V. RESOURCE CONCERNS 



The major resource concerns were identified through the scoping process. The majority 

 . of all resource concerns were resolved by mitigation measures incorporated into the 

 project design for the action alternative. The major resource concerns are briefly 

 described below and explored in greater depth in chapters II, III, and IV. They are listed 

 in no particular order of importance. 



A. Vegetation 



► Lack of younger age classes are resulting in reduced productivity and increased 

 risk to insect and disease mortality. 



► Overstocked stand conditions are contributing to reduced growth rates and 

 increase in insect and disease activity. 



► Lack of large openings in the canopy and significant disturbance events has led to 

 a decrease in serai tree seedling establishment and is contributing to a shift away 

 from historic stand conditions. 



► The amount of acres defined as old growth could be reduced as a result of 

 silvicultural prescriptions aimed at promoting regeneration of serai tree species. 



B. Soil 



► Long-term soil productivity could be reduced depending on area and degree of 

 physical effects fi-om skidding and other logging activities, and the amount and 

 distribution of coarse woody debris retained for nutrient cycling. 



C. Wildlife 



► Timber harvesting could reduce bald eagle nesting and perching habitats and/or 

 disturb bald eagles. 



► Timber harvesting could displace gray wolves from important habitats, 

 particularly denning and rendezvous sites and/or influence prey availability. 



► Timber harvesting and associated activities could displace grizzly bears fi-om 

 important habitats and/or reduce hiding cover and visual screening, reducing 

 security for grizzly bears. 



► Timber harvesting could remove lynx habitat and/or prevent lynx movement 

 through the area. 



