wetland and riparian conservation report 2015 · web viewwetland habitat supports astounding...

Blackfeet Environmental Office

Wetland and Riparian Conservation Report 2015

Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana

Tara Luna, Mary Clare Weatherwax and George Running Wolf

Report prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Overview

The Blackfeet Reservation is a significant headwaters area for the Upper Missouri River basin and Hudson Bay, containing an exceptional density and diversity of wetland, lake, riparian and river floodplain ecosystems, supporting very high biological diversity within the Northern Rocky Mountains and Northwestern Great Plains Eco-Regions. Approximately 50% all known native plants, amphibians, and reptiles, 66% of native birds and fish and 80% of native mammals, occurring within the state of Montana, are known from the Reservation. A total of 109 species within the Blackfeet Indian Reservation are known to be biologically rare (Species of Concern). A significant proportion (44%) of the total plant biodiversity can be found or are restricted to wetland habitats.

Both wetland and upland habitats of the Reservation have been recognized as globally, regionally and locally as biologically significant: aspen parkland forest, native fescue prairie and wetlands have been noted as some of the best examples of these systems remaining in North America. Specifically, wetlands of the Reservation include virtually the entire breadth of Montana wetland ecosystem types found from subalpine to valley elevations, including: rare examples of prairie fen; foothill and montane fens; springs; coniferous and deciduous dominated wet forest types; upper montane to plains riparian and floodplain communities; forested and prairie potholes; open, closed and saline depressions of high density; valley bottom shrub; mud flats; and pristine rivers and lakes. In total, the Reservation contains over 1.4 million acres of land, 55,000 acres of wetlands and over 17,000 acres of lakes. Only one wetland alpine wetland lake and spring-fed habitat is restricted to areas around Chief Mountain on the boundary with Glacier National Park. However, these wetland habitats occur in abundance in adjoining lands of Glacier NP and Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Wetland habitat supports astounding biodiversity: all organisms attribute all or a portion of their life cycle to wetland and riparian areas. Indeed, wetland corridors are critical travel routes for area wildlife that move between varying elevations and habitats throughout the year. Riparian habitat contains astounding invertebrate diversity, critical to the pollination of riparian flora and nesting success of migratory songbirds and waterfowl. Early flowering phenology of dominant woody taxa, such as Populus and Salix, are crucial early pollen sources for overwintering bees, serve as hosts for over 100 taxa of butterflies and moths, including those taxa that are largely restricted to wetland and riparian habitats. Other common cultural woody plants occurring in riparian habitats are crucial nectar and pollen sources for honey bees, native bees, and bumblebees. Protection of wetland habitats is crucial for maintaining pollinator populations on local and regional scales.

Biodiversity loss is a global crisis: all regions, and especially those at more northerly latitudes in North America, are experiencing significant changes due to global warming. Wetland and alpine ecosystems have been identified as two of the most vulnerable to increasing temperatures, timing and quantity of hydrologic input and extension of freeze-free season. Although several indicators are used to index climate change, local and regional data since 1960 show that increasing temperatures and extension of the freeze-free season are two major drivers affecting wetland condition, functional processes, and composition.

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These factors affect physiological function, timing of phenology and reproduction, and can contribute to accelerated loss of local gene pools, especially wetland plants, aquatic and riparian invertebrate communities, fish and amphibians, in turn affecting other wildlife. Many wetland or alpine dependent organisms are vulnerable due to their regional and ecosystem-specific distribution, limited ability to disperse to new areas, specific habitat requirements, and narrow climate and hydrological envelopes. Further, changing climatic factors can alter or accelerate nutrient and carbon cycling and alter ecosystem functional capacity to store, attenuate and mediate water flow during spring snow melt.

Several environmental concerns have received recent attention due to evidence of wide-scale changes in ecosystems affected by global warming and other anthropogenic causes. Broad-scale local and regional impacts include increasing fire severity and intensity, anomalous storm and temperature related impacts during spring watershed runoff, and decreasing precipitation inputs and increasing evaporative water loss in prairie potholes and depressional wetlands located in more semi-arid regions locally on the Reservation, as well as regionally in the Northern Great Plains.

Recent global warming trends present additional challenges to wetland protection and conservation. However, unlike highly fragmented natural ecosystems and urbanized regions elsewhere, wetlands of the Blackfeet Reservation, due to their density, diversity, and proximity to large protected areas, can potentially accommodate local dynamic processes affected by climate change to a greater degree than in other areas. Wetland connectivity, spatially and hydrologically, together with the wide variety of hydrologic regimes expressed by local densities of prairie wetlands, can allow for processes such as migration, on-site adaptation and preservation of potentially larger and more diverse populations.

Wetlands of the western third of the Reservation in the Rocky Mountain Front and foothills, due to their landscape position, climate zone and local hydrology, contain greater biological diversity than those occurring in more semi-arid zone of the eastern half of the Reservation. Potholes in the western region of the Reservation may hold water longer than those occurring further to the east and will provide important habitat to wildlife that may shift nesting and migration preferences or patterns due to habitat loss and/or global warming effects elsewhere in the Great Plains.

Conservation and protection of water and wetland biodiversity has even greater implications for the Tribe. Blackfeet culture and tradition are directly tied to water and wetland dependent flora and fauna. Although species such as beaver and culturally significant native wetland plant taxa can be targeted for wetland protection, it is apparent that these species are keystone to preserving even greater wetland biodiversity and high functioning ecosystem services, necessary for ensuring local community sustainability.

Today, conserving wetlands and species diversity must include regional planning efforts that address climate change, affecting Blackfeet communities, cultural continuity, sustainability and local economies, that directly depend on water, wetlands, ecosystems and species of the region. Conserving vulnerable high quality wetland ecosystems and densities of wetlands

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serves several goals: water conservation and improved catchment and storage, improved carbon sequestration, preservation of nutrient cycling and other ecological processes necessary for maintaining water quality and biological diversity.

Typically, regional conservation planning efforts have focused on rare, threatened or endangered, endemic, focal and keystone species and habitats, including those considered vulnerable to climate change impacts, and more recently, groundwater dependent habitats considered capable of long term persistence and potential adaptation over the long term. Range-margin populations of plant and animal species, especially those occurring in or near large protected areas, are important conservation considerations for climate change adaptation. For area wildlife, maintenance of wildlife corridors (ie. riparian areas) is of paramount importance.

Globally, regionally and locally, Blackfeet wetlands are highly valuable biological and water conservation sites. At least three potential conservation sites on the Reservation; East Glacier Pothole Complex, Blacktail Bench Potholes and Duck Lake Area Potholes, meet one or more criteria for designation as RAMSAR Wetland Sites of International Importance (USFWS 2015; RAMSAR 2015). No RAMSAR designations currently exist or are proposed in Montana (RAMSAR 2015) and only two sites in in the entire Great Plains region (ND, KS) and one site in the Rocky Mountain region (NM) have been formally designated. These three pothole complexes on the Reservation are demonstratively biologically significant wetlands on local and eco-regional scales.

Local-scale conservation is necessary to conserve traditional and family gathering areas and water bodies and wetlands of cultural use, as well as species and wetland ecosystems that are locally rare. Multiple concurrent conservation goals and targets can be met: 1) preserving quality ecosystems and processes; 2) maintaining habitat connectivity and condition for fauna and flora; 3) preserving local genetic diversity necessary for climate change adaptation; 4) carbon sequestration through voluntary protection and restoration measures; 5) reduction of impacts affecting wetland and water quality; 6) protecting a range of wetland biodiversity within eco-regional and local climate regions of the Reservation; 7) preserving processes and biodiversity that are critical to Blackfeet identity, culture and tradition and 8) ensuring long-term sustainability of local communities.

The Wetlands Conservation Strategy, Wetlands Program Plan (WPP) and this report emphasize the conservation and protection of locally and regionally imperiled species of cultural importance to the Blackfeet Tribe as well as rare, threatened or endangered, endemic, focal and keystone species, as wetland conservation targets. Focal species are those that are area-limited, dispersal-limited, resource-limited, and/or limited by ecological processes. Keystone species play a greater role in community or ecosystem functional processes and their presence is crucial to maintaining ecosystem function. Beaver, of central traditional importance to the Tribe, for example, are a focal species directly related to water conservation, storage, wetland function and species richness. Endemic species are those that are range restricted to a particular area: some regional endemics are also cultural species of the Blackfeet Tribe.

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Priority wetland conservation areas were identified including those that exhibit long term potential for persistence such as groundwater fed ecosystems, headwater areas, beaver influenced wetlands, areas of critical cultural concern, areas of critical biological concern (corridors, habitat, habitat specific species, biologically rare species, cultural species, locally rare cultural species, range margin populations) and overriding goals of achieving greater water storage potential in the future. Emphasis in this first year report was placed on selecting sites adjoining or near protected areas of the Lewis and Clark and Glacier National Park, headwater areas and cultural areas in each watershed. However, additional sites are included that occur across the breadth of the Reservation and eco-regions, located during rotational watershed wetland assessments conducted during the past few years.

Current Status of Wetland Protection

Currently, Reservation lakes, rivers and streams are protected under Water Quality Standards of the Tribe. Additional regulatory and policy mechanisms include the current development of a Tribal Wetlands Anti-Degradation policy and revision of the Tribe’s Aquatic Lands Protection Ordinance.

Many of the wetland sites described in this report occur in more remote areas of the Reservation or where access by livestock is impeded by dense wetland shrub and tree cover. A few of the sites occur on private, allotted or Tribal land and remain in good to excellent condition as currently managed. Sites near proposed road construction or development will be impacted over the course of the next few years. However, it is hoped that disturbance can be minimized in areas where significant wetlands occur if agencies are aware of the local biological significance of these sites.

Incentive-based programs for landowners to actively conserve wetland sites must consider whether individuals can actually cost-share wetland protection requirements of federal programs, because the majority of the Reservation population lives at or below the poverty level. In these cases, conservation models and programs from other countries may provide agencies with additional and more effective tools and tailored financial programs to assist Tribal members in wetland protection incentives. Sites such as the Duck Lake Potholes, East Glacier Potholes, Blacktail Bench Potholes, are prime examples of potential rural community conservation reserves, a conservation model and effective program that is widely used in other regions of the world.

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Birch Creek Watershed

Name: Heart Butte Prairie Pothole Area SW, Wetland Conservation Area (WCA) 1

General Location: Approximately 3 miles west/southwest of Heart Butte, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana

Size: 2,900 acres

Ownership: Trust, Allotted, Fee

Justification:

The Heart Butte Prairie Pothole Area contains Green Lake and numerous groundwater fed-prairie and aspen forested potholes and smaller closed depressions and temporary vernal pools. The geology of the area is primarily limestone bedrock.

The entire area serves an important wildlife travel corridor for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Grizzly bears frequent the area in search for food. Bald eagle, golden eagle and peregrine falcons frequent the area during migration. Waterfowl such as white pelican and common loon commonly occur on Green Lake. Other bird Species of Concern are present during summer months with nesting occurring in some of the potholes. Associated aspen stands with area potholes can contain exceptional migratory songbird diversity and nesting frequency during spring and summer months. Mammals such as black bear, deer, elk, red fox, badger and coyote use the interface of wetland and aspen forested habitat for feeding, hunting or rearing of young. Blacktail Bench is one of the three potential RAMSAR Wetland designations on the Reservation.

Cultural Significance:

Native vegetation that occurs in association with the surrounding prairie and within area depressional wetlands are utilized for cultural purposes. Many cultural plant species occur in association with the forested and prairie potholes. Other cultural plants found in association with area wetlands include: Hierochloe hirta, Mentha arvensis, Camassia quamash, and Glycyrrhiza lepidota. Virtually all of the cultural plants found in association with fescue prairie are found in this area, while buffering aspen parkland forest are often dominated by cultural species, such as Camassia quamash and Osmorhiza occidentalis in the understory, and often contain up to 35 to 50 native plant species. Amelanchier alnifolia and Prunus virginiana occur in drier aspen forest associated with forested potholes and are important cultural food and wildlife food sources during late summer and fall months.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of rough fescue-Idaho fescue (Festuca campestris-F. idahoensis) grassland. Closer to Heart Butte, numerous groundwater fed potholes occur within aspen-cottonwood dominated forest. Important water fowl forage includes Glyceria borealis,

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several species of Potamogeton, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Hippuris vulgaris, and the macroalgae Chara sp. Outer pothole perimeters include stands of Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Sium suave and Schoenoplectus acutus. Submergent, emergent and upland plant diversity is often high due to the environmental influences of local hydrology, groundwater flow, geology, hydroperiod and elevational position near the head of the Birch Creek watershed. Three sampled forested potholes in this area contained over 35 wetland plant taxa, including two plant Species of Concern.

Rare Vascular Plant Species:

Species Common Name MTNHP Ranks FederalStatus

Number observed

Latest Observation

Gratiola ebracteata

Bractless Hedge-hyssop

G5/S3 USFS Sensitive Species

30 2013

Carex craweii Crawe’s sedge G5/S2 USFS Sensitive Species

100+ 2015

Wetland Plant Community Types:

Glacial pothole emergent and submergent plant associations include Equisetum fluviatile, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton praelongus, Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Schoenoplectus acutus, Eleocharis palustris, Carex utriculata, Hordeum jubatum, Deschampsia cespitosus-Juncus balticus, Juncus-balticus-Potentilla anserina.

Wildlife Use:

The wide diversity of wetland types with varying hydro-regimes and diverse vegetation make this area highly significant for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Forested potholes in this area attract migratory songbirds. Many species nest and rear young during summer months, attracting raptors, such as hawks and owls, to regularly hunt in this area.

Name: Heart Butte Prairie Pothole Area SE, WCA 2

General Location: Approximately 5.5 miles southwest of Heart Butte, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana

Size: Approximately 500 acres

Ownership: Trust

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Justification:

The Heart Butte Prairie Pothole Area SE contains several closed depressions and glacial potholes. Although the surrounding upland buffer is leased for grazing, it is in excellent condition, with high forb richness, including some species typically found in mixed grass prairie further to the east, as well as native forbs that are largely found on limestone derived substrates. Groundwater fed potholes, closed depressions and temporary vernal pools occur throughout the area. Some of the smaller closed depressions in this area, however, now contain only upland and Facultative (FAC) species. Facultative plant species have only 34-66% of their occurrences in wetlands.


Native vegetation that occurs in association with the surrounding prairie and depressional wetlands is utilized for cultural purposes. Many cultural plant species occur in association with prairie potholes. Other cultural plants found in association with the wetlands include: Hierochloe hirta, Mentha arvensis, Potentilla anserina,and Glycyrrhiza lepidota. Virtually all of the cultural plants found in association with fescue prairie are found in this area; including two species that are locally rare.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of rough fescue-Idaho fescue grassland, with some open limber pine woodland occurring on hill summits, ridges and southwest facing slopes. Important waterfowl forage includes Glyceria borealis, Potamogeton sp., Myriophyllum, Hippuris vulgaris, and Chara sp. Outer pothole perimeters include Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, and Schoenoplectus acutus. Two sampled wetlands with longer hydroperiods contained over 20 species.


Glacial pothole emergent and submergent plant associations include Equisetum fluviatile, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton praelongus, Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Schoenoplectus acutus, Eleocharis palustris, Carex utriculata, Hordeum jubatum, Deschampsia cespitosus-Juncus balticus.

Wildlife Use:

This area is used during waterfowl migration due to its relatively remote location, lack of intensive livestock use and variety of upland and wetland communities. Prairie dogs and thirteen lined ground squirrels attract golden eagles, while waterfowl can attract bald eagles. Grizzly bears have been reported in this area in the past.

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Name: Backbone Beaver Wetlands, WCA 3

General Location: East slope below Major Steele Backbone, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana


Ownership: Trust

Justification:

The Backbone Beaver wetland complex positioned on the east slope below the crest of Major Steele Backbone, within a mosaic of aspen and conifer woodland. Grazing impacts were minimal and exotic plant cover is less than 5 percent in the surrounding upland buffer. It occurs in a relatively remote area and drains into Eagle Creek.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of montane rough fescue-Idaho fescue grassland in patches with exposed limestone cliffs on the ridgeline above the site. Some open Pinus flexilis pine woodland occurs on hill summits and exposed rocky ridges above and to the west of the wetland complex. The immediate buffer is a mixture of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta forests with stands of Salix and small patches of cottonwood on the wetland perimeter. A series of ponds contain stands of Carex sp. and Potamogeton sp. A riparian area sampled just south of this site contains over 43 plant taxa.

Wildlife Use:

This area is used grizzly bears and other fauna due to its relatively remote location, lack of intensive livestock use and variety of upland and wetland communities. Ponds are used by migratory waterfowl and beaver.

Name: Heart Butte Beaver Wetlands, WCA 4

General Location: West of Heart Butte, Whitetail Creek drainage, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana


Ownership: Allotted

Justification:

The Heart Butte Beaver wetland complex occurs two miles west of the community of Heart Butte and drains into Whitetail Creek. Surrounding upland buffer consists of a mixture of aspen and cottonwood, Pinus flexilis woodland, Pinus contorta and Pseudotsuga menziesii forests.

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Grazing impacts in surrounding buffer appeared moderate, while the beaver complex appeared relatively undisturbed with little exotic vegetation cover.

Vegetation:

Extensive stands of Salix boothii and Salix bebbiana and small patches of cottonwood occur around pond perimeters. A series of ponds contain stands of Carex sp. and Potamogeton sp and submergent vegetation. Beaver activity has resulted in varying hydrologic gradients, supporting a diverse mixture of emergent vegetation and wetland shrub communities.

Wildlife Use:

This area is used grizzly bears, moose and other fauna due to lack of intensive livestock use and the variety of upland and wetland communities. Ponds are used by migratory waterfowl and beaver.

Name: Alkali Lakes Wildlife Management Area, WCA 5

General Location: Approximately 7 miles northeast of the junction of Hwy 89 and the Birch Creek Road, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana

Size: Approximately 1,920 acres

Ownership: Tribal, Allotted, Fee

Justification:

Alkali Lake contains several saline and alkaline influenced wetland plant communities, providing habitat for the Threatened shorebird, piping plover, and other bird Species of Concern. Other Great Plains wildlife, such as jackrabbit and antelope occur in this wetland basin. This area is an important migratory stopover for waterfowl and shorebirds. Due to the alkalinity and salinity of area wetlands, these habitats become ice-free earlier than other potholes and wetlands and support diverse wetland invertebrate communities, important for early-spring arriving migratory waterfowl. Wetland emergent vegetation includes communities dominated by Shoenoplectus pungens, S. acutus, S. tabermontanii, Carex praegracilis, Distchlis spicata, Puccinellia nuttalliana, Deschampsia cespitosa, Spartina pectinata, Salicornia rubra, and Juncus balticus.

Comments:

The area is currently managed by the Tribe primarily for its wildlife value and habitat. The southeast arm of Alkali Lake is a restored wetlands mitigation site known as the Alkali Lake Wetlands Reserve. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) restored the wetland in

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cooperation with the Blackfeet Tribe and MDT subtracts credits from the Reserve to compensate for their highway project wetland impacts.

Name: Swift Dam Spring and Wetland Sites, WCA 6

General Location: North of Swift Reservoir, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana

Watershed: Birch Creek


Ownership: Tribal

Justification:

Two calcareous springs and a small riparian stream with fen vegetation, fed by groundwater discharge, are located within the Sheep Creek Watershed that drains into Swift Dam Reservoir at the very southwestern corner of the Reservation boundary. Groundwater chemistry at these sites is influenced by limestone bedrock. Although the wetlands are relatively small in acreage, both are species rich (42-56 wetland taxa) and adjoin upland species-rich communities in excellent condition. These sites support a diversity of orchid taxa, including three potential Species of Concern, as well as the only known location of the cultural wetland species wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum) on the Reservation.

Vegetation:

At both sites, there is an organic peat layer approximately 4 cm deep overlying gravels and limestone bedrock. The spring supports fen vegetation over approximately 0.5 acre and drains into a narrow cottonwood riparian stream channel. The second site is a sloped spring fed stream channel. Both sites support populations of one leaf spotted orchid (Amerorchis rotundifolia) and yellow lady slipper orchid (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens). There is some question as to whether some of the Cypripedium parviflorum plants occurring in upland habitat and soils, adjoining the wetlands, are another described variety (C. parviflorum var. exiliens Sheviak).

This is one of three sites known on the Blackfeet Reservation that supports a population of Amerorchis rotundifolia (L2/S2)¹. Both sites are the only localities of Cypripedium parviflorum v. pubescens (L1/S3/S4)¹ and Cypripedium parviflorum var. exiliens (L1/S?/GTNR) known on the Reservation as well as the hybrid Columbia ladyslipper (Cypripedium x columbianum Sheviak). Additionally, a total of 14 orchid taxa occurring in both the wetlands and adjacent upland communities are found at these localities.

Rich fen vegetation supports an overstory of bog birch (Betula glandulosa) and smaller dwarf willow species such as plane leaf willow (Salix planifolia) and Booth’s willow (Salix boothii). Understory vegetation includes sedges common to rich fen wetlands in the northern Rockies

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such as hair sedge (Carex capillaris), small sedge (Carex dioca v. gynocrates), wooly fruit sedge (Carex lasiocarpa), grape sedge (Carex aurea), yellow sedge (Carex flava), Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), northern rush (Juncus alpino-articulatus), small flowered spikerush (Eleocharis quinqueflora), beautiful shooting star (Dodecatheon pulchellum), pink elephants head (Pedicularis groenlandica), bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata), boreal bog orchid (Platanthera hyperborea), Huron green orchid (Platanthera huronensis), small flowered anemone (Anemone parviflora) and a large and localized population of wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum). Both sites drain into Swift Dam Reservoir and the sub-irrigated meadows below one site support a large population of Lilium philadelphicum. This area is the only known occurrence of this cultural species on the Blackfeet Reservation (L1-Locally Rare)¹.

Surrounding uplands at both sites is a dry, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forest with lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) as a subdominant in the overstory canopy. The understory is dominated by kinnickinick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or common or rug juniper (Juniperus communis/horizontalis). This forest community type grades to limber pine-rug juniper (Pinus flexilis-Juniperus horizontalis) on steeper slopes of Major Steele Backbone.

Both upland forests within this area support a large population of mountain lady slipper orchid (Cypripedium montanum), as well as populations of 6 additional upland orchid taxa. The surrounding upland buffer is in excellent ecological condition and is a mosaic open dry coniferous forest types and woodlands, cottonwood-aspen, upper montane grasslands and exposed limestone cliffs.

Wetland habitats rich in a diversity of orchid taxa are biologically significant, not only due to local rarity of some taxa, but also due to orchid taxa diversity and density, often occurring in very localized microsites. Upland sites adjoining these wetlands are also orchid rich, indicative of stable and diverse mycorrhizal fungi in soils, necessary for orchid seedling establishment. Clonal persistence of adult plants, seed production and seedling establishment for population stability is dependent on soil surface integrity. Due to the remote location of the site, this local “orchid hotspot”, as currently managed, is an important wetland/upland conservation site.

Wildlife Use:

The variety of upper montane to subalpine dry forest communities and grasslands support a breadth of area wildlife. Higher elevation cliffs above the sites support nesting pairs of golden eagles, while the Reservoir attracts nesting pairs of bald eagles. Grizzly bears frequent this area. Moose and elk use are evident in both wetlands and uplands adjoining the sites.

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Two Medicine Watershed

Name: Headwaters Badger Creek and South Fork of Badger Creek, WCA 7

General Location: Nine miles west of Heart Butte, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Pondera County, Montana

Size: 8,000 acres

Ownership: Trust, Allotted

Justification:

The headwaters area of Badger Creek contains a series of beaver dams and ponds and thick riparian bottomland dominated by Booth’s, Bebb’s and yellow willow communities, with some stands of black cottonwood (Populus balsamnifera). Rough fescue and aspen forest occur in adjacent uplands bordering the riparian bottom. Cottonwood stands contain a mixture of narrowleaf (Populus angustifolia) and black cottonwood further to the east. Both drainages are fed by groundwater and snowpack originating in the Badger Two Medicine area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Excellent quality examples of Salix boothii and Salix drummondiana communities, with little exotic cover, occur in both South Fork Badger and Badger Creeks. Local stands may be some of the best examples of these types range-wide. These riparian communities are heavily influenced by beaver activity near the Forest boundary. Plant species richness in beaver ponds, backwater channels, wet meadows and marshes, is especially high. At the headwaters of Badger Creek, 47 plant species were recorded from sampling plots. These riparian areas contain Anthoxanthum hirtum as a component of the understory as well as other cultural species such as Heracleum lanatum, Mentha arvensis, Angelica arguta, Fragaria virginiana, Stachys palustris,

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Scutellaria galericulata, Solidago canadensis, Symphyotrichum spp., Scirpus microcarpus and Rosa woodsii. This habitat is one of the most important for resident moose populations in the Badger Creek drainages. Both creek bottoms are utilized for gathering cultural plants.

Name: Badger and Little Badger Pothole Wetlands, WCA 8

General Location: NW of Swims Under Bridge, between Badger and Little Badger Creeks, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Ownership: Allotted, Fee, Trust

Size: Approximately five square miles

Justification:

The Badger pothole wetlands occur as a series of open depressions, closed depressions and glacial potholes covering an area of five square miles between Little Badger Creek and Badger Creek west of the Heart Butte Road. The area is grazed by cattle and horses, however, wetland condition remains good. This series of potholes contains a range of depressional wetland size, connectivity and hydroperiod and thus provides a range of wetland habitat for area wildlife. Wetland plant communities are generally diverse due to the wide range of hydrology: groundwater connectivity, closed and open surface connectivity between wetlands. Water chemistry is generally alkaline.

Vegetation:

The upland buffer is Festuca-idahoensis/Festuca campestris grassland in varying degrees of rangeland condition. Grassland composition is variable due to influences of grazing, parent material and in some areas deposition of cobbles and gravels, but due to this variability floristic

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diversity of grassland forbs is generally high. Badger and Little Badger Creek drainages to the north and west of this site support some small stands of Populus balsamnifera and P. angustifolia. Pinus flexilis woodland occurs on steep, exposed marine shales and limestones.


Submergent communities include Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Schoenoplectus acutus, Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis palustris-Eleocharis acicularis, Carex utriculata, Carex utriculata-Carex nebrascensis, Puccinellia nuttalliana-Distichlis spicata, Hordeum jubatum-Puccinellia nuttalliana, Juncus balticus, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus.

Wildlife:

The area serves an important wildlife travel corridor for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Intact grasslands and proximity to Badger and Little Badger Creek drainages provide travel corridors from mountains and foothills to the west for grizzly and black bears that forage the creek drainages and travel onto grasslands during early spring.

Bald eagle, golden eagle and peregrine falcons frequent the area during migration, while summer resident populations of golden eagle hunt the grasslands for ground squirrels. Swift fox have been sighted in the general area. Other species such as black bear, deer, red fox, badger and coyote occur in the surrounding fescue prairie. Amphibians such as tiger salamander and leopard frog can be found in the numerous potholes.

Name: South Fork Two Medicine River, WCA 9

General Location: Approximately four miles southeast of East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Ownership: Trust

Justification:

The headwaters area of the South Fork Two Medicine River originates in the Badger Two Medicine area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. On the Reservation, the river borders wildlife management areas containing localized important cultural plants and grizzly bear food sources.

Vegetation:

The South Fork TM river corridor contains multi-layered black cottonwood floodplain forests with mature overstory, intermediate age trees, saplings and seedling regeneration on river terraces. Riparian understory contains a diverse mixture of important wildlife browse species, including Salix spp, Cornus sericea, Ribes sp, Shepherdia canadensis and diverse herbaceous understories of native forbs and graminoids. Upland forest includes drier Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta communities.

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Open sparsely vegetated slopes contain important cultural species including Lomatium dissectum, that usually occurs in coulee breaks, steep draws, swales and along ridges above river corridor. It is more frequent on south and west facing aspects and occurs on steep slopes greater than 70 percent. It is frequently the only species present on extremely steep slopes and in protected draws with exposed, finely ground marine shales that drain into the river. Occurrences of this highly important cultural plant are significant to Blackfeet Tribal members as well as members from the Blood First Nation that have little to no access to this species on their Reserve. Leaves and roots are foraged by bears. Roots are excavated by grizzlies that follow river and stream corridors onto the Plains immediately following hibernation.

The surrounding upland buffer is in excellent ecological condition, providing a range of elk, moose, deer and grizzly and black bear food sources for browse or berry production. The South Fork drainage is also utilized for harvesting berries and other medicinal plants by Tribal members. Other river corridor plant communities that are dominated by cultural plants include Populus balsamnifera/Cornus sericea, Glycyrrhiza lepidota, Salix boothii/Mesic forbs.

Wildlife Use:

The South Fork of the Two Medicine River adjoins a Tribal Wildlife Management area and the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The river corridor serves as an important travel corridor for area wildlife and an important cutthroat trout fishery. Grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lion, moose, white-tail deer and elk regularly feed in this river drainage. Coyote, fisher, red fox, and bobcat prey on ground squirrels occurring in area grasslands. Avian fauna along the river corridor is especially rich including golden and bald eagles, osprey, numerous hawks, owls and falcons that utilize the rich mosaic of recently burned forest, grassland and floodplain habitats in search of prey.

Adjoining coulees, recently burned forested slopes, mature forest and grassland support dense shrub cover that are important cover and nesting sites and food sources for bears, other mammals, and birds during summer and fall months. In past years, this area contained a small bison herd managed by the Tribe and more recently has been identified as part of the range of a bison reintroduction project, within the Two Medicine River drainage.

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Name: Railroad Creek, WCA 10

General Location: Approximately five miles west of Marias Pass to two miles south of East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Ownership: Trust, Fee

Justification:

Railroad Creek is a headwaters area originating near the Continental Divide. Extensive riparian Salix dominated communities occur on large level terraces and meadows influenced by groundwater and stream overflow, backchannels and ponding. Groundwater water fed ponds, wet meadows and marshes occur in association with extensive beaver activity. Near East Glacier Park, the stream enters a narrow canyon and flows southwest into Midvale Creek and then to the confluence of the Two Medicine River. The area is an important fishery and is heavily used by grizzly bears, black bears, moose, beaver and other wildlife.

Vegetation:

Extensive Salix boothii and Salix drummondiana communities occur near the Reservation border. Ponds contain a diversity of Potamogeton species, including one occurrence of a Species of Concern, bordered by communities of Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, Carex aquatilis, and other emergent vegetation. Adjoining wet meadows contain a wide diversity of

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graminoids and wetland forbs. The creek corridor below Railroad Creek Falls contains Salix and Populus overstory on cobble and alluvial terraces, bordering primarily Pseudotsuga dominated forests. Springs and streams from upland slopes and groundwater fed beaver ponds flow into this drainage. Springs and narrow secondary stream channels contain a mixture of seep/spring vegetation or Populus tremuloides/Cornus sericea stands near the beaver ponds and sheltered alluvial stream terraces. The area is bordered by several private residences. Knapweed is extensive in this section of the stream reach below the falls, affecting the riparian corridor and bordering meadow and grassland condition.

Wildlife Use:

Grizzly and black bears frequently use the stream corridor for travel to area grasslands during spring months and feed on berry crops from early summer to fall. Ponds and stream channels support resident moose, beaver, fox, coyote and whitetail deer. Mountain lion tracks have been observed in the stream corridor. Bordering riparian and forest communities support songbirds, waterfowl and raptors and provide year-round habitat for native ungulates. The stream supports cutthroat and hybrid cutthroat populations. A freshwater mussel shell was observed at the confluence of Railroad Creek and Two Medicine River in recent years.

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Name: Buffalo and Morning Eagle Lakes, WCA 11

General Location: One mile south of East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 300 acres

Ownership: Trust

Justification: Buffalo and Morning Eagle lakes are upper montane, groundwater fed, lakes surrounded by a large buffer of undisturbed mixed coniferous and aspen forest. Understory upland communities vary from mesic to drier. Wetland plant communities include emergent vegetation of Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata and Carex pellita. Both lakes provide habitat for elk, moose, grizzly and black bear, white-tail deer and waterfowl. The area is used for recreation during summer months.

Name: Tribal Bison Preserve and Pothole Wetlands, WCA 12

General Location: Approximately 3 miles north of East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 6,500 acres


Other Designations/Recognitions: East Glacier Prairie Pothole Reserve

Justification:

The East Glacier Prairie Pothole Preserve Design was originally proposed in the late 1980’s after the area was surveyed for its biological significance and concentration of wetlands (Lesica 1990) and is a potential RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance Site. The site contains numerous prairie potholes, closed depressions, open depressions, saline depressions and small temporary vernal pools. Hydrologic input is primarily by snowmelt but many potholes are interconnected by groundwater and range in size from 1 to 100 acres. As a result, this area contains the greatest diversity of wetland plant communities in the prairie pothole region of the Reservation. The upland buffer is grazed by bison and cattle; however, it remains in excellent to good condition. Bison activity can contribute to more natural wetland edge disturbance and assist restoration of natural processes. Mesic meadows and east facing swales of low basins within the grasslands, contain stands of Camassia quamash.

The area serves as an important wildlife travel corridor for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Swift fox and grizzly bears have been seen in the area. Grizzly bears follow the Elk Creek and Midvale Creek drainages and disperse across the prairie in search of food during spring and fall months. Bald eagle, golden eagle and peregrine falcons frequent the area during migration. Hundreds of migratory waterfowl use this area during annual spring and fall migrations. Several species use the area for summer nesting. Recently, a banded trumpeter

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swan, released in the Blackfoot Valley of western Montana in 2013, stayed in this area for five weeks (2015). Other species such as black bear, deer, elk, red fox, muskrat, badger and coyote have been seen in the area. Amphibians such as tiger salamander, spotted frog and leopard frog are found in the numerous potholes.


Native vegetation that occurs in association with the surrounding prairie and depressional wetlands is utilized for cultural purposes. Many cultural plant species occur in association with the wetlands and grasslands. There are extensive stands of camas (Camassia quamash) mainly in topographic lows and north facing slopes, and adjoining mesic meadows associated with open depressions. Other wetland cultural plants include: Hierochloe hirta, Mentha arvensis, Potentilla anserina, Polygonum bistortoides and Glycyrrhiza lepidota. Virtually all of the cultural plants found in association with fescue prairie are found in this area.

The area includes the Tribal Bison Reserve to the west and east of Hwy 2, approximately 3 miles north of East Glacier. The tribal bison herd is typically around 250 to 300 animals with calves born each spring. The area is used for bison summer pasture. The bison herd regularly attracts tourists and the wetlands are premier waterfowl viewing areas during spring and fall migration. This area can also serve as an important site for local education and research into the restoration and ecological dynamics between bison, wetlands and fescue prairie that can be applicable to other areas of the Great Plains.


Glacial pothole submergent communities include Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Schoenoplectus acutus, Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis palustris-Eleocharis acicularis, Carex utriculata, Carex utriculata-Carex nebrascensis, Puccinellia nuttalliana-Distichlis spicata, Hordeum jubatum-Puccinellia nuttalliana, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus, Deschampsia cespitosa-Carex pellita . Other wetland plant communities include: Potamogeton richardsonii-Myriophyllum sibiricum, Potamogeton pectinatus- Myriophyllum sibiricum, Potentilla anserina, and Polygonum amphibium.

Wildlife Use:

The wide diversity of wetland types with varying hydro-regimes and diverse vegetation make this area highly significant for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. The concentration of wetlands within native prairie attracts numerous species of waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors during spring and fall migration. Trumpeter swan, tundra swan, snow geese, Canada geese, mallard, pintail, canvas back, northern shoveler, mud hen, green and blue winged teal, avocet, curlew, and other shore birds have been observed in this area. Many area potholes contain preferred submergent/emergent forage for waterfowl and the range of fresh to brackish water chemistries supports diverse and abundant aquatic macro-invertebrate communities important for migrants and nesting birds. Several species have been observed to nest and rear young during summer months which attracts raptors to regularly hunt in the area. The surrounding grasslands contain additional bird species richness during summer months.

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Swift fox and grizzly bears have been seen in the area. Grizzly bears follow the Elk Creek and Midvale Creek drainage and disperse across the prairie in search of food during spring and fall months. Bald eagle, golden eagle and peregrine falcons frequent the area during migration and prey on waterfowl and ground squirrels. Hundreds of migratory waterfowl use this area and nesting occurs in some of the potholes. Other species such as black bear, deer, elk, red fox, badger and coyote have been seen in the area. Amphibians such as tiger salamander, Columbia spotted frog and leopard frog are found in the numerous potholes. Rare species are summarized below.

Rare Animal Observations:


Number observed

Latest Observation

Accipter gentilis Northern goshawk

G5/S3 1 2013

Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron

G5/S3 1 2013

Ursus arctus horribilis

Grizzly bear G4/S2/S3 Threatened 2 2008

Numineus americanus

Long billed curlew

G5/S3 3 2012

Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle G5/S3 Special Protection

1 2013

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald eagle G4/S2/S3 Threatened 3 2013

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon 1 2010

Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter swan

G3/S2 5 2013, 2015

Lithobates pipiens Northern leopard frog

G5/S1/S4 8 2013

Vulpes velox Swift fox G3/S3 4 2007

Comments:

Exploratory oil and gas wells have been drilled in the area during the past 6 years. One site has been abandoned and revegetated and one site is still producing oil. Exotic cover is minimal except in areas of disturbance near roads and well pads. Some Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense occur in upland grasslands, however, cover remains below 5 percent. This is some of the best condition native fescue grassland left in the Northwestern Glaciated Plains Eco-region. The entire area is biologically significant.

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Name: Frog Flats, WCA 13

General Location: East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 200 acres

Ownership: Leased, Tribal, Fee

Justification:

Frog Flats is a high quality example of a montane elevation marsh bordered by mixed riparian shrubland of willow and aspen forest. The area is frequented by moose and grizzly bears, attracts migratory waterfowl, and contains a large population of chorus frogs and Columbia spotted frogs. It is a scenic and frequently photographed wetland by visiting tourists. The area is currently grazed by horses and is bordered by Highway 49 and a golf course.

Vegetation:

Salix boothii, Salix lasiandra, Salix eriocephala v. watsonii, Salix drummondiana, and Salix bebbiana dominated communities occur along the perimeter, head and outlet of the area. Several emergent communities are present including Hippuris vulgaris-Sagittaria cuneata-Myriophyllum sibiricum association, which is reported from the Canadian Prairie Provinces and has not been assigned a global conservation rank. This wetland association can be assumed to be rare in Montana and is locally rare. Other emergent communities include Potamogeton species, Polygonum amphibium, Carex utriculata and Carex aquatilis. Surrounding wet to mesic meadows are dominated by Deschampsia-cespitosa, Juncus balticus and Camassia quamash, although these meadows have been heavily grazed in recent years. The wetland is bordered by mesic to dry aspen parkland containing forb rich understories.

Wildlife Use: Moose frequent this site during all months of the year. Waterfowl use the area for nesting and as a migratory stopover. This wetland supports hundreds of Pacific chorus frogs and Columbia leopard frogs are common. Grizzly and black bears frequent bordering aspen forests and open meadows.

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Name: Camas Meadows and Pond, WCA 14

General Location: Two miles south of Hwy 2 on Heart Butte Cut-across Road

Size: 100 acres

Ownership: Allotted, Tribal

Justification:

Camas meadows and pond is a smaller potential conservation site, but contains exceptional emergent wet meadow vegetation consisting of Camassia quamash a plant of cultural importance. A range of open water emergent and submergent communities support nesting pairs of ducks, including buffleheads, mergansers, mallards and mudhens. Great Blue heron and kingfisher are regularly seen in the pond. Wood duck have been reported to nest in area aspen stands during the past 5 years. The pond drains into Railroad creek to the east. The area is frequented by bear, moose, elk, deer, mountain lion, red fox and coyote. Songbirds are abundant in adjacent forests.

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Willow Creek/Cut Bank Watersheds

Name: Flat Iron Creek/Lower Willow Creek, WCA 15

General Location: Approximately 6.4 miles west of Browning, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: approximately 700 acres

Ownership: Allotted, Fee

Justification:

The Flat Iron Fen Reserve, recently renamed the Yellow Bird Woman Preserve, was established as the first Tribally owned and managed nature preserve in the United States. Conservation efforts of the site began in 1990 after the area was surveyed and documented for its unique features and rare flora (Lesica 1990). The site consists of a large montane rich to extremely rich fen and a complex of forested and prairie potholes. The fen and associated riparian area continue north of Hwy 89 and east into Browning. The entire area serves as an important wildlife travel corridor for grizzly bears and other wildlife, such as black bear, moose, deer, elk, mountain lion, red fox, and coyote. The riparian corridor north of Hwy 89 contains a diverse mix of Salix dominated plant communities with rich forb or graminoid understories. These Salix

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dominated communities are interspersed with species rich herbaceous small patch wet meadow.


Native vegetation that occurs along Flat Iron Creek adjoins several rural residences and is utilized for cultural purposes. Many cultural plant species occur in association with riparian terraces. These include: Angelica arguta, Hierochloe hirta, Amelanchier alnifolia, Osmorhiza occidentalis, Mentha arvensis, Prunus virginiana, Valeriana occidentalis, Camassia quamash and Glycyrrhiza lepidota. The area supports several beaver colonies as well as resident and migratory bald eagles and grizzly bears. The adjoining Yellow Bird Woman Preserve also serves as a major environmental education center for community schools as well as visiting youth groups from around the country and Montana state universities.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of willow dominated carr shrubland, riparian forests as well as emergent and submergent vegetation in the fen, wet meadows and open water channels. Submergent communities include Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton richardsonii, Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata and Carex nebrascensis. Hierochloe hirta occurs in association with willow stands on stream terraces.

Fen community occurs only in a small area north of the Preserve and across Hwy 89 in small patches on level undisturbed stream terraces. The fen community is dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa, Muhlenbergia richardsonis, and Carex lasiocarpa. There is a diversity of Carex species and forbs with little (<10%) shrub cover. Species present include Carex viridula, C. aurea, C. livida, C. simulata, C. dioca, C. flava, and C. scirpoidea. Other species such as Eriophorum viridicarinatum, Eleocharis pauciflora, and Juncus alpino-articulatus occur in association with dominant graminoids. Forbs include Gentianopsis macounii, Pedicularis groenlandica, Dodecatheon pulchellum, Plantanthera hyperborea, Symphyotrichum boreale, among others. Dasiphora fruticosa-Deschampsia cespitosa association occurs in some areas adjacent to stream channels or in patches within Salix carr.

Riparian shrub communities that occur north of Hwy 89 include a mixture of willow species including Salix bebbiana, Salix boothii-Carex aquatilis, Salix eriocephala var. watsonii-Deschampsia cespitosa, and Salix planifolia-Carex lasiocarpa. Betula occidentalis or Populus balsamnifera overstory also occurs in patches. Species composition among willow stands is variable due to differences in hydrology and localized topography. Most of the thickets are virtually impenetrable to heavy livestock use. Other shrubs in the understory include Amelanchier alnifolia, Prunus virginiana, Rubus idaeaus and Rosa woodsii, all of which are cultural plants and important food sources for wildlife, including grizzly bears.

Aspen forest occurs mostly on north facing slopes and topographic lows throughout the Preserve in the southern sections and directly to the west. The understory is composed of a mixture of dominant forbs or shrubs and includes Populus tremuloides-Osmorhiza occidentalis,

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Populus tremuloides-Symphoricarpos albus, Populus tremuloides- Rubus parviflorus and the wetland association, Populus tremuloides-Cornus sericea. Some areas contain extensive stands of sweetgrass (Hierochloe hirta). Aspen forests and satellite aspen groves border or completely surround several of the glacial potholes on the Preserve and lands outside the Preserve to the west.



Number observed

Latest Observation

Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk

G5/S3 1 2013

Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron

G5/S3 1 2013



Numineus americanus

Long billed curlew

G5/S3 3 2012


1 2013


Bald eagle G4/S2/S3 Threatened 3 2013

Leucosticte tephrocotes

Gray crowned rosy finch

G5/S2 25(fall migration)

2013

Lithobates pipiens Northern leopard frog

G5/S1 2 2013

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Name: Upper South Fork Cut Bank Creek, WCA 16

General Location: Approximately 7 to 13 miles west of Browning on the north side of Hwy 89, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana



Justification:

The Upper South Fork of Cut Bank Creek is a critical headwater area and serves as an important floodwater storage point and travel corridor for area wildlife.

Vegetation:

Riparian shrub communities that occur north of Hwy 89 include a mixture of willow species including Salix bebbiana, Salix boothii-Carex aquatilis, Salix eriocephala var. watsonii-Deschampsia cespitosa, and Salix planifolia-Carex lasiocarpa. Betula occidentalis or Populus balsamnifera overstory also occurs in patches. Species composition among willow stands is variable due to differences in hydrology and localized topography. Most of the thickets are virtually impenetrable to heavy livestock use. Other shrubs in the understory include Amelanchier alnifolia, Prunus virginiana, Rubus idaeaus and Rosa woodsii, all of which are cultural plants and important food sources for wildlife, including grizzly bears. There was a recent wolverine sighting by BEO staff during a 2015 wetland assessment of the site. Beaver ponds contain a mixture of submergent and emergent plant communities.



Number observed

Latest Observation

Gulo gulo wolverine G5/S3 1 2015Ardea herodias Great Blue

HeronG5/S3 1 2015




1 2015


Bald eagle G4/S2/S3 Special Protection

3 2013

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Name: Upper North Fork Cut Bank Creek, WCA 17

General Location: South of the Starr School Road going west from Starr School, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana



Justification:

The Upper North Fork of Cut Bank Creek is a critical tribal headwater area, important tribal fishery, serves as a key floodwater storage point and is an important travel corridor for area wildlife.

Vegetation:

Riparian communities are diverse containing a mixture of Salix and Populus dominated community types, with stands of Picea engelmannii-Abies lasiocarpa, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus contorta occurring as components of riparian forest and as upland forest types bordering the riparian corridor. Beaver ponds occur at groundwater discharge points north of Red Blanket Butte and west of Starr School. The surrounding upland buffer is grazed fescue prairie, aspen parkland and open conifer woodland. A wide range of montane riparian plant community types are present along the stream corridor: Salix boothii, Salix drummondiana, Salix bebbiana, Populus tremuloides, Populus balsamnifera are most prevalent.

Wildlife Use:

Grizzly bears and black bears regularly use this stream corridor due to the extensive cover of a range of coniferous forests bordering Glacier National Park, as well as prime aspen parkland forest within the drainage on the western edge of the Reservation boundary. These habitats provide a range of food sources throughout the year and a direct travel route from subalpine meadows and forest to lower elevation riparian habitat. Moose, beaver and elk are frequently seen in wetlands and the stream channel. The upland forest provides nesting habitat for migratory songbirds and raptors. Grey wolf and wolverines are occasionally seen in this drainage or on open slopes above the stream channel near the Park boundary. Golden eagle frequent grasslands and open slopes adjoining the stream channel corridor hunting for ground squirrels. The stream contains hybrid cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout as well as other fish Species of Concern.

Name: Lake Creek, WCA 18

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General Location: West of Kiowa, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana



Justification:

The Lake Creek area is heavily used by area wildlife for habitat, spring and fall feeding and as a travel corridor. Grizzly bears are frequent and wolverine and grey wolf are occasionally seen in the area. Riparian communities are diverse containing a mixture of Salix and Populus dominated community types. Upland forest is largely dominated by aspen. Beaver pond and beaver influenced stream channels contain a mixture of emergent and woody plant communities.

Vegetation:

Wetland plant communities along Lake Creek include: Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton praelongus, Hippuris vulgaris, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Ranunuculus aquatilis, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, Glyceria grandis, Salix boothii/Carex utriculata, Salix bebbiana/ Mesic forbs, Salix drummondiana/Mesic Forbs, Betula occidentalis, Alnus incana/Salix drummondiana.

Wildlife:

Grizzly bears and black bears regularly use this stream corridor due to the extensive cover of prime aspen parkland forest within the drainage, which provides a range of food sources throughout the year and a direct travel route from subalpine meadows and forest on the reservation Boundary and lower elevation habitat with a wide range of food sources. Moose, beaver and elk are frequently seen in wetlands and the stream channel. The upland forest provides nesting habitat for migratory songbirds and raptors. Grey wolf and wolverines are occasionally seen in this drainage or on open slopes above the stream channel. Golden eagle frequent grasslands and open slopes adjoining the stream channel corridor hunting for ground squirrels.

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Name: Schildt Fen and Forested Potholes, WCA 19

General Location: Four miles north of Kiowa junction, east of Hwy 89, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 300 acres

Ownership: Allotted, Trust

Justification:

The Schildt Ranch contains a fen and a series of aspen forested potholes. The site is on an active ranch; however, a conservation easement incentive for some of the wetlands occurring on the ranch property may be feasible.

Vegetation:

The rich fen is primarily dominated by willow carr and includes mixed stands of Salix boothii, S. bebbiana, S. planifolia and small patches of Salix candida as well as stands of Betula occidentalis and patches of Dasiphora fruticosa. Herbaceous understory consists of a mixture of graminoids including Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata and minor component of herbaceous forbs including Platanthera hyperborea, P. dilatata, Symphyotrichum boreale,

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Parnassia palustris and Dodecatheon pulchellum. Fen carr and herbaceous fen meadow have been subjected to grazing, however, the site is still in relatively good condition.

Aspen forested potholes occur on the Schildt Ranch. Pothole vegetation in at least one sampled site is in excellent condition. Salix boothii and Salix bebbiana occur in the understory of aspen stands bordering potholes or as a narrow tall shrub band around the pond perimeter. Emergent wetland plant communities include Glyceria borealis, Potamogeton richardsonii, Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex urticulata, and Sagittaria cuneata.

Wildlife:

Wildlife observations will be updated following interviews with the Schildt family. Grizzly bears frequent the area.

Name: Spotted Robe Beaver Ponds and Headwaters of Willow Creek, WCA 20

General Location: 4.5 miles northwest of East Glacier Park, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 1,250 acres


Justification:

Spotted Robe wetland and upper headwaters of Willow Creek is a groundwater discharge point wetland and stream complex that is used as a travel corridor for grizzly bears and contains active beaver colonies. The site is located near the head of Willow Creek. Buried channels of gravel, terrace and pediment gravel deposits are important aquifers that discharge into area springs at the head of this drainage. A diverse range of Salix dominated riparian forest, wet meadow riparian, emergent and submergent plant communities is found at this site due to the varying water depths associated with the beaver ponds, dams and back channels along the creek.

Vegetation:

At least 47 wetland plant species are present on the site. One sizable population of Ranunculus cardiophyllus, a Species of Concern, occurs in the wet to mesic meadows associated with the stream channel. Wetland plant communities include: Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton praelongus, Hippuris vulgaris, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Ranunculus aquatilis, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, Glyceria grandis, Salix boothii/Carex utriculata, Salix bebbiana/ Mesic forbs, Salix drummondiana/Mesic Forbs, Betula occidentalis, and mixed stands of Alnus incana/Salix drummondiana.

Wildlife Use:

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Grizzly bears use this area for foraging and travel onto surrounding grasslands. The active beaver colony has resulted in a diverse mixture of riparian and wet meadow vegetation. Resident and migratory waterfowl use the beaver ponds as stopover or for nesting. This wetland complex provides habitat for badger, red fox, white tail deer, moose and elk.

Comments:

Burlington Northern Railroad tracks, several tribal residences, and a secondary road occur in the upland buffer however, exotic cover is still relatively low in the wetland and associated meadows.

Name: Mad Wolf Pothole Complex, WCA 21

General Location: Two miles north of Kiowa Hwy 49/89 junction, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 4,000 acres

Ownership: Trust, Allotted, Private

Justification:

Mad Wolf forested pothole complex includes numerous forested glacial potholes that vary in size from 0.25 acres to 3 acres, containing a range of emergent and submergent plant communities. Some potholes contain water throughout the season. Virtually all of the potholes are surrounded by aspen forest parkland. Although the area west of Hwy 89 is leased for grazing, upland and wetland vegetation are in good condition. The potholes east of Hwy 89 on private land are potential conservation easement sites. Forested potholes provide cover and food for migratory birds and larger wildlife. Hydrology is primarily derived from snowmelt and groundwater connectivity. Pothole size ranges from 0.25 acres to 4 acres. Beaver influenced wetlands also occur in the area north and southwest.

Vegetation:

Wetland plant communities include Glyceria borealis, Carex utriculata, Carex pellita, Carex aquatilis, Populus tremuloides/Cornus sericea, Populus tremuloides/Tall Forbs, Juncus balticus, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton praelongus, Myriophyllum sibiricum, and Salix bebbiana/Tall forbs.

Wildlife:

Potholes are widely used by deer, elk and moose for foraging and cover. Grizzly and black bears frequent surrounding aspen parkland forest for food. Beaver colonies are present in the area. Forested pothole habitat is used by migratory songbirds and by waterfowl.

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Name: Connelly Fen, WCA 22

General Location: 15 miles east of Browning, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana

Size: 75 acres

Ownership: Fee, Trust

Justification:

The Connelly fen is an extremely rich fen that occurs within the mixed grassprairie Eco-region of the Northwestern Great Plains, more than 20 miles from other fens located in the foothills of the Montana Rocky Mountain Front. Rare species occur on both the Connelly family property and Tribal Trust Land. The site formed near the junction of the Continental ice sheet and Two Medicine Glacier on the edge of former Glacial Lake Cutbank. Four of the rare species and many of the more common species are more typical of extremely rich fens along the Rocky Mountain Front and foothills. Populations of these boreal/cordilleran taxa may be the easternmost distribution of their natural range. The site also shares floristic similarities with fens located in the north-central Great Plains and the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Sixty-six vascular plant species have been found within this site.

Five Species of Concern vascular plant species are present including a disjunct population of Utricularia ochroleuca and Gentianopsis macounii, Stellaria crassifolia, Salix serrissima and Trichophorum pumilum. The fen supports 65 diatom species, of which at least three are new to science, and one (Cymbopleura florentina) that is a first record for the United States (Bahls 2013).


Community types include: Utricularia macrohiza and Utricularia ochroleuca, Potamogeton pectinatus, Schoenoplectus acutus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex lasiocarpa, Carex aquatilis, Salix candida/Deschampsia cespitosa, Deschampsia cespitosa/Juncus balticus, Distichlis spicata and Calamagrostis stricta.

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Number observed

Latest Observation

Vulpes velox Swift fox G3/S3 7 2010Buteo regalis Ferruginous

hawkG5/S3 5 2014

Numineus americanus

Long billed curlew

G5/S3 3 2014


1 2013

Lithobatespipiens

Northern leopard frog

G4/S1/S4 east 8 2013

Milk River Watershed

Name: White Calf Beaver Ponds, WCA 23

General Location: southeast slope and basin below White Calf Mountain

Size: Western Reservation Boundary, 2.75 miles west of Hwy 89

Ownership: Trust

Justification:

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White Calf Beaver ponds is a headwaters area, contains extensive springs, beaver ponds, willow and cottonwood forest, wet meadow, and subalpine mesic to wet coniferous forests. Due to the remote location of the site, it serves as an important wildlife travel corridor for grizzly bears, moose, elk and other wildlife. Suitable habitat for lynx and other sensitive wildlife species occurs throughout the area. Moose and elk have been seen during recent site visits.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of willow dominated dwarf carr, wet spruce, wet subalpine fir and Booth willow, and aspen-cottonwood riparian forests. Forty-seven wetland vascular plant species, including several wetland cultural species found at higher elevations, were recorded from this site during intensive wetland assessments.

Wetland Plant Communities:

Carex utriculata, Carex vesicaria, Carex aquatilis, Carex pellita, Deschampsia cespitosa, Glyceria elata, Glyceria grandis, Eleocharis palutris, Salix boothii-Carex aquatilis, Salix drummondiana-Carex utriculata, Populus tremuloides-Cornus sericea, Populus balsamnifera-Cornus sericea, Picea engelmannii-Equisetum arvense, Abies lasiocarpa-Calamagrostis canadensis.

Wildlife:

Due to its elevation, remote location and lack of grazing disturbance, this area is used by beaver, moose, black and grizzly bear, elk, lynx, mountain lion, white tail deer, and grey wolf and could potentially be used by wolverine as well. Waterfowl and mountain riparian birdlife are abundant in the area.

Name: South Fork and Middle Forks of the Milk River, WCA 25

General Location: headwaters of South and Middle Fork Milk River, 10-12 miles northwest of Browning

Size: 7,000 acres


Justification:

The South Fork of the Milk River is one of the headwater areas of the Milk River, contains extensive springs, beaver ponds, willow and cottonwood forest, riverine fen vegetation, herbaceous wet meadows, and wet coniferous forest. Conservation of groundwater fed wetlands at the head of this drainage is crucial for preserving surface water quality for Tribal residents and contributing to overall greater water quality for the Milk drainage. The entire area serves an important wildlife travel corridor for grizzly bears. Moose and elk have been seen in the fen during recent site visits. There are several active beaver colonies present

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throughout the area. This drainage is grazed by cattle however grazing impacts are largely restricted near Hwy 89 within the floodplain and upland forests.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of wet Populus tremuloides-Calamagrostis canadensis, Populus balsamnifera-Cornus sericea and Populus tremuloides-Populus balsamnifera-Cornus sericea bordering the floodplain edge and small patch wet Picea/Abies forest within the floodplain. Salix dominated dwarf-carr, Salix boothii, Salix bebbiana-Mesic Forbs and Salix drummonidana occur in dense patches bordering beaver ponds and the river channel. Betula occidentalis-Wet graminoids occur largely on level alluvial terraces, interspersed with stands of Carex utriculata, Carex aquatilis, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus and a mixture of forbs and sedges characteristic of rich fen lawn. Wet meadow and wet to mesic spruce forest occur on the floodplain edge, interspersed with Populus stands. One rare vascular plant species, Amerorchis rotundifolia, occurs within wet spruce forest and aspen stands bordering the floodplain and is one of three populations of this rare species known on the Reservation.

Wildlife:

Active beaver colonies and moose are resident in both floodplains. Grizzly bear disperse across this area in search of food. Floodplain forest and tall shrub communities provide a rich mosaic of nesting songbird habitat. The floodplains serve as major travel corridors for native ungulates and wildlife and are important fisheries for brook and cutthroat trout populations, as well as other fish and amphibian Species of Concern.

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Name: South Fork Milk River Fen, WCA 26

General Location: West of Hwy 89, 13 miles northwest of Browning

Size: 200 acres including forested buffer


Justification:

The rich fen consists of a small fen carr community surrounded by wet coniferous forest and wet deciduous forest west of Hwy 89. Groundwater discharge, originating upslope from Highway 89, drains to the east and transitions from fen carr to riparian shrub forests, with small patches of herbaceous dominated fen vegetation. West of Highway 89, the Red Eagle Fire (2006) burned to the edge of the wet forests bordering the fen. The site is bordered by wet coniferous and deciduous forest including a globally rare forested wetland community type, Populus balsamnifera trichocarpa-Equisetum arvense. The fen and wet forest support a diversity of wetland and upland orchid taxa, including one Species of Concern. The entire area serves an important wildlife travel corridor for grizzly bears. Grizzly bears and moose cross Highway 89 to the riparian corridor to the east. Moose and elk have been seen in the fen during recent site visits. There are several active beaver colonies present in this drainage further to the east.

Vegetation:

Vegetation throughout the area consists of willow dominated carr, wet spruce and riparian forests. One globally rare (G2/S1) wet forest type occurs at the site (NatureServe 2014). One rare vascular plant species, Amerorchis rotundifolia, occurs within the wet spruce forest and is one of three populations of this rare species known on the Reservation. Thirteen orchid taxa are known from the immediate upland buffer and fen, indicating intact soils and soil flora necessary for orchid establishment, recruitments and persistence.

Plant Community Types:

Upland forest is primarily spruce and aspen. Both upland forest types contain relatively high herbaceous understory diversity, including 5 orchid taxa, as well as other locally rare herbaceous species, such as Carex media. Groundwater discharge feeds the fen and stream drainage, as numerous seeps and springs drain from the base of hills just west of Hwy 89. Seeps and springs occur within wet to mesic stands of spruce to the south and a mixture of wet spruce and cottonwood on the north slope of the fen.

Salix carr occurs as a mixture of Betula pumila, Salix candida, S. serrissima, S. planifolia and S. boothii. The understory herbaceous layer is dominated by Carex lasiocarpa, C. aquatilis, C. utriculata or Deschampsia cespitosa. Other graminoids present include C. livida, C. aurea, C. flava, C. viridula, C. buxbaumii, Eriophorum angustifolium and Eleocharis pauciflora. Forbs include Allium shoenoprasum, Dodecatheon pulchellum, Pedicularis groenlandica, Plantanthera

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hyperborea, P. dilatata, P. obtusata, and P. stricta. Sphagnum moss hummocks occur at the base of multi-stemmed shrubs and spruce.

There is an unusually high density and diversity of orchid taxa and bryophytes, including Sphagnum species, in the fen, wet forests and upland forested areas surrounding this site.

Wet deciduous forest occurs mostly on the north boundary of the fen west of Hwy 89 and accounts for approximately five acres. Populus balsamnifera trichocarpa-Equisetum arvense is a globally rare plant community type (G2/S1) (NatureServe 2014). The overstory consists of a fairly even-aged intermediate aged stand of Populus balsamnifera ssp. trichocarpa. This is the only known documented occurrence of this globally rare forested wetland community type from the Blackfeet Reservation.

Smaller patch Picea engelmannii/Equisetum arvense forested wetland (G4/S2) occurs in wet swales, and spring fed gentle slope drainages into the fen. The understory is entirely dominated by Equisetum arvense with widely scattered shrubs of Cornus sericea. The Species of Concern, Amerorchis rotundifolia, occurs on hummocks at the base of spruce trees. Other species present include Listera caurina, Coralorhiza trifida, Rubus pubescens, Carex media, Equisteum scirpoides, and Smilacina stellata. At topographic lows within the wet forest, Equisetum arvense constitutes the dominant understory cover.

Riparian shrub communities that occur east of Hwy 89 include a mixture of willow species including Salix boothii-Carex aquatilis, Salix eriocephala var. watsonii-Deschampsia cespitosa, and Salix planifolia-Carex lasiocarpa. Species composition among willow stands is variable due to differences in hydrology and impacts by cattle grazing to the east of Hwy 89. Herbaceous fen vegetation includes stands of Eriophorum angustifolium, Eleocharis quinquefolia, Eleocharis palustris, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus and sedges such as Carex aquatilis, C. lasiocarpa, C. flava, C. simulata, C. buxbaumii and C. viridula.

Wildlife Use:

The fen, wet forests and riparian zone are used by wildlife as a travel corridor from White Calf Mountain and Divide to this drainage across Highway 89. Moose and elk have been seen in the fen in recent years. Grizzly tracks have been seen in the riparian zone east of the Highway during 2013-2014.

Comments:

Proper culvert size and placement during road construction may improve downstream hydrology and facilitate recovery of some of the wetland vegetation. Minimizing the impacts during construction to rare plant community types and rare species are of special conservation interest. Livestock grazing occurs within the fen east of Hwy 89 and has impacted fen vegetation in some areas. High stocking rates can contribute to water quality degradation in this drainage. Grazing restriction incentives can improve wetland condition on sections of this drainage.

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Name: Milk River Potholes NE, WCA 27

General Location: Occurs along the Canadian border beginning approximately four miles east of the Port of Del Bonita

Size: approximately 2,000 acres


Justification:

The Milk River Pothole complex NE, near the Canadian border and east of the Milk River, is surrounded by oil and gas development, however, several good quality examples of saline, alkaline influenced glacial potholes, and closed depressions occur throughout the area within mixed prairie, that could be potential conservation sites. Two plant Species of Concern occur in area potholes. Migratory waterfowl use this area for nesting and during fall and spring migrations. Antelope, white tail deer, fox, coyote, jackrabbits and other wildlife found on the eastern edge of the Reservation utilize pothole habitat for hunting, foraging and cover. Although the area has been developed, conservation incentives can be implemented for allotted ownership or Tribal leases to protect and improve wetland habitat for area wildlife.

Vegetation:

Surrounding upland vegetation is mixed grass prairie and wheat fields. Native prairie condition is good on the east edge of the pothole region. Wetland plant communities include one Species of Concern, Elodea bifoliata as the dominant emergent on open water in the Hall Lease area, and a range of alkaline to saline influenced wetland plant communities in other nearby potholes. Communities include: Hordeum jubatum-Puccinellia nuttalliana, Shoenoplectus acutus, Schoenoplectus pungens, Eleocharis palustris, Grindelia squarrosa-Hordeum jubatum, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, among others.

Wildlife Use:

Nesting waterfowl and shorebirds were observed in the area during site visits, including mallard, blue wing teal, mud hens, curlew and avocets. Swift fox may occur in this area and hunt waterfowl. Other wildlife includes deer, antelope, jackrabbit and ground squirrels.

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Saint Mary Watershed

Name: Chief Mountain Area and East and Middle Fork Lee Creek, WCA 29

General Location: Chief Mountain approximately 7 miles northwest of Babb

Size: approximately 9,000 acres

Ownership: Trust

Justification:

The Chief Mountain Area is sacred to the Blackfeet Tribe and an area of great archeological, cultural and traditional significance. The mountain has been noted as meeting criteria as a World Heritage Site, due to its archeological and cultural significance. Groundwater fed alpine lakes, wetlands, wet meadows, springs, forested glacial potholes, and beaver influenced stream channels occur from treeline to montane elevations at the base of the mountain. Upper elevation habitat contains Species of Concern. Alpine to subalpine wetland sites occur at elevations ranging from 7,200 to 8,000 ft., while the East and Middle Forks of Lee Creek are

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5,200 to 6,000 ft. in elevation. Forested potholes and beaver ponds occur at a mean elevation of 5,000 ft.

Surrounding forest is primarily aspen and coniferous forest dominated by subalpine fir and spruce. The elevational range and diversity of wetland habitat, and interface with a range of subalpine to montane forest types results in a floristically rich area, including rare, range-margin and culturally significant species found only in this area of the Reservation. The area supports grizzly bears, lynx, mountain lion, grey wolves, wolverines and eagles as well as the entire range of Northern Rocky Mountain resident and migratory birdlife.

Vegetation:

Important waterfowl forage found in area forested potholes east of Chief Mountain Road include Glyceria borealis, several species of Potamogeton, Myriophyllum, Hippuris vulgaris, and Chara sp. Outer pothole perimeter stands include Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Sium suave and Schoenoplectus acutus. There is a very high diversity of emergent and submergent vegetation in the wetlands. A narrow band of Salix bebbiana or Salix boothii occurs around pond perimeters, followed by a narrow band of Populus tremuloides-Populus balsamnifera-Cornus sericea association. Submergent, emergent and upland plant diversity is often high due to the environmental influences of local hydrology, groundwater discharge and flow patterns, limestone influenced groundwater and geology, water temperature, hydroperiod and elevational position near the base of Chief Mountain.

At lower elevations, three sampled potholes and two sampled riparian-beaver influenced perennial streams along the East Fork of Lee Creek contained over 30 and 46 plant species, respectively. Some of the more remote groundwater-fed potholes east of the Chief Mountain Road do not contain any exotic cover. Several plant species, including wetland and alpine Species of Concern, at a range of elevations, are known only from this area of the Reservation. The entire area contains extensive aspen forest that ranges from drier expressions on ridge and slopes with dense mixed shrub understory, to mesic herbaceous understories often with high species richness.


Glacial pothole emergent and submergent plant associations east of Chief Mountain Road include Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton praelongus, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Sagittaria cuneata and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Eleocharis palustris, Carex utriculata, Carex aquatilis, Carex disperma, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus, Dasiphora fruticosa-Deschampsia cespitosa. Forested wetland associations include Populus balsamnifera-Cornus sericea, Populus tremuloides/Cornus sericea, and smaller patch examples of Picea engelmannii-Equisteum arvense and Abies lasiocarpa-Calamagrostis canadensis.

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Willow dominated communities along stream corridors include Salix boothii, Salix bebbiana, Salix candida-Deschampsia cespitosa, Salix planifolia, Salix brachycarpa and Salix drummondiana-Carex aquatilis. Small patch wet meadows occur in association with stream channels and are especially forb species rich. Emergent communities around beaver dams include Carex utriculata and Carex aquatilis. Forest wetland communities include Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrotis canadensis, Picea englemannii/Equisetum arvense, Populus balsamnifera and Populus tremuloides/Cornus sericea.

Wildlife Use:

Migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, including grizzly bears, extensively use this area due to the concentration and diversity of subalpine and mountain wetlands and forests. Moose, elk, black bear, grey wolf, wolverine, fox, coyote, mountain lion and lynx occur in this remote area of the Reservation. Grazing occurs primarily in lower elevation open aspen forest and meadows. Grazing rotation would improve upland buffer condition in some sections. Many area wetlands are unaffected by grazing due to remote accessibility or dense forest or willow cover. Some riparian terraces and springheads are affected by grazing impacts, primarily near the highway interface.

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Name: Saint Mary River, WCA 30

General Location: Delta and river corridor north of foot of Lower Saint Mary Lake

Size: 1,000 acres

Ownership: Trust, Fee, Allotted

Justification:

The Saint Mary River Corridor from the Park Boundary to the head of Lower Saint Mary (LSM) Lake and the outlet of LSM Lake, contain prime examples of mature and intermediate age stands of Populus balsamnifera with relatively intact understories, while the river exiting Lower Saint Mary Lake contains extensive native Salix communities. Vegetation along the river corridor and the foot of lower Saint Mary Lake is critical for flood attenuation as well as providing prime habitat for threatened and more common Northern Rocky Mountain wildlife and fish populations. This is the only stretch of the Saint Mary River where native Populus seedling recruitment is unimpeded by diversions or dams.

Vegetation:

Mature overstory of Populus balsamnifera with intermediate age stands and saplings, constitutes the dominant riparian vegetation over alluvial sands, gravel and cobble. Seedling recruitment is evident on point bars and re-worked terraces. Understory shrubs include Cornus sericea, Ribes sp, and Symphoricarpos albus. The herbaceous understory is variable, but generally with less than 5% exotic cover in the upper and lower most reaches. Centaurea stoebe is problematic in some areas. Channel gravel bars contain stands of native Elaeagnus commutata. Alnus incana and Betula occidentalis occur as small patch tall shrub communities adjacent to mature Populus forests near the head of Lower Saint Mary Lake.

At the foot of Lower Saint Mary Lake, extensive stands of Salix boothii, Salix drummondiana, and Betula occidentalis occur on sands, alluvial wash and cobbles where the river exits the lake. Surrounding upland forests are dominated by Pseudotsuga menzeisii, Populus tremuloides and Pinus contorta and mixed, small-patch shrublands of Prunus virginiana and Amelanchier alnifolia, interspersed with fescue grassland.

Wildlife:

Lower Saint Mary Lake and River contain the only population of the Threatened species, Bull Trout, east of the Continental Divide on the Reservation. Moose, elk, deer, black and grizzly bears utilize the river corridor and lake. Bald eagle, osprey, common loons, grebes, mergansers, Canada geese, mallards, Great blue heron, White pelican, king fisher, dippers and other mountain riparian species are regularly observed along the River and Lower Saint Mary Lake. Surrounding forests support a large diversity and density of migratory songbirds and raptors.

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Name: Duck Lake Potholes, WCA 24

General Location: Approximately 1- 3 miles north and southwest of Duck Lake, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana


Ownership: Trust, Fee, Allotted

Justification:

The Duck Lakes Pothole Area includes numerous groundwater fed-prairie and aspen forested potholes as well as smaller closed depressions and temporary vernal pools. The area is very likely the best remaining example of prairie potholes interfaced with aspen parkland belt in the western United States. This site includes Goose Lake and surrounding pristine fescue grasslands, aspen parkland forest and open Pseudotsuga menziesii woodland, with scattered stands of Picea engelmannii-Abies lasiocarpa. At least 3 rare Plant Species of Concern have been found in area wetlands and mesic meadows. Duck Lake/Goose Lake and area potholes are one of three sites on the Reservation that meet criteria for a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.

The entire area serves an important wildlife travel corridor for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors. Grizzly bears frequent the area in search of food; grasslands, aspen parkland and wetlands are prime grizzly habitat and migratory songbird nesting habitat. Bald eagle, golden eagle and peregrine falcons frequent the area during migration. Hundreds of migratory waterfowl use this area and several ponds are regularly used for nesting. Common loon has been observed on area ponds and lakes. Other species such as black bear, deer, elk, red fox, badger and coyote utilize this area during all months of the year. Area grasslands are important to resident elk herds during winter months. The area also served as a travel corridor out of Glacier National Park for wildlife during recent large-scale fire events.


Native vegetation that occurs in association with the surrounding prairie and depressional wetlands is utilized for cultural purposes. Many cultural plant species occur in association with the forested and prairie potholes. Other cultural plants found in association with the wetlands include: Hierochloe hirta, Mentha arvensis, Camassia quamash, and Glycyrrhiza lepidota. Virtually all of the cultural plants found in association with fescue prairie are found in this area, while aspen parkland forests are often dominated by cultural species. Amelanchier alnifolia and Prunus virginiana occur in drier aspen forest associated with potholes and as small shrub stands within the matrix of fescue grassland. These species are important cultural plants and wildlife food sources during late summer and fall months.

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Glacial pothole emergent and submergent plant associations include Glyceria borealis, Equisetum fluviatile, Potamogeton richardsonii, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton praelongus, Schoenoplectus acutus, Myriophyllum sibiricum and Ranunculus aquatilis. Emergent communities include Schoenoplectus acutus, Eleocharis palustris, Callitriche species, Isoetes howellii, Carex utriculata, Carex atherodes, Hordeum jubatum, Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus balticus. Woody wetland communities include: Populus basamnifera-Cornus sericea, Populus tremuloides-Cornus sericea, Populus tremuloides-Calamagrostis canadensis and Populus tremuloides-Populus basamnifera-Osmorhiza occidentalis.

Name: Kennedy Creek Forested Potholes, WCA 31

General Location: 1 to 3 miles northwest of Babb



Justification:

The Kennedy Creek Forested Potholes contains large kettle ponds or glacial potholes within coniferous forests. The area is generally remote and seldom visited. The geology of the area is primarily limestone bedrock. Grizzly bears frequent the area in search of food. Waterfowl nest in some of the ponds during summer months.

Vegetation:

Numerous groundwater fed potholes occur within spruce-subalpine fir and Douglas-fir coniferous forests. Important waterfowl forage includes Glyceria borealis, several species of Potamogeton, Myriophyllum, Sagittaria species, Hippuris vulgaris, Ranunculus aquatilis, Callitriche sp, and Chara sp. Emergent vegetation includes Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex utriculata, Sium suave, and Equisetum species. Young and intermediate age Populus balsamnifera/Cornus sericea, Salix bebbiana and Salix boothii form a narrow band around pond perimeters bordering coniferous forests. These sites are remote and relatively undisturbed.

Name: Swift Current Ridge Forested Potholes and Beaver Ponds, WCA 32

General Location: 1.5 and 2 miles northeast of foot Sherburne Reservoir

Size: 3,000 acres including forested buffer


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Justification:

The area includes forested potholes and beaver ponds in the Many Glacier Valley/Swift Current Creek drainage. Forested potholes on the ridgeline are remote and seldom visited. Grizzly bears frequent the area in search of food. Waterfowl nest in some of the ponds during summer months.

Vegetation:

Numerous groundwater fed potholes occur within spruce-subalpine fir and Douglas-fir coniferous forests on the ridge line and a mixture of Pinus contorta, spruce, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Populus tremuloides on lower slopes. These forested ponds are remote and relatively undisturbed. Beaver ponds and larger kettle ponds occur on the lower south slope of the Ridge, adjoining private and allotted parcels and the Many Glacier Road. Emergent and submergent vegetation includes Ranunculus aquatilis, Potamogeton sp, Myriophyllum sibiricum, Hippuris vulgaris, Utricularia vulgaris, Carex aquatilis, C. vesicaria, C. utricularia, and C. pellita. Salix drummondiana, Salix boothii and Salix planifolia occur in mixed stands around ponds.

Name: Pike Lake Fen, WCA 33

General Location: Western edge of Pike Lake, into Canada, Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Glacier County, Montana


Ownership: Private, Allotted

Justification:

The Pike Lake Fen, one of the largest fens on the Reservation, is located on the western edge of Pike Lake and continues north across the International Border with Canada. The site supports a mixture of tall and dwarf willow carr and herbaceous dominated fen communities. At least one Plant Species of Concern, Salix serrissima, is found at this location.

Vegetation:

Emergent fen communities include Carex utriculata, Eleocharis palustris, Carex aquatilis, Carex lasiocarpa, Glyceria elata, G. grandis, Deschampsia cespitosa, mixed Salix carr dominated by Salix boothii, Salix bebbiana, and Salix planifolia and smaller stands of Salix candida. Salix serrissima, a Species of Concern, is found in association with two of the Salix communities. Native forbs and graminoids, typical of fen meadows, are found in both herbaceous and woody communities. Some grazing impact is evident at this site but appears mostly restricted to the southern tip of the fen. Some Cirsium arvense occurs near the edge of willow stands. Some pasture grass cover is found in grazed sections. The entire wetland needs to be extensively surveyed for additional rare species.

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Name: Boundary Fen, WCA 34

General Location: Approximately one mile north of the Chief Mountain Hwy in the northwest corner of the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier County, Montana


Ownership: Tribal, Allotted

Justification:

This wetland area occurs just to the north of Tribal Wildlife Management Area and west of Chief Mountain on the Canadian border. This is a relatively remote area of the Reservation where wetland wildlife, such as waterfowl, forest dwelling birds, grizzly bears and other native fauna can travel between Waterton-Glacier International Peace Parks and adjoining lands in Alberta and the Blackfeet Reservation. Rich fens support exceptionally high wetland native plant diversity, including those species that are restricted to fen and wetland forested habitats.

Vegetation:

This wetland will be surveyed in detail during 2016.

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Future Work in Locating High Quality Wetlands for Potential Conservation Easements

Additional saline depressional wetlands need to be identified throughout all watersheds for conservation easements and incentives for area landowners, in the central and eastern portions of the Reservation. In this distinctly drier local climate region, influences of geology on water chemistry contributes to greater incidence of more brackish or highly alkaline potholes and depressions, as well as a higher density of saline depressions and greasewood flats.

During watershed wetlands assessments, potential conservation or restoration wetlands, occurring within the matrix of agricultural lands were identified. Wetlands located within private agricultural land were noted to support pairs of avian Species of Concern, such as avocets and curlews. One assessed wetland site in the easternmost corner of the Cut Bank watershed contained bear scat, confirming that bears travel the entire length of Reservation watersheds in search of food. Conservation and restoration wetland/agricultural programs can include establishing native grasses as a buffer around wetlands.

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References:

Bahls L. 2013. Diatoms of the Connelly Fen. Montana Diatom Collection. Helena, MT.

Cooper S.V. and W.M. Jones. 2003. Site descriptions of high quality wetlands derived from existing literature sources. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 68 p.

Lesica P. and Shelly S. 1988. The vegetation and flora of glaciated prairie potholes on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana. Progress Report. The Nature Conservancy Montana/Wyoming Field Office. Helena, MT. 19 p.

Lesica P. 1989. The vegetation and flora of glaciated prairie potholes of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana. Final report to The Nature Conservancy, Montana Field Office, Helena, MT. 26 pp.

Lesica P. 1990. Flat Iron Preserve Design. Report prepared for the Blackfeet Tribe. Unpublished report. 22 pp.

Lesica P. 1990. East Glacier Prairie Pothole Preserve Design. Report prepared for the Blackfeet Tribe. Unpublished report. 11 pp.

NatureServe database 2014. Plant associations database.URL: http://www.natureserve.org

Luna T. 2015. Wetland and Upland Vascular Plants of the Blackfeet Reservation and Badger-Two Medicine Area of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Report prepared for the Blackfeet Tribe. Unpublished report. 30 pp.

RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance. 2015. Criteria for RAMSAR designation of Wetlands of International Importance. RAMSAR Wetlands of the United States. URL: http://www.ramsar.org/

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wetland and riparian conservation report 2015 · web viewwetland habitat supports astounding...

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