Bitterroot NatGiorenaatle Fr orest Figure 3 Missoula GeograpMhissoiucla Areas

Lolo NF

Stevensville Lolo NF Clearwater NF

A

O N

H A

A T Sapphire

D N I O

M Hamilton

Bitterroot Nez Perce NF

Beaverhead - Deerlodge Darby NF

East Fork

West Fork Sula

West Selway Fork

Vicinity Map CANADA

USA

MONTANA

Salmon NF

Miles IDAHO Payette NF 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 4/2006 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Geographic Area Desired Conditions Component

Introduction While the forest-wide desired conditions indicate broad trends which we expect to see over the next 10 to 15 years, we recognize that individual places across the Bitterroot National Forest have unique characteristics and conditions. These places, referred to as “geographic areas,” define a landscape that people associate with on the Forest. Plan Components Identifying these areas gives us the opportunity to fine-tune our forest-wide management to better Desired Conditions respond to more local conditions and situations. Objectives Although private land is contained within the broad Suitability of Areas boundaries of the geographic areas, the desired Special Areas conditions apply only to the national forest lands Guidelines within these areas. The Bitterroot National Forest has been divided into the following five geographic areas (see the vicinity map on the preceding page):

• Bitterroot • Sapphire • East Fork • West Fork • Selway

Geographic Areas Each geographic area description provides the following: Geographic area map shows management areas (defined in Chapter 2) and acres in each, locations of unique features, primary population centers, and major rivers and roads. Unique characteristics and general overview provides a brief characterization of the area such as landscape features, primary land uses and ownership patterns, resource and recreational uses, and an indication of social and economic factors. Geographic area desired conditions describe what we want to achieve in specific geographic areas that are not necessarily covered by forest- wide desired conditions. While all resources have been considered, the only desired conditions specified here are those that are not adequately addressed by forest-wide desired conditions.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 43 P

e t t y

C

r e e k Figure 4 Bitterroot NatiMoissnoulal Forest Bitterroot Geographic Area

MA Acres Lolo NF 1.1 208,062 1.2 35,397 Lolo Peak 2.1 0 2.1a 7,622 3.3 2.2a 11,492

Bass 2.2b 0 Creek 6.1 3.1 0 1.1 1.2 Bitterroot River 3.2 5,150 RNA 3.3 37,662 Stevensville Big 4.1 16,785 Cre ek 4.1 5.1 25,672 Clearwater NF 6.1 4,782

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i 1.2 v Lolo e Fred Burr Creek r NF 2.2a

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ek Blodgett Cre 2.2a 2.1a 1.2

Bitterroot Mtn Hamilton Snow Avalanche 1.2 RNA 1.1

3.3 Legend 1.2 3.2 Geographic Area 2.1a 2.2a Lost H Lost Horse orse C 3.2 5.1 Guard Station reek Wilderness Study Area Upper Lost Horse Canyon 1.1 Lick Creek Management Areas RNA Lower Lost 6.1 Horse Canyon 1.1 Designated Wilderness ek Rock Cre Lake RNA Como 1.2 Recommended Wilderness Selway Bitterroot Nez Perce 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers - Designated NF Wilderness eek Cr Darby 2.1a Wild & Scenic Rivers - Eligible or Suitable up n C Ti 5.1 2.2a Backcountry (non-motorized travel) 1.2 1.1 2.2b Backcountry (limited motorized travel)

Trapper 3.1 Areas Under Special Management Peak 3.2 Research Natural Areas 3.3 General Forest Low Intensity Management 4.1 General Forest Moderate Intensity Management West Fork Sula 5.1 General Forest High Intensity Management

0 2.5 5 10 15 20 6.1 High Use Recreation Complexes or Use Areas 4/2006 Miles Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Bitterroot Geographic Area

Unique Characteristics • The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, part of the largest unroaded area in the lower 48 states. • The Bitterroot Mountains, a prominent and highly scenic feature visible from the Bitterroot valley. • Wilderness dams, which predate establishment of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. • Lick Creek Research Demonstration Forest. • The Big Creek Lake Area and Lost Horse Guard Station are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Lake Como is one of only two lakes on the Bitterroot National Forest where motorized recreation is allowed. • The Lake Como National Recreation Trail. • Tribal cultural significance of Lake Como area. • Bass Creek Recreation Area. • The highest nesting density of peregrine falcons in Montana. • The only four known locations of Bitterroot bladderpod (Lesquerella humilis) on the Bitterroot National Forest and in the world are within this geographic area. • Rock Creek Fen, a unique low elevation peatland. • The Bitterroot River, Bitterroot Mountain Snow Avalanche, Upper Lost Horse Canyon and Lower Lost Horse Canyon research natural areas. • Pinesdale Municipal Water Supply.

General Overview Dominated by the Bitterroot Mountains, this geographic area includes the transition zone between the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the developed private lands on the lower slopes and valley bottom. Rising sharply on the west, the Bitterroot Mountains run the length of this geographic area. Classic glacial features, miles of prominent rock outcrops and ridges, and a series of near-vertical rock-walled canyons are carved into this mountain range and provide a highly scenic and valued backdrop to the Bitterroot valley. Approximately 74 percent of the Bitterroot Geographic Area is within designated wilderness, recommended wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or backcountry areas (MA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2). About 26 percent of this

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 45 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

geographic area offers opportunities for higher intensities of resource management. The proximity of trailheads along the eastern front of the Bitterroots make it possible for people to leave home in the morning, hike or fish all day in a scenic wilderness or backcountry setting, and return home by evening. Due to the predominance of rock faces, technical rock climbing is a popular activity, particularly in some of the canyon areas. Ravalli County is one of the fastest growing counties in Montana with much of the county’s population growth and land subdivision occurring within this geographic area. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness provides high quality water to the valley floor. However, water withdrawals for irrigation cause stream dewatering beyond the forest boundary which has left isolated populations of westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout in the upper stream reaches. Blodgett Creek and Lost Horse Creek have been found eligible for potential designation in the Wild and Scenic River System1.

Desired Conditions

Wildlife and Plant Species Diversity • Peregrine falcons would inhabit and successfully reproduce in their cliff habitat. • Existing populations of Lemhi penstemon (Penstemon lemhiensis), storm saxifrage (Saxifraga tempestiva), rough fleabane (Erigeron asperugineus), and Bitterroot bladderpod (Lesquerella humilis), and an alpine lichen species (Nodobryoria subdivergens) would persist or expand. • The Rock Creek Fen would be protected from impacts associated with management activities.

Forest Products • McClain Creek and the upper portion of Lost Horse Canyon are mapped as MA 4.1, but would provide only low levels of timber production. Permanent roads would not be constructed in these areas. These two areas would provide moderate levels of recreation development consistent with MA 4.1 recreation suitability described in

Forest-Wide Desired Conditions Plan Component Forest-Wide Chapter 2.

1 Information on the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), for which the river was found eligible and its potential classification, is in the Plan Set of Documents.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 46 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Developed and Dispersed Recreation The Bass Creek Recreation Area • A unique mix of camping, picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding opportunities in a roaded natural setting would be provided. • New or improved facilities would maintain the quality of the setting and associated experience. • Non-motorized recreation would be emphasized in the Larry Creek area. • Habitat connectivity would continue to exist between valley bottom habitats and upland wildlands in the vicinity. The Lake Como Recreation Area • A broad range of recreation opportunities including water-based recreation, camping, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cabin rental, and backcountry use would be provided. • Expansion or improvement of the recreation facilities would be limited and would maintain the quality of the setting and associated experience. • As use levels increase, limitations on use of the area would be imposed if needed to maintain the quality of the recreational experience or to address health and safety issues. In the Lost Horse Canyon Area • Dispersed recreation opportunities would continue to exist in the Lost Horse Canyon. • The Lost Horse Canyon Road would remain a low standard road for motorized access to the Bitterroot Divide and high mountain reservoirs. Geographic Area Desired Conditions Plan Component • The Lost Horse Canyon Road and hardened dispersed sites along the road corridor would not affect water quality and fisheries. At the upper end of Lost Horse Canyon • The Lost Horse cabin would be on the cabin rental program. • Developed recreation sites in the Twin Lakes area would meet health and safety standards and site capacity would match use levels.

Access and Travel Management • Trails with a short distance between trailheads and designated wilderness lands would be non-motorized, with the exception that some permittees would have limited motorized access outside the wilderness.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 47 Bitterroot National Forest Figure 5 Missoula Sapphire Geographic Area

Legend Geographic Area

Wilderness Study Area Management Areas ek re 1.1 Designated Wilderness C 4.1 e Lolo NF i l 1.2 Recommended Wilderness Threem 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers - Designated A mbr ose Cr 2.1a Wild & Scenic Rivers - Eligible or Suitable Bu rnt Fo 2.2a Backcountry (non-motorized travel) rk Stevensville B i 2.2b Backcountry (limited motorized travel) tte rr oo t R 4.1 Sawmill RNA 3.1 Areas Under Special Management iv er 3.2 Research Natural Areas 3.3 General Forest Low Intensity Management B E i as t t t H e o 4.1 General Forest Moderate Intensity Management r u

r s e o N o R 5.1 General Forest High Intensity Management t T

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4.1 Skalkaho Falls Beaverhead - 2.2b Deerlodge 5.1 Hamilton NF S Gird Point Cabin ka lka ho Sapphire Cre Ska ek Wilderness Study lkah o H igh Area Sl way eepin g C 4.1 2.1a MA Acres hil d C re 2.2b ek 1.1 0 4.1 1.2 29,700 2.2a Sapphire Divide RNA 2.1 0 2.1a 3,893 5.1 4.1 2.2a 19,763 eek 2.2b 41,076 Darby Rye Cr 3.1 0 3.2 967 3.3 2,585 4.1 116,580 5.1 12,419 6.1 0 Total 226,983 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 Miles 4/2006 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Sapphire Geographic Area

Unique Characteristics • Sapphire Wilderness Study Area. • Skalkaho Highway and Skalkaho Falls are popular recreation sites. • Cultural sites along Skalkaho corridor. • Sapphire Mountains groomed snowmobile routes. • Easthouse and Palisade Mountain national recreation trails. • Sapphire rockcress (Arabis fecunda), a state endemic plant species. • Bighorn sheep herds in Skalkaho canyon area. • Sawmill and Sapphire Divide research natural areas. • Stevensville Municipal Water Supply in the Burnt Fork Drainage.

General Overview This area takes in lands from the Bitterroot River east to the crest of the Sapphire Mountains. Approximately 42 percent of the Sapphire Geographic Area is within designated wilderness, recommended wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or backcountry areas (MA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2). About 58 percent of this geographic area offers opportunities for higher intensities of resource management. Recreation use is generally low and dispersed. The Skalkaho Highway, between the Bitterroot valley and Philipsburg, Montana, is a popular route for passenger vehicles in the summer and as a groomed snowmobile route in the winter. As in other areas of Ravalli County, there is considerable population growth occurring in this geographic area. A swath of checkerboard land ownership in the southern part of the geographic area has passed through a series of owners and has been heavily logged and roaded. The Forest has acquired some of these checkerboard lands through purchase and exchange, with more land adjustments expected in the future. There are extensive areas under private land conservation easements to help secure habitat for elk in both the northern and southern parts of the geographic area. A large part of this geographic area burned during the summer of 2000. While restoration work has been underway since 2000, anticipated lasting impacts of the fire include dramatically changed wildlife habitat and watershed conditions, loss of timber growing stock, increased road and trail

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 49 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

maintenance needs, public safety concerns, excess fuels accumulation, and increased weed infestation. Skalkaho Creek has been found eligible for further study for potential designation into the Wild and Scenic River System1.

Desired Conditions

Watershed and Aquatic Habitat • Skalkaho – Rye (#75), North Fork Rye (#321), Threemile (#640), Willow Creek (#364 and #969-A) and Ambrose Creek (#428) roads would contribute minimal amounts of sediment or none at all where possible. The Skalkaho Creek watershed would contain high quality water and strong populations of native fish and aquatic biota that complement cooperative restoration efforts on private lands lower in the watershed.

Wildlife and Plant Species Diversity • Existing populations of storm saxifrage (Saxifraga tempestiva) would persist or expand. Existing populations of Lemhi penstemon (Penstemon lemhiensis) would persist or expand within the historic fire regime and would be free of encroachment by invasive plant species. • Substantial open grasslands and healthy range conditions would support important bighorn sheep habitat areas that are occupied by a thriving bighorn sheep herd.

National Forest System Lands • Consolidated ownership of National Forest System lands would exist in Rye Creek to allow for more efficient management.

Developed and Dispersed Recreation Geographic Area Desired Conditions Plan Component • Dispersed recreation opportunities would be provided in the Skalkaho corridor.

Access and Travel Management • Winter recreation opportunities would be provided, including a groomed snowmobile route system and associated facilities.

1 Information on the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), for which the river was found eligible and its potential classification, is in the Plan Set of Documents.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 50 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

• The Bitterroot Rock Creek Divide Trail 313 would be: o Open to motorized use from Frog Pond Basin on the Beaverhead–Deerlodge National Forest to the junction with the Chain of Lakes Trail (#39) on the Bitterroot National Forest. o Closed to wheeled motorized use from the junction with Chain of Lakes Trail (#39) north to Dome Shaped Mountain. o Closed to motorized use from Dome Shaped Mountain north to Sawmill Saddle. o Open to motorized use from Sawmill Saddle north to Cinnabar Saddle. o Closed to wheeled motorized use from north of Cinnabar Saddle to the forest boundary. GA Desired Conditions Plan Component GA Desired Conditions

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 51 Bitterroot National Forest Figure 6 East Fork Geographic Area

Legend Geographic Area

Wilderness Study Area Management Areas 1.1 Designated Wilderness 1.2 Recommended Wilderness 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers - Designated 2.1a Wild & Scenic Rivers - Eligible or Suitable

2.2a Backcountry (non-motorized travel) 2.2b Backcountry (limitePd hmilloiptosrbiuzergd travel) 3.1 Areas Under Special Management 3.2 Research Natural Areas 3.3 General Forest Low Intensity Management Hamilton 4.1 General Forest Moderate Intensity Management 5.1 General Forest High Intensity Management 6.1 High Use Recreation Complexes or Use Areas

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2.2b East Fork Bitterroot Darby RNA 3.3

5.1 MA Acres 4.1 1.1 er 1.2 t Riv 1.1 37,519 rroo 2.1a 4.1 itte B 2.1a 1.2 1,632 rk Anaconda Pintler o F Wilderness st 2.1 0 Ea 1.1 4.1 2.1a 6,374 R il e a Sula i r m T Beaverhead / Deerlodge 2.2b de 2.2a 0 e vi l i 3.3 D NF C l r ta 2.2b 49,810 n e n ti n o 3.1 0 C 2.2b 3.2 0 4.1 3.3 14,422 6.1 4.1 86,336 5.1 22,313 6.1 1,195 Total 219,603 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 Miles 4/2006 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

East Fork Geographic Area

Unique Characteristics • Two national historic trails: Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) Trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail, including Ross’s Hole campsite. • A section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, north of Gibbons Pass. • Sapphire Wilderness Study Area. • Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area. • Chief Joseph Cross-Country Ski Area. • McCart Lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Exceptional elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep habitat and hunting opportunities. • Two regionally endemic plant species, Rocky Mountain paintbrush (Castillega covilleana) and Lemhi penstemon (Penstemon lemhiensis). • Lost Trail Fen, with occurrence of primrose monkeyflower (Mimulus primuloides) and English sundew (Drosera anglica), an insectivorous plant. • The East Fork Bitterroot Research Natural Area.

General Overview Bisected by the East Fork of the Bitterroot River, the East Fork valley is a mixture of developed and undeveloped lands with private land scattered along the valley bottom. This creates an interface between private property and fire-adapted ecosystems on National Forest System land that influences national forest management. The East Fork Geographic Area covers land from the valley bottom to the surrounding mountain crests, with upper portions of the area in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the Sapphire Wilderness Study Area. About 43 percent of the East Fork Geographic Area is within designated wilderness, recommended wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or backcountry areas (MA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2). About 57 percent of this geographic area offers opportunities for higher intensities of resource management.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 53 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Douglas-fir bark beetle activity is currently very high and is influenced by high stand densities, reduction of pines due to Douglas-fir encroachment, and drought and fire-induced stress. Many of the south and southwest facing slopes are open grasslands dominated by bunchgrass/forb plant communities. Although weeds are problems on much of the Bitterroot National Forest, the East Fork Geographic Area contains some weed-free grassland. A large portion of the area was burned by a large wildfire in 2000. The Lost Trail Pass vicinity is an important winter sports area, which includes a developed downhill ski area (the Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area), Chief Joseph Cross-Country Ski Area (primarily on the Beaverhead- Deerlodge National Forest), and designated ungroomed snowmobile trails. The headwaters of the East Fork of the Bitterroot River flow from the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, providing high quality water to the valley bottom. The East Fork of the Bitterroot River has been found eligible for further study for potential designation in the Wild and Scenic River System1.

Desired Conditions

Watershed and Aquatic Habitat • Sediment sources in target watersheds, identified in the Headwaters TMDL (total maximum daily load), would be declining as a result of restoration efforts and other project work. • Water temperatures in the East Fork would meet the targets identified in the Headwaters Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

Wildlife and Plant Species Diversity • Substantial open grasslands would continue to serve as big game winter range. Open areas and healthy range conditions support important bighorn sheep habitat areas occupied by a thriving bighorn sheep herd. • The east side of the Medicine Point ribbon forest would continue to thrive as a snowglade dominated by Parry’s rush (Juncus parryi), creeping sibbaldia (Sibbaldia procumbens), green needlegrass (Stipa viridula), sedges (Carex spp.), and mountain heaths (Phyllodoce empetriformis and Cassiope mertensiana). Geographic Area Desired Conditions Plan Component

1 Information on the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), for which the river was found eligible and the potential classification, is in the Plan Set of Documents.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 54 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Developed and Dispersed Recreation • The Chief Joseph Ski Area would be a non-motorized winter sports area, except as needed for trail grooming and other administrative purposes. • The Lost Trail Fen would be protected from impacts associated with the management or further expansion of the Lost Trail Ski Area. • A variety of winter sports opportunities with minimal conflicts between user groups would be provided in the Lost Trail Pass area. • Providing effective wildlife habitat connectivity would be balanced with providing recreation opportunities in the Lost Trail Pass area.

Access and Travel Management • A completed Continental Divide Trail #9 would exist, with a non- GA Desired Conditions Plan Component GA Desired Conditions motorized section between Gibbons Pass and the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 55 Bitterroot River RNA Lolo B Stevensville NF ig C Bittererekroot National Forest Figure 7 Clearwater NF West Fork Geographic Area

Clearwater Legend NF Geographic Area

Wilderness Study Area Management Areas 1.1 Designated Wilderness

1.2 Recommended Wilderness Hamilton 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers - Designated 2.1a Wild & Scenic Rivers - Eligible or Suitable

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5.1 General Forest High Intensity Management Darby 6.1 High Use Recreation Complexes or Use Areas

Trapper Peak 3.3 3.3 Boulder Creek 1.2 RNA 1.1

West Fork Selway Bitterroot Sula 2.2a Wilderness r ive 4.1 t R o o rr 2.2a te MA Acres it Frk, B 2.1a 1.2 erce 4.1 z P 1.1 35,758 Ne 2.2b Painted Rock 1.2 45,486 Reservoir r 2.2b Creek e int v e Jo i 2.1 0 u R l

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0 2.5 5 10 15 20 4/2006 Miles Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

West Fork Geographic Area

Unique Characteristics • Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area. • Painted Rocks Reservoir • Painted Cliffs along the West Fork. • Excellent cold water float-fishing opportunities. • Bighorn sheep habitat. • Alta Ranger Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Boulder Creek Research Natural Area.

General Overview Defined by the West Fork and Nez Perce Fork of the Bitterroot River, this geographic area contains designated wilderness lands, a wilderness study area and inventoried roadless lands. These include the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area, and the Allan Mountain Inventoried Roadless Area. Approximately 62 percent of the West Fork Geographic Area is within designated wilderness, recommended wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, or backcountry areas (MA 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, and 2.2). About 38 percent of this geographic area offers opportunities for higher intensities of resource management. Much of the land along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River is in private ownership. This creates an interface between private property and fire- adapted ecosystems on National Forest System land that influences national forest management. The West Fork and Nez Perce roads provide good public access to trailheads for entering the backcountry and designated wilderness areas. The West Fork headwaters flow from the divide of the Salmon River country and the Montana/Idaho state line. Wetlands are common in this geographic area. Placer mining is a part of the area’s history along Hughes and Overwhich creeks.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 57 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

The West Fork is recognized as an excellent cold-water fishery due, in part, to clear cold water owned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks that is released from the Painted Rocks Reservoir to supplement low, late season flows. The West Fork Ranger District manages boat launch sites along the river and the shore of the reservoir. Painted Rocks State Park is located in the area at the south end of the reservoir. In addition, the river corridor offers a variety of dispersed and developed destination camping opportunities at the lower end of the development scale. The West Fork of the Bitterroot River from Painted Rocks dam to Nez Perce Fork has been found eligible for further study for potential designation into the Wild and Scenic River System1.

Desired Conditions

Watershed and Aquatic Habitat • Sediment sources in target watersheds, identified in the Headwaters TMDL Plan, are declining as a result of restoration efforts and other project work. Water quality and channel conditions would be improving as a result of restoration work. • Water temperatures in the West Fork, Nez Perce Fork, Overwhich Creek, and Hughes Creek would meet the targets identified in the Headwaters TMDL Plan.

Wildlife and Plant Species Diversity • Substantial open grasslands and healthy range conditions would support important bighorn sheep habitat areas that are occupied by a thriving bighorn sheep herd. • Existing populations of storm saxifrage (Saxifraga tempestiva), Lemhi penstemon (Penstemon lemhiensis), Rocky Mountain paintbrush (Castillega covilleana), Evermann’s fleabane (Erigeron evermannii), and Idaho goldenweed (Haplopappus aberrans) would persist or expand.

Geographic Area Desired Conditions Plan Component • The west side of the Medicine Point ribbon forest would continue to thrive as a high quality Idaho fescue/bluebunch wheatgrass (Festuca idahoensis/Pseudoroegneria spicata) grassland community.

1 Information on the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), for which the river was found eligible and its potential classification is in the Plan Set of Documents.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 58 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Access and Travel Management • Razorback Ridge Trail #106 would remain a single-track motorized trail lying just outside the portion of the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area recommended for wilderness.

Plan Component GA Desired Conditions

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 59 Clearwater NF

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MA Acres 1.1 433,102 1.2 0 2.1 17,387 2.1a 15,624 Hamilton 2.2a 0 2.2b 0 3.1 1,086 3.2 0 3.3 0 4.1 0 5.1 0 6.1 0 Total 467,199 Nez Perce NF Darby

2.1a ek ek 1.1 re re C C p a 2.1a C g 2.1 W hite in n n u R Paradise Guard Station

1.1 West Fork Sula Selway Bitterroot Wilderness

er Riv Lit 1.1 tle C ter le arwa Legend Creek Geographic Area 2.1a D e ep Magruder 2.1a Ranger Station Wilderness Study Area 3.1 3.1 r o S Management Areas M i d e a r l g r w rude o 1.1 Designated Wilderness r C a

Horse y Hells Heaven 3.2 Half Acre 1.2 Recommended Wilderness Cabin 2.1 Mtn 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers - Designated R Salmon Mountain iv e 2.1a Wild & Scenic Rivers - Eligible or Suitable RNA Frank Church r River of No Return 2.2a Backcountry (non-motorized travel) Wilderness 2.2b Backcountry (limited motorized travel) 3.1 Areas Under Special Management Sa 1.1 lm o 3.2 Research Natural Areas n R iv 3.3 General Forest Low Intensity Management er Salmon 4.1 General Forest Moderate Intensity Management 2.1 NF 5.1 General Forest High Intensity Management 6.1 High Use Recreation Complexes or Use Areas 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 4/2006 Miles Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

Selway Geographic Area

Unique Characteristics • Historic Magruder Corridor and Magruder Ranger Station • Anadromous fisheries. • Southern Nez Perce Trail. • Blackie Foster Cabin and Horse Heaven Guard Station are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Thirty years of wildland fire use. • Wilderness white water rafting opportunities on the Selway River. • Paradise Cabin and boat launch site. • The Salmon Mountain Research Natural Area (shared with the Nez Perce National Forest).

General Overview The Selway Geographic Area lies within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. In the heart of the Idaho Batholith, this isolated area is highly valued, world-class wilderness and is part of the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states. Several hundred miles of trails attract backcountry hikers and horsemen to remarkable scenery, hunting, fishing, and climbing opportunities. The entire geographic area provides wilderness or primitive recreation experiences. This vast undeveloped area provides outstanding habitats for native fish and wildlife species such as gray wolves, bull trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead trout. Despite its large size and isolated location, this portion of the wilderness complex can be accessed relatively easily by the historic Magruder Corridor and the road to Paradise. These pre-existing roads are specifically permitted to remain in use by the Central Idaho Wilderness Act. The law also placed limitations on how these roads can be modified or improved. The Selway Geographic Area is also rich in history. The Southern Nez Perce trail is evidence of early occupation and use by American Indians. The trail was also an early travel route between the gold fields in Montana and Idaho and was the site of the infamous murder of Lloyd Magruder. The Magruder Ranger Station provides a historical perspective on early Forest Service presence. At the southern end of this geographic area are several significant significant cultural sites reflecting centuries of human activity along the Salmon River.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 61 Proposed Bitterroot National Forest Land Management Plan 2006

The Selway River flows through the center of the area. It provides a nationally recognized, world-class wilderness, white water rafting experience. Various portions of the Selway River are classified as wild or recreational under the Wild and Scenic River System. The Salmon River, which forms the southern boundary of the area, has been designated as a recreational river. Little Clearwater River, Deep Creek, White Cap Creek, and Running Creek have been found eligible for further study for potential designation as Wild and Scenic Rivers1.

Desired Conditions

Heritage Resources • Interpretation of history related to the Magruder Ranger Station would be emphasized. • The historic Magruder Ranger Station would be preserved and maintained as a recreation cabin rental facility. The Magruder Ranger Station office/bunkhouse would be considered for addition to the recreation rental program.

Access and Travel Management • Magruder Corridor Road would remain a low standard road. The road and dispersed sites along the road corridor would not affect water quality and fisheries. Geographic Area Desired Conditions Plan Component

1 Information on the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), for which the river was found eligible and its potential classification is in the Plan Set of Documents.

Chapter 1: Vision Geographic Area Desired Conditions Page 62