(1) The department shall promote a diversity of stand structures and landscape patterns, and rely on them to provide good habitat for native wildlife populations.

(a) To the extent possible, the department shall manage to provide for big game habitat.  Measures to mitigate potential impacts shall be implemented if they are consistent with overall management objectives, and with ARM 36.11.404 through 36.11.418.

(b) The department shall consult with the FWP to determine which big game habitat values are most likely to be affected by proposed management actions, and would cooperate with FWP to limit detrimental impacts to big game.

(2) The department shall prohibit CONTRACTORS and purchasers conducting contract operations from carrying firearms while operating.

(3) Biodiversity monitoring procedures described in ARM 36.11.419 shall be used to track health of forest ecosystems. This process shall be used as the primary indicator of the health of wildlife populations using these ecosystems. When necessary, corrective actions would be taken as described in ARM 36.11.419.