stand health and productivit>'. An estimated $345,000 - $747,000 would be generated 

 for the public building and common schools trusts from the sale of forest products. An 

 estimated 0.7 miles of new road would be constructed to BMP standards in section 14 

 and 1.9 miles in section 36; both of Township 14 North, Range 14 West. The total 

 amount of new road construction would be approximately 2.6 miles. Additionally, an 

 estimated 7. 1 miles of existing road, mostly within these same two sections would be 

 improved to BMP standards. Area roads would be treated with herbicide to control 

 noxious weeds. Logging slash would be treated through such means as prescribed 

 burning. Western larch and ponderosa pine tree seedlings would be planted in suitable 

 areas within section 36. Livestock grazing would continue under grazing license # 

 3062830 in section 14. 



n. Impacts on the Physical Environment 



4. Geology and Soil Quality, Stability and Moisture 



Soil concerns and potential issues to be considered: 



* Equipment operations during timber harvest on wet sites or sensitive soils can result in 

 soil ruttmg, compaction, displacement and erosion. Long- term soil productivity can be 

 reduced depending on area and degree of physical effects, amount and distribution of 

 course woody debris retained for nutrient cycling. 



* Adequate road drainage, proper construction and reconstruction according to BMP's 

 and maintenance needs on existing roads. 



Harvest design mitigation measures: 



Potential soil impacts can be avoided or reduced to acceptable levels by implementation 

 of BMP'S and the following recommendations: 



* Tractor skidding would be limited to slopes less than 40% on the granitic Ambrandt, 

 Elkner and Ovando soils in section 14. The logger and sale administrator will agree to a 

 general skidding plan prior to equipment operations to limit area in trails and protect 

 residual trees. Skid trails would be designated on steeper portions of units. Existing skid 

 trails would be used wherever possible. Skidding would be limited to 45% on all other 

 sites. 



* Equipment operations would be limited to periods when soils are relatively dry, (less 

 than 20%) to minimize soil compaction, rutting, and maintain drainage features. Check 

 soil moisture conditions prior to equipment start-up. Some moister conditions are 

 accepted on harvest units where tractors remain on designated trails and timber will be 

 winched to trails. 



* Localized moist sites within harvest units would be protected by equipment restriction 

 zones where needed and winch trees out. 



