would continue and result in long term shift from serai species to more shade tolerant 

 species. Root diseases would continue to exist and acreage affected would continue to 

 increase until more of the stand is dominated by species that are less susceptible. 



Action Alternative : With implementation of the action alternative, insect and disease 

 levels would remain static to decrease over time. Silvicultural prescriptions reducing 

 stocking levels would increase gro\\1h and vigor in the remaining trees increasing their 

 resistance to bark beetle attacks. Bark beetles would continue to increase over the short 

 term in those areas highly susceptible but not harvested. Long term attacks and mortality 

 would depend upon future weather conditions and growth and vigor of stands not 

 harvested. Dwarf mistletoe would be reduced in the overstory and future infection of 

 younger stands would also be reduced. Root disease would continue to be present. 

 Silvicultural prescriptions that favor retention of species less susceptible and planting of 

 these species should result in long term increases in their numbers and a direct increase in 

 timber productivity. 



E. Noxious Weed Effects 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



No Action Alternative : Current weed populations would continue to increase over time 

 without treatment. Motorized vehicle use, the main proponent in weed seed dispersal, 

 would continue to spread weed seed along all open roads in the project area. Road 

 maintenance activities on State and private roads would have the potential to create 

 conditions conducive for new infestations or increases in current infestations. With the 

 adoption of the SFLMP, a more aggressive approach to identification and treatment of 

 noxious weed infestations would occur than in the past. This ongoing treatment of 

 noxious weeds should help mitigate any increase in noxious weed spread and may reduce 

 the number of acres infested in the future. 



Action Alternative : The action alternative includes 2.5 miles of new road construction 

 and reopening of approximately 1 mile of road currently closed with earthen berms. 

 Much of the existing mile of road to be reopened is already infested with noxious weeds. 

 Logging operations such as skidding logs, log landings, site preparation, road 

 construction and log hauling operations increase the exposure of bare mineral soil. The 

 increase in bare mineral soil from road construction/maintenance and logging operations 

 would increase the area where noxious weeds can become established. The action 

 ahemative includes closure of the 1 mile of road that would be reopened to facilitate the 

 logging operation. Mitigation measures to reduce the current weed population and 

 restrict futirre infestation would include washing of heavy equipment before entering the 

 project area and grass seeding of areas disturbed during road construction and logging 

 operations. 



2. Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative : The spread of weed seed and increases in weed populations 

 would continue to occur with the no action alternative. Road maintenance activities that 



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