Large diameter trees will be marked to leave in appropriate stands. 



Older trees with broken tops and signs of rot will be marked to leave. 



Some dense overstocked stands will remain intact to maintain non-uniformity in the stand. 



SELECTION OF THE ALTERNATIVE 



After reviewing the EA, comments received on the proposal and input from resource specialists, I have decided 

 to proceed with the harvest alternative with State road access. 1 have selected this alternative because I believe 

 it can be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the long-term management of the tract while 

 generating an estimated income of $75,000.00 to $100,000.00. The timber harvest will treat approximately 200 

 acres of forest land that is in an overstocked and unhealthy condition resulting from almost 100 years of fire 

 suppression and inactive management. The proposed harvest will develop permanent access for DNRC to state 

 holdings in the area allowing continued future management of the land. Access for the public would be 

 restricted to foot traffic only, as currently exists. 



[ have rejected the No Action Alternative because the timber harvest can be conducted in a manner consistent 

 with the management of the surrounding lands while producing trust revenue. 



The alternatives requiring access across private lands in Gladstone Creek or French Creek are not selectable 

 due to the inability to negotiate an easement with all necessary landowners. 



Finding 



Based on my review of the information provided in the EA and the project file, 1 conclude that significant 

 impacts would not occur as a result of implementing the timber harvest with State access. Therefore, an 

 Environmental Impact Statement is not necessary. I base this decision on the following considerations: 



1) There are not threatened or endangered species inhabiting the area. Although grizzly bears are 

 occasionally reported in t he vicinity, this area is outside of a recovery zone and has numerous houses 

 that are occupied year-round thereby making a grizzly bear cohabitation undesirable. 



2) Public access is currently walk-in only and will remain that way after conclusion of the sale. 



3) The area is not heavily hunted due to a scarcity of game, proximity to residences and access control by 

 adjacent landowners. 



EXECUTION 



Upon execution, this Finding becomes part of the Final Environmental Assessment for the Gladstone Creek 

 Timber sale. 



Signed 



Garry Williams 



Forest & iLands Manager 



Central Land Office 



