Lost Bear Timber Sale EA - Attachment B 



disturbance On roadside edges and near homes (generally 100 feet) DNRC would crush debris or 

 reduce woody debris levels to meet fire safety requirements recognizing a short term effect on nutrients. 



Cumulative effects to soil productivity 



Existing Condition-Cumulative effects could occur from repeated ground based entnes into the harvest 

 area with each entry depending on the area and degree of impacts. Previous harvest built extensive 

 roads and trails in the section that are mostly revegetated Old trails on ridges and moderate slopes are 

 barely discernable while some of the trails on steeper slopes show sign of ruts and past disturbance that 

 is largely revegetated 



Action Effects- The action alternative involves ground skidding that could result in cumulative effects if 

 the area and degree of impacts is not limited Cumulative effects would be controlled by limiting the area 

 of new detrimental soil impacts to less than 15% of harvest units, by skid trail planning, using existing 

 trails (on suitable locations) and by retaining woody debris and foliage for nutrient cycling. Temporary 

 roads would be stabilized and revegetated Any future harvest would likely use the same road system 

 and skid trail planning and therefore presents low risk of cumulative effects. Large woody debris will be 

 retained for nutrient cycling and long term productivity and therefore presents modest risk of cumulative 

 effects to soil productivity. 



ROADS: 



Most existing access roads can be used as is with some localized repairs, minor relocation and mainte- 

 nance Lower slopes on the Sunset Hill access road have segments of clay rich soils of low bearing 

 strength that can be impassable when wet if not graveled, and limit season of use to dry or frozen 

 conditions. Road drainage repairs to existing roads will improve existing conditions, reduce erosion and 

 allow seasonal access to the area Following use, temporary roads will be closed and have long-term 

 drainage features installed and reseeding with grass. 



Exposed bedrock in the southwest corner of the section limits road location, and will require ripping and 

 possibly spot blasting of rock outcrops for road construction. Road is located on best available grade and 

 stable terrain 



Portions of road system in section 14 (such as stream crossings) may require gravel surfacing to reduce 

 rutting and control sediment. Site-specific road drainage needs and spot gravel applications will be 

 addressed in road inventory. 



Existing Noxious Weeds 



Knapweed currently occurs along portions of existing roads mainly on road edges and drier southerly 

 slopes across all adjacent land ownerships. Weed spread risk is greater on the west side of section 14 

 and more open southerly slopes in section 36. Under the no-action alternative, the grazing permittee 

 would be responsible for weed control and weeds would likely slowly increase on drier habitats. New 

 weeds may be introduced by wind or animals. 



Under the action alternative ground disturbing activities have the potential to introduce or spread noxious 

 weeds in susceptible habitat types. The following integrated weed management measures would be im- 

 plemented to prevent new weed establishment and reduce or limit the possible spread of noxious weeds 

 in the project area. 



* During contract period, contractor may be required to control noxious weeds on spot locations as 

 designated by forest officer in charge. Any weed treatment measures will be implemented by a certified 

 applicator according to herbicide label directions in accordance with applicable laws. 



* All road construction and harvest equipment will be cleaned of plant parts, mud and weed seed to 

 prevent the introduction of noxious weeds. Equipment will be subject to inspection by forest officer prior 



