4.3.12.3.2 Cumulative Effects of Alternative A: Deferred Harvest 

 (No Action) 



There would be no potential cumulative effects in the short term, and a 

 very minor potential for positive indirect effects in the long term on black- 

 backed woodpeckers from selecting Alternative A: Deferred Harvest (No 

 Action). 



4.3.12.3.3 Alternative B: Harvest - Direct and Indirect Effects 



The proposed harvest units in Alternative B: Harvest are not currently 

 providing preferred black-backed woodpecker habitat, so treatment of 

 these units would not effect black-backed woodpecker populations. 

 Harvest within the Project Area would likely decrease the risk of stand 

 replacing fire, thereby reducing the potential of future black-backed 

 woodpecker habitat. However even if a future fire event were assumed, 

 intensive timber harvesting on private lands in the northern half of the 

 Analysis Area has reduced standing volumes resulting in lower quality 

 post-fire preferred black-backed woodpecker habitat. Consequently, there 

 would be little to no effects on black-backed woodpeckers from 

 implementing the Alternative B: Harvest. 



4.3.12.3.4 Cumulative Effects of Alternative B: Harvest 



There would be little to no effects on black-backed woodpeckers from 

 implementing the Harvest Alternative. 



4.3.13 Big Game (Issue #13) 



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

 Indirect Effects 



If Alternative A: Deferred Harvest (No Action) were selected, the Project 

 Area would continue to provide winter cover for deer and elk. Canopy cover 

 would be retained and no new roads would be built. However, small openings 

 that are important as winter forage sites would continue to be encroached 

 upon by conifers, thereby reducing winter forage values to some extent. In 

 addition, the continued competitive stress due to high stocking levels would 

 likely increase the risk of insect infestation and resultant fire, thereby 

 potentially removing winter cover values. Therefore, selection of Alternative 

 A: Deferred Harvest (No Action) would have minor to no short term direct or 

 indirect effects on big game, but could result in some long term effects were a 

 stand replacing fire to occur. 



Within the Analysis Area, forest management, and the resultant high road 

 densities has reduced security cover and winter range conditions. The area to 

 the north of the Project Area has been designated as the Blue Mountain 

 Recreation Area. This area contains quality winter range and important 

 spring/summer habitat features (Henderson and Hillis 1998). However, it is 

 unlikely that habitats in these areas will be greatly affected in the near future. 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 4-22 



