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FOREST HEALTH /BIODIVERSITY OBJECTIVE - The Forest Plcin will not 

 decrease biodiversity through a decrease in vegetation management. 



Current biodiversity is a direct result of aggressive management, 

 substantiating the fact that management, forest health and 

 biodiversity coexist. 



Biodiversity includes the entire range of plants and einimals. 

 Annual grasses and forbs must be considered along with perennial 

 plants in the analysis of biodiversity. 



Old growth and set aside areas discriminate against many plants 

 which provide high quality forage and cover for game and nongame 

 animals. Because of effective fire control, these plants are 

 totally dependent upon management actions to survive. Management 

 can simulate the effects of wildfire and insect infestations in 

 creating biodiversity objectives while maintaining a heathy forest. 



The needs of all wildlife species need to be addressed. Many of 

 the species that we are now protecting are here because of 

 historical management. Managing the forest for a variety of 

 habitats will increase the diversity of wildlife. 



GRAZING RESOURCE OBJECTIVE - The Forest Plan will maintain or 

 improve the current level of ADM's as demonstrated to maintain 

 healthy pleint life. 



The decades-long trend of loss of permitted and used grazing 

 capacity must be stabilized and reversed. Relevant factors 

 include: economic loss to the interdependent communities, as well 

 as ranchers directly; increased risk of catastrophic wildfire as 

 unutilized forage converts to fuel; and reduced health, vigor and 

 diversity of plant populations deprived of grazing challenge, hoof 

 action, and nutrient recycling provided by livestock. 



Management objectives and decisions should include recognition of 

 range condition and trend, rather than being based on utilization 

 standards which fail to recognize yearly variations in production 

 and are often based on information developed far from the unique 

 environment of the Black Hills. 



Riparian area management must be done holistically. To treat 

 riparian area concerns as the sole or overriding issue is certain 

 to produce the distortions and environmental consequences that 

 inevitably result from single issue management. Livestock should 

 not be excluded from riparian areas except in very rare cases where 

 no alternatives are available. Grazing and riparian objectives are 

 compatible when effective cooperative management and good 

 communication are present. 



