Lost Bear Timber Sale EA - Attachment D 



Michael T. McGrath, SWLO 

 Wildlife Fiiologist 

 1 7 March 2003 



Lost Bear Wildlife Analysis 



ISSUES 



The issues identified that drove the development of the Action Alternative are asfollows- 



VVILDLIFE: 



Big Game Considerations: There is concern that this project could impact big game, 

 especially elk security. Elk security is defined as a non-linear block of hiding cover >250 

 acres in size and >0.5 miles from any open road. Collectively these blocks must equal at 

 least 30% of an analysis unit (Hillis et al. 1991). Thus, elk security is a function of cover 

 and road density. 



Grizzly Bears: There is concern that proposed timber harvest activities, such as road 

 construction, disturbance, and cover removal may impact habitat and reduce security for 

 grizzly bears. 



Lynx: There is concern that the proposed timber harvest could alter habitat or create 

 disturbance that would be detrimental to lynx. 



Gray Wolf: There is concern that the proposed timber harvest may adversely impact 

 wolves through reductions in security cover or alteration of habitat for prey species 

 important for their survival. 



The issues identified that did not drive the development of alternatives- 

 Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Other Species of Interest: There is concern 

 that the proposed timber harvest may alter habitat or create disturbance that would be 

 detrimental to threatened, endangered, sensitive, and other species of interest that are not 

 listed above. 



I. Existing Conditions 



A. General Description of the Project Area- 



Wildlife 



The DNRC ownership involved in this project provides a range of habitats for a diversity of 

 wildlife species. Habitats are primarily drier forested uplands and intenor forest types. The 



