stands. A cumulative risk due to these factors would be an increased chance of 

 stand replacement wildfire involving the Deadman drainage area. Salvage of 

 dead and dying timber would still continue as part of the DNRC management, 

 although the lack of a road infrastructure makes this very difficult. 



4.2.1.2 Alternative B: Harvest 



Under this alternative, the retention of the majority of the largest trees of serai 

 species would occur. Much of the lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir would be 

 removed. By reducing stand density and altering species composition to levels 

 more typical of pre-European settlement conditions, we would expect an 

 increase in growth and vigor. The removal of trees most susceptible to insects 

 and disease and reducing the available fuel loadings reduces the risk of stand 

 replacing wildfire. The reduction of stand density would make limited 

 resources (water, nutrients, and light) much more available to the remaining 

 trees. The proposed prescnbed burning would increase the chance of serai 

 regeneration and would also provide a quick flush of nutrients for tree growth. 

 The proposed harvest and regeneration would move these stands closer to 

 "appropriate conditions" as defined by the State Forest Land Management 

 Plan. Improved stand health would decrease risk of stand replacement wildfire 

 and insect and disease infestations that would provide a cumulative benefit. 



4.2.2 Predicted Attainment of Project Objective #2 



Harvest between 1.5 and 2.5 million board feet (MMBF) of sawtimber to generate 

 revenue for the Common School (CS) trust grant. 



4.2.2.1 Alternative A: Deferred Harvest (No Action) 



Under this alternative, no economic contribution to the School Trust would 

 occur above the current revenue produced by the Grazing Leases from this 

 section. This would have a direct effect upon the DNRC's obligation to 

 provide the School Trusts with income. Stand decadence and reduced growth 

 of volume would continue which could lead to reduced future value. 



4.2.2.2 Alternative B: Harvest 



If Alternative B: Harvest was implemented, the harvest would produce a total 

 estimated timber harvest volume of 1.5-2.5 MMBF. This timber sale would 

 generate an estimated $375,000-$625,000 to the Common School Trust. 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 4-2 



