CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 



I. INTRODUCTION 



This chapter is the scientific and analytical basis for evaluating the environmental consequences 

 of implementing the action or no action alternatives described and compared in chapter 2. 

 Effects for the altematives will be discussed under resource sections and presented in the same 

 order as in chapter 3. 



II. VEGETATION EFFECTS 



A. Cover Type Distribution 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



Plains Unit: On the Plains Unit, the shift in current cover types when compared to 

 "desired future" or appropriate cover types shows a decrease in westem larch/ Douglas- 

 fir cover types and an increase in mixed conifer cover types. The reasons for this trend 

 revolve around past management and fire suppression. 



No Action Alternative : There would be no change to the current cover type amount and 

 distribution on the Plains Unit under this alternative. The shift of the westem 

 larch/Douglas-fir cover types to 'other' cover types (mostly mixed conifer) would 

 continue to occur without natural disturbances or stand replacement type harvest 

 treatments to open the canopy and allow for serai tree species regeneration. 



Action Alternative : Although 408 acres of timber will be silviculturally treated, the 

 implementation of the action alternative will only slightly change the overall cover type 

 amount and distribution on the Plains Unit. The implementation of the action alternative 

 would help slow the current shift of cover types by favoring the retention of overstory 

 serai species (westem larch) which is under represented and by removing shade tolerant 

 species (Alpine fir and grand fir) which are over represented. Regeneration of the serai 

 species will be promoted in the openings created by the timber harvest to help maintain 

 or promote the development of WL/DF cover types on appropriate sites. 



Richards Peak Project Area: On the Richards Peak Project Area, the cover type shift is 

 similar to what has been happening on the Plains Unit as a whole. Current westem 

 larch/Douglas-fir cover types are underrepresented and Alpine fir, lodgepole pine and 

 mixed conifer exceed what was historically present. This trend is the result of past 

 management and lack of wildfire disturbance in the westem larch/Douglas-fir cover 

 types. 



No Action Alternative : There would be no change to the current cover type amount and 

 distribution on the Richards Peak Project Area under the no action altemative. The 

 current shift in westem larch/Douglas-fir cover types to Alpine fir and mixed conifer 



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