scattered western larch and Douglas-fir are present as well. Both of the last two stands 

 described contain very little understory vegetation. 



No-Action Alternative 



Existing concentrations of ladder fuels and over-stocked stand conditions would continue 

 to increase, posing an increasing threat of catastrophic wildfire. Stress caused by over- 

 stocked stand conditions would increase the susceptibility of trees to insect attacks and 

 disease outbreaks. Openings that currently occur in stands 36 - 1 and 36 - 2b would 

 remain un-stocked. Future revenue generating opportunities would also be reduced due 

 to decay and reduced growth potential. Existing populations of noxious weeds would 

 continue to spread on drier habitats (Attachment B, pages 3- 4, Existing Noxious Weeds). 

 Livestock grazing would continue under grazing license # 3062830 in section 14. 



Action Alternative 



Ten individual stands would undergo silvicultural treatments. These stands are 

 referenced as follows: 



14 - 1, 2, 3, and 4 within section 14 and 36-1, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 3 within 

 section 36 (See figure A - 2, pages 1 and 2) 



Stands 14 - 1, 2, 3, 4 and 36-1, 2a, and 2b would be selectively harvested in an attempt 

 to simulate the affects of a moderate severity wildfire event. This type of moderate 

 severity wildfire would be expected to kill mostly smaller sized trees as well as small 

 groups of larger trees. An estimated 30 - 40 square feet of basal area on average would 

 be left in stands 14 - 1, 2, 3, 4, while an estimated 25-50 square feet of basal area would 

 be left in stands 36-1, 2a, and 2b. Leave trees would typically be the larger trees and 

 those which display healthy growth characteristics. Serai tree species would be left under 

 most conditions where applicable. Tractor skidding methods would be employed to 

 remove timber. Healthy tree regeneration generally exists in the stands. Regeneration 

 would not be a primary goal of this treatment. Some areas where harvesting disturbance 

 provides for seed germination and sufficient sunlight, some favorable regeneration would 

 be expected to establish. Residual tree growth would be expected to enhance stand 

 health, and promote increased future revenue generating capacity. Sound snags that pose 

 no obvious safety hazard would be left to maintain certain wildlife habitat. 



Provisions would be made for the following activities after harvesting these stands: 



* Ensuring adequate site preparation (primarily consisting of excavator piling and 

 burning slash and reducing shrub competition in stands 14-1, 14-2 and 14-3) is 

 completed. 



* Planting western larch and / or ponderosa pine seedlings would be made in an 

 effort to regenerate openings primarily in stands 36 - 1 and 2b. 



