ANALYSIS METHODS 



Soil productivity will be analyzed by evaluating the current levels of soil disturbance in the proposed 

 project area. Analysis criteria will also include soil stability risk factors. 



ANALYSIS AREA 



The analysis area for evaluating soil productivity will include DNRC-owned land in the proposed 

 project area. 



EXISTING CONDITIONS 



Approximately 35 acres of the proposed project area have been salvage harvested in the past. 

 Harvesting and salvaging was conducted in and around the proposed project area in the 1960s. 

 Harvest methods in previously salvaged areas (proposed Unit 1 and a small portion of proposed Unit 

 2) have used ground-based yarding systems. Ground-based yarding affects soil productivity through 

 displacement and compaction of productive surface layers of soil. Proper spacing of skid trails and 

 season-of-use restrictions are the most effective methods to minimize the loss of soil productivity. 

 Skid trails identified in proposed salvage units are located on gentle slopes (generally less than 20 

 percent), appear well spaced, and are not actively eroding. These trails do not comprise more than 

 20 percent of the proposed harvest units. 



Soil types in the project area are primarily glacial till on slopes ranging from 50 percent or more to 

 level to rolling. The project area also contains several wetlands. High risk soil types were identified 

 in Units 2 and 3 of the proposed project area, according to the Flathead National Forest Soil Survey. 

 These soil types are classified as high risk due to slope steepness. Slope failures are not generally 

 associated with the soil types in the proposed project area, and no indications of past slope failures 

 were identified during field reconnaissance. A list of soil types found in the project area and their 

 associated management implications is found in TABLE B-2 - SOIL MAP UNIT DESCRIPTIONS 

 FOR THE CILLYBUG SALVAGE PROJECT AREA. 



ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS 



Direct and Indirect Effects 



The No-Action Alternative would have no direct effects on soil productivity. No ground-based 

 machinery would be operated under this alternative, which would leave the soil in the project 

 area unchanged from the existing conditions. 



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The Action Alternative would have direct impacts on approximately 12 acres of ground. None of 

 these acres would occur in areas previously managed for timber. Direct impacts would include 

 compaction and displacement resulting from use of ground-based equipment to skid logs on 

 approximately 61 acres, soil displacement in cable-yarding corridors, and from approximately 

 1.3 miles of newly constructed road. Activities would take place when soil is dry, frozen, or 

 snow-covered. These impacts would leave approximately 15.7 percent of the proposed harvest 

 units with moderate to high impacts to soils. 



Cilly Bug Salvage Timber Sale Project Page CEA-5 



