USPS managed parcels and, to a lesser degree, on privately managed parcels. 

 Hauling along the county road is not expected to alter nesting success since this 

 road already receives considerable heavy equipment traffic. Concurrently, no 

 other plans are under consideration that would affect eagle use of the territory. 



Gray Wolf 



1. Direct and Indirect Effects 



No Action Alternative: Disturbance to wolves would not increase. Forest 

 canopy closure would continue to decrease big game forage, while slightly 

 improving thermal cover in the area. No changes in white-tailed deer habitat are 

 expected during the short-term therefore no changes in wolf prey are anticipated. 

 Wolf use of the proposed project area would be expected to continue at current 

 levels. 



Action Alternative: Harvesting activities could disturb wolves if they are using 

 the area. After harvesting activities, wolf use of the proposed project area would 

 likely revert to preharvest levels, hi the short term, the proposed harvest units are 

 expected to lead to a decrease in winter thermal cover and an increase in big game 

 forage. The reduction in winter thermal cover could result in local decreases in 

 abundance during the winter months, which could alter wolf use of the proposed 

 project area. 



2. Cumulative Effects 



No Action Alternative: Under this alternative, white-tailed deer winter range 

 would not be affected, and substantive change in white-tailed deer population, 

 distribution, or habitat use is not anticipated. Very little permanent development 

 exists within the analysis area, and outside of timber harvesting and dispersed 

 recreation, levels of human disturbance are relatively low and are expected to 

 remain relatively low into the future. No changes within the analysis area are 

 anticipated that would alter gray wolf use of the area. 



Action Alternative: Since the expected effects of this project on wolves would be 

 minor, cumulative effects would also be minor. Reductions in cover associated 

 with the proposed project might cause slight decreases in use by deer and elk 

 within the proposed project area, however no appreciable changes are expected 

 within the analysis area. The analysis area is largely a mosaic of mature and 

 regenerating forests that supports healthy populations of deer and elk. The 

 southern edge of the analysis area, where the proposed project is located, would 

 likely receive limited use due to proximity to extensive disturbance and 

 subdivision. Again, very limited permanent development exists within the 

 analysis area. Human-disturbance levels in the analysis area are anticipated to be 

 elevated in part of the analysis area during the proposed project, but are expected 



41 



