Action Alternative; Douglas-fir and western larch infected with mistletoe would 

 be harvested under the action alternative. Reduction in infected overstory trees 

 will remove sources of infection and reduce future losses in growth and yield. 



2. Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative: Insect and disease populations under the no action 

 alternative would remain static or increase over time. Bark beetles would remain 

 static or increase in the short term depending upon drought and stocking 

 conditions. Dwarf mistletoe infection in Douglas-fir and western larch would 

 persist and result in continuing infection and loss to growth and yield. 



Action Alternative; With implementation of the action alternative, insect and 

 disease levels would remain static or decrease over time. Silvicultural 

 prescriptions reducing stocking levels would increase growth and vigor in the 

 remaining trees, increasing their resistance to bark beetle attacks. Dwarf 

 mistletoe infection would be reduced in the overstory and future infection of 

 younger stands would also be reduced. 



G. Noxious Weeds 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



No Action Alternative; Current weed populations would continue to increase 

 over time without treatment. Motorized vehicle use, the main proponent in weed 

 seed dispersal, would continue to spread weed seed along all open roads in the 

 project area. Road maintenance activities on State and private roads would have 

 the potential to create conditions conducive for new infestations or increases in 

 existing populations. With adoption of the SFLMP and cooperative agreement 

 with Flathead County, a more aggressive approach to identification and treatment 

 of noxious weeds has occurred than in the past. This ongoing treatment of 

 noxious weeds should help mitigate any increase in noxious weed spread and may 

 reduce the number of acres infested in the future. 



Action Alternative; The action alternative would include initial maintenance on 

 over 9 miles of existing road. Much of the existing road is already infested with 

 noxious weeds. Logging operations such as skidding logs, log landings, site 

 preparation, road maintenance, and log hauling operations increase the exposure 

 of bare mineral soil. The increase in bare mineral soil fi^om these activities would 

 increase the area where noxious weeds could become established. With adoption 

 of the SFLMP and cooperative agreement with Flathead County, a more 

 aggressive approach to identification and treatment of noxious weeds has 

 occurred than in the past. This ongoing treatment of noxious weeds should help 

 mitigate any increase in noxious weed spread and may reduce the number of acres 



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