DOCSLIB.ORG

Final Record of Decision for the Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan Flathead, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Missoula, and Powell Counties, Montana

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Final Record of Decision for the Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan Flathead, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Missoula, and Powell Counties, Montana United States Department of Agriculture Final Record of Decision for the Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan Flathead, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Missoula, and Powell Counties, Montana “. for the greatest good of the greatest number for the longest time.”—Gifford Pinchot, founding Chief of the Forest Service, 1905 Forest Service Northern Region December 2018 Cover (images described clockwise from upper left): • South Fork of the Flathead River, Spotted Bear Ranger District • Forwarder working on the Paint Emery Resource Management Project, Hungry Horse- Glacier View Ranger District • Two hikers • Snowmobiler • View from trail to Pentagon Cabin in the Bob Marshall Wilderness (photo by Peter Borgesen) • Fireweed • White-tailed deer (photo by John Littlefield) Flathead National Forest Record of Decision for the Land Management Plan Final Record of Decision for the Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan Flathead, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Missoula, and Powell Counties, Montana Lead agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible official: Chip Weber, Forest Supervisor Flathead National Forest 650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, MT 59901 406-758-5204 i Flathead National Forest Record of Decision for the Land Management Plan In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. ii Flathead National Forest Record of Decision for the Land Management Plan Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1 Forest Setting .............................................................................................................................................. 1 Purpose and Need and Proposed Action ....................................................................................................... 3 Engagement of State and Local Governments, other Federal Agencies, and Indian Tribes ............................. 4 Public Engagement ...................................................................................................................................... 4 My Decision .................................................................................................................................................... 6 Rationale for the Decision ............................................................................................................................ 6 Alternatives Considered ............................................................................................................................... 8 Environmentally Preferred Alternative ....................................................................................................... 10 Components of the Land Management Plan ............................................................................................... 12 Role of Science .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations ...................................................................................... 28 Conflicts with Other Agency or Government Goals or Objectives................................................................. 48 Implementation ............................................................................................................................................ 48 Project, Activity, Occupancy and Use Authorization, and Resource Plan Consistency with the Land Management Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 48 Maintaining the Land Management Plan and Adapting to New Information .............................................. 49 Amending the Land Management Plan ...................................................................................................... 49 Station Director Concurrence ..................................................................................................................... 49 The Effective Date of the Plan Revision ...................................................................................................... 49 Administrative Review and Objections ......................................................................................................... 50 Modifications Made in Response to Instructions......................................................................................... 50 Contact Person .......................................................................................................................................... 56 Responsible Official ................................................................................................................................... 57 List of Tables Table 1. Management area acres and percent .............................................................................................. 13 Table 2. Management area allocation for wilderness inventory area ............................................................ 21 Table 3. List of eligible wild and scenic rivers and their segments, preliminary classification, outstandingly remarkable values, and length ............................................................................................................. 23 Table 4. Recommended special areas on the Flathead National Forest ......................................................... 25 iii Flathead National Forest Record of Decision for the Land Management Plan Terms and Abbreviations Term Full name 1986 plan Flathead National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (USDA, 1986) 2012 planning rule National Forest System land management planning rule (36 CFR Part 219; effective 2012, amended 2016) assessment Assessment of the Flathead National Forest (USDA, 2014) amendment forests collective term for the Helena-Lewis and Clark, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests draft Grizzly Bear Draft NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy (USFWS, 2013) Conservation Strategy NCDE Conservation Conservation Strategy for the Grizzly Bear in the Northern Continental Divide Strategy Ecosystem (IGBC, 2018) the Forest Flathead National Forest land management plan Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan (USDA, 2018b) Northern Region USDA Forest Service Northern Region (also known as Region 1) List of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations d.b.h. diameter at breast height DC desired condition (land management plan component) DCA demographic connectivity area EIS environmental impact statement FW forestwide (land management plan component) GA geographic area GDL Guideline (land management plan component) GIS geographic information system INFISH Inland Native Fish Strategy MA management area mi mile mmbf million board feet mmcf million cubic feet MFWP Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks NCDE Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NFS National Forest System NRLMD Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction PACFISH Pacific Fish Strategy PCA primary conservation area PIBO PACFISH/INFISH Biological Opinion STD standard (land management plan component) TMDL total maximum daily load USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFS United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service iv Flathead National Forest Record of Decision for the Land Management Plan Introduction This record of decision (ROD) documents my decision and rationale for selecting alternative B modified as described in the final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the 2018 revision of the Flathead National Forest Land Management Plan (USDA, 2018b), hereinafter referred to as the “land
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tribal Perspectives Teacher Guide
    Teacher Guide for 7th – 12th Grades for use with the educational DVD Tribal Perspectives on American History in the Northwest First Edition The Regional Learning Project collaborates with tribal educators to produce top quality, primary resource materials about Native Americans and regional history. Teacher Guide prepared by Bob Boyer, Shana Brown, Kim Lugthart, Elizabeth Sperry, and Sally Thompson © 2008 Regional Learning Project, The University of Montana, Center for Continuing Education Regional Learning Project at the University of Montana–Missoula grants teachers permission to photocopy the activity pages from this book for classroom use. No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For more information regarding permission, write to Regional Learning Project, UM Continuing Education, Missoula, MT 59812. Acknowledgements Regional Learning Project extends grateful acknowledgement to the tribal representatives contributing to this project. The following is a list of those appearing in the DVD Tribal Perspectives on American History in the Northwest, from interviews conducted by Sally Thompson, Ph.D. Lewis Malatare (Yakama) Lee Bourgeau (Nez Perce) Allen Pinkham (Nez Perce) Julie Cajune (Salish) Pat Courtney Gold (Wasco) Maria Pascua (Makah) Armand Minthorn (Cayuse–Nez Perce) Cecelia Bearchum (Walla Walla–Yakama) Vernon Finley
    [Show full text]
  • Experience the Nez Perce Trail
    Lolo, Montana, to the Big Hole National Battlefield, Montana, through the Bitterroot Valley Experience the Nez Perce Trail Bitterroot River © Jerry Bauer 1 The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail Designated by Congress in 1986, the entire Nez Perce National Historic Trail stretches 1,170 miles from the Wallowa Valley of eastern Oregon to the plains of north-central Montana. This segment of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail from Lolo, Montana, to the Big Hole Battlefield, Montana through the Bitterroot Valley is one of eight available tours (complete list on page 35). These are available at Forest Service offices and other federal and local visitor centers along the route. As you travel this historic trail, you will see highway signs marking the official Auto Tour route. Each Mainstream Auto Tour route stays on all-weather roads passable for all types of vehicles. Adventurous and Rugged Routes are an alternative for those seeking the most authentic historic route. They are often on gravel or dirt roads, so plan ahead. Check weather and road conditions before embarking on your journey. Call 511 for road condition reports on major routes. For road condition information on Adventurous and Rugged routes inquire locally. 3 Experience the Nez Perce Trail How do I get there? Mainstream Traveler (Passable for all types of vehicles.) This Auto Tour begins at Fort Fizzle, 4.6 miles west of Lolo Montana. Lolo is located approximately 7 miles south For most travelers this will be the appropriate route. of Missoula, Montana. The roads are generally paved and won’t pose a challenge for typical cars, campers with trailers, and RVs.
    [Show full text]
  • Council Grove State Park Indian Education for All Lesson Plan Title
    A Collaborative Effort September 2006 Council Grove State Park Indian Education For All Lesson Plan Title Council Grove: Site of the Hellgate Treaty Content Area(s) Social Studies; Media Literacy Grade level 4th Duration 1-2 Hours Goals (Montana Standards/Essential Understandings) ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING 1: There is great diversity among the 12 tribal Nations of Montana in their languages, cultures, histories and governments. Each Nation has a distinct and unique cultural heritage that contributes to modern Montana. ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING 4: Reservations are land that have been reserved by the tribes for their own use through treaties and was not “given” to them. The principle that land should be acquired from the Indians only through their consent with treaties involved three assumptions: I. That both parties to treaties were sovereign powers. II. That Indian tribes had some form of transferable title to the land. III. That acquisition of Indian lands was solely a government matter not to be left to individual colonists. ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING 7: Under the American legal system, Indian tribes have sovereign powers separate and independent from the federal and state governments. However, the extent and breadth of tribal sovereignty is not the same for each tribe. Social Studies Content Standard 4: Students demonstrate an understanding of the effects of time, continuity, and change on historical and future perspectives and relationships. Speaking and Listening Content Standard 4: Students identify, analyze, and evaluate the impacts of effective speaking and evaluative listening. Reading Content Standard 5: Students gather, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from a variety of sources, and communicate their findings in ways appropriate for their purposes and audiences.
    [Show full text]
  • An Investigation of Toponyms and Land Cover of Missoula County, Montana
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2021 Mapping Ethnophysiographies: An Investigation of Toponyms and Land Cover of Missoula County, Montana Emily L. Cahoon University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Part of the Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Human Geography Commons, and the Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Cahoon, Emily L., "Mapping Ethnophysiographies: An Investigation of Toponyms and Land Cover of Missoula County, Montana" (2021). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 11764. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/11764 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MAPPING ETHNOPHYSIOGRAPHIES: AN INVESTIGATION OF TOPONYMS AND LAND COVER OF MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA By Emily L. Cahoon Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga TN, 2014 Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga TN, 2017 Thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Anthropology, General Option University of Montana Missoula, MT May 2021 Committee Members: Dr. Anna Prentiss, Chair Department of Anthropology Dr. Irene Appelbaum Department of Anthropology Linguistics Program Dr. Cheyenne Laue Department of Anthropology Kevin McManigal M.S. Department of Geography Cahoon 2021 | i Abstract This thesis investigates the ethnophysiography of Missoula County, Montana via place names.
    [Show full text]
  • Bitterroot Valley
    Nstetčcxétk | WATERS OF THE RED-OSIER DOGWOOD Te Séliš and Qlispé People and the Bitterroot Valley Xeɫxƛcín (Many Horses—Chief Victor), 1864. Courtesy Ravalli County Museum & Historical Society. “Return to the Homeland” journey, October 2016, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the removal of the Séliš people to the Flathead Reservation. SPCC image. he Bitterroot Valley is a cherished Salish in Stevensville immediately prior to forced removal, October 1891 part of the homelands of our Thomas C. Donaldson photograph, courtesy University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.. indigenous nations, the Séliš T(pronounced SEH-leesh—the Salish or “Flathead”) and Qlispé (pronounced Kah- lee-SPEH—the Kalispel or Pend d’Oreille). The selected place-names on this sign reflect the depth of our relationship with the Bitterroot over our thousands of years of occupancy. Some place-names refer to our creation stories, when Coyote prepared the land for us. Others convey the abundance of the plants and animals we depended upon. Tese place-names offer a way of understanding the cultural knowledge and understanding that we drew upon in hunting, fishing, and gathering across vast territories that spanned both sides of the Continental Divide. In the century preceding Lewis and Clark’s arrival, the tribal world experienced major upheaval due to the introduction of non-native diseases, horses, and firearms. Te Blackfeet pushed south and west. In response, western tribes coalesced into fewer bands. Te Séliš formed one main winter camp based at Ɫqeɫmlš (Wide Cottonwoods—Stevensville). We continued to use our easterly aboriginal territories for buffalo hunts and other cultural purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • HABS No. MT-113 HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY
    HEADLEY PLACE HABS No. MT-113 610 South Sixth Street East Missoula Missoula County Montana PHOTOGRAPHS WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY lntermountain Support Office - Denver National Park Service P.O. Box 25287 Denver, Colorado 80225-0287 I HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HEADLEY PLACE HABS NO. MT-113 Location: 610 South Sixth Street East Missoula, Montana 59801 Present Owner: The University of Montana Present Occupant: Rental Present Use: Rental property Significance: The Headley Place is associated with the development of the residential neighborhoods surrounding the University of Montana in the wake of World War I. It is an excellent example of a Craftsman-style residence with all of its architectural features intact. The original decorative detailing is also still intact and unchanged. There have been no alterations made to the exterior of the residence other than the addition of a false wall on the fa~ade porch. PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION A. Physical History: 1. Date of Erection: 1929. The house first appears in the 1929 Polk Missoula City Directory. 2. Architect: Unknown 3. Original and subsequent owners, occupants, uses: Albert Cole, 1924- 1930; Clyde and Litta Headley, 1930-1974; H. David and Joyce Hunt, 1974-1976; DeWayne and Mary Eisenbarth, 1976-1980; Bernice Lyle and Gregory Schmautz, 1980-1985; The University of Montana, 1985-present. Albert Cole constructed the residence in 1929 and sold it to Clyde and Litta Headley in 1930. The couple resided in the house until 1949, when Clyde took a job with the Central Heating Company in Kalispell, Montana. The Headley's retained ownership of the house in Missoula and, apparently, rented it out.
    [Show full text]
  • Heritage Interpretive Plan Preserving
    MISSOULA DOWNTOWN HERITAGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN JANUARY 2020 Prepared for the Missoula In collaboration with the City of Missoula Historic Preservation Office and Downtown Foundation Downtown Missoula Partnership. Supported by a grant from the Montana by Historical Research Department of Commerce Associates, Inc. We acknowledge that we are in the homelands of the Salish and Kalispel people. We offer our respect for their history and culture, and for the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come. The confluence of Rattlesnake Creek and the Clark Fork. In Salish it is known asNł ay (or in long form, Nł a y c cˇ s t m ), meaning Place of Small Bull Trout. This place-name is used by Salish speakers to refer to the city of Missoula as a whole. In the background is the mountain known in Salish as Es Moq˙ w, meaning It’s a Mountain—akin to New Yorkers referring to their hometown simply as “the City.” Credit: Séliš-Ql’ispé Culture Committee TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . 5 PART 1: FOUNDATION . 15 Purpose and Guiding Principles . 16 Interpretive Goals . 17 Themes . 17 Interpretive Theme Matrices . 21 Setting and Audiences . 25 Issues and Influences Affecting Interpretation . 27 PART 2: EXISTING CONDITIONS . 28 Interpretation in Downtown Missoula . 29 Information and Orientation . 30 Audience Experience . 31 Programming . 33 Potential Partners . 33 PART 3: RECOMMENDATIONS . 41 Introduction . 42 Actions Related to the Connectivity of Downtown Interpretation . 43 Actions Related to Special Events . 45 Actions Related to the Missoula Downtown Master Plan . 45 Actions Related to Pre-Visit/Distance Interpretation .
    [Show full text]
  • Wye Mullan West Comprehensive Area Plan Preface
    $20.00 WYE MULLAN WEST COMPREHENSIVE AREA PLAN Adopted November 16, 2005 by the Board of County Commissioners and Missoula City Council TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE…………………………………………….i OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES…………… 4-7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………...ii CHAPTER 5: ECONOMY………..………...…...… 5-1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION……………….........1-1 INTRODUCTION……………...…………….. 5-1 PLAN OVERVIEW…………………..….….….1-1 EXISTING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS……..… 5-2 PLANNING PROCESS……….………………..1-3 BUSINESS AND COMMERCE..……….……. 5-2 PLAN ORGANIZATION ……….………………1-4 ECONOMIC TRENDS…………………...….. 5-3 ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ..…….………. 5-4 CHAPTER 2: NATURAL RESOURCES..........……..2-1 OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES………….... 5-4 INTRODUCTION………………………...........2-1 GEOLOGIC RESOURCES…………………….2-2 CHAPTER 6: INFRASTRUCTURE……………..…. 6-1 LANDFORMS ………………………...…… 2-2 INTRODUCTION.……………………………. 6-1 SOIL TYPES ……………………………… 2-2 COORDINATION AND TIMING …………..….6-2 HILLSIDES ………..…….……….............. 2-4 IMPLEMENTATION AND COSTS ………..…. 6-2 SCENIC OPEN SPACE …………….……… 2-4 SERVICE PROVIDERS………...………….... 6-2 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS …………….…….… 2-5 GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES.... 6-3 IOLOGIC ESOURCES B R …………….……..…2-5 VEGETATION ……………………............... 2-5 6A: COMMUNITY FACILITIES…………………....6A-1 WETLANDS AND RIPARIAN HABITAT….2-5 TRANSPORTATION…………...……...........6A-1 GRASSLAND HABITAT ………………. 2-6 ROADWAYS …………..………………….6A-1 NOXIOUS WEEDS ……... …………… 2-7 TOOLS FOR MANAGING TRANSPORTATION HABITAT AND LINKAGE AREAS……..… 2-7 IMPACTS OF DEVELOPMENT………….. 6A-7 FISH AND WILDLIFE ……….………………. 2-8 TIMING AND FUNDING
    [Show full text]
  • Aay U Sqélix͏ʷ a History of Bull Trout and the Salish and Pend D'oreille People
    Introduction -- page 1 aay u sqélix͏ʷ a history of bull trout and the Salish and Pend d’Oreille people by Thompson Smith written in conjunction with Explore the River: Bull Trout, Tribal People, and the Jocko River an educational DVD project produced by the Natural Resource Department Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes JANUARY 22, 2010 Aay u Sqélix͏ʷ -- page 2 Foreword This essay was written in 2008-2010 as part of the interactive DVD/website, Explore the River: Bull Trout, Tribal People, and the Jocko River (Pablo, Montana: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, forthcoming 2011), an educational project of the Natural Resource Depart- ment, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, to be distributed by the University of Nebraska Press. The author wishes to extend his thanks to the project director, Germaine White, and the author of the scientific segments and constructor/designer of the DVD, David Rockwell. Please also see acknowledgments at the end of the essay. Any profits that may derive from future publication of this essay will be donated to the Confed- erated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Cover image: Unidentified Salish-Pend d’Oreille people fishing at Flathead Lake, c. 1915. Courtesy Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Introduction -- page 3 Contents Foreword 2 Introduction 4-5 1. The Tribal World of the Northern Rockies 6-12 2. “An Abundance of These Most Excellent Fish”: the Importance of Bull Trout and 13-35 Fishing in the Tribal Way of Life 3. Fishing, Bull Trout, and the Confidence of Tribal People 36-46 4. Bull Trout and Fishing in a Narrowing World 47-71 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Treaty of the Flathead Reservations
    Treaty Of The Flathead Reservations asTritheistical self-proclaimed Fonsie Ruddyguzzles clokes good-humouredly, continually and he tiller unscrew backwardly. his anthophyllite Terrence verymolten dewily. downhill. Phillipp is raploch and rodes overly Ten representatives from eight districts throughout the reservation comprise the Tribal Council. Where do we belong? The montana and explain the treaty of flathead reservations were in. Holding, which operates a number of income producing enterprises as well as offering business loans to tribal members. Showing them how to cook jerky. RESERVATION, MONTANA, et al. It is native to ily with its rhizomatous rootd along the stem, but most occur at the base. The Reservation was a natural paradise for hunting and fishing. CSKT water settlement agreement. They also refer specifically to persons eligible for benefits and services funded or directly provided by the BIA. Without that effort, Congress would be exercising its power of eminent domain by giving or selling Indian land to others, by dealing with it as its own, or by any other act constituting a taking. Robert Bigart and Clarence Woodcock. The Administration just seems to be discovering new authorities from existing statutes on almost a daily basis here; not just in this Committee, kind of everything that we interact with in Congress. However, we do not agree that the statement is error. Although this was later abandoned due to incursions by the Blackfeet, conversion to Catholicism was successful and a new mission of St. The population of Arlee Homesite is included with the population of Arlee. The Salish language is particularly known for its heavy integration of constant clusters.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission Mountains ACASESTUDY
    Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness A C A S E S T U D Y Native Lands and Wilderness Council 2005 Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes The Mission Mountains have served as a guide, passage way, fortification, and vision-seeking grounds as well as a place to gather medicinal herbs, roots, and a place to hunt for food for the Pend d’Oreille, Salish, and Kootenai Indians since they have lived at the foothills of the Missions… They have become for us, the descendants of Indians, sacred grounds. Grounds that should not be PREPARED FOR THE disturbed or marred…Lands and landmarks carved Native Lands and through the minds of our ancestors through Coyote Wilderness Council stories and actual experiences. Lands, landmarks, trees, mountain tops, crevices that we should look up to with respect. BY THE Confederated Salish Clarence Woodcock and Kootenai Tribes Salish Culture Committee WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY TOM MCDONALD TERRY TANNER LESTER BIGCRANE DAVID ROCKWELL © 2005 CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES PABLO, MT Our elders have many stories to tell about experiences in the mountains…They are lands where our people walked and lived…We realize the importance of these mountains to our elders, to ourselves, and for the perpetuation of our Indian culture because of these stories. Clarence Woodcock Salish Culture Committee These mountains belong to our children, and when our children grow old, they will belong to their children. In this way and for this reason they are sacred. Doug Allard Save the Mission Mountains Committee FOREWORD A long time ago…all over this land, the people’s medicine was put here…It was good! Their home life was good, they were growing up in a good way, the children of the long-ago people.
    [Show full text]
  • Wilderness, Water, and Quality of Life in the Bitterroot Valley
    Wilderness, Water, and Quality of Life in the Bitterroot Valley Kari Gunderson Clint Cook Abstract—The Bitterroot Valley is located in western Montana, eat. When combined with our household use of water, the U.S.A. Most of the Bitterroot Range above the Bitterroot Valley is total amount of water required to sustain our livelihoods is protected as wilderness, and is a source of much of the water that quite extensive. To supply this demand for water, humans flows down and through the valley floor. With an annual precipita- have regulated the flow of many rivers and streams. As the tion of only 12.3 inches, the Bitterroot Valley is classified as a high human population increases, the need to control freshwater desert environment. Today the quality of life in the Bitterroot Valley resources also continues to increase. is high, and it is deeply connected to the water resources and natu- Water is also an important component of recreation in the ralness of the mountain landscape. To provide water for orchards, United States. Rivers provide resources for rafting, kayaking, food crops, and hay, farmers constructed dams in the Bitterroot fishing and swimming. Lakes and reservoirs created by the Mountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were built to placement of dams provide for recreational opportunities. capture spring runoff from snow melt and store it until late July Additionally, lakes and rivers provide picturesque scenery for and August when flows in the Bitterroot River and its tributaries hiking and picnicking, and are often sought after for camping are usually too low to support irrigation and water-based recre- locations when traveling through backcountry areas.
    [Show full text]