Cumulative Effects 



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Snags in the project area would continue to increase, especially in the larger diameter classes 

 of Douglas-fir. Snag recruitment in and around the project would be accelerated due to the 

 large number of trees under attack from insects and diseases. The total number of snags in all 

 size classes in all stands would increase. 



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In harvest areas within Stands 10, 16, and 24, the majority of snags would be harvested; 

 therefore, the snags per acre would decrease. Live trees with active bark beetle attacks or 

 severe dwarf misteltoe infection would also be harvested, thereby, reducing the number of 

 Douglas-fir and western larch, the primary snag-recruitment species in these stands. However, 

 unharvested areas of stands and surrounding stands would continue to provide snags in the 10- 

 to 20-inch and 21 -inch-plus size classes. The number of reserve snags over 21 inches in all 

 harvest units would be greater than the minimum required by the Administrative Rules for Forest 

 Management. Firewood cutting would have minor effects on the number of snags. 



SENSITIVE PLANTS 



Existing Condition and Analysis Methodology 



Swan River State Forest had a sensitive plant survey completed on all State lands within the forest 

 boundaries; fieldwork was finished in the summer of 2003. Plants targeted were species of special 

 concern listed by the Montana Natural Heritage Program. Results of this survey were then 

 compared to the proposed harvest sites for potential direct and indirect impacts of the proposal. No 

 sensitive plant species are known to exist in the project area. If sensitive species were discovered 

 during operations, appropriate mitigation measures would be developed, if needed. 



Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects ( 



No short-term or cumulative impacts on sensitive plants are anticipated from this project. 



NOXIOUS WEEDS 



Existing Condition 



Spotted knapweed {Centaurea mauclosa) has become established along roads within the project 

 area. Swan River State Forest has a program to reduce the spread and occurrence of noxious 

 weeds. 



Direct and Indirect Effects t i 



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Swan River State Forest may initiate spot spraying under the Forest Improvement (Fl) program 

 to reduce noxious weeds along roads in the forest. 



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Logging disturbance may provide opportunities for noxious weeds to establish; log trucks and 

 equipment may introduce seeds from other sites. Mitigation steps would require machinery to 

 be washed and inspected prior to entering the project area. Grass seeding disturbed roads and 

 landings would reduce or prevent the establishment of new weed populations. Roadside 

 herbicide spraying is not planned as a part of this project. Swan River State Forest may initiate 

 spot spraying under the Fl program at a later date to reduce noxious weeds along roads. 



Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page cEA-17 



