the proposed analysis area are ephemeral in nature and appeared stable with no 

 evidence of impacts from past management activities. 



A cumulative watershed effects (CWE) analysis for the proposed sale was 

 completed to determine the existing conditions of the affected environment. The 

 Deadman Gulch Watershed was selected for the analysis area. This analysis area 

 was selected because it was determined to be the most appropriate scale to detect 

 potential effects. 



The CWE analysis was completed using a level II screening (outlined in SFLMP 

 Watershed RMS # 7) by DNRC to determine the existing conditions of the 

 proposed sale. The coarse filter approach consisted of on-site evaluation, 

 mapping the percent forested of each watershed and documenting history of past 

 activities through the use of maps, aerial photographs and harvest records. 



Due to the intermittent and ephemeral nature of the local stream channels, low 

 precipitation and moderate level of past timber harvest, a water yield analysis was 

 not conducted. It was determined that existing harvest levels are below those 

 normally associated with detrimental water yield increases. It is generally 

 accepted that up to 20-30% of the watershed area can be harvested before 

 detectable increases in peak flows (USPS, 1974). 



Past harvest levels within the analysis area equate to approximately 273 acres, or 

 18% of the total watershed area. The level of harvest within these 273 acres has 

 been limited to selective harvest that has removed approximately 40% of the 

 original crown cover. 



All primary and secondary roads within the proposed sale area were evaluated for 

 past or potential impacts. Field evaluations indicate that past management 

 activities within the analysis area have resulted in impacts to water quality. These 

 impacts are limited to sediment delivery and erosion from roads and cattle use and 

 are restricted to stream crossings and isolated segments of existing roads. 



3.2.4 Cold Water Fisheries (Issue #4) 



There are no known fish bearing streams draining the State section in the 

 proposed sale area. The entire sale area has drainage features that do not support 

 fish. There is no available fish population data for Deadman Gulch. Due to its 

 intermittent and/or ephemeral nature, it does not support fish. 



Past grazing and timber harvest management have likely resulted in increased 

 sediment and a decrease in the riparian shrub component and recruitable trees for 

 in-channel large woody debris along existing stream channels. It is unlikely that 

 these impacts have resulted in loss of shade cover, bank stability, large woody 

 debris and increased temperatures to downstream fisheries. Lack of surface 

 connectivity has resulted in unlikely impacts to downstream fisheries. 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 3-6 



