Appendix B 

 Happy Valley Soils 



Action Alternative 



The action alternative would have direct impacts on approximately 443 acres of ground, 

 all of which has been harvested in the past. Direct impacts would include compaction 

 and displacement resulting from use of ground based equipment to skid logs, pile slash, 

 and prepare the site for regeneration on approximately 443 acres. Activity would be 

 completed when soil moisture is at or below 20%, frozen or snow-covered. These 

 impacts would leave approximately 15% of the proposed harvest units in an impacted 

 condition. Disturbance levels may be lower if the proposed salvage activity were 

 conducted over frozen or snow-covered conditions. 



The action alternative would also improve the erosion control and surface drainage on 6.6 

 miles of existing road, and bring it up to applicable BMP standards for the duration of 

 activity. Portions of the existing road system in the proposed project area would be 

 rehabilitated and made impassible by motorized traffic. Some portions of the existing 

 road and trail system would be left open for seasonal ATV use, and for fire suppression 

 access. Abandoned roads would have erosion control features installed and be left in a 

 condition where future maintenance would not be needed. Portions of trails left passable 

 by ATVs and fire suppression vehicles would have seasonal use restrictions to minimize 

 the potential for erosion and sediment delivery. These activities would reduce the erosion 

 and rutting from the current levels, and would improve soil productivity in the proposed 

 project area. 



Table 3-1 - Summary of Direct Effects of Alternatives on Soils 



' Docs not include effects from past hanesting, only impacts generated by alternative for comparison between alternatives 

 ^ 20 percent of ground based area 



' 75 percent of ground-based skid trails 



Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative 



This alternative would have no cumulative impacts on soil productivity. No soil would 

 be disturbed under this alternative, and no re-entry of past harvest units would occur with 

 the no action alternative. 



Action Alternative 



The action alternative would enter old harvest units. Existing skid trails from past timber 

 sales and salvage activities would be used if they are properly located and spaced. Use of 

 existing skid trails would minimize the risk of cumulative impacts to soil productivity. 



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