2. Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative : The surrounding landscape is managed primarily for timber 

 production, so pileated woodpecker habitat on these lands is probably scarce. This 

 alternative would not further reduce pileated woodpecker habitat in the area. 



Action Alternative : The surrounding landscape is managed primarily for timber 

 production, so pileated woodpecker habitat on these lands is probably scarce. This 

 alternative would further reduce pileated woodpecker habitat in the area. However, due 

 to the limited amount of habitat in the area, these effects are expected to be minimal. 



D. Big Game 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



No Action Alternative : Under the No Action Alternative, big game species would not be 

 disrupted from harvest activities and hiding cover and motorized access would remain 

 unchanged. Therefore, no effects are expected under this alternative. 



Action Alternative : Under this alternative, big game species could be displaced during 

 the harvest activities, however, this disturbance would occur during the nonwinter period 

 when habitat is abundant. Therefore, negligible direct effects are expected to big game 

 species. 



The proposed timber harvests would remove hiding cover for a period of 15 to 30 years 

 and increase motorized access into the project area. Hiding cover would be retained in 

 unharvested stands and in commercial thinned harvest units. Additionally, the main 

 saddle in the area would remain unliarvested to provide a corridor through Section 16. 

 Motorized access into the project area would increase during the project. Gated roads 

 would remain gated when timber associated activities are not active. Additionally, 

 contractors would not be allowed to carry a firearm on to a restricted road. Following 

 completion of harvesting and follow-up activities, all the roads that were restricted prior 

 to the project would be restricted along with all new roads. During the project, road 

 access could increase thereby reducing big game security. Following completion of the 

 project, road access would return to the existing situation. Therefore, only short-term 

 localized effects are expected under this alternative. 



2. Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative : Most of the adjacent lands are managed for timber production. 

 Motorized access is limited due to road closures. This management regime provides 

 forage for big game, while reducing cover. Reduction of cover and concerns over 

 security of big game, especially during hunting season, led to an extensive road closure 

 program on the extensive road network present in the area. This alternative would retain 



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