V. LIST OF ALTERNATIVES 



A wide variety of possible forest management alternatives was con- 

 sidered when this area was initially examined during the summer and fall 

 of 1972. The evaluation was made by a team of resource specialists con- 

 sisting of a landscape architect, soil scientist, hydrologist and forest manage- 

 ment supervisor from the Division of Forestry. Based on their evaluations, 

 work done by other members of the Division of Forestry and the technical 

 input provided by other agencies, the management alternative embodied in 

 this statement was developed. 



A. General Alternatives 



Three general alternatives are possible for the area comprising the pro- 

 posed Upper Stryker Ridge timber sale. For purposes of this discussion, they 

 have been termed the "do nothing," "status quo" and "intensive resource develop- 

 ment and use" alternatives. The "do nothing" alternative is this case would in- 

 volve withdrawing existing fire and resource protection activities. Maintenance 

 of existing developments and salvage activities would be discontinued where 

 feasible. Because such a course was considered a direct violation of both the 

 trust and multiple-use mandates in existing State law, this alternative was rejected. 



The "status quo" alternative was likewise rejected. Economic and social 

 values will result from the utilization of a portion of the existing timber resource, 

 while the productivity of the timber resource will be assured. 



The alternative embodied in the proposed Upper Stryker Ridge timber sale 

 represents in essence the decision to manage the timber resource on this area in 

 such a manner that the productivity of the timber resource can be enhanced while 

 minimizing adverse effects on other resource values. Given this perspective, 

 the alternatives involved in the specific actions which compose the Upper Stryker 

 Ridge timber sale can be examined. 



A timber sale is in reality a coordinated series of separate but interrelated 

 actions designed to accomplish one or more specific objectives. The Upper Stryker 

 Ridge timber sale contract is the legal instrument which defines the particulars 

 involved in these actions, sets the schedules to be followed and established the 

 acceptable standards of performance. For discussion purposes, these action will 

 be considered under the headings of "Sale Design," "Road Construction and Improve- 

 ment," "Harvesting Methods," and "Follow-up Activities. " 



B . Specific Alternatives 



1 . Sale Design 



The design of a timber sale requires consideration of many factors, some of 

 which are discussed or mentioned below. Basically, sale design involves trans- 



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