DOCSLIB.ORG

Spring 2018 1 TABLE of CONTENTS

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Spring 2018 1 TABLE of CONTENTS Crown Continentof the and the Greater Yellowstone MAGAZINE Winter/Spring 2018 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 Questions, Answers, Solution 13 Montana is Beckoning Me Mia McPherson Photographs 21 Book Review/Recommendation “Yellowstone Migrations” 22 The Swan Range Crown 30 68 Miles of Separation of the Continent 35 The Water Warriors and the 42 The CCC in the Greater Greater Yellowstone Yellowstone 48 Greater Yellowstone’s Coming Plague 58 Field Notes Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this e-Magazine are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Montana. No part of Seth Bodnar, President this e-Magazine may be reproduced in whole or in Scott Whittenburg, Vice-President for Research and Creative Scholarship Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative part without written permission of the publisher. Jerry Fetz, Initiative Co-Director, Professor and Dean Emeritus, College of Humanities and Sciences c/o Department of Geography University of Montana Rick Graetz, Initiative Co-Director, Geography Department Professor The Crown of the Continent and Greater 32 Campus Drive Susie Graetz, Managing Editor Yellowstone e-Magazine is now being produced and Missoula, MT 59812 distributed in association with the O’Connor Center Neal Wiegert, Designer, UM Printing and Graphics for the Rocky Mountain West. The Center is a cross- Will Klaczynski, Technical Advisor Email: [email protected] disciplinary regional studies and public education program at the University of Montana in Missoula. Web site: crown-yellowstone.umt.edu Front cover: The beginnings of winter, the Garden Wall, Glacier National Park. John Lambing Above: Henry Lilly braves the beautiful, but icy waters of Glacier2 National Park’s Bowman Lake. Ed Lilly 3 SECTION ONE CC GY Wildlife study field course. INITIATIVE Glacial erratic boulder YNP. CCCROWN OF THE CONTINENT Our mission is to inform the public about what is happening in the Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems. Photos by Todd Goodrich, Will Klaczynski, Rick and Susie Graetz Flathead Lake Biological Station. We do this through our publications, with presentations in communities, and by holding classes on campus and off. The Great White Bird Migration, Freezeout Lake and the Rocky Mountain Front. Rick and Susie Graetz 4 5 A fight breaks out in the Logan Pass parking lot over popcorn left by a tourist. Christine Haines Questions, Answers, Solution by Susie Graetz 6 7 In each instance, the experiment was the same as In 2013, Glacier National Park natural bighorn sheep became the addicts. A luscious explained in Sarmento’s graduate thesis, resources program manager Mark Biel, along with free buffet of antifreeze dripped from parked cars, University of Montana wildlife conservation professor Joel popcorn spilled on the ground, a forgotten sandwich, We approached sites quietly through Berger, and then UM master’s student Wesley Sarmento chips tossed away, and sweat and urine were all tough the forest so goats would not (now a bear management specialist with Montana for the animals to ignore. perceive our presence. Additionally, Fish, Wildlife and Parks) studied the behavior mainly Human urine is rich in salt, nitrogen, potassium, and experiments were presented of mountain goats, but also of bighorn sheep at Logan phosphorus and our sweat contains zinc, magnesium, downwind of subjects to prevent Pass. Our 2014 Issue I of CC/GY magazine contained an calcium, sodium, and potassium. Goats need salt and olfactory detection. Treatments article about their study titled QUESTIONS… BUT NO minerals to aid bone and horn growth and digestion, and were conducted broadside to prevent ANSWERS YET Studying Icons In A Perilous Land – will go to great lengths to get it. The plants they graze an over-threatening direct approach. Glacier’s Goats. on don’t contain enough of the minerals their bodies Experiments were not conducted require, this pertains particularly to females with nursing between a subject and escape terrain. Questions kids. Like groupies following their favorite rock band, the The results showed a significant change in the Logan 1. What differences, if any, were there LPG gave up their old ways to hang out near their idols. Pass Gang’s behavior. between backcountry goats and those 1. Human (low risk): used to human interaction? 3. In 2015, a raging wild fire near East Glacier closed A. Backcountry – ran away an average of 330 feet Logan Pass. No more cars in the parking lot, no 2. What attracted the animals to the B. Logan Pass – continued what they were doing, Logan Pass area? tourists making noise and milling around, no rangers but observant around to haze bears away, but the GPS data and 3. What kept them in the area? 2. Ungulate (low Risk): remote cameras continued their work. The cameras A. Backcountry – ignored 4. Is the close proximity to people harmful disclosed that the grizzlies came out in force, the B. Logan Pass – ignored to the well-being of the wildlife? collars reported the goats and sheep deserted the 3. Bear (potential danger): plentiful salt source and fled to the safety of the A. Backcountry – ran an average of 660 feet precipitous high country. As soon as the road to the B. Logan Pass – ran an average of 225 feet Pass reopened, the visitors returned and so did the Answers runaways. Conclusion: safety first (from their natural Anther behavior deviant found was, following 1. To monitor movements and patterns, twenty-four predators), salt second… was what kept the animals at tradition and leaving the security of the remote and goats were collared with GPS and VHF radio collars Logan Pass. jagged rocky cliffs, backcountry goats travel miles across that record their location every two hours, and several 4.Whether near Logan Pass or bushwhacking the cliffs, the landscape to natural salt licks and springs. This bighorn sheep were marked with temporary paint. snowfields, forests, and mountain valleys, Wesley hazardous endeavor leaves the trekkers vulnerable to Additional tools were physical observation and the Sarmento spent more than 2,000 hours on the ground predators. Ignoring these long-taught habits, the LPGs use of remote cameras. Surveillance studies showed it patiently and deliberately documenting the way both forego the perilous trip in preference to the safety from was evident that the backcountry goats, which rarely backcountry and habituated goats and sheep reacted predators the crowds provide. had contact with humans, maintained a natural and to three intruders with varying levels of risk… human, A dangerous component to this adulterated behavior constant awareness to their surroundings, used rock “ungulate,” and “bear.” is: while it is a Park rule that visitors are to get no walls and cliffs as protection, and continued their closer than 25 yards to goats and deer and sheep, the traditional migrations to the Park’s various mineral The “ungulate” in 2014 wore a Styrofoam bighorn habituated critters do not respect Park rules and wander salt licks. On the other hand, for the most part, the sheep head and all beige clothing, in 2015, a cardboard where they wish often coming in close contact with Logan Pass Gang (LPG) preferred the easy living the cut out of a deer with was used. In 2014 and 2015, humans. Since they seem tame and harmless, folks have crowds of up to more than several thousand folks in a the “grizzly” wore a bear mask and a long dark brown been known to pet and hand feed them, and take selfies day afforded them. This was a troubling finding. covering and acted like a bear doing what bears do. with them. These are wild animals and have been known 2. Salt, snacks, and sweet tasting liquids were the Ignoring the goats, the imposter moseyed around to injure and in one instance kill a tourist in Olympic attractant, tourists were the suppliers, goats and looking for anthills and overturning rocks. National Park. Bighorn sheep have the ability to leap up seemingly sheer cliffs. Dean Hellinger 8 9 In his thesis, Sarmento states, Habituated goats reduced group size, vigilance, and use of cliffs. Such patterns were quickly reversible when human presence was excluded. Our findings hold conservation relevance at three levels. First, human visitation to protected areas is altering species interactions and causing – in this case – the loss of seasonal goat migrations for minerals. Second, habituated animals, including goats, have killed and injured visitors. Third, while protected areas offer baselines for both scientists and visitors, redistribution of species and Gracie keeps an eye on a herd of bighorn sheep. associated ecological changes means A.W. Biel precaution will be needed in what we perceive as pristine and what is anthropogenically altered. Thou shalt not pass. NPS/Tim Raines Solution Meet Gracie… a cute, furry, uniform-wearing pooch you want to get right down and pet. To her handler, Mark return as soon as the ranger’s back was turned. Now, Biel, she’s a highly trained working dog; to the goats and the animals stay farther away and for nearly a couple of sheep, she resembles a predator with sharp teeth and a hours. predisposition to biting. On duty and wearing her official uniform, Gracie Schooled at the renowned Wind River Bear Institute elicits questions from curious folks and this gives Biel in Florence, Montana, she is trained to teach the wild the opening he needs to explain what the barkranger’s animals boundaries. Gracie will never chase or make job is. While the public believes Mark and Gracie are physical contact with any Park wildlife, only shepherd training the wildlife to keep a distance, it’s really the them a safe distance away from tourists and parking lots. visitors they are educating and training to respect the Once she has created a reasonable expanse, she will be wildlife and the land.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • South Fork of the Flathead River Originates in the South End of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Flows Northward to Hungry Horse Reservoir
    The South Fork Acclaimed as one of Montana’s most pristine and remote rivers, the Wild and Scenic South Fork of the Flathead River originates in the south end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and flows northward to Hungry Horse Reservoir. Boats and supplies are generally packed in on mules or horses over mountain passes to reach the headwa- ters and then packed again from the take-out just above Meadow Creek Gorge, to Meadow Creek Trailhead. There are several commercial outfitters who can provide packing services or full-service floats, but plan ahead as they have limited space available. The floating season is generally from mid-June through late August. The river is Class II-III with standing river waves and shallow rocky shoals. Log jams and other hazards exist, and may change and move seasonally. Always scout from shore prior to floating into any river feature without clear passage. Due to its remoteness, the South Fork requires advanced planning and preparation. Contact the Spotted Bear Ranger Station for updated informa- tion on river and trail conditions, regulations and list of permitted outfitters. Restrictions All sections of the South Fork • Solid human waste containment and the use of fire pans and blankets is recommended. • Store your attractants in a bear resistant manner, in an approved container or vehicle, or hang. Section Specific Restrictions - Confluence with Youngs Creek to Cedar Flats - • Wilderness Section • The party size is limited to 15 people per group and 35 head of stock per party. • Use of weed free stock feed is required. • No wheeled carts or wheelbarrows.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Department of the Interior Geological
    UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Mineral resource potential of national forest RARE II and wilderness areas in Montana Compiled by Christopher E. Williams 1 and Robert C. Pearson2 Open-File Report 84-637 1984 This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards and stratigraphic nomenclature. 1 Present address 2 Denver, Colorado U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/NEIC Denver, Colorado CONTENTS (See also indices listings, p. 128-131) Page Introduction*........................................................... 1 Beaverhead National Forest............................................... 2 North Big Hole (1-001).............................................. 2 West Pioneer (1-006)................................................ 2 Eastern Pioneer Mountains (1-008)................................... 3 Middle Mountain-Tobacco Root (1-013)................................ 4 Potosi (1-014)...................................................... 5 Madison/Jack Creek Basin (1-549).................................... 5 West Big Hole (1-943)............................................... 6 Italian Peak (1-945)................................................ 7 Garfield Mountain (1-961)........................................... 7 Mt. Jefferson (1-962)............................................... 8 Bitterroot National Forest.............................................. 9 Stony Mountain (LI-BAD)............................................. 9 Allan Mountain (Ll-YAG)............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Native American Collections in the Archives
    Examples of collections and resources supporting research about Land, Land Use, the Environment and Conservation in Montana held at Archives & Special Collections at the Mansfield Library, University of Montana-Missoula A separate list is available for collections with content focused on Forests and the Timber Products Industry. Note: In most cases links are provided from the titles of collections to the guides to those collections. The collections themselves are not digitized and therefore are not yet available online. This list is not comprehensive. Papers of Individuals and Families G. M. Brandborg Papers (1893-1977), Mss 691, 14.5 linear feet Papers of Guy M. "Brandy" Brandborg, long-time employee of the U. S. Forest Service, and Forest Supervisor of the Bitterroot National Forest from 1935-1955. The collection includes files related to Brandborg's interest in and activities related to wilderness, conservation, and watershed protection efforts in Montana, and two memorial scrapbooks documenting his activities in favor of sustainable timber harvesting and against extensive clearcutting. Stewart M. Brandborg Papers (1932-2000), Mss 699, 45.0 linear feet This collection consists of the professional papers of environmental activist Stewart M. Brandborg. A graduate of the University of Montana and the University of Idaho, Brandborg was hired as assistant conservation director for the National Wildlife Federation in 1954. In 1956 he was elected to the governing board of The Wilderness Society and in 1960 was hired as their associate executive director. He served as director of The Wilderness Society from 1964-1977. Brandborg’s papers include correspondence, research files and other documents from his time with The Wilderness Society, as well as material documenting his work with the National Wildlife Federation, the National Park Service, Wilderness Watch, and Friends of the Bitterroot (Montana.) Arnold Bolle Papers (1930-1994), Mss 600, 40.7 linear feet Arnold Bolle was a leading figure in the Montana conservation movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Great American Outdoors Act | Legacy Restoration Fund | Fiscal Year 2021 Projects | Northern Region (R1) Region Forest Or Grassland Project Name State Cong
    Great American Outdoors Act | Legacy Restoration Fund | Fiscal Year 2021 Projects | Northern Region (R1) Region Forest or Grassland Project Name State Cong. District Asset Type Project Description Built in 1962, this Visitor Center last saw updates over 25 years ago, hosts up to 45,000 visitors in a 4-month span. This project will fully renovate both floors to modernize the visitor center and increase usable space. This project will improve management of forests by educating visitors in fire aware practices. The project will improve signage, information and interpretive displays, modernize bathrooms, improve lighting, restore facility HVAC service, and Public Service conduct asbestos abatement. The visitor center provides tours and educational programs to rural schools, 50-60/year R01 Aerial Fire Depot Missoula Smokejumper Visitor Center Renovation MT MT-At Large Facility, totaling approximately 5,000 students. The project will improve ABA/ADA access and site compliance. The project Recreation Site augments visitor center and parachute loft access with interpretive displays and 24/7 accessible exterior storyboards. Work will improve the safety and remove environmental hazards from the Visitor Center. Work will be conducted in partnership with volunteers and museums to improve historical interpretation. The project has local support from MT Governor's Office of Outdoor Recreation via 8/26/20 letter. This project will recondition 500 miles on 54 roads across the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The recreation and commercial use such as timber haul and outfitter and guides are essential to the rural communities in southwest Recondition 500 Miles of Road in the Mountains of Southwest R01 Beaverhead-Deerlodge MT MT-At Large Road Montana.
    [Show full text]
  • Cumulative Effects Analysis for Issuance of Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Outfitter and Guide Permits, April 2005
    Cumulative Effects Analysis for Issuance of Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Outfitter and Guide Permits, April 2005 The majority of environmental effects associated outfitter and guide use are specific to the activities permitted under each permit. These include such effects as ground disturbance associated with established camps. In addition, there are social issues and indicators that have a role with all users in the wilderness both outfitter publics and non-outfitted publics. These effects are considered and disclosed in individual analyses prepared for each permit. However, some resource values span large geographic areas and can be affected by groups of, or all of the proposed permitted activities. This cumulative effects analysis is prepared to disclose those cumulative effects and is intended to be considered and incorporated into those individual analysis for which they are identified. Proposed Action: The Flathead, Lewis & Clark, Helena, and Lolo National Forests are preparing to re-issue special use permits for outfitting and guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC). The complex consists of the Great Bear, Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness Areas, for a total of 1.8 million acres in North Central Montana. Background: Outfitter use in the BMWC appears to have begun in about 1919, when Joe Murphy of Ovando packed hunters into the South Fork of the Flathead River area. The number of outfitters operating in the BMWC increased over time until the number was capped in 1981 at 45. Most of these operations have been in existence for 25-65 years, some longer. Most of these permits are due to expire on April 30, 2005.
    [Show full text]
  • The Summit Brochure with Maps.Pdf
    THE SUMMIT SEELEY LAKE, MONTANA $3,800,000 | 70± ACRES LISTING AGENT: BILL MCDAVID 901 S. HIGGINS AVE., STE. 103 MISSOULA, MONTANA 59801 P: 406.542.3762 M: 406.360.3141 [email protected] THE SUMMIT SEELEY LAKE, MONTANA $3,800,000 | 70± ACRES LISTING AGENT: BILL MCDAVID 901 S. HIGGINS AVE., STE. 103 MISSOULA, MONTANA 59801 P: 406.542.3762 M: 406.360.3141 [email protected] Land… that’s where it all begins. Whether it is ranch land or family retreats, working cattle ranches, plantations, farms, estancias, timber or recreational ranches for sale, it all starts with the land. Since 1946, Hall and Hall has specialized in serving the owners and prospective owners of quality rural real estate by providing mortgage loans, appraisals, land management, auction and brokerage services within a unique, integrated partnership structure. Our business began by cultivating long-term relationships built upon personal service and expert counsel. We have continued to grow today by being client-focused and results-oriented—because while it all starts with the land, we know it ends with you. WITH OFFICES IN: DENVER, COLORADO BOZEMAN, MONTANA EATON, COLORADO MISSOULA, MONTANA STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO VALENTINE, NEBRASKA STERLING, COLORADO COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS SUN VALLEY, IDAHO LAREDO, TEXAS HUTCHINSON, KANSAS LUBBOCK, TEXAS BUFFALO, WYOMING MELISSA, TEXAS BILLINGS, MONTANA SOUTHEASTERN US SALES | AUCTIONS | FINANCE | APPRAISALS | MANAGEMENT © 2019 HALL AND HALL | WWW.HALLANDHALL.COM | [email protected] — 2 — EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Montana’s Seeley-Swan Valley consists of two watersheds, the Clearwater River flowing south and the Swan River flowing north off a glacial moraine divide that separates the two.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridges to a New Era Report
    BRIDGES TO A NEW ERA: A REPORT ON THE PAST, PRESENT, AND POTENTIAL FUTURE OF TRIBAL CO- MANAGEMENT ON FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS Monte Mills & Martin Nie September 2020 Blackfeet protest of oil and gas leasing in the Badger-Two Medicine area, Montana, 1986. Photo courtesy and used with the permission of Dylan DesRosier, who reserves all other rights. Please cite as: Monte Mills & Martin Nie, Bridges to a New Era; A Report on the Past, Present, and Potential Future of Tribal Co- Management on Federal Public Lands, [page] (Missoula, MT: Margery Hunter Brown Indian Law Clinic/Bolle Center for People and Forests, University of Montana, 2020). Authors’ Note: The foregoing citation provides our institutional affiliations for identification purposes. In researching, writing, and producing this Report, we are writing for ourselves and not as representatives or on behalf of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, the University of Montana, or the Montana University System. INTRODUCTION Fifty years ago, the United States took important but divergent steps to fundamentally reshape its relationship with Native Nations and its management of federal public lands.1 On July 8, 1970, President Nixon delivered a Special Message to the Congress on Indian Affairs.2 The President’s message marked the culmination of a years-long and major shift in federal Indian policy and the longstanding federal trust obligations toward tribes. For the first time, President Nixon’s message formally and expressly rejected the United States’ prior approach of forced termination of those obligations in favor of tribally-defined priorities, including the promotion of tribal sovereignty.
    [Show full text]
  • Purpose. Sec. 3. Designation of Wild and Scenic River
    1 Title: To Amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to Designate Important Headwaters Streams in 2 the Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone in Montana as components of the Wild and 3 Scenic Rivers System. 4 5 6 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in 7 Congress assembled, 8 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 9 This Act may be cited as the “Montana Headwaters Security Act”. 10 SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. 11 (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— 12 (1) The streams designated herein are cherished by the people of Montana and visitors 13 from across the United States for their clean and copious water, abundant fish and wildlife, 14 spectacular natural settings, contribution to irrigation for agriculture, and outstanding 15 recreational opportunities; 16 (2) Recreational activities (including fishing, hunting, camping, paddling, hiking, 17 swimming, rock climbing, and wildlife watching) on these streams and the surrounding land 18 generate millions of dollars annually for the local economy; 19 (3) Montana’s multi-billion dollar agricultural industry thrives on the availability of clean 20 water that originates in headwaters streams, often found on public lands; 21 (4) All streams noted herein — 22 (A) are national treasures; 23 (B) possess outstandingly remarkable values; and 24 (C) merit the high level of protection afforded by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act 25 (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) in order to maintain the benefits provided, as described in 26 paragraphs (1), (2) and (3), for future generations to enjoy; and 27 (5) Designation of select public land segments of these streams under the Wild and 28 Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Lee Metcalf (1911–1978) Public Servant and Statesman “No U.S
    Lee Metcalf (1911–1978) Public Servant and Statesman “No U.S. senator – ever – was more committed to sound resource management. And no present or former senator can proffer a record of accomplishments to match that commitment.” Dale Burk, author and journalist, 1999 ee Warren Metcalf was born in Stevensville, from the state’s First Congressional District. He Montana on January 28, 1911. Throughout his life ran for the U.S. Senate in 1960 and was re-elected Metcalf was a committed public servant passion- to the Senate in 1966 and 1972. ately working for the people of Montana and the Throughout his career Metcalf worked tirelessly protection of her resources. to protect the interests of the working people and Metcalf attended public schools in the Bitter Root family farmers. He was an early sponsor of legis- Valley, went on to receive two degrees from Stan- lation for clean water, Federal aid to education, ford University, and then received his law degree and reclamation of strip-mined land. He became a from the Montana State University Law School. guardian of the public interest in regard to utili- lHe was admitted to the Montana bar in 1936. In ties and was an advocate of congressional reform 1935 he married Donna Hoover of Wallace, Idaho, and budgetary control. a UM journalism graduate. She was to be his clos- Metcalf was intensely concerned with preserva- est friend and advisor throughout his life. tion of natural resources and was instrumental He was elected to the Montana Legislature in in creating the Montana Wilderness Study Act, 1937 and served as assistant attorney general the Missouri Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the from 1937 to 1941.
    [Show full text]
  • SP114-Earthqake Map.FH10
    Special Publication No. 114 MONTANA BUREAU OF MINES AND GEOLOGY Stickney et al. 2000 A Department of Montana Tech of The University of Montana Table 1. Names and parameters of Quaternary faults in western Montana. Fault Fault name Most recent Slip rate End-to-end Strike Fault type, Introduction quality for epicentral locations of pre-1995 earthquakes in northwest no. earthquake (mm/yr) length (km) (average) down direction The year 1999 marked the fortieth anniversary of the last destructive Montana is generally below that for southwest Montana. For the Montana earthquake. In contrast, the previous 40 years (19201960) same reason, many small northwest Montana earthquakes went 606 Deadman fault* <1.6 Ma <0.2 (?) 70.8 306° Normal, SW 614 Unnamed fault near Monida* <1.6 Ma <0.2 (?) 13.7 302° Normal, SW saw the occurrence of four major earthquake sequences in Montana. undetected prior to 1995. 641 Red Rock fault -------- ------ 40.7 326° Normal, NE Considering the state's history of damaging earthquakes, it is natural 641a Unnamed (north) section <1.6 Ma <0.2 (?) 14.4 337° Normal, NE that one may ponder the causes and sources of these earthquakes. The quality of seismic monitoring in northwest Montana improved 641b Timber Butte section <130 ka <0.2 (?) 9.3 327° Normal, NE In western Montana and throughout the Intermountain West, only dramatically in 1995 when the MBMG entered into a cooperative 641c Sheep Creeks section <15 ka 0.2-1.0 (?) 14.8 316° Normal, NE the very largest historic earthquakes can be ascribed to specific agreement with the Confederated Kootenai and Salish Tribes 642 Emigrant fault -------- ------ 52.0 41° Normal, NW 642a Unnamed (north) section <130 ka 0.2-1.0 (?) 12.9 21° Normal, W faults with certainty.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 4 Brief Geologic History of the Flathead Subbasin
    Appendix 4 Brief Geologic History of the Flathead Subbasin The Precambrian rocks of the Belt Supergroup that underlie the Flathead Subbasin formed from sediments deposited in and near a large but shallow sea or inland lake during the middle Proterozoic (from roughly 1,600 to 800 million years ago). This large body of water, which may have been similar to today’s Caspian Sea, occupied parts of present-day eastern Washington, the panhandle of Idaho, western Montana, and adjacent areas of Canada. Over a period of 800 million years, more than 18,000 feet of sediment accumulated from surrounding highlands. The ever-increasing load depressed the sea floor, and variations in the downwarping, combined with changes in the amount and type of sediment flowing into the basin, resulted in alternate layers of different kinds of sediment, including sand, silt, and limey mud. As the great mass of sediment accumulated, moderate heat and pressure associated with deep burial caused mild metamorphism, converting the rocks to quartzite, siltite, argillite, recrystallized limestone, and dolomite. The rocks, however, retained much of their sedimentary character; features such as ripple marks, mud cracks, salt casts, and fossil algal stromatolites are well preserved. In some areas, igneous rocks were injected into the sedimentary rocks and formed sills that today parallel the layering in the rocks. Approximately 150 million years ago the North American plate began colliding with numerous large island arcs in the Pacific. The impacts created and elevated mountain chains, forming the ancestral Rocky Mountains. Immense compressive forces persisted for some 90 million years and were enough to produce mountains several hundred miles inland from the edge of the continent.
    [Show full text]
  • The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness
    University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 1995 A Confluence of sovereignty and conformity : the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness Diane L. Krahe The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Krahe, Diane L., "A Confluence of sovereignty and conformity : the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness" (1995). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 8956. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/8956 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]. A CONFLUENCE OF SOVEREIGNTY AND CONFORMITY: THE MISSION MOUNTAINS TRIBAL WILDERNESS by Diane L Krahe BA Bridgewater College, 1986 presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science The University of Montana 1995 Approved by; Chairperson Dean, Graduate School Date UMI Number: EP39757 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. UMT OiSiMflAtion Pubiishrig UMI EP39757 Published by ProQuest LLC (2013). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author.
    [Show full text]