Table 3-1 : Current and Appropriate Cover Types for the Plains Unit 



The general trend for cover types on the Plains Unit is that open stands dominated by 

 ponderosa pine and western larch are now more densely stocked with shade tolerant 

 species, such as Douglas-fir. The main reasons for this trend are fire suppression and 

 past management activities on State Land. 



2. Richards Peak Project Area 



Table 3-2: Current and Appropriate Cover Types for the Richards Peak Project Area 



The general trend for cover types in the Richards Peak Project Area mirrors the trend on 

 the Plains Unit as a whole. Reduced acres of appropriate western larch/Douglas-fir and 

 an increase in shade tolerant cover types of mixed conifer and alpine fir. Reasons for this 

 trend also mirror the Plains Unit as a whole. Past management activities removed the 

 serai western larch from the overstory and lack of fire disturbance has increased the 

 amount of shade tolerant species in both the overstory and understory. 



13 



