alternative would help slow the increasing percentage of shade tolerant species in the 

 western larch/Douglas-fir cover types and promote the development of large diameter, 

 serai tree species in the overstory and serai tree regeneration in the understory. 



B. Age Class Distribution 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



Richards Peak Project Area 



No Action Aiternative : No timber harvesting or related activities would occur. The 

 current age class distribution on the project area would remain the same over the short 

 term with stands becoming older with time. This trend would continue without natural 

 disturbances or stand treatments that would convert stands to yoimger age classes. 



Action Alternative : Under the action alternative, overstory removal of seedtrees in 

 Section 4 would convert 97 acres of WL/DF cover type in the 100-149 year age class to 

 the 0-39 year age class. Although the remaining 3 1 1 acres would have no change in age 

 class this entry, silvicultural treatments on 1 72 acres focus on regeneration harvesting and 

 will promote a conversion to younger age classes next entry. 



2. Cumulative Effects 

 Richards Peak Project Area 



No Action Alternative : No Change in age class distribution would occur. Stands would 

 continue to age and result in older age classes within the project area without natural 

 disturbances or stand treatments that would convert stands to younger age classes. 



Action Alternative : Under the action alternative, timber harvesting would convert 97 

 acres of WL/DF in the 100-149 year age class to 0-39. In addition to the 97 acres, 172 

 acres would be harvested using a seedtree/shelterwood cut to promote the development 

 and estabhshment of younger age classes. The conversion to younger age classes would 

 result in increased timber productivity for the treated stands. 



C. Timber Productivity 



Many stands within the Richards Peak Project area are producing at the lower end of their 

 potential due to overstocked stand conditions. Overstocked stand conditions are increasing the 

 risk to these stands from insect and disease damage and mortality. 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



No Action Alternative : No trees would be harvested with this alternative. In areas 

 outside of the root disease centers, which are mainly in a small portion of Section 16, 

 stand density is expected to increase over time. Timber productivity would decline with 

 increased stand stocking, resulting in increased competition between trees for nutrients 



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