^ Acres of potential goshawk nesting habitat, as defined in title, that would be affected by 



proposed harvests. 



'' Percentage of potential nesting habitat affected by harvest type (affected nesting habitat divided 



by amount of suitable habitat within project area [143 ac.]). 



'^ Percentage of potential nesting habitat affected by harvest type (affected nesting habitat divided 



by amount of suitable habitat within project area [304 ac.]). 



ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON SOILS & MITIGATION MEASURES 



Alternative A. 



The no action alternative would have some continued effects on soils. No harvest or road repair 

 would occur and existing roads with inadequate drainage would continue to erode without 

 maintenance. Some chronic erosion, and sedimentation along the segment of the irrigation ditch 

 in SEV4 of Section 8 would continue, (refer to watershed and fisheries effects section). Forest 

 health would continue to decline on overstocked areas, due to increasing competition for limited 

 soil nutrients and moisture. 



Harvest Effects common to action alternatives 



Primary soil concerns are potential displacement associated with soil disturbance during road 

 construction, harvest operations and site preparation. Potential site impacts are difficulty with 

 regeneration, reduced site productivity and increased runoff and erosion. Susceptibility to impact 

 varies with soils type, harvest method, type of equipment and season of use. Natural sediment 

 rates and potential surface erosion were considered for all soils in the watershed. 



Ground-based skidding with rubber-tired skidders, tractors or harvesters is the most economical 

 methods of timber harvest and best suited to well-drained soils of moderate slope. Skidders and 

 tractors have a higher risk of affecting soils through displacement, compaction and area of 

 disturbance, compared to in woods processors and forwarders. Main skid trails can become 

 compacted and reduce the long-term productivity of the site. The area and degree of soil impacts 

 would be mitigated by avoiding skidding on steep slopes, skid trail planning, avoiding operations 

 when wet and installing erosion control features where needed. Most sensitive soils are wet sites 



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