4.3.3.2.1.3 Alternative B: Harvest 



The proposed action would harvest fire-killed timber from 

 approximately 1,314 acres on the affected parcels. However, pursuant 

 to ARM 36.11.411, DNRC would retain an average of approximately 

 one snag and one snag recruit over 21 inches dbh per acre. Where 

 snags or snag recruits over 21 inches dbh are not present, the next 

 largest size snag or recruit would be retained. Additionally, if 

 sufficient snags or recruits are absent, some substitution among the 

 two would occur. As such, there would be an average of 1 snag and/or 

 recruits left per acre >21 inches dbh, as well as an average of 

 approximately 3 trees/snags per acre 15 < dbh < 21 inches (Fig. 4-3). 



Figure 4-3: Average trees per acre per diameter class within the proposed 

 harvest units of the Fish Creek Complex, that would be retairted and harvested. 

 Diameters presented are the midpoints for a range of diameters (e.g., 8 inches dbh 

 for 7 < dbh < 9). 



20.00 



^ 15. 

 o 



S 10 



0) 



00 



.00 



Diameter Distribution for Fish Creel< Salvage 



25.00 -1 



5.00 



0.00 4 



□ Cut Trees 

 ■ Lea\« Trees 



8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 

 Diameter Class (inches) 



In the short term, the proposed action would have a minor adverse 

 impact on the availability of pileated woodpecker foraging structures, 

 largely snags. Studies that have examined woodpeckers following 

 stand-replacement fires, such as those characterized by the Fish Creek 

 Complex fire, found very low use by pileated woodpeckers (Hutto 

 1995, Murphy and Lehnhausen 1998). However, over a longer time 

 period, the proposed action would reduce nesting, roosting, and 

 foraging structures for this species. Nesting and roosting habitat 

 would most likely be adversely impacted in 40 to 50 years, through a 

 reduction in nesting and roosting structures, once mature or late 



Fish Creek Salvage Environmental Assessment 



4-23 



