to what would have been present with the frequent low intensity fires which 

 historically burned through these dry, low elevation sites. Burning the site 

 after harvesting would provide site prep that would encourage regeneration of 

 ponderosa and western larch in areas where the canopy has been opened up. 



4.3.7.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative B: Harvest 



If this alternative were implemented it is predicted that trees would grow at a 

 greatly increased rate after thinning, averaging 2 inches of diameter growth 

 per decade for at least the next 20 years, at that time another harvest may be 

 called for. Thinning would begin a process of management that should 

 promote the diameter growth of the serai ponderosa and western larch species 

 as well as encourage the regeneration of these species. Removal of understory 

 and suppressed trees would give the stand an open nature, similar to what 

 would have been present in pre-settlement times when low intensity fires 

 frequently burned through the site. This thinned stand would be closer to its 

 pre European-settlement condition. 



4.3.8 Heavy Truck Traffic and Public Safety (Issue #8) 

 4.3.8.1 Dust 



4.3.8.1.1 Alternative A: Deferred Harvest (No Action) - Direct and 

 Indirect Effects 



The Deadman Gulch area is growing as a residential area. With the influx 

 of homes and the resultant population increase in the area dust produced 

 by passenger vehicle traffic would become an increasing nuisance. A 

 network of residential roads funnels into Cochise Drive for access to 

 Highway 93. This portion of county road runs adjacent to several private 

 residences. Dust in this section of road would continue to reduce visibility 

 and be a nuisance to local residents. 



4.3.8.1.2 Alternative B: Harvest - Direct and Indirect Effects 



Commercial trucks can produce a significant amount of dust on dirt roads. 

 Season of use could be used to reduce the amount of dust displaced on a 

 roadway. Wintertime use on a snow covered or frozen road would keep 

 dust to a minimum. If hauling was done in times when the road is dry 

 magnesium chloride or similar dust abatement product could be applied to 

 the section of Cochise Drive adjacent to residences along the haul route. 

 This application of dust abatement would reduce dust produced by truck 

 traffic as well as private vehicle traffic adjacent to residential areas. 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 4-9 



