physical efTects, (erosion, compaction, displacement) amount and distribution of 

 coarse wood debris retained for nutrient cycling. This issue will receive further 

 analysis in Chapters 3 and 4. 



> Concern was expressed that Best Management Practices (BMP's) would not be 

 effectively implemented as part of road construction, reconstruction and 

 maintenance. Adequate road drainage, proper construction and reconstruction would 

 occur, according to BMPs along with maintenance needs on existing roads. This issue 

 will receive further analysis in Chapters 3 and 4. 



Economics 



> Concern was raised that the proposed action may not adequately consider net public 

 benefit by only looking at the value of the timber resource and that non-market 

 goods, such as resource protection, as well as non-timber forest products, may not 

 be adequately considered as part of the economic analysis. 



The economic analysis will included only estimates for revenue from activities that 

 produce actual measurable dollars for the trust that are related to the proposed project 

 area. Examples of these activities include timber harvesting, post and rail harvesting, 

 grazing, conservation license or lease, general recreational license, etc. Benefits to the 

 people of Montana include non-monetary factors such as protection of wildlife, water 

 quality and air quality, and long-term integrity of the ecosystem. The economic impacts 

 (positive or negative) on these factors from the proposed action are not discussed in the 

 economic sections but are qualitatively discussed in other sections of the environmental 

 assessment. The harvesting of timber will modify the undisturbed development of the 

 forest and, as a result will affect both habitat and wildlife. The net effect of how 

 individuals value these modifications is an empirical question and may be viewed either 

 positively or negatively by different individuals. Various animal species will be either 

 positively or negatively impacted depending on their habitat needs. There will be 

 changes to the undisturbed progression of both forest and wildlife development, which 

 would be viewed differently by different individuals. The net social benefit or loss is an 

 empirical issue. The department feels that is not appropriate to mix estimates of dollar 

 values for non-monetary factors with monetary factors in the economic analysis. Granite 

 County has a long history concerning the wood products industry. During the last 20 

 years there have been at least 5 different sawmills, of varying size, located within the 

 county. At the present time there is one medium size mill operating. There is a 

 substantial amount of employment, which is associated with this mill. It is important to 

 note that a high rate of employment generates lower rates of crime, domestic violence, 

 alcohol/drug problems, and a healthier, more satisfied community. To the extent that No- 

 Action Alternative A might contribute to unemployment, the social impact of the not 

 harvesting might be a short-term negative social and economic impact on the community. 

 Conversely, to the extent that the sale provides employment, the short-term impact would 



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