival of white man and his agrarian culture. Most of the animals originally found remain, but in altered numbers. The large and varied mammal 74
TABLE 2
FISH POPULATION ESTIMATES FOR THE 7200' HOGBACK SECTION OF ROCK CREEK 4/1973
Length i n Population Species*______Inches______Estimate______80% C.I.
Dolly Varden 8.0-28.0 111 36
Rainbow trout 2.3-17.9 2109 446
♦Cutthroat and brook trout were also captured in small numbers.
populations existing in the area are probably due to the
number of different vegetative types present (Berwick,
1968).
Mamma 1s
Mule deer (Odocoi1 eus hemionus) were observed several
times during the late spring in timbered and nontimbered
types. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and
elk (Cervus canadensis) regularly use the area as winter
range (Aderhold, 1972). Ruel Jensen of the Montana Depart
ment of Fish and Game, reported about 50 elk counted in
Mill Gulch in a 1975 aerial winter census. Two mountain
goats (Oreamnos americanus) have been observed regularly
for the past three winters on the c liffs around Squaw
Rock by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E llio tt of Rock Creek.
Squaw Rock and vicinity presently harbor a group of
bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis ), transplanted from the 75
Sun River herd 27 January 1975. Until the 1970‘ s, the area served as winter range for an isolated, endemic population of the Rocky Mountain race of the bighorn sheep.
The history of these sheep and present condition of the transplanted herd are discussed in detail later.
Black bear (Ursus americanus ) signs were observed in
Windlass Gulch, in the timbered stand above the c liffs and along the northern section line. Bobcat (Lynx rufous) and coyote (Cani s 1 atrans) sign were also observed. There were no signs of mountain lion (Pel is concolor), but during the summer of 1967, three people observed lion tracks on the southern end of the Neal ranch, less than a mile from the study site.
Other mammals I observed along Rock Creek during the summer include beaver (Castor canadensis), muskrat (Ondata zibethica), mink (Mustela vi son), skunk (Mephi tes mephi tes) and porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum). Three species of rabbit were also observed: mountain cottontail (Sylvi1agus n u t t a n il, the snowshow hare (Lepus americanus) and white tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendi). Aderhold (1972) reports sighting otter (Lutra canadensis) along Rock Creek in this general area during the winter and badgers (Taxidea taxus) during April. I observed the yellow-bellied marmot
(Marmota f 1aviventris) throughout the summer on rock out crops and the cliffs of Squaw Rock. In addition to the 76 above mentioned, there Is a varied small mammal population
(Appendix I).
Of the game animals, only the bison (Bison bison), grizzly bear (Ursos arctos horr 1 b111 s), timber wolf (Cani s lupus) and sharp-tailed grouse (Fed 1ocetes phaslanellus) failed to survive the Impact of the agricultural and population growth experienced In the Rock Creek valley.
There s till remains on and about the study area a variety of animals rarely seen on an area of comparably size outside of a National Park, wilderness area or refuge
(Aderhold, 1972).
81 rds
Another key feature of the proposed SRNA Is the numerous species of birds. I observed Blue Grouse
(Dendraqapus obscurus ) and Spruce Grouse (Canachi tes canadensis) on Section 16, and heard Ruffed Grouse
(Bonasa umbel lus) drumming during the spring in the riparian area along Rock Creek.
According to Aderhold (1972) about a dozen Mallards
(Anas piatyrhynchos) wintered along this general area of
Rock Creek. Mallards could be seen from spring through fall in the waters at the base of Squaw Rock during 1976.
Aderhold (1972) also reports seeing an occasional Barrow’ s
Goldeneye (Bucephala i slandica) in January and February of 1967. Late In March and early in April he also observed 77 migrating groups of Shovelers (Spatula clypeata), Common
Mergansers (Mergus merganser). Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucul1atus ), Lesser Scaup (Athya a ffin is ), a pair of Wood
Ducks (AiX sponsa ), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), Green winged Teal (Anas carolensis ) and Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) were sighted.
Noteworthy among the birds observed were a pair of
Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), which began using an old nest during the spring. However, by the end of June, the golden eagles had abandoned the nest. According to the Elliotts, a pair of Golden Eagles raised young during the summer of 1975. But during the summer of 1976 no young were produced. Golden Eagles were observed through out the summer, and on 6 July 1976, six golden eagles were seen over the cliffs of Squaw Rock. The nest was again occupied during the spring and summer of 1977, and two eaglets were successfully raised.
A lis t of birds observed through the spring, summer
and autumn of 1976 was compiled, and added to the lis t of
species observed by Aderhold on the thirteen square mile
bighorn sheep winter range (Appendix J).
The Rock Creek Bighorn Sheep
The Rocky Mountain race of bighorn sheep (Ovis
canadensis canadensis) has inhabited the Rock Creek area
for about 5,000 years (Richmond, 1965). Until the 1970's. 78 the area harbored an isolated, endemic population of the bighorn sheep. Their wintering area was the most inacces sible and economically undesirable portion of the original winter range. Couey (1950) feels that the prehistoric winter range involved the whole of the Granite County grass plateau between the upper Rock Creek and Flint Creek valleys, thereby tripling the current winter range. The current winter range has a long axis of seven linear miles, lying in a northwest-southeast direction, and is one mile wide.
Berwick (1968) discussed the seasonal movements of the now extinct endemic herd of the Rock Creek bighorn sheep. Lambing occurred during the latter half of May, and in early June, generally on the c liffs above Rock Creek.
He believed that the sheep then left the winter range for their summer ranges, which was not adequately described.
The return of the sheep began in September, with the ewes returning firs t, followed by the rams about a month later.
After mating, the sheep were found together in all sexes and age classes during the winter (Berwick, 1968).
There were about 200 bighorn sheep in the early 1960's however, it declined precipitously in 1965. A 1965 winter census totalled 103 sheep, and one year later a census of the same area tallied only 46 sheep. Berwick's investiga tion of the bighorn sheep included a search for the possible 79 causes of the high mortality in the sheep herd, but no
single disease or specific parasite is known to have been
responsible for the dieoff. Rather, the cause for the
decline appears to be complex, involving a number of
factors. By January, 1969, Cooperrider estimated a minimum
of ten sheep.
On 2 7 January 1975, thirty-one sheep from the Sun-
river herd were transplanted to the Rock Creek area and
released at Jim Leaf Gulch, about three miles southeast
of Squaw Rock. Tom Butts spent the summer of 1977 observing
the transplanted herd. He reports that at the time of the
release of the transplanted herd, only three to five sheep
from the original herd remained.
Table 3 shows the number, sex and ages of the sheep
released by the Montana Department of Fish and Game.
TABLE 3
POPULATION INFORMATION ON THE TRANSPLANTED ROCK CREEK BIGHORN SHEEP
Number of Males Age/Years Number of Females Aqe/Years
1 4% 13 4 + 1 2% 2 3% 5 1% 1 2% 5 % 3 1%
Total 12 19 80
Observations of the transplanted herd were made as the summer progressed. The sheep were firs t observed lambing on Squaw Rock and adjacent c liffs during late May and early June. The sheep remained on the winter range throughout the summer.
One ewe and one ram were injured during the process of transplanting, and presumed to have died from the
injuries sustained. Another ewe was killed in the fall of
1976 by a poacher.
It is not known how many of the 17 transplanted ewes
produced lambs the firs t year they were released, but 10 yearling ewes survived the winter of 1975-76. These 10
ewes were of reproductive age in 1977, as two year olds.
Butts (1977) estimates a minimum of 20 lambs for the spring
of 1977 born to the two year olds and the ewes originally
transplanted.
TABLE 4
MINIMUM ESTIMATE OF BIGHORN SHEEP ON ROCK CREEK, JUNE 1977 (BUTTS, 1977)
Age Ewes Rams
3+ 17 10 2 10 9 1 4 4 1 ambs 20
Total (74) 31 20 23 81
The Rock Creek herd is at present a healthy, highly reproductive herd with a very low mortality. A minimum of 74 bighorns were estimated to be in the midsummer 1977 population (Butts, 1977). Chapter VI
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area (SRNA) is a candidate natural area, not only because it has been less altered by man than by natural forces, but because it is an area unique with respect to scenic splendor. The pro posed SRNA supports a variety of relatively undisturbed grassland, shrubland and forest types. The massive, precipitous cliffs provide isolated nesting sites for the golden eagle. Perhaps most significantly. Section 16 is a key area within the bighorn sheep winter range. The sheer c liffs serve as protection, spring lambing grounds, and as a site for the autumn mating rituals. The grasslands provide forage for the transplanted bighorn sheep.
On firs t consideration, the objectives of this topic can easily be met with a plea for no management at a ll.
Unfortunately, the question is not that simple.
It is almost impossible to escape the influence of man. To cite an example, consider the original, endemic herd of bighorn sheep in the Rock Creek valley. Postulated factors in their extinction include diseases transmitted from domestic sheep, competition for rangeland with domes tic animals, and harassment from man and domestic dogs.
82 83
A plea for no management is plausible only if.modern man
had never had an impact on the Rock Creek valley. Obvious
ly, man's impact has been significant, and the only
alternative is a positive course of action. The trans
planting of 31 bighorn sheep into the original herd's winter range is an example of positive management.
Although natural areas represent a relatively specific
and limited type of land use, they can serve a variety of
needs. Natural area objectives or goals should precede
any natural area management plan. The purpose of this
natural area is to provide a dynamic and uninhibited
ecological preserve for native species of vegetation and
w ildlife, without man's alteration of the land or water
which supports them. Therefore, the primary objective of
the management plan should be protection from the disrup
tive activities of man.
The topography of the proposed SRNA facilitates
such protection. Current human use of the area is con
centrated along Rock Creek, but the c liffs , steep terrain
and rocky, talus slopes of Mill Gulch, as well as a slough
north of Rock Creek in the southwest corner of the section,
discourage human intrusion.
Of primary concern is the bighorn sheep herd. Unlike
the Owen Sowerwine or Crown Butte Natural Areas, recreation
should not be encouraged. In order not to disturb the 84 bighorns, a lack of publicity is essential. Signs, trails and interpretive guides should not be introduced. Obser vation of the golden eagles and bighorn sheep can best be done from the road south of Rock Creek.
The proposed SRNA must have a formal management plan prior to natural area designation. This would be written
by the Department of State Lands in conjunction with the
Managing Entity. The following points are presented as
ideas that might be worth consideration in the management
of the proposed SRNA.
1. Managemen t Zones :
1.1 Zone 1, Preserve Area
Rock Creek, and the area of Section 16 north of Rock
Creek provide the major contribution of undisturbed natural
features. The native vegetation, geological formations,
aquatic resources and much of the wildlife inhabiting the
SRNA are found almost wholly within this zone. This area
should be designated as Zone 1, Preserve Area.
1.2 Zone 2, Support Area
Zone 2 would include the remainder of Section 16.
This 70 acre irrigated pasture and stretch of Douglas-fir
and ponderosa pine forest would be designated to support
the major impact of man's presence on the SRNA. 85
2. Management Practices
2.1 Records
Permits, nature study correspondence, inspections by the Managing Entity and other materials regarding the management of the area shall be maintained on file by the
Managing Entity for future reference.
2.2 Permits
The Managing Entity will issue permits, free of charge, to groups intending to make repeated use of the area, and for the installation of environmental monitoring devices.
The purpose of these permits shall be to establish a record of the benefits which the area provides, and to monitor the uses occurring on the area. Permit applica tions which include a proposed activity that would cause undue harm to the natural area will not be approved. All permits will include a statement which notifies the permittee that he enters the area at his own risk. The permits granted by authority of this provision shall not be issued for the purpose of taking or removing any native features from the natural area, unless they are collected as specimens for bona fide research or educational pur
poses. In addition, the Department may in itiate, modify,
suspend, or revoke any and all permits.
2.3 Access
The only forms of access available to Zone 1 are
through the irrigated pasture of Zone 2, which is adjacent 86 to the Rock Creek road and Deerlodge National Forest
(Fig. 2), or by following the north shoreline of Rock
Creek to Zone 1, from the bridge southwest of Section 16
(Fig. 2). Rock Creek may be crossed by swimming or wading; no bridges or cable cars may be constructed for access to the area.
2.4 Public Safety
In recognition of the location of the natural area adjacent to Rock Creek, the Managing Entity shall dis courage use of the area during periods of high water flow.
2.5 Vehicles and Motor Powered Equipment
No motor vehicles, including snowmobiles, motor cycles and four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed in
Zones 1 or 2. Motor powered equipment, such as chain saws are also prohibited from the area.
2.6 Signs, Boundary Markers and Fences
The Managing Entity may post the boundaries of the natural area with appropriate markers, to fa cilitate management of the area. However, so that the area is not used for recreation, signs identifying a natural area should not be posted, other than to identify the land as belonging to the State. Fences may be constructed along the boundary of the area, or separating the zones to lim it domestic livestock, provided that they do not restrict the movement of w ildlife. However, the lack of 87
such boundary protection devices shall not prohibit the
State from seeking to remedy the trespass of the area, or other applicable legislation should the area suffer damage by nonpermitted users.
2.7 Right-Of-Way
The general public may enjoy the right of Ingress
and Egress, as the provisions of the plan describe. Pro
vided, however, that all visitors accept as a condition
of this right that they enter at their own risk. No
other rights-of-way shall be granted.
2.8 Recreation
In keeping with the basic objective prompting the
preservation of all natural areas, the recreational use of
the area must be limited. The Managing Entity may invoke
restrictions on the recreational use of the area as it
deems necessary for preserving the natural area.
2.9 Trails and Interpretive Guides
No trails presently exist on the natural area. In
keeping with the purpose of the natural area as an ecolog
ical preserve, trails and interpretive guides should not
be established.
2.10 Domestic Animals
Domestic animals. Including household pets and liv e
stock are permitted within Zone 2, but prohibited from
Zone 1. 88
2.11 Facilities and Structures
No fa cilities or structures shall be placed in the natural area except as is provided for in Section 2.2.
2.12 Commercial Enterprises
No concessions, business ventures, soliciting or other practices which could be considered a commercial enterprise may be conducted on the area, or allowed to be conducted by the Managing Entity.
2.13 Soil Erosion
Soil erosion will be allowed to occur naturally. No riprap, channels, dikes, dams or other restrictive devices may be placed on the area. In all cases, Rock Creek will
be allowed to seek its own course.
2.14 Water Developments
No devices shall be constructed or introduced on the area to divert, impound or develop water for irrigation or any purpose.
2.15 Mining Operations
No mineral or non-metaliferous materials may be
removed from any portion of the natural area, by any means.
2.16 Scenic and Landscape Management
No effort shall be made to shape the area's features
for man's aesthetic pleasure.
2.17 Vegetation Management
The grazing of the lands in Section 16, T7N-R16W by
domestic livestock shall continue in accordance with State 89
Grazing Lease No. 32 until the expiration of the lease on
February 28, 1980. Prior to the renewal of the lease, those lands within Zone 1 will be deleted from leasing for the purpose of grazing. The remainder of the SRNA,
Zone 2, subject to the installation of appropriate fences, may continue to be leased for grazing in support of the school trust fund.
The native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and all other vegetation shall not be harvested or taken from the area, except as is provided for in Section 2.2. Exotic floral species shall not be introduced into the area.
Horticultural practices are not permitted, and no species shall be fertilized or cultivated in Zone 1.
If Zone 2 is not grazed, it may be reclaimed by those land management techniques which the Managing Entity determines appropriate, provided that natural regeneration will not restore the area within a reasonable period of time.
2.18 Fire Suppression
Fires ignited by natural forces will be allowed to
burn throughout Zone 1, but the Managing Entity will make every effort to contain fires within the boundaries of the
natural area. Fires may be controlled in Zone 2 by con ventional means, when personal property or the public's 90 safety is threatened. However, the use of heavy equipment is prohibited.
2.19 Regulation of Diseases and Insects
The control of diseases affecting vegetation and w ildlife, and the control of insects will be left to natural biological forces. Application of chemical con trols may be initiated only when evidence clearly estab lishes that the natural area is the source of a disease or insect infestation.
2.20 Wildlife and Fisheries Management
The taking of wild game species by fire arms or bow and arrow, or the taking of fish, shall continue in accor dance with those regulations promulgated by the Department of Fish and Game. The Managing Entity may further restrict or eliminate hunting on the area if hunting practices become hazardous in regards to the bighorn sheep herd.
The taking of game species by trapping or snaring is prohibited.
The taking of non-game species requires the authori zation of the Department of Fish and Game, and a permit
(Section 2.2) from the Managing Entity.
No exotic animal species shall be released on the area
2.21 Predator and Rodent Control
Native w ildlife species commonly regarded as rodents or predators shall not be controlled on the area, unless 91 their populations exceed levels of normal fluctuation.
The Managing Entity may introduce such measures for controlling unnaturally excessive predator and rodent populations, provided that chemical pesticides or poisons are not utilized. In all cases, efforts shall be tailored
in such a manner that other w ildlife species and the
visiting public are not likely to be harmed. Chapter VII
SUMMARY
The Montana Natural Areas program has been hampered by problems from the outset. Originally, a lack of state
funding appeared to be the limiting factor in the estab
lishment of a natural area system. Two years after the passage of the Montana Natural Areas Act in 1974, the envisioned system of natural areas was far from a reality
The Legislature had presumed that natural area estab
lishment on selected portions of school trust lands was both a legitimate and desirable use of these lands, but
as a result of the Attorney General's opinion regarding
the Act, the direction of the natural areas program has
changed.
The primary objective of this study was to provide
the Natural Areas Advisory Council with a comprehensive
description of a proposed state natural area. The
previously nominated Squaw Rock Natural Area was selected
for its outstanding physical and biological features,
convenient location and status as school trust land.
In order to adequately study the geology and soils,
aquatic resources and w ild life, a variety of sources
were used. Consultation with professionals of various
92 93 agencies, and researching published studies and univer sity theses, provided the information for these features.
The forest, grassland and shrubland features were des cribed and mapped following three months of vegetational field sampling. It is hoped that the procedures used to describe the proposed Squaw Rock Natural Area will serve as an example for the descriptions of other nominated areas. REFERENCES CITED
Abbott, D. 1976. (Fire Control Officer, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Region I, Philipsburg) personal communication.
Aderhold, M.W. 1972. The history, winter range, and current status of the Rock Creek, Montana, bighorn sheep herd. M.S. thesis, Univ. of Montana, Missoula. 103 p.
Alt, D.D. 1976. (Professor, Geology Department, Univ. of Montana, Missoula) personal communication.
Berwick, S.H. 1968. Observations on the decline of the Rock Creek, Montana, population of bighorn sheep. M.S. thesis, Univ. of Montana, Missoula. 245 p.
Bradley, D. 1976. Public testimony to the Board of Land Commissioners concerning the designation of natural areas in accordance with the Montana Natural Areas Act of 1974. Helena.
Brady, N.C. 1974. The nature and properties of soils. MacMillan Publishing Co., New York. 639 p.
Brown, D., J. Halterman, G. Holton, and A. Whitney. 1965. Montana State fisheries classification map. Rev. ed. Montana Department of Fish and Game.
Butts, T.W. 1977. Preliminaryinvestigations of the bighorn sheep of upper Rock Creek, Granite County, Montana. Boulder, CO: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. 41 p.
Calkins, F.C. and W.H. Emmons. 1915. Description of the Philipsburg quadrangle. Montana U.S. Geol. Atlas, Folio 196. 25 p.
Cooperrider, A.Y. 1969. The biology and management of the bighorn sheep of Rock Creek, Montana. M.S. thesis, Univ. of Montana, Missoula. 92 p.
Couey, F. 1950. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep of Montana. Mont. Fish and Game Comm. Bull. 2. 90 p.
94 95
Darnell, R.M. 1976. Natural area preservation: The US/IBP conservation of ecosystems program. Bioscl. 26:106-108.
Deitschman, 6.H. 1973. Mapping habitat types throughout a national forest. U.S.D.A. For. Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-11, 14 p. Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, Utah, 84401.
Dittrich, W.J. and J.M. Trappe. 1970. Natural areas- needs and opportunities. Symposium at Northwest Scientific Assoc. Forty-third Annual Meeting, Salem, Oregon.
Eardley, A.J. 1962. Structural geology of North America. Harper and Row Publ. , New York. 743 p.
Harrison, D. 1976-1977. (Soil Conservation Service, Missoula) personal communication.
Haugan, G.N. 1974. Rock Creek fisheries habitat and water quality study: intragravel environment progress report No. 3, Lolo National Forest, Northern Region, U.S.F.S 20 p. (unpublished)
______. 1 974. Rock Creek fishery habitat and water quality study, water quality summary report No. 1, Lolo and Deerlodge National Forests, Northern Region, U.S.F.S. 41 p. (unpublished)
______. 1971. Rock Creek fishery habitat and water quality study, summary report No. 1, Deerlodge and Lolo National Forests, Northern Region, U.S.F.S. 18 p. (unpublished)
Hitchcock, C.L. and A. Cronquist. 1973. Flora of the Pacific Northwest. Univ. of Wash. Press, Seattle. 730 p.
Jensen, R. 1976. (Montana Department of Fish and Game, Missoula) personal communication.
Joy, J. 1977. (S ilviculturist, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Region 1, Butte) personal communication.
Langton, C.M. 1935. Geology of the northeastern part of the Idaho batholith and adjacent region in Montana Jour. Geol. 43: 27-60. 96
Lukes, Jr. A.J. 1975. The Montana natural areas of 1974. Western Wildlands. 2(1): 15-19.
Lyon, L.J. 1968. Management requirements for natural areas. (Abstr.) Amer. Soc. Range Mgmt., Twenty-first Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, New Mexico, p. 33.
Moir, W.H. 1 972. Natural areas. Sci . 177 (4047): 396-400.
Montana, Department of State Lands. 1976? [undated]. Project proposal to the Old West Regional Commission. Helena. 6 p.
Montana, Department of State Lands. 1976? [undated]. Proposed master plan for Crown Butte State Natural Area. Helena. 29 p. [discussion draft].
Montana, Department of State Lands and the Flathead County Park Board. 1976. Proposed master plan for Owen Sowerwine State Natural Area. Helena. 27 p. [rough d ra ft].
Montana, Department of State Lands. 1975. Minutes from the September 5-6 Natural Areas Advisory Council meeting. Helena. 6 p.
Montana Water Quality Criteria. 1974. MAC 16-2.14 (10-S14480).
Mueggler, W.F. and W.P. Handl. 1974. Mountain grassland and shrubland habitat types of western Montana. Interim report. U.S.F.S. Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, Utah. 89 p.
Osborne, J.W. 1977. (Administrator of Central Services Division, Department of State Lands, Helena) personal communication.
Peters, D.J. 1976. (Montana Department of Fish and Game, Fisheries Division) personal communication.
Peters, D.J. 1975. Western Montana fishery investigation; Rock Creek management survey. Project no. F-12-R-21: 11-a. Montana Dept, of Fish and Game, Fisheries Division. 97
Pfister, R.D., B.L. Kovalchik, S.F. Arno, and R.C. Presby. 1977. Forest habitat types of Montana. U.S.D.A. For. Ser. Gen. Gech. Rep. INT-34, 174 p. Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Ogden, Utah, 84401.
Richmond, G.M. 1965. Northern and middle Rockies. Seventh International Congress on Quaternary. Lincoln: The Nebraska Academy of Sciences. 129 p.
Romancier, R.M. 1974. Natural area programs. J. For. 72: 37-42.
Ross, O.P. 1963. The Belt Series in Montana Geological Survey Professional Paper 346. U.S. Gov’t. Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
Ross, C.P., D.A. Andrews, and I.J. Witkind. 1955. Geo logic maps of Montana: U.S. Geol. Survey. Scale 1 :500,000.
Shea, M. 1977. (Land Use Technician, Department of State Lands, Helena) personal communication.
Schmidt, W.C. and W.P. Dufour. 1975. Building a natural area system for Montana. Western Wildlands 2: 20-29.
Spence, L. 1971. Rock Creek creel census, job 1; summer census final report. Montana Fish and Game Depart ment. 28 p. (unpublished)
Tans, W. 1974. Priority ranking of biotic natural areas. The Michigan Botanist. 13: 31-39.
Twenhofel, W.H. 1961. Treatise on sedimentation. Denver Publ. Inc., New York. 926 p.
Weaver, T. [undated]. On the design of a natural network. Montana State University, Bozeman. 3 p. (typewritten).
Woodahl, R.L. 1976. Opinion No. 92. Volume No. 36. Helena. 3 p.
U.S., Department of Commerce, Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm. 1976. Climatological Data, Annual Summary, v. 79, No. 13.
U.S. Soil Conservation Service. 1965. Philipsburg- Drummond Soil Survey. 621 p. (unpublished). APPENDIX A
THE MONTANA NATURAL AREAS ACT
CHAPTER NO. 254 MONTANA SESSION LAWS 1974 HOUSE BILL NO. 628 .
AN ACT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE OF NATURAL AND POTEN TIALLY NATURAL AREAS IN THE STATE AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE : PROTECTION OF THESE AREAS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: Section 1. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2701, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2701. Title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Montana Natural Areas Act of 19 74". Section 2. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2702, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2702. Legislative intent. The legislative assembly finds that in the expanses of Montana there are natural areas possessing significant scenic, educational, scientific, biological, and/or geological values, or areas, possessing these characteristics to a degree promising their restoration to a natural state; that since the development of these areas is an irreversible commitment of a finite and diminishing resource of fundamental impor tance, the remaining areas should be preserved for the benefit of this and future generations; and that currently there are no regulations promulgated by the state or local governments to insure adequate protection for natural areas. It is the intention of the legislative assembly to establish a system for the protection of natural or potentially natural areas in order to preserve their natural ecosystem integrity in perpetuity. In this connection, the legislature recognizes the fact that the school trust lands are held in trust for the support of education and for the attainment of other worthy objects helpful to the well-being of the people of the state; that it is the duty of the board of land com missioners to administer this trust so as to secure the largest measure of legitimate and reasonable advantage to the state; and hereby declares the preservation of natural areas, whether trust or other lands, for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations, to be an object worthy of legislative action helpful to the well-being of the
98 99 people of the state and also declares that the preservation of natural areas on state trust land has sufficient value to present and future education to meet the state's obligation for the disposition and utilization of trust lands as specified in the Enabling Act. Section 3. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2703, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2703. Definitions. (1) "Natural Area" means an area of land which must generally appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature with the visual aspects of human intrusion not dominant, and also must have one of more of the following characteristics: (a) An outstanding mixture or variety of vegetation, w ildlife, water resource, landscape and scenic values. (b) An important or rare ecological or geological feature or other rare or significant natural feature worthy of preservation for scientific, educational or ecological purposes. (2) "Board" means the board of land commissioners. (3) "Department" means the department of state lands. (4) "Council" means the natural areas adivsory council created by this act. Section 4. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2704, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2704. Methods of bringing land under this act. A natural area, as defined in section 2 (81-2703), may become subject to the provisions of this act in any of the following ways: (1) Designation by the board on lands controlled by the board. (2) Designation by the legislative assembly on lands owned by the state of montana. (3) Acquisition by the board by purchase with consent of the property owner of sufficient interests in private property to protect the natural area; provided however that transfer of surface property or development rights shall not alter the rights attending the subsurface estate if owned by another party. (4) Gift accepted by the board. (5) Trade of state owned land for a natural area on federal, county or private land, provided however that lands received in exchange for trust lands should be equal in value to the exchanged trust land and, as closely as possible, equal in area. Section 5. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2705, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2705. Natural area identification procedures -- other agencies to assist -- annual report to legislature. The department shall establish and utilize procedures to Too identify the existing or potentially natoral areas on lands under its jurisdiction and sha11 coTTect information on potential natural areas on private, county, and other state land. The department of natural resource ShaTT cooperate with the department by reporting potential natural areas on state timber lands. The department shall make recommendations to the board for designation of natural areas on state lands controlled by the board and for acquisition of interests in other lands for the pre servation of natural areas. The board shall submit to each legislative assembly an annual report on its desig nation and acquisition activities. Section 6. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2706, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2706. Legislature may designate. The legislative assembly may designate natural areas on any state owned 1 and. Section 7. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2707, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2707. Board given acquisition powers. Subject to the limits of available appropriations, the board is authorized to acquire interests to lands by any lawful means for the purpose of designating natural areas; pro vided that the board shall exercise the power of eminent domain only in specific instances where authorized by the legislative assembly. Section 8. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2708, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2708. Designated areas not subject to condemna tion or development -- preexisting land uses permitted to continue. (1) Natural areas acquired or designated in accordance with the provisions of this act are protected from condemnation or other development adversely affecting the integrity of the natural area until legislative action is taken specifically authorizing the condemnation or development. (2) Land uses on the designated or acquired natural area in existence at the time of designation or acquisition by the board may continue under appropriate leases or agreements. All such land uses shall be controlled under regulations established by the board under Section 9 (81-]709). Section 9. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2709, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2709. Board to promulgate protective rules. (1) The board shall, after at least one public hearing, promulgate comprehensive regulations for the protection of acquired and designated natural areas within its jurisdiction. Such regulations shall be consistent with lÔT the intent of this act and shall be promulgated and enforced so as to protect the qualities of the natural areas. Special attention shall be given to protecting areas from recreational overuse. (2) The regulations shall provide at least two board meetings per year for the receipt of testimony on the board's proposed designation of natural areas. No area shall be designated by the board unless the opportunity for public testimony has been afforded at meetings provided for in the regulations, and positive notification of all involved landowners and lessees has been made. Section 10. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2710, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2710. Composition and duties of advisory council -- governor may appoint. (1) If the governor appoints a natural areas advisory council, the council shall consist of seven (7) citizens of the state, four (4) of whom shall possess experience in the evaluation and preservation of natural areas, and one (1) member each from agriculture, ranching and industry. The council shall make recommenda tions to the board for the administration of the natural areas system and additions thereto from state, federal, county or private land. (2) Within ninety (90) days of the receipt of a council recommendation the board shall: (a) In the case of state trust lands and existing designated areas promulgate a rule designating a recommended natural area contained in the recommendation and adb#ting the recommendation, or issue a written statement of its reasons for denying the recommendation. (b) In the case of federal, private or county land direct the department to begin investigation and negotia tion to acquire by purchase or trade interests in the land necessary to protect the natural area, or issue a written statement of its reasons for denying the recommen dation . Section 11. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2711, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2711. Consultation with interested parties -- proceedings and files to be open. The board and the natural areas advisory council shall consult with citizen organi zations and other interested state agencies in the admini stration of this act. All files and proceedings under this act shall be open to the public. Section 12. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2712, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2712. When more restrictive provisions to apply. A designated natural area that is or shall become a part of a state park, wildlife refuge, or similar area shall be subject to the provisions of this act and the laws 102 under which the other areas may be administered and in the case of conflict between the provisions of these laws the more restrictive provisions shall apply. Section 13. There is a new section to be numbered 81-2713, R.C.M. 1947, which reads as follows: 81-2713. Separability. It is the intent of the legislative assembly that if a part of this act is Invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of this act is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications. APPENDIX B
Montana Natural Area Nomination (For Department Use Only) 1-003 File Number------F O & M 1N S T B U C T 1 0 N 8 • Carbonless paper (no carbon required) • Apply sufficient pressure to complete four copies 10-14-75 • Retain the last copy (goliicnrud) for your personal records C.C. Wyman Schmidt - M.N.A.C. • Return remaining copies to: Division of Land Administration, 11-18-75 Department of State Lands, Capitol Station, Helena, Montana 59601 C.C. Janet Illgner
LOCAL OR PROPOSED NAME OF AREA: ■Area.. LOCATION:__ STdP-l 16 7N. 16W. SIZE: 640 (County) (Twp.) (**«.)_ (Aercs) OWNERSHIP: State of Montana Department of State Lands Capitol Station, Helena, Montana (a Comments on Natural Area features (approximate percent of total area, and general description): 1. Forest__ 30 „ 160 acres - 80% Douglas F ir, 20% Ponderosa Pine - no disturbance 2. Grass and/or shrubland 30 % -tops__ 3. Aquatic (strermis, lakes, springs, marshes) - Rock Creek flows through the section - little disturbance of short line - good water quality 4. (Geology (caves, eroded formations, basalt columns, exposed outcrops) ----- 20 Scree and large c l1ffs of sufficient size to provide for easy interpretation 5. wudiife (species and number) PeHodic nesting S ite for single families of osprey or golden eagle______6. Scenery (the landscape feature of unusual Interest) Attractive Combination of forest, range, streams, geologic features and w ildlife______ Description of the Land Uses and Man Caused Disturbance^ wh^h the area has experienced: Irrig a te d hay field in valley bottom, old ranch buildings, telephone line, and grazing Impact Rationale for Preservation (the Natural Area values of the site including suggestions for the beneficial use of the area and a des(7iptk»i o t a a y threats which may endanger the site): Possesses an outstanding variety of vegetation, w ild life , water resources, landscape and scenic values, provides an opportunity for public observation, educational interpretations, and scientific researchi Who could be contacted for additional information on this areal Mr. John Luthie (Lessee)______Mr. & Mrs. Clark (aaoic) (DMM) Philipsburg. Montana adjacent land owners (•(MrwM (addrcM) 59858 (NE%, Sec. 21) NOMINATING PARTY: Depa rtment of Sta te Lands D A T E : Sept. 3, 1975 (MbmlttMl by) JRecreation Inventory (aC dnw ) P H O N E N O .: 449-2074 103 APPENDIX C FIELD EVALUATION FORM I. GENERAL INFORMATION Date Proposed Name______Proposed size acres Evaluated by Address Phone No. Others knowing ____ about the area (names-addresses) Location: county township range sections nearest town distance direction Maps: aerial photos #s______U.S.G.S. topog. (name & scale) agency maps geologic maps______s o il maps vegetation (e .g ., tiwfeer type maps) other maps ______photographs ______ Ownership I I . GEOLOGY Topographic description & elev. range Geologic materials Landform features Fossils Minerals Other geologic features I I I . AQUATIC FEATURES — note quantity and size (area or length below): Zones Represented Habitats alpine upland-montane lowland lakes streams springs bogs, marshes General description of aquatic features and quality 104 105 IV. FOREST VEGETATION Estimated Cover Habitat Plant community description Condition acreage type ______type General Comments (rare plants, special features) V. GRASSLAND/SHRUBLAND VEGETATION Estimated Range Ppt. Habitat Plant community description Condition acreage site zone type General Comments (rare plants or special features) 106 V I. FAUNA Abundance & Features Animal Inhabitants (species) Seasonality Observed Inferred Code* Date and time of observation General Comments *COOE 1. Threatened or endangered spp. 2. Relict populations 3. Rare or peripheral spp. 4. C ritic a l habitat a. breeding, nesting, etc. areas b. feeding areas c. migration routes d. rest stops e. wintering areas f. roosting trees 5. Representative sites 6. Unusual species relationships 107 V II. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Primary values & ju s tific a tio n for natural area consideration ______ Access Management Historical uses Present uses Potential threats to area Recommended measures fo r p ro te c tio n Possible Additions or Deletions Similar Areas Literature or records covering the area (in c l. s c ie n tific studies) Weather Stations nearby name type of record distance away 108 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING FIELD EVALUATION FORM. This form is designed to provide a general biological and physical description of a nominated natural area. In most cases, the In itia l evaluation w ill be made by only one or two people. I f you do not have a background in a specialty, leave blanks or explain--don't guess. I. GENERAL INFORMATION--This section should be completed by anyone making a f ir s t evaluation. A. Propose a name for the natural area B. Attach copies of maps and photos wherever possible (especially U.S.G.S. topog.) C. Obtain or take photographs of near views and panoramas to aid reviewers in visualizing areas. I I . GEOLOGY Gfve a general description of topography, elevation, landforms, and geologic substrate (e .g .. State Geologic Map). B. Describe any notable geologic features that might be important. I I I . AQUATIC FEATURES A. F ill in the table 1. Alpine - an area above timber lin e. 2. Upland-montane - the area between alpine and lowland. 3. Lowland - an area up to 100 meters in elevation above the local base water level (e .g ., major lake or riv e r system). B. Describe aquatic features to the best of your a b ility . IV. FOREST VEGETATION A. Describe the communities verbally to best of your a b ility . B. Condition - general age, sizes, densities, disturbance. C. Estimate acreage of each described type, u tiliz in g existing maps, photos, etc. D. Foresters should lis t the cover types using standard S.A.F. Cover Type Description E. Foresters familiar with habitat types should indicate using the 1974 Forest H.T. of Montana classification. V. GRASSLAND AND SHRUBLAND A. Describe communities to best of your a b ility . B. Condition - pristine, good, etc. C. Estimate acreage of each type. D. Range and S.C.S. specialists should lis t the range sites and p p 't. zones. E. Habitat types should be listed for mountain grasslands in western Montana. (Mueggler & Handl - 1974) VI. FAUNA A. List all fauna known or inferred to be in area. B. Document whether based on evidence or inference. C. Note abundance and seasonal use for each species. D. General comments on detail of observations, area covered, etc. V II. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Complete information required and give your professional opinion. V III. ATTACHMENTS Each work group specialist will likely need to attach a narrative expansion for his specialty. Working groups can establish checklists for their specialty areas, as necessary. APPENDIX D LEASE N O .«^^..... LEASE OF STATE LANDS O rto MU Uo<«M k«a «üact: Fébl'X lâJ^ 28 j 1971 r.c™>. 1 John Luthje Ado»». Philipsburg* Montana 598$8 L cr^ localad In GrSXlitC Count* CMOTtpnoo All, Section 16* Township 7 North* Range 16 Vest J Total atUBbef et ocres. 640 , note or leu be*ooqlng to ScllOOX ^okt Anrtuot Rsotal based on: Carrying Capodry X X 3 AUM's- Crop Shoe: ^ / t * d wrjin crepe to k# delivered tree ot charge to the eeoreet elevator to the credn et the Stole ot Moatoaa eo or before the Aret of November of •och year Other crops. Including hoy, to be disposed ot at the going market price unless otherwise directed. In eddiUoo to env c i m shore reel cJs herein provided, ttie State shall receive the some shure ot all payments made pursuant to any act or acts of toe Cottgrsse oc the United Stoles ).i coonection w‘ih the lands under this lease or the crops raised toereon. opplylAg to t* e term of the lease, as It recelvee of the crops. Grazing . 600.00 acres FUH.C.. to which ua«d: AgBâflMJLtoTs 40.00 s c r s s T.rM oi,«r,. T en * DoM wt o p iu a k .: F e b ru H ry 28* 1981 V. HCRcAS. The sad second party has mode written opplicottoa to lease the above described stale lands, which oppUcatton to hereby made a pen of llus tease. *n occerdoace with toe consttlabcn and siotuiee of the Sune cf Montana and toe rules and ceguJatlmts prescribed by the State Board of Land Conamisstoneis, at the onoual rental, lor the purpose and during the lime above set forth Now. thecMore. Wiinesserii: Thot the said party of toe first port, lev and In oonsiderattoa of toe coveaante and ogreemenle beretn mentioned to be kept and rAerformed by toe said party of toe second part, his esecutors. admloislraiera and oeefgns, does by these preseate gront. demise, lease and let unto toe said party of the second part, his execulon. odministrctore and assigns, the load above deecrtbed. To Hove and Hold. The sold above described precntoes. with the oppurienancee, tmio the eofd party of the second port, his esecutors. e im ic u ira V tn un a CMigos. tor toe term hereto spociUed, subfeet how ever to o il the forms, conditions, reeuladeos, a n d reofttettecks provided to this lease. And thu som party cl toe second port to consideration of the leasing oi «ne premises aloffeeaid by the party of the first port to the *omJ party el toe cecond port, does covenant and agree with toe said party of the first part to pay unto the Starts of Mentosra. ee rental lor the to d lond, the sum hsretobefece specfHed. anauolly to advance as provided to Section #W12, nevleed Codes of Montano. 1947, and as prc/lded m Secfioo 11-410, Revised Codes of Montano, 1947. The receipt of payment for the first rental year is hereby acknowledged. It Is m\rtuoIly understood, ogreed and covenanted by and between the porbes to this lease as foUews: 1. The party d the second port is required to submM os requested, any reports requested by toe Commis -toner. Indadlog ssedhiq and crop i FAILURE TO PAY EACH YEARS RENTAL IN ADVANCED CANCELS THIS LEASE. 3. ClATIVATION—la cose of lends leased for agrtcuhurcit purposes, the lessee bmrtoy agrees to seed and cultivate eecto land to a hum tcr.dinan-ttfce manner and to strip farm Ü the land Is subtect to soil blowing. The lessee fu A er agrees to heap toe land cleae a# weeds and cme K « accordance with approved farm methods as determtoed by toe party el toe Itml part. 4 IMFROVEMENTS— The party el th# second purl shall huva toe ught to place o reosoiK'bU amount of Imprvvsments upom tire lands under ih.i lease os provided by luw. A leporl of proposed wprovememts runtaming such informoiwn os the Coauelssleovi of Stole Lands oad Invssh •3vo*ft may requeet c jocemtog the cost of the Impiovemvuis. their suitableness for the esse ordtoortly mode of the load, ond Ihelt toaracier wheiher lued or iroveuble. shall be submitted to the Commise loner before tostoiiotjon thereof on the premises. S. UENS ON WlLûÂJCû AND CROPS—The party of tbs first port shuH hcve a lien n all bulldtogs, structurée, fencesond all other improveaeois and also upon aR crops growing upon the land for reniais os provided in Secdoa 81-41$, Revised Codee of Mom lama, 1847. 8. (^MPENSATtON FOR IMPROVEMENTS—II the land under this loose Is sold to some other person toon the present loose#, or Is leased to some other person while toe present lessee owns uuprovements lawfully recnauUnq thereon, on w ht the State bos no Heniot reatals or peoalbee. provided, and which he desires to sell ond dispove oL such purchaser or new lessee shoU pay the former lesoeo the reasonable value ot tuch tmpToveiBenio oi too time the new lessee takes possession thereof Provided, however, that If any of toe Impsovemonte consist of break ;nq (ineam ag the original plowing of the land) an d one year's crop hoe bwen raised on the la n d after the breaking thereof, the compeosctooo , breokuiq shu:l not emceed the suei of two dollnr» ond fifty cents (S^.SO) per acre, and that tn cuse two or more crops have been roisod cn tiw land ofts-r the breaktsg thereof, then to such case the bieukm q sKciU not h# constdoied as ou Im provement to the lonoL tsi case the former ■ei.‘.^ end toe nvw lemee or purvhoser cie unable to ogvee on the reasonable value of such Uupruvemeoto. each value shall b# aecertalAed and '"Y three arbirioiors. one of which shall bv appointed by the owner oi the Imprevetr.ento, one by the now lessee or purcbosor and the ' by too two arbitniore so appointed The reasonable compensohon that such arbitrators may charge ebali be paàd to eqaol shares by toe ; -* ”er ot the improvements and the purchaser or new lessee. The value of such Improvements so ascerleined and Used shall be binding upon . .fh pcrties; prov&ded. however, that U either party Is dissatisfied with the valuation so fixed he may wittatn ten days oppsoi from their decision fo ihL- Commisswier of biote Lands oad Investments who shall thereupon cause the Chief Field Agent or Assistant field Agent to examine such rovemyits ond whose decision shall be final The Comwissloaer shoU charge and collect ine actual cost of such rewxaastoatton to the owner cr;! n#v/ lessor or purchaser m such proportion as la his iudgment may demand. pie tamer lessee may, however, remove the movable improvements on the land or dispose of the some to other parties Ifcoo the lessee or purchaser; bui 4 he tolls to remove such tmefovemsnts tram the land with in eixtv dove from the date ot the eapwotloo or tomtnottoo of his ’* 9 ^ - Oh such impiovemente shall become the property of the Slate unless the Commissioner tor good cause shown shall grant the uddiilonal time for Uie removal thereof. ^toce a les»# It issued to land which has tormeriy been under lease, the new lessee shall shew to the sattelcrtion of fhs Commlestoqer .Mis paid the tortner lessee the value of the tmpeoremeots as ogreed upon by them or as fixed and dotormined by ofbftostors os hereto provided or that he bos oUeied to pay toe value of such tmprovements as so fixed and determtoed or that Che lorteer lessee elects to remove the Improvements Summertallowir.g. necessary cultlvonmi done after the last crop grown, seeding, aod gtuwlog crops so toe land whiA hove not been h snre sii^ priof to M arch 1st ttoxt succeeding too d o le of sale ec a t to e time of change of lessee sholt b e conside red nm Êmysovessente: their value shall be deiermlAed la the some manner os other Improvements and shall be token ever by the purchossr or new lessee and paid for by nuA as F ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE—If all rerrtols due hove been paid ond toe terms of this lease have not been vtololnd. the loose may be T « ^ hlonks pravided lor toot purpose by the CMunlsstosier of Stole Lands and Investmeots. bet oe ewdk assignment nhaU be binding c . the Stole unless the assignaient is Bled with the Commissioner, approved by him, and payment mode of the assfgnmsnt fen of three dollars. RENEWAL LEASE—If oil rente Is due the State under tols lease have been pold and the terms of this lease hove sot b#sn violated, the i^ny M the second port shall upon making proper ap^icattos to the Commissioner be snttded to bcrvs this lease foonwed ot OTy ttous wttoln h*nv d ^ s prior to lie expiration for on oddutonol period of not exceeding ten years; ond if there to no etoer oppttond then offering to lease Hie land, the lease shall be issued ol the minimum rental os deiennioed under stalutes toon in effect,- U toese ore two or mam persons then aas.rtag to lease (he same tract, the tonner lessee sK<^l have the pcetotence nghi to toe loose to too extent tool be may take th# lease at toe 'Wheel bid made by any other applicant If the land under ifJs loose has previously bees said by the Slate and the cerbflcato of purchase bos been carweUed but Is xrtmsiotod totriog Mrm of tola lease, üte lessee hereto shall have eo right to renew this lease at the expwabon of the teem lor which It bm# boas Issued. SURLCASINO—The lessee shall have the rtghl to sub-lease toe land to another party upon the same terms omd coacUtleas os thoM upon whicn he leases It from tbs Slots, provtdsd toot no such sublease sholl be legal undl a copy toereaf has bsea Bled wtlh the Stoto Land Ottica or.d opprueed by the Commissions of State Lmds oad Invertments. 10*) 110 10. CANCEXLATION OF LCASr BY THE STATE—Th* Stal* Board cl Land ComaUaiaa*!* ihatt hrrr* lb* eow*r and ouiherliy la It* dl*- craltoa lo canc*! a l*a** lor any d By ....------—.. . . — « ..... — — — —.... I —.—...... — . S'rjlf^^T^^ND NO. OR P. O. BOX / ZIP CODE EXTRACTS FROM SECTIONS 81-410, 81-412, 81-418 AND 81-41», REVISED CODES OF M ONTANA, 1047. Section 81411k LEASE RENTALS FOR PART TEAR. Lease rentals for ogrtcullural or grazing stole land, where the lease term begins alter February 28 in the Initial year of the lease, shall be for the whole of toe yearly rote for the fractional port of the Initial yec; if the lease term begins prior to lulv 1st in such froctionol port of year, and tor aoe-hatl (11 the yearly rots lor such frocttonal part of the year if the leas* term begins oiler June 30th in tlte Initial year o rd prior lo the succeeding February Z8to Section 81-412 (1805.28); RENTAL, WHEN DUB—CANCELLATION FOR NONPAYMENT. The rental ter the Brel year oi toe hose and the lee cf two dollars and fifty cents ($2 50) for issuing toe lease shall be paid at or before the time oi the execution of toe lease; provided, however, diet m the case of a ll Iscses which take * fleet on ond afier October I and before toe espi-ailon of llw coming February, both the rental for the Iroctionol year and lor the next lu ll year beginning March I. shall be paid ond colleclud ul tlie tiir.o o' Issuing Ik.* leoss; provided, lurthei, when the government of the United Slates is the iMsee of slate lands for grazing purposes, the rental sholl be payab.e at the end of each year of said lease. The rental for each succeeding year on looses hereafter issued, w ith th* exrmption ot leosss wherein toe oovemmenl of the United Stotss is the lessee, shall become due osul payable to the Commissioner of Stole lands and Investments on IDscembet 15 next preceding the rental year to which the rental appliee and it net paid on or before February 1 next following, this non-payment shell hove the efieri of cancelling the lease from and after February 28 d thot year Th* Commissioner shall notify the lessee ay letter addressed to the pcit office address given in the loose ot such coneeltotlon. and the toad shall then be open for lerss* to other applicants. Section 11-419 (1805 32): ASSIOtMENT OF LEASES—PREFERENCES—FEE. Leasee to M l* toads moy_be oesigoed cm bhmks provided for that purpose by the State Board ot Load Commtssloneis. but nq such osstgamenl shall be binding on the Stole unless the oxrtgnmeat Is flisd with the Commtssioner, approved by him and payment made of the assignnient lee ol three doUars (B3.0QL Pretereacs shall always be given to the applicant who wcnts toe land for his own Indtviducrl use so thot the full advantage coming from the loosing and use ot sucn toads may remdi ihcsse who actually till toe solL and so that they shall not be compelled lo pay a higher rental than that due the stole. It c lessee su.-ilsases •io's lands on terms lees advantageous to the sublessee than the terras given by the State, his lease sholl be suksf^t to cartosltotton b y the Stole Board of Land Commissioners after hearing, duly held on the facts involved. In any cose where Stats Load is eubleosed by any lessee of State Lands, surto sublease shall be illegal unleies a copy ol the sublease has been filed with to* Stole Load ORice orsd opproved by the Commissioner. Fees and Rental Entered ...... - ...... Checfred by _ . .— ...... —.... — ...... —— . Recorded by __ ...... -...... APPENDIX E Presence lis t of vascular plant species recorded in Section 16. EQUISETACEAE Equisetum arvense L. POLYPODIACEAE Cystopteris montana (Lam. ) Desv. Woodsia oregana D.C. Eat. Woods i a scopuli na D.C. Eat. CUPRESSACEAE Juniperus communis L. var. montana Ait. Juniperus scopularum Sarg. PINACEAE Picea enqelmanni Parry Pinus contorta Dougl. Pinus ponderosa Dougl. Pseudotsuqa menziesii (Mirbel) Franco var. glauca (Bei ssnT ) Franco SALICACEAE Populus tremuloi des Michx. Popu1 us trichocarpa T. & G. SaliX sp. BETULACEAE Alnus sinuata (Regel) Rydb. Betula occidentalis Hook. URTICACEAE Urtica dioica L. POLYGONACEAE Eriogonum flavum Nutt. Eriogonum oval 1fo l1 urn Nutt. Eri ogonum umbel latum Torr. Polygonum bistortoides Pursh. Polygonum douglasi i Greene Polygonum sp. Rumex occidental is Wats. Ill 112 CHENOPODIACEAE Chenopodiurn chenopodioides (L.) Adlen Chenopodiurn glaucum L. PORTULACACEAE Lewi si a redi vi va Pursh Monti a perfolia ta (Donn) Howell CARYOPHYLLACEAE Arena ri a conges ta Nutt. Cerastiurn arvense L. Stellaria ameri cana (Porter) Standi. Ste 11 aria longipes Goldie RANUNCULACEAE Aconi turn colutnbianum Nutt. Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd. Anemone nuttal1iana D.C. Clematis columbiana (Nutt.) T.& G. Delphinium occidentale Wats. Delphinium bi col or Nutt. Ranunculus acris L. Thaii ctrum occi dentale Gray BERBERIDACEA Berberi s repens Lindl. CRUCIFERACEAE Alyssum alyssoi des L. Arabi s hi rsuta (L . ) Scop. Arabis holboel1ii Hornem Arabi s nuttal1i i Robins Descurainia pinnata (Watt.) Britt. Descurai ni a ri chardsoni i (Sweet) Schulz Draba nemorosa L. Erysimum inconspicuum (Wats.) MacM. Thlaspi arvense L. Thlaspi fendleri Gray CRASSULACEAE Sedum stenopeta1 urn Pursh SAXIFRAGACEAE Heuchera cylindrica Dougl. Heuchera grossularii folia Rydb. Lithophragma parviflora (Hook. ) Nutt. Saxifraga oregana Howell GROSSULARIACEAE Rifaes cereum Dougl. Ribes hudsonianum Richards 113 ROSACEAE Amelanchier al ni folia Nutt. FraÇ3aria yesca L . Fra gar i a virginjana Duchesne Geuiii niacrophy 1 1 uin Willd. Geum triflorum Pursh Physocarpus malvaceus (Greene) Kuntze Potentilla arguta Pursh Potentilla f ruticosa L. Potenti1 la gracilis Dougl. Prunus virginianus L. Rosa sp. Rubus idaeus L. Spiraea betulifolia Pall. LEGUMINOSAE Astragalus drummondi i Hook. Astragalus inflexus Dougl . Astragalus miser Dougl . Lupinus polyphy11 us Lindl. Lupi nus sericeus Pursh Trifolium repens L. GERANIACEAE Geranium v iscosissimum F. & M. ACERACEAE Acer glabrum Torr. VIOLACEAE Viola adunca Sm. Viola nu tta llii Pursh LOASACEAE Mentzelia dispersa Wats. ELAEGNACEAE Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt. ONAGRACEAE ^ 1 1 ? angusti foli urn L. Epilobium panicuïatuin Nutt. Epi1 obi urn watsonii Barbey UMBELLIFERAE Heracleuni lanatum Michx. Lomatiurn cous (Wats.) Coult. & Rose Lomatium cusickji_ (Wats.) Coult. & Rose Loiiiatium triternatum (Pursh) Coult. & Rose f’erideridja gairdneri (H. & A.) Math. 114 CORNACEAE Cornus s toi on i fera Michx. ERICACEAE Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng Chlmaphi1 a umbel 1 a ta (L.) Bart. Pyrola secunda L. Vaccin i um scopari um Leiberg PRIMULACEAE Androsace septentrional 1 s L. Dodecatheon conjugens Green Dodecatheon pulchel1um (Raf.) Merrill GENTIANACEAE Frasera speciosa Dougl. Gentiana affi n i s Griseb. POLEMONIACEAE Col 1omi a debi1i s (S. Wats.) Greene Col 1omia 1inearis Nutt. G i1i a tenerrima Gray Phlox 1ongifolia Nutt. Polemon1um occidentale Greene HYDROPHYLLACEAE Phaceli a f ran kli n i i (R. B r.) Gray Phaceli a hastata Dougl. Phaceli a heterophyl1 a Pursh Phaceli a 1ineari s (Pursh) Holz. BORAGINACEAE Cryptantha affinis (Gray) Greene Cryptantha fendleri (Gray) Greene L ithospermum ruderale Dougl. Mertensiana longiflora Greene Mertensi ana obi ongi folia (Nutt.) G. Don Mertensiana piniculata"T A it. ) G. Don LABIATAE Agastache u rticifo lia (Benth.) Kuntze Mentha arvensis L. Scutellaria gaiericulata L. Stachys pal us tri s L. SCROPHULARIACEAE Bessya wyomingensis (A. Nels. ) Rydb. Casti1 leja 1utescens (Green M.) Rydb. Cas t i i 1 e ja nnjiiat^ Dougl. 115 Castilleja pal 1escens (Gray) Green, m. Col 1i nsia parvi flora Lindl. Mimulus guttatus DC. Orthocarpus tenuifolius (Pursh) Benth. Pedicularis contorta Benth. Penstemon albertinus Greene Penstemon diphy11 us Rydb. Penstemon nitidus Dougl. Penstemon procerus Dougl. Veronica americana Schwein RUBIACEAE Galium boreale L. CAPRIFOLIACEAE Linnaea boreal 1s L. Lonicera involucrata (Rich.) Banks Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake VALERIANACEAE Valeriana dioica L. CAMPANULÂCEAE Campanula rotundi folia L. COMPOSITAE Achillea millefolium L. Agoseri s glauca (Pursh) Raf. Antennaria anaphaloides Rydb. Antennaria microphy11 a Rydb. Antennari a racemosa Hook. Arnica cordifolia Hook. Arnica sororia Greene Artemisia dracunculus L. Artemisia frigida Willd. Artemisia 1udoviciana Nutt. Artemisia michauxiana Bess. Artemisia tridentata Nutt. Aster conspicuus Lindl. Aster occi dentali s (Nutt.) T. & 6. Balsamorhiza sagi tatta (Pursh) Nutt. Chaenactis douglasii fHook.) H. & A. Chrysopsis villosa"TPursh) Nutt. Chrysothamnus nauseosus (Pall.) Britt. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (Hook. ) Nutt Cirsium undula turn (Nutt.) Spreng Cirsium vulgare [Savi) Tenore Crepi s acuminata Nutt. Crepi s atrabarba Heller 116 Crepi s occidentalis Nutt. Erigeron compositus Pursh Erigeron divergens T. & G. Erigeron speciosus (Lindl.) DC. Eupatorium occidentale Hook. Happlopappus 1anuginosus Gray Hieracium albiflorum Hook. Hieraci um cynoglossoides Arv. - Touv. Lactuca serriola L. Microseris nutans (Geyer) Schultz-Bip. Senecio canus Hook. Senecio integerrimus Nutt. Senecio pauperculus Michx. Soli dago nemora1i s Ait. Taraxacum officinale Weber Tragopoqon dubius Scop. JUNCACEAE Juncus ba1ti eus Willd. Luzula campestris (L.) DC. CYPERACEAE Carex petasata Dewey Carex rossii Boott Carex rostra ta Stokes Scirpus microcarpus Presl GRAMINEAE Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith Agrostis scabra Willd. Bromus tectorum L. Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. Calamagrosti s rubescens Buckl. Danthonia intermedia Vasey Danthonia unispicata (Thurb.) Munro Elymus gTaucus Buckl. Festuca pratens i s Huds. Festuca idahoensis Elmer Festuca scabrel1 a Torr. Glyceria borealis (Nash) Batch. Koeleria cri stata Pers. Phleum pratense L. Poa compressa L. Poa pal us tri s L. Poa sandbergi i Vasey Tri se turn spicatum L. Richter TYPHACEAE Typha 1 ati foli a L. 117 LEMNACEAE Lemna minor L. LILIACEAE Allium cernuum Roth Ca1ochortus eurycarpus Wats. Disporum trachycarpum (Wats.) Benth. & Hook F ritilla ria pudica (Pursh) Spreng. Smilacina racemosa (L.) Oesf. Zlgadenus venenosus Wats. IRIDACEAE SIsyri nchi um angustifol1um M ill. ORCHIDACEAE Goodyera oblongifolia Raf. Habenaria dilatata (Pursh) Hook. Habenaria obtusata (Banks) Richards. APPENDIX F-1 Agropyron spicatum series Decreasers Increasers Invaders Agropyron spicatum Artemisia frigida Bromus tectorum Chrysopsis villosa Cirsium vulgare Chrysothamnus nauseosus Taraxacum offi nale Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Tragopogon dubi us Lupinus sericeus Poa sandbergi i APPENDIX F-2 Festuca i dahoen s i s series Decreasers Increasers Invaders Agoseri s g 1 auca Achillea millifolium Bromus tectorum Agropyron spicatum Artemisia frigida Cirsium vulgare Crepis spp. Campanula rotundifolia Taraxacum officinale Festuca idahoensis Carex petasata Tragopogon dubius Geranium viscosissimum Chrysopsis villosa Lupinus spp. Chrysothamnus nauseosus Potenti11a gracilis Danthonia unispicata Erigeron compositus Geum triflorum Koeleria cristata Poa sandbergi i CO APPENDIX F-3 Festuca scabrella series Decreasers I nc reasers Invaders Danthonia unispicata Arenaria congesta Bromus tectorum Eriogonum umbel latum Antennaria microphylla Cirsium vulgare Festuca idahoensis Artemisia frigida Taraxacum officinale Festuca scabrel1 a Artemisia triden ta ta Tragopogon dubius Koeleria cristata Astragal us mi ser Phlox longifolia Chrysothamnus nauseosus Poa sandbergii Danthonia intermedia Potenti11a gracilis Erigeron compositus Geranium viscosissimum Geum triflorum Heuchera spp. APPENDIX G AGSP/ FEID/ FESC/ ARTR/ ARTR/ Number in Stand POSAN AGSP FEID FEID FESC 31 40 18 20 5 PERENNIAL GRAMINOIDS Agropyron spicatum 7(2) 5(2) 5(2) 8(2) 6(2) Carex petasata 2(T) 2(T) 2(T) 2(T) C. rossii 1(T) 2(1) Danthonia intermedia + (T) D. unispicata + (T) 1(T) 1(T) Elymus glaucus + (T) Festuca idahoensis + (T) 10(2) 10(2) 10(2) 10(2) F. pratensis + (T) F. scabrella 2(1) 10(3) 1(T) 10(2) Koeleria cristata 5(2) 5(1 ) 7(T) 8(1) 8(1) Phleum pratense + (T) + (T) Poa compressa 2(1) 2(1 ) 2(T) 2(1) 2(T) P. sandbergi! 4(T) 5(T) 1(T) 3(T) SHRUBS Artemisia frigida + (T) + (T) 2(T) + (0) A. triternatum 1(T) 2(T) 10(2) 10(3) Chrysothamnus spp- + (0) 3(1 ) 2(T) 6 ( 1 ) Ribes cereum + (T) 3(T) Rosa spp. 5(1) + (T) + (0) Symphoricarpos albus + (T) PERENNIAL FORBS Achillea millifolium 3(1) 8(1) 8(1) 10(1) 10(1) Agastache urticifo lia + (0) + (1) + (T) 4(1) 2(1) Agoseris glauca + (T) + (T) + (T) 1(T) 6(T) Allium cernuum + (T) 1(T) Antennaria anaphaloides + (0) A. microphylla + (0) 3(1 ) 8(T) 4(T) 2(T) Anemone nuttalliana + (T) Arabis holboellii 1(T) + (0) 1(T) 6(T) A. nutta11ii + (T) + (T) Arenaria congesta 1(T) 5(1) 9(T) 3(T) 2(T) Arnica sororia + (0) 3(1) 5(T) 5(T) 4(1) Artemisia dracunculus + (T) + (T) A. michauxiana + (T) 2(1) Aster occidental is + (0) + (0) 2(T) 120 121 AGSP/ FEID/ FESC/ ARTR/ ARTR/ POSAN AGSP FEID FEID FESC 31 40 18 20 5 Astragalus drumiiond 11 + (0) + (T) + (0) A. inflexus + {T) A. miser 2(1) 3(1 ) 1 (T) Balsam orhiza sagittate + (T) 3(2) Bessya wyomingensis 1(T) Campanula rotundifolia 1 (T) + (0) 2(T) Castilleja 1utescens 1 (T) + (0) C. pallescens + (T) 3(T) 1 (T) Chrysopsis villosa + (0) + (T) Cirsium un du 1 a turn + (0) + (T) + (T) C. vulgare + (T) 2(T) Crepis atrabarba + (T) C. occidental is + (T) 3(T) + (T) Delphinium bicolor 1(T) 3(T) 1 (T) 4(T) Dodocatheon conjugens + (T) 2(T) 2(T) Ebilobium paniculatum 4(T) 2(1) 4(2) 2(T) Erigeron compositus 2(1 ) 3(1 ) 5(1 ) 1 (T) E. di vergens 1(T) + (T) 1 (T) 1 (T) 6(1 ) E. s pec i os us + (0) + (0) Erigonum umbel latum 2(T) 5(1 ) 4(1) 2(T) Fragaria vesca + (0) F. vi rgini ana + (T) 2(1) + (T) Frasera speciosa + (0) Fritillaria pudica + (T) 3(T) Geum triflorum 2(T) 7(3) 1 (T) 4(2) Geranium viscosissimum 1 (T) 2(T) Gilia tenerrima + (0) Happlopappus lanuginosis + (T) 3(T) Heuchera cy1i ndri ca + (T) H. grossulariifolia + (T) Hieracium cynog 1 os soides 1 (T) 3(T) 1(T) 8(1) Lactuca serriola + (0) Lewi s i a redi vi va + (T) + (T) 3(T) 1 (T) Lithosperma ruderale + (T) + (T) 2(T) 2(1 ) 2(T) Lomatium cous + (T) 3(T) 2(1) L. triternatum 3(T) 2(T) 1 (T) Lupinus sericeus 2(1 ) 5(1 ) 7(1) 9(2) 10(1) Mentzelia dispersa + (0) Mertensiana longiflora 2(T) Microseris nutans + (T) 2(T) + (T) Orthocarpus tenuifolia + (T) 8(1) 3(T) 4(1) 6(1) Pedicularis contorta 2(T) Penstemon albertinus + (0) P. procerus Perideridia gairdneri + (0) + (0) + (0) 6(1 ) 122 AGSP/ FEID/ FESC/ ARTR/ ARTR/ POSAN AGSP FEID FEID FESC 31 40 18 20 5 Phacel1a hastata + (T) + (T) 4(1) & heterophylla Phlox longifoil a UT) 5(T) 8(T) 6(1) Polygonum bistortoides 2(T) Potentilla argute + (T) 1(T) 1(T) P. gracilis + (T) 2(T) 2(T) Saxifraga oregana 2(T) Sedum stenopetalum + (T) 8(T) + (T) Senecio integerrimus 1 (T) 4(T) 2(5) 4(T) Solidago nemora1i s + (0) + (0) 6(1 ) Stellaria longipes + (T) Taraxacum officinale 2(T) 8(1) 9(1) 5(1) 2(T) Thlaspi fendleri + (T) Tragopogon dubius 1(T) 1(T) 1(T) 4(T) 4(T) Viola spp. 1(T) Zigadenus venenosus 1(T) 4(T) UT) ANNUALS Alyssum alyssoides + (T) + (T) Bromus tectorum 4(T) + (T) 1(T) 2(T) Collins la parviflora + (T) 2(T) 2(T) 6(3) 2(T) Collomia linearis 7(T) 1(T) 1(T) 3(T) Cryptantha affinis + (T) 2(T) Descurainia richardsoni + (T) + (0) 1(T) Draba nemorosa + (T) + (T) + (T) Phacel1 a 11 near 1s 3(T) 1(T) 4(T) 2(T) Polygonum douglasii + (T) 6(T) 6(T) Thlaspi arvense + (T) 1(T) 1(T) Rock 3(1) 2(T) 8(1) 8(1) 6(2) Moss/Lichen 5(2) 7(2) 10(2) 9(1) 6(1) Soil 7(2) 6(1) 10(2) 9(1) 6(1 ) APPENDIX H PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ Number in Stand AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 1 6 1 3 TREES Juniperus scopulorum <4" d.b.h. 8(2) 7(2) 3(1 ) 6(2) 8(2) 3(T) 4-12" d.b.h. 6(2) 5(1 ) 3(1 ) 3(2) 4(2) 2(T) >12" d.b.h. 2(T) Picea engelmannii 4-12" d.b.h. 3(T) Pinus contorta 4-12" d.b.h. (3) 10(2) Pi nus ponderosa <4" d.b.h. 2(1 ) 3(T) 4-12" d.b.h. 2(0) 2{T) 1 (T) + (T) 7(1 ) >12" d.b.h. 6(1) 2(1 ) 2(0) 1(1) 7(1 ) Populus tremuloides 1 (T) + (1) Pseudotsuga menziesii <4" d.b.h. 8(1 ) 5(1 ) 7(1) 7(1 ) 7(1 ) (1 ) 7(1 ) 4-12" d.b.h. 8(2) 10(2) 10(3) 9(3) 10(2) (3) 7(2) >12" d.b.h. 10(2) 10(2) 7(2) 9(2) 9(2) 7(2) SHRUBS Acer glabrum 6(2) Amelanchier alnifolia + (T) + (0) + (T) 7(1 ) Artemisia tridentata + (T) 10(2) 3(T) Betula occidental is 7(1) + (T) tv> Chrysothamnus spp. + (0) 3(T) u> PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 16 1 3 Juniperus communis + ( 0 ) 1(T) 3(T) Lonicera involucrata 3(T) Physocarpus malvaceus (3) Potentilla fructicosa 10( 2) Prunus virginiana + (T 3(2) Ribes cereum 3(T) 3(T) 4(T) 7(1) 3(T) Rosa spp. 3(1) 2(T) 3(2) 10( 2) Rubus idaeus 3(1 ) + (T) 10( 1) Salix spp. Shepherdia canadensis nil Spiraea betulifolia 3(1 ) 7(2) Symphoricarpos albus 7(T) 4(T) 10(3) l!l 10( 2 ) Vaccinium scoparium + ( 0 ) SUBSHRUBS Arctostaphylos uva-ursi + (T) 7(2) Artemisia frigida 2(T) +(T) 1(T) Berberis repens 7(1) Clematis Columbiana + (T) 1(T) (T) Linnaea borealis 10( 1) FERNS Woodsia oregana 2(t) 2(T) W. scopulina + (T) 1(T) GRAMINOIDS Agropyron spicatum 10( 2) 9(2) 7(2) 5(1) 9(2) 7(T) ~ A. repens 1 ( 1 ) 2(T) + (T) PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 16 1 3 Agrostis scabera + (T) Ca1amagrostis rubescens + (0) 10(4) 4(2) (5) 10( 2 ) Carex petasata + (T) C. rossii 10(1 ) 6(T) 3(T) 4(T) Danthonia unispicata + (T) Festuca idahoensis 10(2) 7(2) 7(1) 7(2) F. scabrella 10(2) 6(1) + (T) (1) Juncus b a itieus 10( 2) Koeleria cristata 6(1) 8(1) 10(1 ) 8(1 ) 4(T) (T) 3(T) Phleum pratense + (T) 3(T) 2(1 ) 10( 2) Poa compressa 1(1) P. palustris 1 (T) P. sandbergii 8(1) 5(1) 3(1) 2(T) 3(T) PERENNIAL FORBS Achillea millefolium 2(T) 10(1 ) 10(2) 6(1 ) 7(1 ) 10( 1) Agastache urticifo lia + (T) 2(T) + (T) Agoseris glauca + (T) Allium cernuum 2(T) 7(1) 6(T) 4(T) Anemone spp. 7(T) + (T) Antennaria anaphaloides 3(T) 2(T) 1 (T) A. microphylla 2(T) 6(1 ) 10(1 ) 6(1 ) 5(1 ) 7(T) A. racemosa 1(T) 4(1 ) 3(1 ) (2) Arabis hirsuta 3(T) 2(T) + (T) A. holboellii 8(T) 6(T) 7(T) 3(T) 1 (T) Arenaria congesta 5(T) 7(1) + (T) Arnica condifol1 a 2(T) 3(1) (2) 10( 1) 7(T) 6(2) A. sororia ro Artemisia dracunculus + (T) 1(1) PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 16 1 3 A. michauxiana 8(2) 5(1 ) 2(1) 3(1) Aster conspicuus 2(1 ) ( 2 ) A. occi dentali s 1 (T) 7(T) Astragal us mi ser 4(1 ) 7(1) 6(2) 2(1 ) Balsamorhiza sagittate 4(1 ) Campanula rotundifolia 3(T) 3(T) 4(T) Castilleja 1utescens + (T) C. mi ni a ta + (T) C. pallescens + (T) 3(T) + (T) Cerastium arvense 1 (T) 3(T) + (T) + (T) Chaenactis douglasii 2(0) Chimophila umbel lata 1(1) 7(T) Chrysopsis villosa 1 (T) Cirsium undulatum 1(T) 7(1 ) C. vulgare 1 (T) + (T) Crepis occidental is 2(T) 3(1 ) + (T) 1 (T) Delphinium hi color 3(1 ) 1 (T) + (T) D. occidentale Disporum trachycarpum + (T) 2(T) (T) 10(T) Dodecatheon conjugens + (T) Epilobium angustifolium 4(T) + (T) + (T) E. paniculatum 5(T) 3(T) 2(T) 4(T) Erigeron compositus 6(1) 7(2) 3(1 ) 2(1) 2(1 ) E. divergens + (T) E. speciosus 2(T) 10(2) 5(1 ) 1 (T) 7(1 ) Eriogonum flavum E. ovalifolium 2(0) + (T) E. umbel latum 1(T) 7(T) + (T) Erysimum inconspicuum + (T) Fragaria vesca 4(T) 5(1) 3(1 ) 9(2) ro CD F. virginiana 10(1 ) 9(2) + (T) ( 2 ) 10( 1) PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 16 1 3 Frasera speciosa 2(T) + (T) Galium boreale 1(T) 2(1 ) 10(1 ) Geranium viscosissimum 7(1) + (T) 7(T) Geum triflorum 4(1 ) 10(1) 7(1) 2(T) 7(T) Goodyera oblongifolia + (T) 3(T) Habenaria del a tata 7(T) H. obtusata (T) Happlopappus lanuginosus 3(T) Heuchera cylindrica 4(T) 4(T) 10(T) 8(1 ) 7(1) 7(T) H. grossularifolia 2{T) 1(T) 2(T) Hieracium albiflorum 1(T) + (T) H. cynoglossoides 3(T) 7(1) 2(T) Lithophragma parviflora + (T) Lithosperrudruderale 1(T) 10(2) 4(T) 3(T) Lomatium triternatum 7(1) Lupinus sericeus 4(T) 10(2) 4(1) 3(T) Mentzelia dispersa 2(T) 4(T) + (T) Mertensiana longiflora + (T) + (T) M. oblongifolia + (T) 2(T) Montia perfoliata + (T) Orthocarpus tenuifolia 7(1) + (T) Pedicularis contorta 3(T) Penstemon albertinus 2{T) 1(T) 4(T) P. diphyllus 8(T) 4(T) 1(T) 4(T) P. procerus 4(T) 5(T 2(T) Perideridia gairdneri 7(1) + (T) Phacelia hastata 4(T) 6(T) 1(T) 3(T) & heterophylla Polemonium occidentale 1(T) 2(1) 7(T) Potentil la arguta 2(T) 3(T) 6(1) 7(1) ro P. gracilis 3(1) 1(T) + (T) PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 16 16 1 3 Pyrola secunda + (T) 7(1 ) Sedum stenopetalum 2(T) 5(T) 10(T) 4(T) 5(T) Senecio canus 2(T) + (T) 1(T) S. integerrimus + (T) 3(1 ) 1(T) Smilacina racemosa + (T) 2{T) 3(T) Soli dago nemora1i s 2(1) 10(2) 2(1 ) 2(1 ) 7(1 ) Stel1ari a ameri cana 4(T) S. longipes 6(T) 5(T) 2(T) Taraxaxum officinale 1 (T) 7(2) 7(1) 4(1) 10(1 ) Thalictrum occidentale + (T) Tragopogon dubius 2(T) + (T) 2(T) + (T) Tri folium repens + (T) Urtica dioica + (T) Valeriana dioica 3(T) 5(1 ) 6(1 ) 7(T) Viola spp. + (T) Zigadenus venenosus + (T) ANNUALS Bromus tectorum 8(1) 4(1) 3(T) 2(1 ) 2(T) Chenopodium chenopodioides 1(T) 2(T) + (T) C. glaucum 3(T) + (T) Col 1 insia parviflora 8(T) 8(T) 10(T) 5(T) 4(T) Collomia linearis 4(T) + (T) 1 (T) Cryptantha affinis 4(T) 3(T) Descuraini a pinnata + (T) + (T) D. richardsoni 1 (T) + (T) Phacelia franklinii + (T) P. linearis 8(T) 4(T) 3(T) 4(T) 1(T) 4(T) 3(T) + (T) + (T) Polygonum spp. 1 (T) cx> Thlaspi arvense + (T) 3(T) PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ PSME/ AGSP FEID FESC CARU SYAL PHMA LIBO 5 14 3 1 6 16 1 3 Rock 10(3) 10(3) 7(1 ) 10(1) 10(3) (T) 10(1) Moss/Lichen 10(2) 10(2) 7(T) 10(2) 9(2) (2) 10(1) Soi 1 8(2) 10(2) 7(1 ) 10(2) 10(2) (1 ) 10(1) fV) APPENDIX I SPECIES LIST OF MAMMALS OBSERVED ON THE PROPOSED SQUAW ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA 1. Vagrant Shrew - Sorex vaqrans* 2. L ittle Brown Bat - Myotls lucifungus* 3. Pika - Ochotona princeps* 4. Snowshoe Hare - Lepus ameri canus* 5. White-tailed Jackrabbit - Lepus townsendi* 6. Mountain Cottontail - Sylvilagus nutallii 7. Yellow-bellied Marmot - Marmota flaviventris 8. Columbian Ground Squirrel - Spermophi1ius columbianus* 9. Mantled Ground Squirrel - Spermophilus lateralis 10. Yellow Pine Chipmunk - Eutamias amoenus 11. Rufous-tailed Chipmunk - Eutamias ruficaudus 12. Red Squirrel - Tamiasciurus hudsonieus 13. Beaver - Castor canadensi s 14. Deer Mouse - Peromyscus maniculatus 15. Bushy-tailed Woodrat - Neotoma cinerea* 16. Muskrat - Ondatra zibethica 17. Porcupine - Erethi zon dorsaturn 18. Coyote - Canis 1atrans 19. Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes* 20. Black Bear - Ursus ameri canus 21. Marten - Martes americana* 22. Mink - Mustela vi son 23. Badger - Taxidea taxus* 24. Striped Skunk - Mephi tes mephi tes 25. Otter - Lutra canadensis* 26. Cougar - Felix concolor* 27. Bobcat - Lynx rufous 28. Elk - Cervus canadensi s 29. Mule Deer - Odocoileus heminous 30. White-tailed Deer - Odocoileus virginianus 31. Moose - A1ces a 1 ces* 32. Bighorn Sheep - Ovis canadensis 33. Mountain Goat - Oreamnos americanus *Species observed by Aderhold on the bighorn sheep winter range during the winter of 1966-67. 130 APPENDIX J SPECIES LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED ON THE PROPOSED SQUAW ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA 1. Mallard - Anas p1atyrhynchos 2. Green-winged Teal - Anas carolinensis* 3. Blue-winged Teal - Anas di scors* 4. Cinnamon Teal - Anas cyanoptera* 5. Shoveler - Spatula c1ypeata* 6. Wood Duck - Aix sponsa* 7. Lesser Scaup - Aythya a ffin is* 8. Barrow's Goldeneye - Bucepha1 a i s1 and i ca* 9. Hooded Merganser - Lophodytes cucullatus* 10. Common Merganser - Mergus merganser* 11. Rough-legged Hawk - Buteo 1agopus* 12. Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 13. Swainson's Hawk - Buteo swainsoni* 14. Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos 15. Bald Eagle - Haliaetus l eucocephalus 16. Osprey - Pandion haliaetus* 17. Sparrow Hawk - Falco sparverius 18. Blue Grouse - Dendragapus obscurus 19. Spruce Grouse - Canachites canadensi s 20. Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbel 1 us 21. Ring-necked Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus* 22. Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 23. Spotted Sandpiper - Actitus macularia 24. Solitary Sandpiper - Tringa soli t a r i a * 25. Killdeer - Charadrius vociferous 26. Mourning Dove - Zenai dura macroura 27. Horned Owl - Bubo virginianus 28. Short-eared Owl - Asio f 1ammeus 29. Common Nighthawk - Chordeiles minor 30. White-throated Swift - Aeronautes s a x a t a 1i s 31. Belted Kingfisher - Megacery1e a 1cyon 32. Flicker - Col aptes aura tus 33. Downy Woodpecker - Dendrocopos pubescens 34. Hairy Woodpecker - Dendrocopos villosus 35. Pi lea ted Woodpecker - D ryocopus pileatus 36. Lewis's Woodpecker - Asyndesmus lewis* 37. Williamson's Sapsucker - Sphyrapi eusthyroi deus *Species observed by Aderhold on the bighorn sheep winter range during the winter of 1966-67. 1 31 1 32 38. Western Wood Pewee - Con topus sordi du 1 us 39. Eastern Kingbird - Tyrannus tyrannus* 40. Violet-green Swallow - Tachycineta thalssina 41. Tree Swallow - Iri oprocne bicolor* 42. Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica 43. C liff Swallow - Petrocheli don pyrrhonota 44. Gray Jay - Peri soreus canadens i s 45. Steller’ s Jay - Cyanoc i tta stelle ri 46. Black-billed Magpie - N^_a pica 47. Common Raven - Corvus corax 48. Common Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 49. Clark's Nutcracker - Nucifraga columbiana 50. Black-capped Chickadee - Paris atricapillus 51. Mountain Chickadee - Paris gambeli 52. Dipper - Cinclus mexicanus 53. Red-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta canadensi s 54. Rock Wren - Sal pinctes obsoletus 55. Robin - Turdus migratorius 56. Townsend's Solitaire - Myades tes townsendi 57. Swainson's Thrush - Hylocichla u s tu 1 a ta 58. Varied Thrush - Ixoreus naevius 59. Mountain Bluebird - Si alia currucoides 60. Ruby-crowned Kinglet - Regu1 us calendula 61. Golden-crowned Kinglet - Regulus satrapa* 62. Bohemian Waxwing - Bombyci11s garrula* 63. Starling - Sturnus vulgaris 64. Audobon's Warbler - Dendroi ca auduboni 65. Brewer's Blackbird - Euphagus cyanocephalus* 66. Brown-headed Cowbird - Molothrus a ter 67. Western Tanager - Pi ranga ludoviciana 68. Evening Grosbeak - Hesperiphona vespertine 69. Pine Sisken - Spinus pinus 70. Rufous-sided Towhee - Pipilo erythropthalmus* 71. House Sparrow - Passer domes ti eus 72. Lark Sparrow - Chondestes grammacus* 73. Vesper Sparrow - Pooecetes gramineus 74. Chipping Sparrow - Spizella passerina 75. Oregon Junco - Junco oreganus 76. Snow Bunting - P1ectrophenax nivalis