4.0 Environmental Consequences 



4.1 Introduction 



Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences forms the scientific and analytic basis for 

 the summary comparison of effects presented in Chapter 2 pgs 2-12 through 2-15 of 

 this EA. This chapter describes the environmental consequences or effects of the 

 proposed action and the cumulative effects of concurrent and future state activities 

 within the analysis area. This chapter focuses on the following effects: 



• Direct, indirect, and cumulative effects 



• Adverse effects of the proposed action 



• Relationship between local short-term uses of the environments and the 

 maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity 



• Irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved if 

 the alternatives were implemented 



This chapter has the following two major sections: 



• Predicted Attainment of the Project Objectives of All Alternatives 



• Predicted Effects on Relevant Affected Resources of All Alternatives 



4.2 Predicted Attainment of the Project Objectives of all 

 Alternatives 



4.2.1 Predicted Attainment of Project Objective #1 



To manage the forest for appropriate desired future conditions, characterized by 

 the proportion and distribution of forest types and structures typical of those 

 represented under average historic conditions. 



4.2.1.1 Alternative A: Deferred Harvest (No Action) 



Under this alternative, conditions contributing to decreased growth and vigor 

 of trees would continue. It is expected that the regeneration of shade tolerant 

 tree species would continue. This would move stands further away from those 

 conditions that existed prior to organized fire suppression. Douglas-fir would 

 continue to replace ponderosa pine and western larch. At current stocking 

 levels, trees eventually would "stagnate" (grow at very reduced rates). As 

 limited resources for tree growth (water, nutrients, and light) become scarcer, 

 the risk of insect or disease infestations becomes much greater. As insects and 

 disease increase, the potential of large-scale epidemics increases. This would 

 create a cumulative effect of increased incidence of mortality and decreased 

 growth. These factors combined would decrease the growth and vigor of the 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 4-1 



