agreement defines mitigation measures for operating in ttie Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The 

 project will operate within the parameters of the SVGBCA for timber harvesting. 



3. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: 



No-AcTiON Alternative 



• No timber would be salvaged, though firewood gathering in some areas would likely continue. 



• When funding is available and equipment is in the area, roads and closures would be 

 maintained. 



• Wildfire suppression efforts would continue. 



• Efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds would continue. 



• No forest-improvement work would take place in the near term, but may take place in the future 

 as time and funding permit. 



• Future actions, including timber harvesting, would be proposed and go through the appropriate 

 environmental analyses. 



Action Alternative 



• Salvage 500 to 700 mbf of timber in the form of trees killed or severely damaged by insects, 

 diseases, and/or abiotic causes before the commercial value is lost. 



• Maintain roads and address sediment, surface, drainage, or erosion problems. Aproximately 

 1 .3 miles of new road would need to be constructed to harvest the timber and meet current 

 BMPs. 



• Reduce the buildup of woody fuels to moderate levels through timber harvesting, slash piling, 

 and burning, while providing habitat for wildlife species that require snags and down woody 

 debris. 



• Wildfire suppression efforts would continue. 



• Efforts to control the spread of noxious weeds would continue. 



• Apply proven forest-management principles to improve the growth and vigor of these stands. 



III. IMPACTS ON THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 



RESOURCES potentially impacted are listed on the form, followed by common issues that would be 



considered. 



Explain POTENTIAL ItvtPACTS AND MITIGATIONS following each resource heading. 



Enter "NONE" If no impacts are identified or the resource is not present. 



4. GEOLOGY AND SOIL QUALITY, STABILITY AND MOISTURE: 



Consider the presence of fragile, compactable or unstable soils. Identify unusual geologic features. Specify 

 any special reclamation considerations. Identify any cumulative impacts to soils. 



INTRODUCTION 



The proposed project area lies in the lower portions of the Swan River valley. Glacial moraines 

 formed the unnamed watersheds in the proposed project area. The dominant soil types found in the 

 project area are deep glacial tills and glacial outwash. 



Page CEA-4 Checklist Environmental Assessment 



