SHORTS MEADQW/EVERS CREEK TIMBER SALE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT March 30, 2007 leht of Natural Re: ihd Conservation iStillwater Unit /. FINDING PROPOSED SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK TIMBER SALE PROJECT STILLWATER STATE FOREST An Interdisciplinary Team (ID Team) has completed the Environmental Assess- ment (EA) for the proposed Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project. The project area is located approximately 11 miles west of Whitefish in all or portions of Sections 13, 14, and 24, Township 33 north (T33N) , Range 24 west (R24W) . The trust beneficiaries involved in the proposed actions are the School for Deaf and Blind and Public Buildings. After a thorough review of the EA, project file, public correspondence, Mon- tana statutes. State Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP), and adopted rules, I have made the following 3 decisions: 1. ALTERNATIVE SELECTED: Two alternatives are presented and were fully analyzed in the EA : • The No-Action Alternative includes existing activities, but does not include a timber harvest. • The Action Alternative proposes to: - harvest a minimum of 2 million board feet (MMbf) of sawlogs from 450 acres; - remove trees susceptible to root rot diseases and insect infesta- tions; promote regeneration of tree species less susceptible to diseases and insects; upgrade surface drainage of some stretches of road to meet Best Management Practices (BMPs); - apply treatment to reduce forest fuel to decrease the risk of wild- land fire on State lands; and - construct a portion of road that is involved in an easement shared with landowners in Section 24, T31N, R24W; thus, DNRC's costs asso- ciated with the road easement would be covered. I have selected Action Alternative with the following rationale: • The Action Alternative meets the PURPOSE OF PROPOSED ACTION (EA, Page I-l) and OBJECTIVES OF PROPOSAL (EA, Page 1-2), where the specific project objectives are listed. • The lands involved in this project are held by the State of Montana in trust for the support of specific beneficiary institutions. DNRC is required by law to administer these trust lands to produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate return over the long run (Enabling Act of February 22, 1889, 1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11; and 77-1-202, Montana Codes Annotated [MCA]). The SFLMP and associated rules provide the management philosophy and framework to evaluate which alternative would maximize real income while sustaining the production of long-term income. • On March 13, 2003, the Department adopted Administrative Rules for Forest Management [ARM 36.11.401 through 450). This project is de- signed in accordance with Forest Management Rules. • The proposed timber sale project contributes to harvest levels man- dated by State Statute (MCA 77-5-222) . • DNRC is required to salvage timber damaged by insects, diseases, fires, or wind before the timber loses value to decay, provided such harvesting is economically warranted (MCA 77-5-207) . • The analyses of identified issues did not reveal information to per- suade the Department to choose the No-Action Alternative prior to this decision. • The Action Alternative includes activities to address concerns ex- pressed by the public, which include, but are not limited to, the following : 1) The project does not harvest in identified old-growth stands. 2) The project is designed to address several aesthetic issues re- lated to timber harvesting. 3) Stream buffers and the levels of tree retention addressed in the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Law will be followed; additional trees and shrubs will be retained in the Wetland Management Zones and Riparian Management Zones. 4) An adequate number of snags and live recruitment trees will remain to provide for important wildlife habitat, down woody debris, and shading for streams. 5) Haul routes will meet BMPs. 6) The risk of wildfire will be reduced on State lands. 7) The estimated total timber-dollar revenue to the State is more than $681,000. 2. SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS For the following reasons, I find that the Action Alternative will not have significant impacts on the human environment: • No impacts are regarded as severe, enduring, geographically wide- spread, or frequent. Further, the quantity and quality of various resources, including any that may be considered unique or fragile, will not be adversely affected to a significant degree. I find no precedent for future actions that would cause significant impacts and no conflict with local. State, or Federal laws, requirements, or for- mal plans. In summary, I find that the identified adverse impacts will be avoided, controlled, or mitigated by the design of the pro- ject to the extent that the impacts are not significant. • Locally Adopted Environmental Plans and Goals - In June 1996, DNRC began a phased-in implementation of the SFLMP . The SFLMP establishes the Agency's philosophy for the management of forested trust land. In May 2003, DNRC adopted rules concerning the SFLMP. The SFLMP phi- losophy and associated Forest Management Rules are incorporated in the design of the proposed project. • Recreational Activities - Recreational opportunities will continue and will not be negatively affected by the proposed project. • Precedent Setting and Cumulative Impacts - The project area is lo- cated on State-owned lands that are "principally valuable for the timber that is on them or for growing timber or for watershed protec- tion" (MCA 77-1-402) . • Taken individually and cumulatively, the proposed activities are com- mon practices, and no project activities are being conducted on im- portant fragile or unigue sites. • The proposed timber sale project conforms to the management philoso- phies of DNRC and is in compliance with existing laws, rules, poli- cies, and standards applicable to this type of proposed action. SHOULD DNRC PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) ? Based on the following considerations, I find that an EIS does not need to be prepared: • The EA adeguately addresses the issues identified during project de- velopment and displays the information needed to make the decisions. • Evaluation of the potential impacts of the proposed Shorts Meadow/ Evers Creek Timber Sale Project indicates that no significant impacts would occur. • The ID Team provided adequate opportunities for public review and comment. Public concerns were incorporated into the project design and analysis of impacts. Michael J. McMahon Forest Management Supervisor Stillwater State Forest April 3, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS VICINITY MAP (back of front cover) FINDING HARVEST UNIT MAP CHAPTER I - PURPOSE AND NEED Introduction of Proposed Action I-l Purpose of Proposed Action I-l Objectives of Proposal 1-2 Environmental Assessment Process 1-2 Proposed Schedule of Activities 1-3 Other Agencies with Jurisdiction/Permit Requirements 1-3 Other Environmental Reviews Related to the Project 1-3 Issues and Concerns 1-3 Summarization and Tracking of Issues and Concerns (Table I-l) 1-4 Issues Dropped from Further Consideration 1-6 CHAPTER II - ALTERNATIVES Introduction I I-l Development of Alternatives II-l Alternative Descriptions II-2 Mitigations 1 1-3 Proposed Silvicultural by Unit for... (Table II-2) II-4 Environmental Effects Summary II-6 CHAPTER III - EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Introduction 1 1 I-l Vegetation and Timber Stand Analysis III-2 Watershed and Hydrology Analysis III-ll Soils Analysis III-18 Fisheries Analysis III-23 Aesthetics Analysis III-26 Economic Analysis III-28 Wildlife Analysis III-30 PREPARERS AND CONSTIBUTORS REFERENCES STIPULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS GLOSSARY ACRONYMS (front of back cover) PROPOSED SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK TIMBER SALE PROJECT AREA MAP Sections 13, 14, and 24, T31N, R24W S CHAPTER I ^ PURPOSE AND NEED INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSED ACTION The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Stillwater Unit, is proposing the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project. The project proposes to harvest timber, reduce forest fuel loading, and improve surface drainage on road systems. The gross project area encompasses approximately 1,440 acres. The lands involved in this project are held by the State of Montana in trust for the support of the School for the Deaf and Blind (Section 13, T31N, R24W) and Public Buildings (Sections 14 and 24, T31N, R24W) . The project area is 11 miles west of Whitefish and 0.75 mile northwest of Talley Lake. Two alternatives, an action and a no-action, are being analyzed. If the action alternative were selected, an estimated 2 to 3 million board feet (MMbf) of timber would be harvested from approximately 448 acres of the analysis area. Seedtree and commercial-thin silvicultural treatments would be utilized for this harvest. An existing right-of- way passes through proposed Unit 5. If the action alternative were selected, 1,200 feet of low-standard road would be constructed for seasonal use and the existing road near Evers Creek would be reclaimed to fulfill the State' s obligations in regard to that right-of-way. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED ACTION The lands involved in the proposed project are held in trust by the State of Montana for the support of specific beneficiary institutions, such as public schools. State colleges and universities, and other specific State institutions, such as the School for the Deaf and Blind {Enabling Act of February 22, 1889; 1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11) . The Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) and DNRC are legally reguired to administer these trust lands to produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate long-term return for these beneficiary institutions (Section 11— 1-202 , Montana Codes Annotated [MCA] ) . On May 30, 1996, DNRC released the Record of Decision on the State Forest Land Management Plan (SFLMP) . The Land Board approved the SFLMP' s implementation on June 17, 1996. On March 13, 2003, DNRC adopted Administrative Rules (Forest Management Rules) (Administrative Rules of Montana [ARM] 36.11.401 through 450) . The SFLMP outlines the management philosophy, and the proposal will be implemented according to the Forest Management Rules. The philosophy is: "Our premise is that the best way to produce long-term income for the trust is to manage intensively for healthy and biologically diverse forests . Our understanding is that a diverse forest is a stable forest that will produce the most reliable and highest long- term revenue stream... In the foreseeable future, timber management will continue to be our primary source of revenue and our primary tool for achieving biodiversity objectives . " OBJECTIVES OF PROPOSAL To meet the goals of the management philosophy adopted through a programmatic review of the SFLMP, DNRC has set specific objectives for the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project: • Generate revenue for the school trust by harvesting 2 to 3 MMbf of sawtimber. As mandated by State Statute 77-5-222 MCA, the proposed harvest would also contribute toward meeting DNRC s requirements for sustained yield. • Improve the long-term productivity of timber stands by increasing vigor, reducing incidence of insect infestations and disease infections, and regenerating portions of the stands where growth rates are decreasing. Actions would be done in a manner that maintains site productivity and favors the retention and regeneration of appropriate species mixes {ARM 36 .11.405) . • Reduce the risk of wildfires to State trust lands and adjacent landowners by reducing forest fuel loadings . ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) PROCESS EA DEVELOPMENT This EA was prepared in compliance with the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) of 1971. The intent of MEPA is to foster better decisions and wise actions by ensuring that relevant environmental information is available to public officials and citizens before decisions are made and actions are taken. MEPA requires State government to consider environmental impacts in its decisionmaking process . PUBLIC SCOPING The public scoping process begins during the initial stage of an EA and is used to inform the public that a State agency is proposing an action. The public has opportunity to express comments or concerns about the possible impacts of the project . In June 2006, DNRC solicited public participation on the Shorts Meadow/ Evers Creek Timber Sale Project by advertising in the Tobacco Valley News and Whitefish Pilot and mailing the initial proposal with maps to individuals, agencies, industry representatives, and other organizations that have expressed interest in Stillwater State Forest's management activities. The mailing list developed for this project is located in the project file. The public-comment period for the Initial Proposal was open for 30 days. Comments were received in the forms of 2 letters, 2 phone calls, and 4 e-mails. A field tour of the project area was conducted with interested individuals; their comments were put on record. INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM (ID TEAM) The ID Team, comprised of DNRC s wildlife biologist, hydrologist, and several foresters, identified and summarized issues and concerns raised during the public-scoping period. The issues and concerns identified through the period of public involvement are summarized in this chapter. The original comments received during the comment period are also located in the project file at the Stillwater State Forest office in Olney. In November 2005, the ID Team began to compile issues and gather information related to current conditions, activities that are required by the Forest Management Rules. Comments received from the public and other agencies were also utilized in developing the timber sale project and access issues. These issues were considered when the ID Team discussed alternative development. Based on input, the ID Team and decisionmaker made the decision to analyze the effects of 2 alternatives, an action and a no- action alternative. DECISIONS TO BE MADE The following decisions are to be made as a result of this EA and will be incorporated into the Finding. • Do the alternatives presented meet the objectives? • Does the selected alternative have significant effects on the human environment? • Should an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared? PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES If the action alternative is selected to be implemented in the finding, a timber sale contract will likely be prepared in the spring of 2007. The contract package would be tentatively scheduled for presentation to the Land Board in the spring of 2007. If the Land Board approves the package, the timber sale would be advertised for bid. Harvesting and roadwork under the contract package would occur over a single 3-year period. Postharvest activities such as site preparation, planting, and hazard reduction would occur following the harvesting activities. OTHER AGENCIES WITH JURISDICTION/ PERMIT REQUIREMENTS DEPARTMENT OF FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS A Stream Protection Act Permit (124 Permit) is reguired from DFWP for activities that may affect the natural shape and form of a stream' s channel, banks, or tributaries. MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (DEQ) A Short-Term Exemption from Montana' s Surface Water Quality Standards (318 Authorization may be reguired if temporary activities would introduce sediment above natural levels into streams. DEQ would issue this permit at the recommendation of DFWP. MONTANA AIRSHED GROUP DNRC is a member of the Montana Airshed Group, which regulates slash burning done by DNRC. DNRC receives an air-guality permit through participation in the Montana Airshed Group . OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS RELATED TO THE PROJECT To address direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to resources on a landscape level, resource analyses will consider the reguired potential effects from past, present, and future actions to resources within the defined analysis area. The Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project analysis utilizes information from historical sales to examine the conditions of wildlife and cultural resources in the existing environment, but does not tier to any specific analysis. Portions of the Shorts Meadow Timber Sale Project completed in 1997, the Shorts Rainbow Reciprocal Access Project (2002 ) , and the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (February 2004) are within and adjacent to the project area. ISSUES AND CONCERNS Throughout the scoping process, resource specialists of DNRC and other agencies and the public raised concerns about the project's potential impacts on the environment. DNRC considered these concerns in the development of project alternatives (see CHAPTER II - ALTERNATIVES) . A summary of the issues addressed in this Environmental Assessment (EA) are presented by resource in TABLE I-l - SUMMARY AND TRACKING OF ISSUES AND CONCERNS FROM PUBLIC COMMENTS. TABLE I-l - SUMMARIZATION AND TRACKING OF ISSUES AND CONCERNS RESOURCE CONCERN OR WHERE ADDRESSED AREA ISSUE IN EA PACKAGE Vegetation The timber harvest and proposed prescriptions have the potential to increase fire hazards from logging slash . Pages III-8 and III-9 Insect infestations have had varying Table II-2 on Page II- levels of effect on stand health in 7; Pages III-6 and III- the project area. Timber harvesting 7 and the treatment of slash have the potential to improve these circumstances . Timber harvesting in stands of old- Dismissed - See Page I- growth timber may affect the amount 6 and distribution of old growth remaining on Stillwater Unit. Disturbances from timber harvesting Dismissed - See Page I- and the potential increases and/or 6 decreases in water levels could have an effect on sensitive plants located within the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek sections . Soil disturbances and logging Table II-2 on Page II- equipment could increase the amount 9; Page III-9 and III- and distribution of noxious weeds in 10 the project area. Disturbances from timber harvesting Table II-2 on Page II- could increase root disease and 7; Pages III-9 and III- insect infestation in remaining 10 trees . Water Timber harvesting and road Table II-2 on Page II- Quality and construction have the potential to 8; Pages III-14 through Water Yield increase water yield, which, in turn, may affect stream-channel stability. III-16 Tree canopy removal due to timber Table II-2 on Page II- harvesting and road construction may 8; Pages III-14 through increase sediment delivery to streams III-16 and affect water quality. Soils Timber harvesting may result in Table II-2 on Page II- changes to the physical properties of 9; Pages III-19 through soil due to compaction and III-20 displacement . RESOURCE CONCERN OR WHERE ADDRESSED AREA ISSUE IN EA PACKAGE Fisheries Actions related to the proposed Table II-2 on Pages timber sale may increase sediment II-9 and 11-10; Pages delivery and adversely affect stream III-24 and III-25 temperatures, stream shading, stream sediments, and recruitable large woody debris in Evers Creek, Logan Creek, and North Fork Evers Creek. Aesthetics Logging along roadways would impact Table II-2 on Page II- visuals . 10; Pages III-26 and III-27 Economics The amount of money this sale can Table II-2 on Page II- generate for the trust beneficiaries 10 and 11-11; Pages is primarily an issue that needs to III-28 and III-29 be addressed for decisionmaking. Wildlife Timber harvesting could reduce Dismissed - See Page habitat available for bald eagles in 1-6 the Tally Lake home-range territory. Timber harvesting could remove Table II-2 on Page II- important structure and canopy cover 13 and 11-14; Pages used by fishers, thereby reducing III-32 and III-40 and fisher habitat in the area. III-41 Timber harvesting and road Table II-2 on Page II- construction could displace grizzly 13; Pages III-38 and bears from important habitats and/or III-39 reduce grizzly bear security by reducing hiding cover and visual screening . Timber harvesting could remove snags Table II-2 on Page Ti- and snag-recruitment trees needed by ll; Pages III-33 pileated woodpeckers and other wildlife species, resulting in decreased habitat availability for these species. Timber harvesting and road management Table II-2 on Page II- could disrupt white-tailed deer 15; Pages III-42 migration to their winter range. through III-44 Timber harvests could disrupt Pages III-42 through connectivity of habitats used by III-44 forest-dwelling species. RESOURCE CONCERN OR WHERE ADDRESSED AREA ISSUE IN EA PACKAGE Wildlife Unrestricted motorized access could Table II-2 on Page II- lead to avoidance of adjacent 13; Pages III-38 habitats . Timber harvests could reduce the Dismissed - See Page amount and quality of old-growth 1-6. habitat, thereby reducing habitat for old-growth-associated species. Timber harvests could remove or Table II-2 on Page II- change lynx habitat. 12; Pages III-35 and III-36 Timber harvests could improve habitat Dismissed - See Page conditions, but could also result in 1-6 the reduction of important habitat components for flammulated owls. ISSUES DROPPED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION OLD GROWTH The DNRC definition of old growth are those stands having the minimum number of trees per acre that have a minimum dbh and a minimum age for a given site. These minimums are listed in Old Growth Forest Types of the Northern Region (Green et al 1992), although some minor adaptations have been made due to data compatibility. Within the Stillwater Unit Analysis area, STW 2006 Stand Level Inventory (SLI) data was reviewed. Models within the SLI identify stands that have the potential of meeting DNRC s old- growth definition. Within proposed project areas, field verification is conducted with either reconnaissance surveys or plot surveys . Information gathered would update or change SLI data as habitat types, live trees per acre, age of overstory, number and size of snags, etc . Using SLI data, no old growth was identified in the Shorts Meadow/ Evers Creek Project area; the nonpresence of old growth was confirmed with field reconnaissance. SENSITIVE PLANTS The Montana Natural Heritage Program was consulted to determine if any sensitive plants are known to be present in the project area; none are present . BALD EAGLE The project area falls at the edge of the 2.5-mile radius of the home range and accounts for 305 acres of the 12,566-acre home range (2.4 percent) . All proposed activities (approximately 85 acres) occur at least 2 miles from the nest location. Therefore, disturbance to nesting eagles that could result in nest failure or abandonment is highly unlikely. Additionally, the project area does not contain any known key feeding sites (lakes, streams, potholes, ground squirrel colonies, etc.) or big game winter range that provide important food sources needed by the Tally Lake breeding pair for successful reproduction. Therefore, neither alternative is expected to affect bald eagles. FLAMMULATED OWLS No flammulated owl habitat is present within the project area. S CHAPTER II ^ ALTERNATIVES INTRODUCTION Chapter II describes alternatives for the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project and summarizes the predicted effects of implementing each alternative. Included is a summary of the alternative-development process that occurred on this project. TABLE II -2 - SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS summarizes predicted effects from detailed environmental analyses (see CHAPTER III - EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS) . DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVES The Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area was proposed for a timber sale project in the fall of 2004. The area was identified for timber harvesting primarily because of the need to reduce fuel loads and stocking densities on State land in the vicinity of private residences in the Shorts Meadow area. After identifying the project area, this project was included in the Northwestern Land Office (NWLO) 3- year listing of upcoming timber sale proposals. The listing was sent to interested parties. The ID Team began work on the project in the spring of 2006. The role of an ID team is to summarize issues and concerns, develop and define management options, and, in reference to issues, analyze predicted and potential impacts of a proposal on the human and natural environment . Throughout the year in 2006, ID team members and other DNRC personnel were involved in field reconnaissance and data collection in the project area. Information was collected on: - existing roads to determine improvement needs for surface drainage, ditch relief, stream crossings, and safety features; - timber-stand characteristics, presence of old-growth, root disease infections, insect infestations, noxious weeds, and sensitive plant species; - specific and general watershed characteristics; and - wildlife and fish habitats. Field data was used to define the project and analyze the alternatives and their potential effects. Using this information within the framework of the SFLMP and associated Forest Management Rules, an initial proposal was developed. The initial proposal began the public scoping period. Within the context of public comments, continuing field reconnaissance, and specific resource concerns, the ID Team considered the need or benefit of developing additional alternatives (see TABLE I - SUMMARY AND TRACKING OF ISSUES AND CONCERNS FROM PUBLIC COMMENTS) . The ID Team determined that the issues directly related to proposed actions could be addressed through minor changes in the project design and/or mitigation measure. Based on determination of the ID Team, issues and concerns did not drive further alternative development. The ID Team developed an action proposal within the framework of the Administrative Rules for Forest Management. ALTERNATIVE DESCRIPTIONS This section describes 2 alternatives, the No-Action Alternative and Action Alternative. The decisionmaker may select a modification or combination of these alternatives . DESCRIPTION OF THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE Under the No-Action Alternative, no timber harvesting or timber- management revenue generation for the public school trusts would occur in the Shorts Meadow Timber Sale Project area at this time. Improvements to roads and stream crossings on existing access roads would occur under an existing Temporary Road Use Permit with USFS. The 1,200 feet of road to be built under the Shorts Rainbow Reciprocal Access Project would be built in the future, but the existing road in Unit 5 would not be reclaimed. Salvage logging, firewood gathering, recreational use, fire suppression, noxious-weed control, additional reguests for permits and easements, and ongoing management reguests may occur. Road maintenance may occur when funding is available. Nonpoint -source sediment -de livery from roads may occur. Seasonal road closures may be installed to protect water quality and investments in road maintenance. Natural events, such as plant succession, tree mortality due to insect infestations and disease infections, windthrow, down fuel accumulation, an in-growth of ladder fuels, and wildfires, would continue to occur. Future proposed management activities, including timber harvesting, would go through the appropriate level of environmental analyses before implementation . The No-Action Alternative may be used as a baseline for comparing the effects that the Action Alternative would have on the environment and is considered a possible alternative for selection. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION ALTERNATIVE • Timber-Management Activities Regeneration harvests by seedtree methods are proposed on approximately 358 acres and commercial-thin methods are proposed on 90 acres. These treatments would remove between 2 and 3 million board feet (MMbf) of timber. Treatments would be accomplished with both ground- based and skyline logging equipment . The harvest units that use seedtree treatments would cut all merchantable timber with the exception of 8 to 10 of the larger-diameter western larch, Douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine per acre. The selected seedtrees would show the most vigor, contain the healthiest crowns, and have the potential to produce healthy cone crops. Following machine scarification and the piling of logging slash, Douglas-fir and western larch would be expected to regenerate naturally in these openings. Units 10 and 13, consisting of approximately 44 acres, would be broadcast burned to reduce the harvest-generated logging slash and reduce the natural competition to seedlings that common juniper presents. These proposed units have ponderosa pine in the overstory and would be planted with ponderosa pine seedlings. Broadcast burning is dependent upon funding, timing, availability of personnel, and the weather. If broadcast burning efforts do not come together, slash generated from logging would be machine piled and burned. In the commercial-thin harvest units, 40 to 60 percent of the trees would be harvested to reduce stocking density, improve growth rates and vigor, and increase the amount of western larch representation in the stand. Hazard reduction for logging slash would meet the State Hazard Reduction Law. Specifically, areas within 1,000 feet of a residential structure would meet the High Standard specification under this law. Around the perimeter of the harvest unit, the entire harvested tree, including the top and branches, would be removed to the landing site. Proposed Silvicultural Treatments If the Action Alternative were chosen, several harvest treatments (silvicultural prescriptions) would be required to meet the desired management objectives. A variation of silvicultural prescriptions within a proposed harvest unit would emulate the effects of mixed-severity and stand-replacement fires across the landscape . In some buffer areas adjacent to streams and wetlands, limited harvesting would occur to ensure compliance with the Montana SMZ law . Following site preparation and hazard reduction, the proposed silvicultural treatments would leave approximately 10 to 15 tons of coarse woody debris (greater diameter than 3 inches) per acre in harvest units. Where available, approximately 2 large snags and 2 large live trees for snag recruits would be retained per acre in harvest units. Silvicultural treatments that would be applied to each harvest unit are specified in TABLE II-l PROPOSED SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS BY UNIT FOR THE ACTION ALTERNATIVE. The following are silvicultural prescriptions proposed under the Action Alternative : - Modified Seedtree with Reserves Approximately 8 to 10 large western larch and Douglas-fir trees per acre would be retained, individually and in clumps, to provide future snags, cavity-nesting sites, and a seed source. Existing snags and small clumps of younger trees would also be retained to provide for structural and species diversity. - Commercial Thinning Forty to sixty percent of the existing overstory would be harvested to reduce stocking density and improve growth rates and vigor. The residual stand would consist of the most vigorous and largest-diameter trees currently on site. Douglas-fir, western larch, and clumps of western red cedar would be the preferred species of retention. MITIGATIONS To accomplish the various elements of the proposed project, certain methods or mitigation measures would be designed into the project and applied. Mitigation measures are designed to reduce impacts and protect resources during harvesting and road-improvement activities. Many are written into the Forest Management Rules, but are substantial enough to the design of the project to mention here again. Other mitigation measures pertinent to this project will be tracked in STIPULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS. Many mitigation measures are designed to be incorporated into the Timber Sale Contract or site- preparation contract clauses and are implemented through contract administration . WILDLIFE • Existing closure devices would be reinforced to reduce illegal motorized use. • Strips of vegetation would be retained along open roads and pockets of regenerating trees and unharvested trees would be retained within all harvest units to break up sight distances where broken terrain and vegetation outside of the units are insufficient . Unit lA, a 10-acre harvest unit located along the northwestern edge of the project area, was dropped from this alternative to retain a minimum of 5 acres of denning habitat for lynx, thereby complying with ARM 36 .11.436 (8) [a] . TABLE II-l - PROPOSED SILVICULTURAL TREATMENTS BY UNIT FOR THE ACTION ALTERNATIVE {Note: Acres and thousand board feet (Mbf) may change based on continuing field work and unit layout .) SITE PREPARATION AND HAZARD REDUCTION METHOD OF UNIT # ACRES TREATMENT YARDING METHOD HARVEST VOLUME (MBF) REGENERATION IN AREAS BEING REGENERATED lA 10 Seedtree Tractor Lop and scatter/ excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration IB 29 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration IC 3 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration 2 30 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration 3A 69 Seedtree (40 acres) commercial thin (29 acres) Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration 3B 6 Seedtree Tractor Lop and scatter/ excavator scarify, pile, and burn Natural regeneration 4 4 Commercial thin Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter 5 54 Seedtree (40 acres) Commercial thin (14 acres) Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration SITE PREPARATION AND HAZARD REDUCTION METHOD OF UNIT # ACRES TREATMENT YARDING METHOD HARVEST VOLUME (MBF) REGENERATION IN AREAS BEING REGENERATED 6 44 Seedtree (31 acres) Commercial thin (13 acres Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 7 47 Seedtree (28 acres) Commercial thin (19 acres) Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 8 21 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 9 46 Seedtree (39 acres) Commercial thin (7 acres) Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 10 32 Seedtree Combination tractor and skyline Broadcast burn Natural regeneration /interplant western larch and ponderosa pine 11 15 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 12 21 Seedtree Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration 13 12 Seedtree Skyline Broadcast burn Natural regeneration /interplant western larch and ponderosa pine 14 15 Seedtree (11 acres) Commercial thin (4 acres) Tractor Excavator scarify, pile, and burn/lop and scatter Natural regeneration ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS SUMMARY TABLE II-2 - SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS contains a summary of the information found in CHAPTER III - EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS. This table displays information on the environmental effects of the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area and the entire Stillwater State Forest as it relates to the issues associated with the project proposal. The current, or existing, condition can be viewed as a baseline condition, which can be used to compare the predicted changes with the selection of either alternative. For more in- depth discussions of the individual resources, see CHAPTER III - EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE DIRECT AND CUMULATIVE INDIRECT EFFECTS EFFECTS VEGETATION Covertype JWo-Jlction ^Ilfernafii'e No changes would be expected. Other timber sale forest- management actions would increase the amount of western white pine and western larch/ Douglas-fir covertypes by reducing mixed-conifer. subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine covertypes. Jlctlon ^llferiiative Approximately 171 acres of the Cumulative effects would be mixed-conifer covertype and 23 the same as under the No- acres of the lodgepole pine Action Alternative. covertype would be converted to a western larch/Douglas-fir covertype. Approximately 251 acres of the western larch covertype and 3 acres of the lodgepole pine covertype would remain unchanged. Age class JWo-Jlction JlUernatii'e No changes would be expected. Other forest-management actions would increase the amount of area in the O-to-39- year age class by decreasing the percent of area from other age classes. Jlction „11ternative No changes would be expected. Cumulative effects would be the same as under the No- Action Alternative. Insects and diseases J\o-Jlcfion Jllternatii'e Infestation, mortality, and Increases to insect loss of sawlog value would infestation and disease continue at current rates. infection occurrences can be expected as timber stands become more densely stocked, have less vigor, and contain increased levels of blown down timber . RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS VEGETATION (continued) Insects and diseases (continued) Noxious weeds Forest fuels Action Alternative The increased vigor of the new regeneration and species being retained for seedtrees, primarily western larch and ponderosa pine, would improve long-term resistance to insect and disease problems. Trees that are highly susceptible to root rot would be harvested, recovering potential loss in value . JWo-Jlction Alternative The condition in the postharvest timber stands would be less conducive to mortality and loss of value from insect and disease attacks given that the proposed action would reduce stocking density, increase vigor, and remove concentrations of blowdown. Recreat ionalists using the project area would continue to introduce and spread weed seeds. No revenue would be collected to fund the noxious- weed program. Roads in the project area would continue to have dispersed traffic from recreation and timber- management activities, thus increasing exposure to weed establishment. If funding remains available through the weed-management program, some of the large populations in the analysis area would be treated. Action Alternative Additional motorized vehicle traffic would occur and mineral soil would be exposed. Mitigation measures have been designed for the project to minimize effects. Behind road closures, sale roads would be sprayed before roadwork begins and during the sale. JVo-Actioti Alternative Cumulative effects would be the same as under the No- Action Alternative. No direct effects would take place under this alternative. Fuel loads and distribution would increase, as would the risk of stand-replacement wildfires and associated fire suppression costs. Action Alternative Forest succession and stand development would continue as determined by site conditions, weather, timber management, and those factors described under EXISTING CONDITIONS. The existing overstory would be thinned, ladder fuels would be reduced, and a large percentage of species that would be susceptible to mortality from wildfires would be removed. Created openings would help wildfire suppression efforts. Cumulative effects would be the same as under the No- Action Alternative. RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS HYDROLOGY Sediment delivery No direct effects effects would be an increased risk of sediment delivery to streams from crossings that do no meet applicable BMPs. JWo-Jlction Jllternatu'e Indirect All existing sources of sediment would continue to recover or degrade as dictated by natural and preexisting conditions until funding became available for repair. Jlctton Alternative Erosion control and BMPs would be improved on approximately 6 miles of existing road. The risk of sediment delivery to streams would be very low as a result of the proposed timber- harvesting activities. Over the long term, with the installation of more effective surface drainage and erosion- control features on the existing road system, cumulative sediment delivery to streams in the project area would be lower than existing conditions . Water yield JVo-Action Alternative No direct effects would take place . Cumulative effects on water yield would include an increase in annual water yield to 8.6 percent in the Evers Creek and 9.6 percent in Johnson Creek watersheds as a result of ongoing timber management on FNF lands within the project area watersheds. Existing harvest units would continue to revegetate and move closer to the premanagement levels of water use and snowpack distribution . Action Alternative The annual water yield would increase by an estimated 1.4 percent in the Evers Creek watershed and 1.5 percent in the Johnson Creek watershed. These levels of water yield increases would not be sufficient to create unstable stream channels. The removal of trees, combined with ongoing forest management on FNF land, would increase the water yield in the Evers Creek watershed from its current level of approximately 6.2 percent over unharvested to an estimated 10.1 percent, and the Johnson Creek watershed from its current level of approximately 8.5 percent over unharvested to an estimated 11.1 percent. A low risk of adverse cumulative impacts to water guality would occur as a result of this alternative. RESOURCE SOILS DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS JVo-„lcfioH ./dlternative No direct or indirect effects to the physical properties of soils in the project area would be expected. No ground-based activities would take place, which would leave the soil resources in the project area unchanged from the description in the EXISTING CONDITIONS portion of this analysis. miction Jllternative No effects would be expected. Based on DNRC soil monitoring, direct impacts would be expected on up to 41 of the total 448 acres proposed for harvesting. Soil monitoring conducted on DNRC lands shows that sites harvested on Stillwater State Forest on similar soils with ground-based machinery had a range of impacts from 4.6 to 9.0 percent of the acres treated {DNRC, 2004) . As a result, the extent of impacts expected would likely be similar to those reported by Collins {DNRC 2004), or approximately 4.6 to 9.0 percent of ground-based harvested acres. Potential impacts to soils from cable- yarding units would be less than 10 percent of the area, provided corridors are approximately 75 feet apart and have impacts confined to a 6- to 8-foot width. Approximately 0.25 acre of new road would be constructed with the Active Alternative. This road would generate less than 1.0 acre of additional direct impacts to soil physical properties beyond the harvesting activities. Approximately 151 acres with previous timber sale operations would be entered. Cumulative effects to soils may occur from repeated entries into a forest stand where additional ground is impacted by equipment operations. Existing skid trails where compaction has begun to ameliorate through freeze-thaw cycles and revegetation would return to a higher level of impact due to this alternative. Additional trials may also be required if existing trails are in undesirable locations. Cumulative impacts to physical properties of soils under this alternative would still fall below the range analyzed for in the EXPECTED FUTURE CONDITIONS section of the SFLMP and are well within the 20-percent impacted area established as a level of concern in the SFLUMP (DNRC, 1996) . FISHERIES JVo-„lctioH .Uteniatire No direct or indirect effects would be expected on fish populations or fish habitat in the Evers Creek and Logan Creek watersheds. Direct and indirect effects would be limited to those under current and natural conditions . The effects of past ground- based operations in the proposed project area have not led to any identified sources of sediment to spawning sites in Evers Creek or the unnamed tributary to Logan Creek. RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS FISHERIES (continued) AESTHETICS Action .lUernative Portions of some of the proposed units are located within the SMZs of Evers Creek and an unnamed tributary to Logan Creek above Tally Lake. Some timber harvesting is proposed within the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) and Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) . All proposed timber management within these areas will meet all applicable SMZ Rules, and would satisfy ARM 36.11.425 (5) and 36 . 11 . 425 ( 9) . As a result, a low risk of adverse effects is expected to stream shading, stream temperature, and large woody debris recruitment in Evers Creek and the unnamed tributary to Logan Creek. The effects of past ground- based operations in the proposed project area have not led to any identified sources of sediment to spawning sites in the Evers Creek watershed and the unnamed tributary to Logan Creek watershed. The inclusion of the direct and indirect effects expected from the action alternative and Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project would have a low risk of changing this. As a result, the proposed action alternative would have low risk of adverse cumulative impacts on fisheries populations in the Evers Creek watershed, the unnamed tributary to Logan Creek, or downstream waters . ECONOMICS J\o-Jlction Jllternatiee Excluding natural events, views would not change in the project area in the near future . A wildfire occurring in this area may be intensive and extensive, changing views over a large area quickly. Timber harvesting on adjacent sections would likely continue, providing a more distinct view into State land. Jlction Jlltemattve Damage to vegetation and disturbances to soil would have short-term effects with applied mitigations. Viewing distances into harvest units would be increased due to the reduction in tree densities. Cumulative effects would be the same as under the No- Action Alternative. JVo-Jlction ^Ilternatu'e Trust revenue from the project area would not be realized at this time. A considerable amount of timber would deteriorate beyond commercial value for forest products if no harvesting takes place in the near future. No change to the area' s economy would be expected provided a local mill purchases a substituted amount of timber. Lack of a viable substitution could result in a negative effect to DNRC s annual cash flow. RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ECONOMICS (continued) Jlction .lUernative An estimated $623,955 in project revenue would be deposited into school trust accounts and approximately $57,525 into the FI account. Approximately $8,523 of road improvements would be accomplished. Cost for site preparation and reforestation would be reinvested in the harvest units from the FI account (approximately $126 per acre for a total of $57,525) . If implemented, a local mill would likely purchase this timber sale and the local economy would benefit from the availability of the sold stumpage . WILDLIFE Snags and coarse woody debris Gray wolf J\o-Jlction Jllternatiee No direct changes would be expected in the deadwood resources. Snags would continue to provide wildlife habitats and new snags would be recruited as trees die. Continued decay and decline in the existing snags and trees would continue to contribute to the coarse woody debris in the project area. Snags and snag recruits have been retained with recent harvesting across Stillwater State Forest. Wildlife relying on snags and coarse woody debris would be expected to persist across the analysis area . Jlction .lUernative Timber harvesting could reduce present and future deadwood material. Several snags and snag recruits would be planned for retention within the proposed units. Future snag quality would be enhanced with silvicultural prescriptions that should lead to the reestablishment of shade- intolerant species. The proposed harvesting would reduce structure available for species that use deadwood, especially those species that use medium to small snag structures . The loss of snags and coarse woody debris associated with this alternative would be additive to the loss associated with past harvesting and any firewood gathering occurring in the analysis area. Wildlife relying on snags and coarse woody debris are expected to persist across the analysis area . JWo-Jlctiou ^llternatii'e Disturbance to wolves would not increase. RESOURCE WILDLIFE (continued DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Gray wolf (continued) ^JctioH Alternative The project design and contract stipulations are expected to minimize the effects that this project would have on wolves by limiting sight distances and not increasing motorized access. Since these activities occur away from den and rendezvous sites, negligible effects to wolves would be expected. In addition to this project, activities associated with private residences and harvests under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project provide additional mortality risk and reduction of visual screening. The human disturbance and habitat alteration associated with these activities could result in habitat shifts away from adjacent habitats. Since these activities occur away from den and rendezvous sites, negligible effects to wolves would be expected. Canada lynx JVo-„lctioH ./llternative No lynx habitat would be affected. Action Alternative Harvesting is proposed on 409 acres of Denning and Other Habitat . A 10-acre harvest unit located along the northwestern edge of the project area was dropped from this alternative to retain a minimum of 5 acres of denning habitat, thereby complying with ARM 36.11.436 (8) [a] . Since the project area is likely marginal lynx habitat, the short-term reduction in available habitat and the longer term potential increase in foraging habitat would likely have negligible effects to lynx. In addition to the direct and indirect effects, the USFS Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project analyzed lynx habitat and the impacts of the proposed activities in the Evers Reid LAU to find that denning and forage habitats were adequate for the LAU {USDA USFS, 2004) . The USFS analysis did not consider most stands in the project area as lynx habitat because these lands lie below 4,100 feet in elevation. The USFS analysis included 46 acres in Section 24 as lynx habitat; however, these acres are not proposed for harvesting under the Shorts Meadow Timber Sale Project. Therefore, since adequate habitat is available for lynx in the USFS-defined LAU and the proposed harvest units were not considered as lynx habitat in that analysis, the changes discussed above would not reduce the analysis area's ability to support lynx . RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS WILDLIFE (continued Grizzly bear Fisher J\o-Jlction Jllternative No direct effects to grizzly bears would be expected. Timber harvesting would occur on adjacent USFS lands under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project. Proposed activities on Plum Creek timberlands are unknown. Hunting and other nonmotorized activities would occur away from the open roads in the analysis area. Since grizzly bear use in the area is likely low and transitory, the cumulative effects of these activities would likely have negligible effect on grizzly bears using the area. Jlction Jllternatiee Harvesting activities and log hauling during the nondenning period would cause high levels of disturbance that would likely discourage bear use in the project area. If harvesting and hauling occur during the denning season, no disturbance would occur. The visual screening called for in the project design would retain security at key feeding sites and along open roads. Bear use of the area appears to be low; therefore, any effects resulting from this project are expected to be negligible . JWo-Jletion Timber harvesting would occur on adjacent USFS land under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project. Proposed activities on Plum Creek timberlands are unknown. Hunting and other nonmotorized activities would occur away from the open roads in the analysis area. Since bear use in the area is likely low and transitory, the cumulative effects of these activities would likely have a negligible effect on grizzly bears using the area. Jllternative No fisher habitat would be harvested. Over time, fisher habitat would increase as stands continue to age and deadwood increases. Timber harvesting is planned for adjacent sections of USFS lands. Approximately 36 acres of additional habitat would be removed from the analysis area and habitat quality could be reduced on another 120 acres. Taken cumulatively, fisher habitat and movement corridors would be retained throughout the project area and on adjacent lands. Negligible effects are expected under both alternatives; however, less effect would occur with the No-Action Alternative. RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS WILDLIFE (continued Fisher (continued) Pileated woodpecker Jlction I This alternative proposes to harvest 301 acres of upland and 11 acres of riparian fisher habitat. Although fisher habitat would be removed or decreased in quality, 485 acres (60.7 percent) of upland and 35 acres (76.1 percent) of riparian fisher habitat would be retained in the project area. These acres could continue to provide some habitat and movement corridors. As other stands continue to age, fisher habitat could be increased. Therefore, negligible effects to fishers are expected with this alternative. llternative Timber harvesting is planned for adjacent sections of USFS land. Approximately 36 acres of additional habitat would be removed from the analysis area and habitat quality could be reduced on another 120 acres. Taken cumulatively, fisher habitat and movement corridors would be retained throughout the project area and on adjacent lands. Negligible effects are expected. J\o-Jlctton Jllternative The amount and quality of pileated woodpecker habitat would remain unchanged in the project area in the short term. In the longer term, current timber stands would likely produce larger trees and snags that could increase the amount of habitat available for pileated woodpecker use. Timber harvesting on USFS land under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project would affect 225 acres. After this project is completed, 1,451 acres, or 15.1 percent of the analysis area, would remain as potential woodpecker habitat. Additionally, firewood harvesting would continue to remove snags and down wood, especially near open roads . The removal of deadwood reduces feeding and potential nesting structure for pileated woodpeckers. The quantity and quality of pileated woodpecker habitat would remain low, resulting in continued limited habitat for this species . RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS WILDLIFE (continued Pileated woodpecker (continued) Jlction Jllternatiee Timber harvesting would reduce canopy cover on 76 acres (38 percent of existing habitats on DNRC-managed lands, or 4.5 percent of habitats in the cumulative-effects analysis area) of pileated woodpecker habitats. Pileated woodpecker habitat could be reduced in the short term, but structure and preferred tree species would be retained. Where 40 percent or more canopy cover is retained, pileated woodpeckers use could continue to some degree in the short term, with use increasing as the retained tree canopy closes in the future. The reduction in pileated woodpecker habitats on 76 acres of DNRC-managed lands would be additive to the 225 acres of habitat reductions planned for in the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project. After these projects are completed, 1,375 acres, or 14.3 percent of the analysis area, would remain as potential woodpecker habitat. Additionally, firewood harvesting would continue to remove snags and down wood, especially near open roads . The removal of deadwood reduces feeding and potential nesting structure for pileated woodpeckers. Overall, the quantity and quality of pileated woodpecker habitat would continue to be limited, resulting in continued limited habitat for this species. WILDLIFE - BIG GAME SPECIES White-tail deer J\o-^ction jllternative The habitat conditions and movement corridors would remain intact, resulting in no change in habitat use or migration paths through the project area. Timber harvesting is occurring on USFS lands adjacent to the project area. These harvests could reduce the amount of cover in the area, but would not prevent big game travel through the project area or adjacent lands . ./Iction Jllternatiee Approximately 448 acres of forested habitats would be harvested. The location of these units provide areas of forested or hiding cover interspersed throughout the project area, which an animal could use to successfully move through the project area. In addition to the effects discussed in direct and indirect effects, timber harvesting is occurring on USFS lands adjacent to the project area. These harvests could reduce the amount of cover in the area, but would not combine with this alternative to prevent big game travel through the project area or adjacent lands . RESOURCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS CUMULATIVE EFFECTS WILDLIFE - BIG GAME SPECIES (continued) Big game security JWo-Jlction No changes to big game vulnerability would occur. JllternaUve Timber is currently being harvested on USFS lands, which would reduce vegetation that provides hiding cover. These reductions could result in habitat shifts, but are unlikely to affect ungulate population levels. Action ,/llternatiee No changes in elk security cover would be expected since security cover does not exist completely within the project area . Timber is currently being harvested on USFS lands. These harvests would add to the effects of the Action Alternative by further reducing vegetation that would provide hiding cover. These reductions could result in habitat shifts, but are unlikely to affect ungulate population levels. I CHAPTER III \ EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND k ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES INTRODUCTION This chapter describes both the existing environment and environmental effects relevant to the resource issues defined in CHAPTER I-PUROSE AND NEED and is arranged in the same order. The following information, presented by issue category, presents both the existing conditions, or the affected environment, and the potential environmental effects on the resource as the result of implementing either the No-Action Alternative or Action Alternative. The description of the affected environment, in part, serves as a baseline to compare changes resulting from the Action Alternative. VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION This analysis provides a detailed description of the conditions of the forest in the analysis area and addresses the potential effects of the proposed alternatives related to the following issues: - forest covertypes - age class distributions - insects and diseases - forest fuels - noxious weeds ANALYSIS METHODS BACKGROUND The Forest Management Rules direct DNRC to take a coarse-filter approach to biodiversity by favoring an appropriate mix of stand structures and tree-species composition; this appropriate mix is described as the desired future conditions on State land (DNRC 2003) . To implement a coarse-filter approach and meet the directive, landscape-analysis technigues were used to determine desired future conditions and forest covertype representation, as well as age-class distribution and structural characteristics . METHODS Landscape-Level Analysis Information from the timber stand inventory in the 1930s was used in the Lozensky 1993 data to estimate the proportion of various stages of structure by covertype as they were historically represented throughout the Inland Northwest. This provides an estimate of the natural characteristics of forests prior to fire suppression and active timber management . The Stillwater Stand Level Inventory (SLI) , specifically STW SLI_2006, was used to assign current covertypes. Areas displaying DNRC s desired future conditions have been delineated in the Forest Management Bureau' s DEC DATASET and are based on ecological characteristics, such as landtypes, climatic sections, habitat types, and disturbance regimes, found in the SLI data. This information is available at the Stillwater Unit office in Olney. Historic age-class distributions were taken from the results of Lozensky^ s analysis on the Upper Flathead Valley (Lozensky 1997) . Project-Level Analysis To assess the existing condition of the project area and surrounding landscape, a variety of technigues were used. Field visits, scientific literature, SLI data, and consultations with other professionals provided information for the analysis. The existing condition and effects assessments for insects, diseases, noxious weeds, and forest fuels consider: - forest covertypes, - tree species and size classes, - fire regimes, and - risks associated with fire and further insect infestations and disease infections, and - potential changes to noxious weed populations . ANALYSIS AREA The coarse-filter analysis will consider historic conditions from Climatic Section 333c, which represents the Upper Flathead Valley (Lozensky 1997) . The current and desired future forest conditions will be analyzed on forested lands administered by Stillwater Unit. Stillwater Unit administers Stillwater State Forest, Coal Creek State Forest, and scattered lands in northeastern Flathead and Lincoln counties . Assessments of insects, diseases, fuel, noxious weed conditions, and aesthetics were conducted on the VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS 1,440 acres within the project area. COVERTYPES AND AGE CLASSES EXISITING CONDITION Covertype refers to the dominant tree species that currently occupy a forested area. TABLE III-l - THE CURRENT AND DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS OF COVERTYPES ON FORESTED LAND ADMINISTERED BY STILLWATER UNIT (BY PERCENT) illustrates the current forest covertypes and desired future conditions, which means those covertypes that are appropriate for the site are based on those ecological characteristics described above . Data indicates, as illustrated by TABLE III-l - THE CURRENT AND DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS OF COVERTYPES ON FORESTED LAND ADMINISTERED BY STILLWATER UNIT (BY PERCENT) , that mixed-conifer and subalpine fir stands are currently overrepresented in reference to conditions that DNRC feels appropriate for the site. The appropriate covertype distribution is based on the current percent of species mix, fire and fire- suppression history, western white pine blister rust mortality, harvest history, and local site conditions. Many of the species that make up the mixed-conifer and subalpine covertypes are shade tolerant, and stand structure tends to be multistoried . The multistoried structure has resulted, in part, from the ingrowth of the shade- tolerant trees over time. Therefore, the component of shade- tolerant species increases as the interval between disturbances, such as wildfire or harvesting, is lengthened . The western larch/Douglas-fir and western white pine covertypes are currently underrepresented on the forest in reference to the appropriate covertype distribution. Western larch and western white pine are not shade tolerant and have, historically, been perpetuated through fairly intensive disturbances such as wildfires. These disturbances most often created single- and two-storied stands of primarily western larch and Douglas-fir overstories and western larch, western white pine, and Douglas-fir understories . While western larch is not shade tolerant, past silvicultural treatments have promoted multistoried western larch/ Douglas-fir stands with numerous age classes represented in small groups of trees within larger stands. TABLE III-l - THE CURRENT AND DESIRED FUTURE CONDITIONS OF COVERTYPES ON FORESTED LAND ADMINISTERED BY STILLWATER UNIT (BY PERCENT) CURRENT COVERTYPE i-u«Rc,iNx DESIRED OR APPROPRIATE COVERTYPE (%) Douglas-fir 3.5 1.4 Subalpine fir 25.6 16.3 Lodgepole pine 10.7 9.9 Ponderosa pine 0.8 1.7 Mixed conifer 26.1 6.5 Western larch/Douglas-fir 24.5 47.4 Western white pine 2.6 14. 8 Hardwoods 3.2 3.1 Area that does not have a covertype designated in the SLI* 4.3 *A major portion of those stands not inventoried with a covertype are from stands that were involved in the stand-replacement fires of the Moose Fire of 2001; at the time of data collection, 2001 and 2002, these areas were nonstocked. Reconnaissance since the fire and salvage harvest shows that many areas are regenerating to the early successional covertypes of primarily lodgepole pine or western larch/Douglas-fir . VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS Additionally, white pine blister rust infection has drastically affected the western white pine covertype. In reality, the number of healthy western white pine that occupy the canopy as overstory dominants have been on the decline for several decades. Age-class distributions delineate another characteristic important for determining trends on a landscape level. Comparing the entire Stillwater Unit's administrative area with historical data based on the Upper Flathead Valley and Lozensky (1997), TABLE III-2 - DISTRIBUTION OF AGE CLASSES shows that Stillwater Unit is low in the O-to-39-year (seedling/sapling stands) and lOO-to-150-year age classes, and high in the 40-to-99- year and greater-than-150-year age classes. As recognized in forest management and by the Forest Management Rules, age-class distributions are not static and are quite dependant upon disturbances, whether natural or implemented by man through silvicultural practices. A fairly clear picture emerges of the forest conditions when distributions are combined with information on covertypes as displayed in TABLE III-3-AGE CLASS DISTRIBUTION OF CURRENT COVERTYPES. As was noted in TABLE III-2 - DISTRIBUTION OF AGE CLASSES, current age-class distributions are predominately in the oldest age class. The stand structure of these older age classes tend to be multistoried; this occurs when a TABLE III-2 - DISTRIBUTION OF AGE CLASSES AGE CLASS HISTORIC PERCENT IN CLIMATIC SECTION M333C HISTORIC ESTMATES OF PERCENT ON STILLWATER UNIT CURRENT PERCENT O-to-39-year 36 22.8 13.6 40-to-99-year 12 17.9 22.8 lOO-to-150-year 22 24.7 13.8 150+-year 29 32.8 45.8 No age provided in SLI* 3.9 *A major portion of these stands were partially burned in the Moose Fire of 2001; SLI updates in 2001 and 2002 could not discern which age class to assign these stands . TABLE III-3 - AGE CLASS DISTRIBUTION OF CURRENT COVERTYPES CURRENT COVERTYPE AGE CLASS O-TO-39 YEARS 40-TO-99 YEARS 100-TO- 14 9 YEARS 150 YEARS AND OLDER NO AGE DATA TOTAL ACRES NUMBER ( DF ACRES Douglas-fir 97 421 576 2,372 666 4,132 Hardwoods 118 123 69 64 374 Lodgepole pine 2, 571 8, 594 320 407 973 12, 865 Mixed conifer 3,335 6,725 4,507 15, 885 353 30, 805 Ponderosa pine 170 525 192 887 Subalpine fir 3, 946 6,525 4,116 16, 823 304 31,714 Western larch/ Douglas-fir 404 4,269 5, 816 16, 121 2,242 28, 852 Western white pine 360 198 325 2, 140 3,023 Nonstocked 5,069 5,069 Total Acres (total %) 16, 070 (13.6%) 26, 855 (22.8%) 16,254 (13.8%) 54, 004 (45.9%) 4, 538 (3.9%) 117, 721 VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS Stand has progressed through time and succession to the point that shade-tolerant species, such as grand fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir are replacing a shade- intolerant overstory, such as western larch. Currently, 94 percent of the area within the 150- year-plus age class is multistoried, and the amount depicted in the mixed-conifer and subalpine fir covertypes is nearly 5 times higher than the desired future condition on Stillwater Unit. ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS TO COVERTYPES AND AGE CLASSES Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o-Jlction Jltternatice to Vorertypes and Jlge Classes Neither covertypes nor age-class distributions in the analysis area would be directly or indirectly affected. Over time, lacking substantial disturbances such as timber harvests or wildfires, the proportion of seedling-/sapling- sized stands would gradually decrease . • Direct and Indirect Effects of the ,/Iction Jllternative to Cot^ertypes and Jige Classes In the area where treatment is proposed in the lodgepole pine covertype, approximately 23 acres would be converted to a western larch/Douglas-fir covertype and 3 acres of the lodgepole pine covertype would remain the same. Approximately 171 acres of the mixed-conifer covertype would be converted to a western larch/ Douglas-fir covertype. Approximately 251 acres of the western larch/Douglas-fir covertype would remain the same. Harvesting would move the representation of covertypes toward desired future conditions. Based on SLI methodologies, when the sawtimber component of a stand has greater than 10-percent canopy coverage, the stand will be evaluated and classified with the age class of that sawtimber component; therefore, no seedtree harvest areas would change to the O-to-39-year age class. Most of these stands receiving harvest treatments are multistoried stands that would be converted to single- or two-storied stands; the overstory of these two-storied stands would consist primarily of older-aged western larch, Douglas- fir, and western white pine; in 2 to 3 years, a second story of western larch, lodgepole pine, western white pine, Douglas-fir, and, in some instances, ponderosa pine would regenerate. The created openings would be typical of mixed-severity fires. The proposed action would mimic the effects of historic fire behavior, creating openings for wildlife, reducing the potential of high intensity wildfires, and regenerating stands toward desired future conditions. Cumulative Effects • Cnmiilative Effects of Both Jllternatives to Covertypes and Jige Classes The cumulative effects of timber- stand management on Stillwater State Forest trend toward increasing serai covertypes in areas where recent forest- management activities have taken place . In addition to the changes in covertype distributions from the proposed alternative, the stands involved in the stand-replacement fires of the 2001 Moose Fire have not been inventoried. Other timber sale projects have been initiated, but have not been completed; therefore, their effects are not represented in the STPi? 2006 SLI. These projects would probably increase the amount of western larch/Douglas-fir covertype over the analysis area and, subsequently, reduce the amount of area in the mixed- conifer and subalpine fir covertypes. The Stillwater State Forest precommercial thinning VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS program thins 200 to 500 acres of sapling stands a year. The thinnings often favor the retention of western larch, western white pine, and, in some cases, Douglas-fir covertypes. In addition to the changes in age- class distributions from the proposed alternative, other timber sale projects have been initiated, but have not been completed; therefore, their effects are not represented in the STW 2006 SLI. These projects are estimated to increase the amount of area in the O-to-39-year age class by slightly decreasing the area in older stand classes . INSECTS AND DISEASES EXISTING CONDITIONS The Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area is showing an increase in the incidence of western balsam bark beetles, Douglas-fir beetles, mountain pine beetles, and spruce bark beetles. The spruce bark beetle infestations are incidental in the Engelmann spruce stands along Evers Creek. Slowdown and subseguent spruce bark beetle infestations have occurred over the past 15 years. Based on species, tree age, size class, and the potential for continued disturbances such as blow-down events, proposed Units 3A and 5 meet the classification of high risk for continued spruce bark beetle infestations. The present tree mortality and fuel-loading conditions in Units la, lb, and Ic are the result of mountain pine beetle infestations. Armillaria and brown cubicle root rots are affecting Douglas-fir, subalpine fir, grand fir, and Engelmann spruce in the project area. Douglas-fir shows most evidence of root rot in Units 10 and 13. ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS TO INSECTS AND DISEASES Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o-„lction Jllternatire to Insects and Diseases Insect populations would continue to rise or fall based on natural disturbances or climatic conditions. The potential for an increase in spruce bark beetle attacks exists if Engelmann spruce were damaged by wind events, stem breakage, or fire in the vicinity of these forested lands. The Douglas-fir bark beetle population and Armillaria root rot would also, potentially, increase damage to Douglas-fir. • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction JUternatire to Insects and Diseases Insect populations would continue to rise or fall based on natural disturbance events or climatic conditions. The increased vigor of the new regeneration and species being retained for seedtrees, primarily western larch and ponderosa pine, would improve long-term resistance to insects and diseases. Seedtree harvests would reduce the amount of trees susceptible to Douglas-fir bark beetle infestations on approximately 44 acres in Units 10 and 13. The retained species mix would be far less susceptible to Armillaria root rot. Regeneration harvests in Units 3A, 5, 6, 9, and 12 would reduce the potential for an outbreak of spruce and western balsam bark beetles in subalpine fir on approximately 170 acres. Mature retention trees along Evers Creek in Units 3A and 5 may blow down and maintain a small beetle population for several years. VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS Cumulative Effects • Ciimidative Effects ofth e JWo-Jlcfion JlUernative to Insects and Diseases The current trend in mortality, infection, and infestation levels in mature stands would continue. Increases in insect infestation and disease infection occurrences can be expected as timber stands become more densely stocked, lower in vigor, and contain increased levels of blown down timber. From the project level scale, if the current timber stand condition trends cause bark beetle outbreaks, mortality over much of the project area may occur and loss of value due to stem decay would likely increase. • Cnmtilative Effects of the miction Jllternative to Insects and Diseases The condition in the timber stands after harvesting would be less conductive to mortality and loss of value from insect and disease attacks given that the proposed action would reduce stocking density and increase vigor. Western larch regeneration has been promoted and managed for the long-term, thereby improving resistance to insect and disease problems on those areas being harvested . FOREST FUELS Past timber management, fire suppression, and subsequent stand development have influenced the amount and distribution of fuels on these various stands in the project area. Stands in these sections have developed a high number of stems per acre and several levels of canopy. A fire in forests under these conditions can reach the upper canopy levels through the available ladder fuels, causing torching and, under some conditions, resulting in crown fires . On the units harvested in the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek area in 1996 and 1997, ladder fuels were reduced. approximately 15 tons of large woody debris per acre was retained on site to facilitate nutrient cycling for the soils, and the Montana Hazard Reduction Law standards were met. FIRE GROUPS On State ownership in the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek area, stand- replacement fires occurred around 1680, 1740, and 1907. Understory fires took place around 1830 and 1885. Since 1981, 2 lightning- caused fires have been contained to 0.1 acre (Stillwater Fire-Occurrence Records) . The habitat types for stands in the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek sections are primarily moist or warm and dry grand fir types and moist subalpine fir types, with a small percentage of Douglas-fir habitat types (Fisher) . Under natural conditions, the drier sites had more frequent fires than the moister sites, where the understory was usually green enough to limit rapid fire spread unless severe conditions persisted. Following the habitat-type grouping that was done by Fisher and Bradley, Fire Ecology of Western Montana Habitat Types, the Shorts Meadow/ Evers Creek area is represented by 4 fire regimes, which are classified as fire groups : - Fire Group 11 (46 percent), - Fire Group 9 (28 percent), - Fire Group 8 (20 percent), and - Fire Group 6 (6 percent) . Fire Group 11 covers a wide variety of site and moisture differences, and fire severity can range from minor ground fires on moist sites to stand-replacing fires. Down, dead fuel loads average about 25 tons per acre. Heavy fuel loads combined with drought conditions set the stage for severe, widespread fires in this group. Fire Group 9 represents moist, lower subalpine habitat types where fires are infrequent, but severe, and the effects are long lasting. Under normal moisture conditions, the lush VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS undergrowth usually serves as an effective barrier to rapid fire spread for this group. When drought conditions exist, a severe surface fire will have a good chance of killing the trees. Fire Group 8 Group consists of dry lower subalpine habitat types. Stands in this group are characterized by relatively large amounts of down woody fuel of all size classes (20 to 80 tons per acre) . Live fuels in this fire group can contribute significantly to overall fire hazards during dry conditions. This group is characterized by deep duff layers that can cause significant tree mortality during a fire. The burning duff will heat and kill the cambium layer on the shallow roots of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce, thereby causing tree mortality . Fire Group 6 covers fire intensities from nonlethal to mixed lethal, with small areas of stand-replacing fires. Of the fire groups that occupy the area, this regime has the lowest amount of down dead fuel loads, averaging 12 tons per acre. ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS TO FOREST FUELS Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o-Jlction Jllternative to Forest Ftiels Stands would continue to retain ladder fuels and dense stands until a disturbance, man-caused or natural, occurs. Risk of torching and crown fires would remain high. As the trees in the more recently harvested areas grow, ladder fuels would increase. • Direct and Indirect Effects of the ,/Iction Jllternative to Forest Ftiels Areas utilizing a seedtree harvest treatment would retain approximately 10 to 15 tons per acre of large woody debris following site-preparation treatments. Fire is always a potential, but the ladder fuels to crowns would be removed in the proposed harvest units, and fuel treatments would limit the fire intensity under most circumstances. The success of aerial and ground attacks on wildfires would likely be improved because any fire occurring would most likely be a ground fire burning in the understories rather than a stand-replacing crown fire. Areas utilizing a commercial-thin harvest treatment would reduce the amount of trees and, thereby, reduce fuel loads. The connectivity of fuel and ladder fuels may not be reduced. In some circumstances, the risk of wildfires may be increased due to an increased amount of wind, dry fuels on the forest floor, and ladder fuels that have not been significantly reduced. A broadcast burn would be conducted in Units 10 and 13 in the spring to provide the coolest burn possible and reduce the chance of damage to merchantable trees. The burn would reduce the amount of common juniper and logging slash on the area and help prepare the seedbed for natural regeneration and the planting of ponderosa pine seedlings. Slash left in the woods would meet the State Hazard Reduction Laws. Slash piles left at landings would be burned or otherwise disposed of within 2 years of their creation. The proposed harvesting would also decrease the risk of uncontrollable fires to adjacent land and homesites. The thinning and removal of forest fuels, especially in the canopies, would be expected to decrease fire intensities, allowing fire personnel to control these fires more easily. VEGETATION AND TIMBER STAND ANALYSIS Cumulative Effects • Cinnidative Effects of the JWo-Jlcfion Jllfernative to Forest Ftiels In the past 10 years, approximately 335 acres of the harvest area in the Shorts Meadow/ Evers Creek sections have been treated to lower fuels to a level that meet Montana' s Hazard Reduction Law. USES is currently conducting the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project in areas near the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek sections. This action is reducing fuel loading, ladder fuels, and connectivity on approximately 1,600 acres. • Ciiniiilative Effects of the Action Alternative to Forest Fuels In addition to the actions displayed under the Cumulative Effects of the No-Action Alternative to Forest Fuels, 448 acres would be harvested and slash and fuel loading would be reduced to meet the Hazard Reduction Law; in many areas of the wildland urban interface, slash reduction would meet the High Standards set forth in the Hazard Reduction Law. Due to the location of the proposed harvest units and the reduction of fuel loads and amount of canopy, the success of aerial and ground attacks on wildfire would likely be improved. NOXIOUS WEEDS EXISTING CONDITIONS Noxious weeds, such as spotted knapweed {Centaurea maculosa) , orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) , tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) , St. John' s-wort {Hypericum perforatum) , and oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) , have established populations on all sections in the project area. Populations are primarily located in areas near or on roadways; the amount of noxious weeds under the forest canopy are very limited. Currently, limited weed spraying is done along most county roads accessing the project area. ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the JVo-wlction wllternatire to JVoxiotis Weeds Populations would most likely continue to increase on segments of roads open to motorized use and would least likely increase on those areas restricted to motorized use. This alternative would not collect funds for noxious-weed management, which would reduce the ability of DNRC to treat noxious weeds in this area. • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction wllternatire to JVoxiotts Weeds New infestations and existing populations are likely to increase with disturbances as road- construction, harvesting, and site-preparation equipment expose mineral soil. Grass seeding soon after soil disturbances take place would reduce the likelihood of new or increased infestations. The requirement that off-road equipment is thoroughly washed and inspected for weed seed would reduce the likelihood of spotted knapweed, oxeye daisy, and orange hawkweed infestations spreading into the forest. Spraying for weeds on the closed roads would be included in the timber sale contract (s) if the action alternative is chosen. Cumulative Effects • Cinniflatit'e Effects of Both Alternatives to JVoxioMS Weeds The open roads in the project area have traffic from dispersed recreation, timber-management activities, and other uses on a regular basis. Illegal motorized vehicles off-road and behind road closures increase exposure to weed establishment. Over time, the weed-management program at Stillwater Unit, including cooperation with the USFS and Flathead County Weed Department, has increased the amount of areas being sprayed. If funding remains available, some of the large populations of weeds in the analysis area would be treated to reduce or limit increases in weed populations . WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION SEDIMENT DELIVERY Timber harvesting and related activities, such as road construction, can lead to water- quality impacts by increasing the production and delivery of fine sediment to streams. Construction of roads, skid trails, and landings can generate and transfer substantial amounts of sediment through the removal of vegetation and exposure of bare soil. In addition, removal of vegetation near stream channels reduces the sediment-filtering capacity and may reduce channel stability and the amounts of large woody material. Large woody debris is a very important component of stream dynamics, creating natural sediment traps and energy dissipaters to reduce the velocity and erosiveness of stream flows. WATER YIELD Timber harvesting and associated activities can affect the timing, distribution, and amount of water yield in a harvested watershed. Water yields increase proportionately to the percentage of canopy removal because removal of live trees reduces the amount of water transpired, leaving more water available for soil saturation and runoff. Canopy removal also decreases interception of rain and snow and alters snowpack distribution and snowmelt, which lead to further water-yield increases. Higher water yields may lead to increases in peak flows and peak-flow duration, which can result in accelerated streambank erosion and sediment deposition. ANALYSIS METHODS SEDIMENT DELIVERY Methodology for analyzing sediment delivery was completed using a sediment-source inventory. All roads and stream crossings were evaluated to determine existing and potential sources of introduced sediment. In addition, in-channel sources of sediment were identified using channel-stability rating methods developed by Pfankuch and through the conversion of stability rating to reach condition by stream type developed by Rosgen (1990). These analyses were conducted in 2006 by a DNRC hydrologist. WATER YIELD The water-yield increase for the watershed in the project area was determined using the Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) method as outlined in Forest Hydrology Part II (1976) . ECA is a function of total area roaded and harvested, percent of crown removal in harvest areas, and amount of vegetative recovery that has occurred in harvest areas. This method equates area harvested and percent of crown removed with an equivalent amount of clearcut area. For example, if 100 acres had 60 percent crown removed, ECA would be approximately 60, or equivalent to a 60-acre clearcut. The relationship between crown removal and ECA is not a 1-to-l ratio, so the percent ECA is not always the same as the percent of canopy removal. As live trees are removed, the water that would have evaporated and transpired either saturates the soil or is translated to runoff. This method also calculates the recovery of these increases as new trees vegetate the site and move toward preharvest water use. In order to evaluate the watershed risk of the potential water-yield increase effectively, a threshold of concern must be established. The stability of a stream channel is an important indicator of where a threshold of concern should be set. As water yields increase as a result of canopy removal, the amount of water flowing in a creek gradually increases. When these increases WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS reach a certain level, the bed and banks may begin to erode. More stable streams will be able to handle larger increases in water yield before they begin to erode, while less stable streams will experience erosion at more moderate water-yield increases . ANALYSIS AREA SEDIMENT DELIVERY The analysis area for sediment delivery is the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area and the proposed haul routes. The proposed project area is located mostly within the Evers Creek watershed, which is a perennial tributary to Logan Creek below Tally Lake. Portions of the proposed project are also located within an unnamed tributary to Logan Creek above Tally Lake. In this analysis, this watershed is referred to as the Johnson Creek watershed. This stream is intermittent and may contribute surface flow to Logan Creek during some high-flow periods. Analysis will cover stream segments within these watersheds that may be affected by the proposed project and all roads and upland sites that may contribute sediment to Evers Creek or Logan Creek. WATER YIELD The analysis area for water yield is the Evers Creek and Johnson Creek watersheds. The Evers Creek watershed covers 7,769 acres. The Johnson Creek watershed covers 3,321 acres. No portion of the proposed project is located in Johnson Creek, but in an unnamed intermittent watershed in Logan Creek that includes Johnson Creek. Precipitation in the project area watersheds ranges from 20 inches at the confluence with Logan Creek to 40 inches at the ridge tops. EXISTING CONDITIONS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK • Montana Surface Water Quality Standards According to ARM 17.30.608 (1) (c) , this portion of the Stillwater River drainage, including the Logan Creek and Evers Creek watersheds, is classified as B-1. Among other criteria for B-1 waters, no increases are allowed above naturally occurring levels of sediment, and minimal increases over natural turbidity. "Naturally occurring, " as defined by ARM 17.30.602 (17), includes conditions or materials present during runoff from developed land where all reasonable land, soil, and water conservation practices (commonly called BMPs) have been applied. Reasonable practices include methods, measures, or practices that protect present and reasonably anticipated beneficial uses. These practices include, but are not limited to, structural and nonstructural controls and operation and maintenance procedures. Appropriate practices may be applied before, during, or after completion of potentially impactive activities. Designated beneficial water uses within the project area include cold-water fisheries and recreational use in streams and wetlands. Existing water rights in the Evers Creek and Logan Creek watersheds include water for domestic use, stock, lawn and garden, and irrigation. • Water Quality Limited Waterbodies Portions of Logan Creek located above Tally Lake are currently listed as a water-quality-limited waterbody in the 2006 303(d) list. The 303(d) list is compiled by DEQ as required by Section 303(d) of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Quality Planning and Management WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS Regulations (40 CFR, Part 130) . Under these laws, DEQ is required to identify waterbodies that do not fully meet water-quality standards or where beneficial uses are threatened or impaired. These waterbodies are then characterized as "water quality limited" and thus targeted for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development. The TMDL process is used to determine the total allowable amount of pollutants in a waterbody of watershed. Each contributing source is allocated a portion of the allowable limit. These allocations are designed to achieve water-quality standards. The Montana Water Quality Act (MCA 75-5-701-705) also directs the DEQ to assess the quality of State waters, insure that sufficient and credible data exists to support a 303(d) listing, and develop TMDL for those waters identified as threatened or impaired. Under the Montana TMDL Law, new or expanded nonpoint-source activities affecting a listed waterbody may commence and continue provided they are conducted in accordance with all reasonable land, soil, and water conservation practices. TMDLs have not been completed for Logan Creek. DNRC will comply with the Law and interim guidance developed by DEQ through implementation of all reasonable soil and water conservation practices, including BMPs and Forest Management Rules (ARM 36.11. 401 through 450) . The current listed causes of impairment in Logan Creek are other flow-regime alterations, physical substrate habitat alterations, and sedimentation/ siltation. The probable sources for Logan Creek are listed as silvicultural activities, streambank modifications/ destabilization, and forest roads (road construction and use) . • Montana SMZ Law By the definition in ARM 36.11.312 (3), the majority of streams within the project area are class 1 streams. Evers Creek and an unnamed tributary to Logan Creek have flow for more than 6 months each year. Evers Creek supports a population of brook trout and contributes surface flow to Logan Creek below Tally Lake. The unnamed tributary to Logan Creek may contribute surface flow to Logan Creek above Tally Lake during high flow periods. North Fork Evers Creek is a class 2 stream according to ARM 36.11.312. This creek flows more than 6 months of the year, but does not contain fish and has reaches that are subsurface and do not contribute surface flow to another body of water. SEDIMENT DELIVERY According to field reconnaissance in 1994 and 2006, stream channels in the project area were rated in good condition. Project area streams were rated as C4 and C5 channels by a classification system developed by Rosgen (1990). Channel types rated as "C" are typically in the 1- to 4- percent gradient range and have a high degree of meander (sinuosity) . Channel bed materials in C4 and C5 types are mainly gravel and sand. Stream channels in the project area were found to be very stable with very little movement of bed materials. Channel-bottom materials are covered with moss, and no areas of down-cut channels were identified during field reconnaissance. Large woody debris was found in adequate supply. Little evidence of past streamside harvesting was found, and where there had been past logging in the riparian area, there appeared to be no deficiency of existing or potential downed woody material in the streams . The existing road system in and leading to the proposed project area was reviewed for potential sources WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS of sediment. The road system in the project area is mainly low to moderate standard, but is not actively contributing sediment to streams. Road surfaces are well vegetated and are not delivering sediment to crossings. Much of the existing road system in the proposed project area meets applicable BMPs. Past project work has installed surface drainage on most of the existing road system, but reaches of the existing road system located away from stream crossings are in need of BMP work to reduce the risk of erosion and sediment delivery. WATER YIELD According to ARM 36.11.423, allowable water-yield-increase values were set at levels to ensure compliance with all water-guality standards, protect beneficial uses, and exhibit a low to moderate degree of risk. All allowable water-yield increases in watersheds of the project area were set using a low level of risk. This means that the allowable level is a point below where water yields are unlikely to cause any measurable or detectable changes in channel stability. Based on channel-stability evaluations, watershed sensitivity, and acceptable risk, the allowable water-yield increase for the Evers Creek and Johnson Creek watersheds has been set at 12 percent. This water-yield increase would be reached when the ECA level in the Evers Creek watershed reaches the allowable level of 2,331 acres and when the ECA level in the Johnson Creek watershed reaches the allowable level of 996 acres. Timber harvesting and associated road-construction activities have taken place in and around the project area since the 1950s. These activities, combined with vegetative recovery, have led to an estimated water-yield increase of 6.2 percent in the Evers Creek watershed and an estimated 8.5 percent in the Johnson Creek watershed over unharvested conditions. TABLE III-4 - CURRENT WATER YIELD AND ECA INCREASES IN SHORTS MEADOW /EVERS CREEK WATERSHEDS summarizes the existing conditions for water yield in the project area watersheds . TABLE III-4 - CURRENT WATER YIELD AND ECA INCREASES IN SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK WATERSHEDS EVERS CREEK JOHNSON CREEK % WYI 6.2 8.5 Allowable % WYI 12 12 Existing ECA 1,178 625 Allowable ECA 2,331 996 Remaining ECA 1, 153 371 ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS TO SEDIMENT DELIVERY AND WATER YIELD DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o-„lction Jllteriiatice to Sediment Delivery and Water Yield Sediment Delivery No direct effects to sediment delivery would be expected beyond those currently occurring. Existing sources of sediment, both in channel and out of channel, would continue to recover or degrade based on natural or preexisting conditions. Indirect effects of this alternative would be an increased risk of erosion and sediment transport from upland road segments that do not meet applicable BMPs. These sites would continue to pose a risk of sediment delivery to streams until other funding became available to repair them. Water Yield The No-Action Alternative would have no direct or indirect effects on water yield. Water quality would not change from present levels . WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS Direct and Indirect Effects of the Jlction wllternative to Sediment Delivery and Water Yield Sediment Delivery Erosion control and BMPs would be improved on approximately 6 miles of existing road. In some cases, the addition of erosion-control measures may increase the risk of sediment delivery in the short term by creating bare soil. However, as these sites revegetate, the long-term risk of sedimentation to a stream would be reduced to levels lower than the existing condition. No stream crossings are proposed for replacement or removal. The Action Alternative would have a very low risk of sediment delivery to streams as a result of proposed timber-harvesting activities. Harvesting activities are proposed on approximately 7 acres within designated SMZs. This harvesting activity would retain at least 50 percent of the trees within the SMZs, would follow all requirements of the SMZ Law and ARM 36.11.425 through 427, and would have a low risk of affecting recruitment of large woody material to project-area streams. The SMZ law, ARM 36.11.425 through 427, and applicable BMPs would be applied to all harvesting activities, which would minimize the risk of sediment delivery to draws and streams . Water Yield The Action Alternative would increase the annual water yield by an estimated 1.4 percent in the Evers Creek watershed and an estimated 1.5 percent in the Johnson Creek watershed. These levels of water-yield increases would not be sufficient to create unstable channels. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS • Ctnniilatit'e Effects of the JWo-Jlclion wllternative to Sediment Delivery and Water Yield Sediment Delivery The cumulative effects on sediment delivery would be very similar to those described in the existing conditions portion of this analysis. All existing sources of sediment would continue to recover or degrade as dictated by natural and preexisting conditions until a source of funding became available to repair them. Sediment loads would remain at or near present levels . Water Yield Cumulative effects on water yield of the No-Action Alternative would include an increase in annual water yield to an estimated 8.6 percent in Evers Creek and 9.6 percent in Johnson Creek as a result of ongoing timber management on FNF land within project area watersheds. Existing harvest units would continue to revegetate and move closer to premanagement levels of water use and snowpack distribution. • Cnmtilatice Effects of the miction Jllternative to Seditnent Delivery and Water Yield Sediment Delivery Cumulative effects to sediment delivery would be primarily related to roadwork. The installation and improvement of erosion-control and surface- drainage features on existing roads would also affect the cumulative sediment delivery to project-area streams. In the short term, the installation and improvement of surface drainage features would expose bare soil. This would increase the risk of sediment delivery to streams in and around the proposed project area. The application of all applicable BMPs during this work would make increased sediment loads unlikely. Over the long WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS term, cumulative sediment delivery to project area streams is projected to be lower than existing conditions with the installation of more effective surface-drainage and erosion- control features on the existing road system. Harvesting of trees within an SMZ would have a low risk of adverse cumulative effects to downed woody material in project-area streams. Tree-retention requirements of the SMZ Law would ensure a future supply of woody material to the creeks . None of the cumulative impacts described above are expected to adversely affect downstream beneficial uses. All activities would comply with applicable laws, ARM 36.11.423 and 36.11.425 through 427. Water Yield The removal of trees proposed in the Action Alternative, combined with ongoing forest management on FNF, land would increase the water yield in the Evers Creek watershed from its current level of approximately 6.2 percent over unharvested to an estimated 10.1 percent. The removal of trees proposed in the Action Alternative, combined with ongoing forest management on FNF land, would increase water yield in the Johnson Creek watershed from its current level of approximately 8.5 percent over unharvested to an estimated 11.1 percent. These water-yield increases, and the associated ECA levels, include the impacts of all past management activities, existing and proposed roads, proposed and ongoing timber harvesting on other ownerships, and vegetative hydrologic recovery in each watershed. The water- yield increases expected from the Action Alternative leave each project-area watershed well below the established threshold of concern. A low risk of adverse cumulative impacts to water quality could be expected as a result of the Action Alternative. A summary of the anticipated water-yield impacts of the Action Alternative to the project area watersheds is found in TABLE III-5 - WATER YIELD AND ECA INCREASES IN SHORTS MEADOW /EVERS CREEK WATERSHEDS. TABLE III-5 - WATER YIELD AND ECA INCREASES IN SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK WATERSHEDS EVERS CREEK JOHNSON CREEK ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE NO-ACTION'' ACTION^ NO-ACTION'^ ACTION^ Allowable WYI 12% 12% 12% 12% % WYI 8.6 10.1 9.6 11.1 Acres harvested^ 813 1,128 189 316 ECA generated 493 802 90 215 Total ECA 1, 671 1, 980 715 840 Remaining ECA 660 351 281 156 Allowable ECA 2,331 2,331 996 996 Refers only to acres harveste Values Include harvesting act d within the Evers Creek or Ivity In progress , but not Johnson Creek watershed, /et completed on FNF land. WATERSHED AND HYDROLOGY ANALYSIS FIGURE III-1-SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK WATERSHED MAP I I PTiojeci Area Boundary Ownership n □ Streams [ Lakes L Bed ion Lines ,. Watershed Boundaries Forest Service Plum Creek Private State of Monlana { DIMRQ Montana DNRC Trust Land Managennent '* NWLO-Stil [water State Forest N TDfl fifi 1500 S50 3000 « : lM,3(ie,*J0 1 irth = 1646 25 mlk» SOILS ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION LANDFORM DESCRIPTION The project area lies within a valley formed by glaciers and river processes. The dominant soil types found in the project area are deep glacial tills derived from argillite, siltite, and limestone from the Belt Supergroup. Upper slopes and ridges are weathered bedrock scoured by glaciers. SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES This analysis addresses the issue that timber harvesting and associated activities may affect soil conditions in the proposed project area through ground-based activities and repeated entries to previously harvested areas. Operation of ground-based machinery can displace fertile layers of topsoil, which can lead to a decrease in vegetation growth. Ground-based machinery can also lead to compaction of the upper layers of soil. Compaction decreases pore spaces in a soil, reduces its ability to absorb and retain water, and can increase runoff and overland flow. These conditions can also lead to a decrease in vegetation growth . SLOPE STABILITY Slope stability can be affected by timber-management activities by removing stabilizing vegetation, concentrating runoff, or increasing soil moisture. The primary risk areas for slope stability problems include, but are not limited to, landtypes that are prone to soil mass movement and soils on steep slopes (generally over 60 percent) . ANALYSIS METHODS SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES Impacts to the physical properties of soil will be analyzed by evaluating the current levels of soil disturbance in the proposed project area based on field review and aerial photo review of existing and proposed harvest units. The percent of area affected is determined through pace transects, measurement, aerial photo interpretation, or Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine skid trail spacing and width. From this, skid trail density and percent of area impacted are determined. Estimated effects of proposed activities will be assessed based on findings of DNRC soil monitoring. SLOPE STABILITY Slope stability risk factors will be assessed by reviewing the FNF Land System Inventory to identify landtypes listed as high risk for mass movement. Field reconnaissance will also be used to identify any slopes greater than 60 percent as an elevated risk for mass movement. ANALYSIS AREA The analysis area for evaluating soil productivity will include DNRC- managed land within the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area. The Evers Creek watershed encompasses most of the project area, with the remainder falling within an unnamed tributary to Logan Creek above Tally Lake. EXISTING CONDITIONS SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES In the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project area, DNRC has conducted timber harvesting since the 1920s. Timber sale records dating back to the 1950s show that approximately 698 acres of timber have been harvested on State land using a combination of ground-based and cable-yarding harvest methods. Ground-based yarding can create soil impacts through displacement and compaction of productive surface layers of soil, mainly on heavily used trails. Based on the field review of previously harvested stands, pacing transects and GIS SOILS ANALYSIS analysis of aerial photography show that skid trails are spaced a minimum of 50 feet apart and an average width of disturbed areas is 12 feet. This spacing means that an estimated 15 percent or less of ground-based harvest areas may be impacted by existing trails. Trails are still apparent, but most are well vegetated, and past impacts are beginning to ameliorate from frost and vegetation. SLOPE STABILITY Landtypes in the project area vary from nearly level wetlands and stream bottoms to steep valley sideslopes on ridges. The Flathead National Forest Soil Survey identified no areas of soils at high risk for mass movements in the project area. No slope failures were identified during reconnaissance in the proposed project area, and slopes are less than 60 percent. Because none of the slope stability risk factors are present in the proposed project area, slope stability will not be evaluated in the remainder of this analysis. A list of landtypes found in the proposed project area, and the associated management implications are found in TABLE III- 7 - SOIL MAP UNIT DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK TIMBER SALE PROJECT AREA. ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o-vlction Mternatire to Soils No direct or indirect effects to the physical properties of soils in the project area would be expected. No ground-based activity would take place, which would leave the soil in the project area unchanged from the description in the EXISTING CONDITIONS portion of this analysis . Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction Jllternatire to Soils Based on DNRC soil monitoring, direct impacts would be expected on up to 41 of the total 448 acres proposed for harvesting. Soil monitoring conducted on DNRC lands shows that sites harvested on Stillwater State Forest on similar soils with ground-based machinery had a range of impacts from 4.6 to 9.0 percent of the acres treated (DNRC, 2004) . This range of impacts includes operations on dry soils as well as frozen or snow- covered soils. As a result, the extent of impacts expected would likely be similar to those reported by Collins (DNRC 2004) , or approximately 4.6 to 9.0 percent of ground-based harvested acres. Potential impacts to soils from cable-yarding units would be less than 10 percent of the area, provided corridors are approximately 75 feet apart and have impacts confined to a 6- to 8-foot width. Ground-based site preparation would also generate direct impacts to the soil resource. Site- preparation disturbance would be intentionally done; these impacts are considered light and promote reforestation of the site. Approximately 0.25 acre of new road would be constructed with the Active Alternative. This road would generate less than 1.0 acre of additional direct impacts to soil physical properties beyond the harvesting activities. TABLE III- 6 - SUMMARY OF DIRECT EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES ON SOILS summarizes the expected impacts to the soil resource as a result of the Action Alternative. These activities would leave up to 9.2 percent of the proposed harvest units in an impacted condition. This level is below the range analyzed for in the EXPECTED FUTURE CONDTIONS section of the SFLMP, and well within the 20 percent of impacted area SOILS ANALYSIS TABLE III-6 - SUMMARY OF DIRECT EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVES ON SOILS DESCRIPTION OF PARAMETER ALTERNATIVE NO ACTION ACTION Acres of harvesting 448 Acres of tractor yarding 402 Acres of skid trails and landings 45 Acres of cable yarding 19 to 36 Acres of yarding corridors 5 Acres of moderate impacts 24 to 41 Percent of harvest area with impacts 5.4 to 9.2 established as a level of concern in the SFLMP (DNRC, 1996) . In addition, BMPs and a combination of mitigation measures would be implemented to limit the area and degree of soil impacts as noted in ARM 36.11.422 and the SFLMP (DNRC, 1996) . CUMULATIVE EFFECTS • Cirniiilatii'e Effects of the JVo-^ction Jllternatice to Soils No cumulative impacts to the physical properties of soils in the project area would be expected. The impacts would be similar to those described in the EXISTING CONDITIONS portion of this analysis. No soil would be disturbed and no reentry of past harvest units would occur. All impacts from past management activities would continue to improve or degrade as dictated by natural and preexisting conditions . • Cnmtilative Effects of the Jlction Jllternative to Soils Approximately 151 acres with previous timber sale operations would be entered. Cumulative effects to soils may occur from repeated entries into a forest stand where additional ground is impacted by eguipment operations. Existing skid trails where compaction has begun to ameliorate through freeze-thaw cycles and revegetation would return to a higher level of impact due to this alternative. Additional trails may also be reguired if existing trails are in undesirable locations. Cumulative impacts to physical properties of soils under this alternative would still fall below the range analyzed for in the EXPECTED FUTURE CONDITIONS section of the SFLMP and are well within the 20-percent impacted area established as a level of concern in the SFLUMP (DNRC, 1996) . DNRC would minimize long-term soil impacts and adverse cumulative effects by implementing any or all of the following: - Existing skid trails from past harvesting activities would be used if they are properly located and spaced. - Additional skid trails would be used only where existing trails are unacceptable. - The potential direct and indirect effects would be mitigated with soil-moisture restrictions, season of operation, and method of harvest . - A portion of coarse woody debris and fine litter would be retained for nutrient cycling. In previously unharvested stands, effects to physical properties of soil would be the same as those listed in the DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS section. SOILS ANALYSIS M ■o M -H 4-> M 4-1 ^ » -H -d 3 0) .H 3 Bi 3 Bi m m +J 0) - -H CO 4J ^ 0) -H 3 4J ft 3 3 u Ti ^ E -H CO CO 4J -H -0 M -H h -H ft H ft ft -p e 3 -H 0) h3 O >i E E d> M Q) & > s g H -H -H -H C4^ 14^ 4-J -P (0 4-) ni M • M CO .H M >, >1 Bi iz; -p OJ >i c -H 3 -H 3 -H -H 3 3 0) I-H (0 CO d) ^ O -H d) ^ d) OJ >, e -p ^ E^ E4 e m m -H CO CCi 3 CO 3 > > Bi ^ -H flS tJ^ ^ H d) 0) +J 0) g 3 0) E m e c; o tn ft Bi m 0) (D +J d) ^ CO CO -H -H -H S z BJ >i > M 3 > t4 CO +-I > V -H -H CO 1— 1 .— 1 <]) Xi *5 !^ ^ -H OJ -H -H 3 -H 3 s CO ^ m M o BJ 4J ft ^ +-i M Bi 4J Bi ^ 3; d) fiS • ^ tD rd g E M O -H E +-I ^ M 4-1 ^ 3 -p CO >i -H 3 3 O 3 3 3 ft ft 4J m 0) 0) tJ ■O M c:; Id CO .H ■d ^ d) Q) CO 0) a. M Ti 0) m C O -H ft ft M ■d Td C OJ ■^ -H -H U ^ m 3 -d E 3 E -H 0) tj> .— 1 -P (0 M -d -H ft Bi ft 0) CO -H ft -H M M 3 C CO -H a ^ e ft c 4-1 Bi 0) M CO -H -H 3 -H -P ^ BJ ft ta B] ^ M c/i V 3 ^ X V ^ 4J i-H a. flS to d) ta M U ft ^ ft +J 4-1 ft +J ft CO CO CO xi 0) M -H u ^ d) >i (1) >^ 0) ft 0) ft CD ft ft -H 0) 0) (D M 1 -p OJ OJ ft 0) S-l (1) (D X (1) 0) 0) CD 0) -p a Q) CQ ^ a Q iJ TJ Q 4J Td Q Td □ H H S m CQ ^ 1 El 5" u ^ H IT ^ M w 2 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) u +J 4-1 ^ ^ -p 1^ ^ s o Bi Bi Bi Bi fti ^ ty u 3 3 3 M S -H d) d> 0) 0) 0) G M Td ■d Td Td -d W CO S S S S S 1 a N \ !& n T3 ^ o -P u B •J y w 9 t? (0 ?* Ti M ■o Td ■d 3 3 m OJ m O -H -H a O Bi Bi -p iz; O dj O o o ti ti M S -H (0 K tM Q o tq to H -P 1 Z ^ C 1^ B o H (D OJ O) -H 4-> d) CD Bi 3 0) ■d S 0) El H n M tS 0) ^^ Bi £ s 31 s 31 M (D O 0) OJ M M ^ 3 & 0) § > m > m 0) 0) ■o > O 0) 0) s 0) Td -H > CQ I-H Ex o S m S m H u -H to Q xi 12; o H CO El Z -p Bi 3 0) Td S -\ 0) -p 0) ft 1 O 0) -p Ti > 0) > s o 0) Bi 3 d) ■d a -H s 31 s 31 Q kI S E^ H O H Q TJ -d ■d Td ■d ■d Ti ^ 4-1 fl4 ■^ 3 3: 0) 3 -H Bi 3 CD 3: CD 3 -H Bi 3 ^ ^ ^ S ^"^ ^ n .— 1 0) 3 < -H -H c B! -H (0 (0 o CM o 1 M o Bi CM -H ^ o Bi -H Bi -H ■di ^ S CO oC CO ^ 0) o „ M CM ft g ^ o ^ -H (0 W o\o CO OJ 0) M ^ 0, -p 1 -p .— 1 OJ CM m M T3 0) -p -H -H -P (0 1 H O W o d) u ft 0) -H Bi M O -H 4J ■=r Bi o 2i ^ E Bi .— 1 H Q Ti ^ (0 H ■^ ^ r^ 05 CX3 § 0) tl m 1 < f=C u r- CO 1 1 ^ o CM CD CD CD ^ \r- r- s ^ ^ CM C^ CM CM CM LO D in cii U H ^ 3 II) CO 1^ (11 P< 10 F-, 3 T3 u 11! 1=1; Cl 4^ 1^ ti i 4J S; qi "n 3 01 1=^ (|i 03 ilj 3 Li. SOILS ANALYSIS FIGURE III-2 - SHORTS MEADOW/EVERS CREEK SOIL MAP UNITS PrnjAci AnA Boundary Scfl 1 Plum &HK Pri>ialB S«(arTfM Canada Lyiix Issue: Timber harvests could remove habitat for lynx, reducing the potential of the area to support lynx. The project area supports habitat types and conditions that could provide habitat for Canada lynx. Based on the DNRC modeling protocol, the project area contains denning, mature foraging, other, and temporary non-lynx habitat mainly below 4,000 feet in elevation. Field observations indicated that the mature foraging and temporary non-lynx habitat actually provided overhead cover, but lacked dense understory needed to provide snowshoe hare habitat. Therefore, these stands better fit the definition of Other habitat and were considered such for this analysis {TABLE III-12 - LYNX HABITAT COMPONENTS FOUND ON DNRC- MANAGEMENT LANDS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA) . The modeled denning habitat appears to provide some areas of dense coarse-woody- debris buildup. However, the log sizes are generally smaller- diameter lodgepole pine, but in places logs are jackstrawed to provide potential denning habitat. Since the lynx habitat provided within the project area occurs just upslope of the Flathead Valley floor and below 4,000 feet in elevation, lynx use of the area unlikely . TABLE I I 1-12 - LYNX HABITAT COMPONENTS FOUND ON DNRC-MANAGED LANDS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA LYNX HABITAT COMPONENT ACRES PERCENT OF LYNX HABITAT Denning 55 4.1 Other 1,281 95.8 Grand total 1,336 100.0 When considering the entire analysis area, which included the project area and adjacent sections, additional lynx habitat could occur on the USFS lands to the west and private lands to the north. Conversely, lynx habitat is unlikely on private lands to the south and mixed ownerships to the east due to the lower elevation and close proximity to the white-tailed deer winter range . Alternative Effects to Canada Lynx Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- Jlction Jllternative to Canada Lynx No lynx habitat would be affected. In the short-term, this alternative would not affect lynx. In the longer term, denning habitat would increase and foraging habitat would likely not develop to an appreciable degree in the understories of the existing stands . • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction .Ilternatice to Canada Lynx Harvesting is proposed on 409 acres of Denning and Other habitat. A 10-acre harvest unit located along the northwestern edge of the project area was dropped from this alternative to retain a minimum of 5 acres of denning habitat, thereby complying with ARM 36.11.436(8) [a] . For the remaining harvest units, harvest prescriptions vary from seedtree to commercial thin. Where canopy cover retention exceeds 40 percent. Other lynx habitat would be retained. Where canopy cover is reduced to less than 40 percent, the area would be temporary unsuitable for lynx. In all units, except Unit 4, a majority of canopy cover in each harvest unit would likely be reduced to less than 40 percent; therefore, all harvest unit acres were considered temporary non-lynx habitat. Conversely, Unit 4 would remain Other habitat WILDLIFE ANALYSIS following harvesting. Therefore, 405 acres (30.3 percent) of lynx habitat would be converted to temporary non- lynx habitat leaving 16 acres (1.2 percent) of Denning habitat and 898 acres (67.2 percent) of Other habitat within the project area. Therefore, this alternative adheres to ARM 36.11.435. The 405 acres affected by this alternative would likely regenerate to Young Foraging (10 to 30 years) or Other habitat (20 to 40 years), depending on the density of regeneration. Since the project area is likely marginal lynx habitat, the short-term reduction in available habitat and the longer term potential increase in foraging habitat would likely have negligible effects to lynx. Cumulative Effects to Canada Lynx • Ctimtilatu'e Effects to Canada Lyttx Common to the JWo-Jlction and Jletion Jllternatices In addition to the effects discussed above, harvests on private lands removed potential lynx habitat. However, these areas are below the project area and likely did not contain habitat. On USFS lands, lynx habitat is more likely, especially to the west of the project area. The Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project analyzed lynx habitat and the impacts of the proposed activities in the Evers Reid Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU) to find that denning and foraging habitat was adeguate for the LAU {USDA Forest Service, 2004) . The USFS analysis did not consider most stands in the project area as lynx habitat because these lands lie below 4,100 feet in elevation. The Forest Service analysis included 46 acres within the Shorts Meadow/Evers Creek Project area (Section 24) as lynx habitat; however, these acres are not proposed for harvesting under the Short's Meadow/Evers Creek Timber Sale Project. Therefore, since adeguate habitat is available for lynx in the USFS- defined LAU and the proposed harvest units were not considered as lynx habitat in that analysis, the changes discussed above would not reduce the analysis area's ability to support lynx. > Gray Wolf Issue: Timber harvests and road use could result in reduced security for wolves, resulting in reduced habitat availability and/ or increased mortality due to illegal killing. The 2005 Lazy Creek Pack home range included the middle portion of the project area {USFWS et al. 2006) . Previously, the Lazy Creek pack stayed to the east of the project area {U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS] et al . 2003, USFWS et al. 2004, USFWS et al. 2005) . Continued use of the project area is likely, but could shift over time. Wolf security, risk of mortality, and avoidance of habitat can be associated with human access and vegetation manipulation. Unrestricted and restricted roads provide human access as well as travel routes for wolves. Boyd and Pletscher (1999) found that 80 percent of wolf mortalities were human-caused, with 21 of 25 human- caused wolf mortalities occurring within 200 meters of a road or seismic line. Therefore, roads can provide a surrogate measure of mortality risk to wolves. In addition to human access routes, the sight distance (distance at which an animal can be detected) within harvest units can provide another measure to assess human- caused mortality risk. Retention of visual screening along roads and within harvest units likely WILDLIFE ANALYSIS reduces the risk of mortality by limiting the distance at which an animal could be detected and/or shot . Alternative Effects to Gray Wolves Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- .Iction .Uternative to Gray Wolves The existing vegetation, along with the amount and location of existing roads, would remain unchanged. Therefore, no change in wolf security or risk of mortality is expected. • Direct anef Inefirect Effects of the miction m/Ilternative to Gray Wolves Approximately 448 acres of forested habitats would be harvested, no additional roads would be constructed, and the existing closure devises would be enhanced to reduce illegal motorized use. Vegetation strips would be retained along open roads and pockets of regenerating trees and unharvested trees would be retained within all harvest units to break up sight distances. Contract stipulations would prohibit contractors from carrying firearms while on duty and reguire the contractor to prevent public access on restricted roads along haul routes during periods of inactivity (nights, weekends, shutdown periods, etc.) . If a den or rendezvous site were discovered, contract stipulations would reguire that the operator cease operations until adeguate measures to protect the site were in place. The project design and contract stipulations are expected to minimize the effects this project would have on wolves by limiting sight distances and not increasing motorized access, which combine to mitigate the risk of mortality to wolves. However, during harvesting activities, some foraging habitat could be avoided due to the disturbance and human presence associated with the project, resulting in negligible effects to wolves. Cumulative Effects • CiiniHlative Effects to Gray Wolves Cotntnoii to the JVo-Jlction and miction Jllternatives In addition to this project, activities associated with private residences and harvesting under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project provide additional mortality risk and reduction of visual screening. The human disturbance and habitat alteration associated with these activities could result in habitat shifts away from adjacent habitats. Since these activities occur away from den and rendezvous sites, these habitat shifts are expected to result in negligible effects to wolves . > Grizzly Bear Issue: Human access could result in increased mortality risk to grizzly bears using the area. This issue will be dismissed based on the following rationale. Under all alternatives, motorized access would not change and existing closure devises would be reinforced to reduce illegal motorized use. Grizzly bears tend to use areas away from human disturbance. Where human activities occur, bear use declines or bears shift to a more nocturnal schedule. The effects of human impacts varies dependent upon the season of activities. Timber harvests could affect grizzly bears through motorized disturbance and/or altering the distribution of forage and cover resources in the area. Currently, the project area contains 1.7 WILDLIFE ANALYSIS miles of the unrestricted Star Meadows and Good Creek roads . These open roads occur in Section 14. An additional 0.8 miles of bermed and 6.7 miles of gated restricted roads provide good access into the project area. However, ATV users periodically breach the gate that restricts the 6.7-mile road system. Under the action alternative, no additional roads would be constructed, the current road management would continue, and the gate closure would be reinforced to reduce illegal access. Issue; Timber harvesting activities could reduce grizzly bear habitat in the analysis area. The project is outside the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) recovery area, but within the current occupied habitat of bears associated with the NCDE. DFWP monitors radio-collared grizzly bears for long-term population trends and monitors habituated bears to prevent human- bear conflicts. These efforts did not document grizzly bear presence in the project area. However, residents near the project area reported seeing grizzly bears in the area. Use of the area appears to be occurring, but the specific level of bear use is unknown. The project area provides several potential high guality foraging areas. These areas include Shorts Meadow, 2 other wetlands, and the riparian areas associated with North Evers Creek. These sites provide primarily spring and summer forage items. The uplands provide low-density berry- producing plants. Therefore, key foraging sites in the project area are likely limited to the riparian-associated habitats. Timber harvesting could reduce the potential use of these areas by removing security cover and/or by increasing nearby disturbance. To assess cumulative effects, the project area and adjacent sections were considered. This area encompasses 9,587 acres of Tally Lake Ranger District (60.3 percent), Montana DNRC-managed lands (15.1 percent). Plum Creek Timber Company (6.1 percent), and other private property (18.5 percent) . Timber harvests occurred on adjacent lands in the recent past. These areas are currently regenerating. In addition to timber harvests, recreational use of the Tally Lake Campground occurs during the spring, summer, and autumn. Alternative Effects to Grizzly Bears Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- wlction Jllternative to Grissssly Bears Key feeding sites within the project area would not be affected, and no additional disturbance in the project area would occur. Therefore, no effects to grizzly bears are expected under this alternative. • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction filter iiatiee to Grisssily Bears Harvesting activities and log hauling during the nondenning period would cause high levels of disturbance that would likely discourage bear use in the project area when harvesting activities are occurring. No disturbance would occur if harvesting and hauling take place during the denning season. The project design calls for retaining visual screening along all open roads and around riparian features that could provide key feeding sites to retain security for bears that might use the project area. However, bear use of the area appears to be low; therefore any effects resulting from this project are expected to be negligible . WILDLIFE ANALYSIS Cumulative Effects • Ctntuilatiee Effects Common to the JWo- Jlction and Jlction JlltemaUves Timber harvesting would occur on adjacent USFS lands under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project . Proposed activities on Plum Creek lands are unknown. Hunting and other nonmotorized activities would occur away from open roads in the analysis area. These activities could be additive to the effects proposed under the No-Action and Action Alternatives. However, since bear use in the area is likely low and transitory, the cumulative effects of these activities would likely have a negligible effect on grizzly bears using the area. SENSITIVE SPECIES > Fisher Issue: Timber harvesting could reduce fisher habitat availability and quality by reducing canopy cover, snag density, and the amount of coarse woody debris. Reductions in fisher habitat quantity and quality could result in adverse effects to fishers . Issue: Timber harvesting could remove canopy cover, which may reduce fisher habitat or impede fisher movement within their home range, resulting in decreased ability for fishers to use the analysis area. Fisher habitat consists of foraging, denning, and resting components. Fishers avoid areas with deep soft snow {Buskirk and Powell 1994) and are typically found below 6, 000 feet in elevation {Powell and Zielinski 1994) . Fishers are generalist predators that prey upon a variety of small mammals and birds, along with snowshoe hares and porcupines. They also take advantage of carrion and seasonally available fruits and berries (Foresman 2001) . Fishers use a variety of successional stages, but are disproportionately found in stands with dense canopies {Powell 1982, Johnson 1984, Jones 1991, Heinemeyer and Jones 1994) and avoid openings or pole-sapling stands {Jones 1991, Jones and Carton 1994) . However, some use of openings appears to occur for short hunting forays or if sufficient overhead cover (shrubs, saplings) is present. Fishers appear to be highly selective of stands that contain resting and denning sites {Jones 1991) . Resting and denning sites are found in cavities of live trees and snags, downed logs, brush piles, mistletoe brooms, sguirrel and raptor nests, and holes in the ground. Additionally, fishers tend to disproportionately use areas near water, presumably due to the diversity of prey and structure found in riparian areas. These riparian areas also provide travel corridors for fishers. To assess the effects of the proposed action on fishers, fisher habitat was modeled using the SLI data in the project area. The SLI database was searched for sawtimber stands supporting mesic covertypes with greater than 40-percent canopy closure and below 6,000 feet in elevation. These stands were further divided by their proximity to water. Stands within 100 feet of a class 1 stream, or 50 feet of a class 2 stream were considered riparian fisher habitat, while the balance of appropriate stands were considered upland fisher habitat. Based on this model, the project area contains 799 acres of upland and 46 acres of riparian fisher habitats, with 56 acres of the suitable upland covertypes in a stand condition that is not expected to be used by fishers. Forest management ARMs reguire that DNRC manage preferred fisher covertypes within 100 feet of WILDLIFE ANALYSIS class 1 streams and 50 feet of class 2 streams, so that 75 percent of the acreage (State school trust lands only) would be in the sawtimber size class in moderate to well-stocked density {ARM 36.11.440 (1) (b) (i)) at the project-area level. For the project area, 100 percent of the preferred covertypes within the appropriate proximity to streams are in a moderate to well-stocked condition . For cumulative-effects analysis purposes, the project area and surrounding sections were considered. This scale includes enough area to analyze connectivity of the landscape as affected by the project area. Presently, the project area allows connectivity along streams and/or adjacent forest stands and through meadows with a dense shrub canopy. Alternative Effects to Fishers Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- Jlction Jllternative to Fishers No fisher habitat would be harvested. Over time, fisher habitat would increase as stands continue to age and deadwood increases . • Direct and Indirect B^ects of the miction Jllternative to Fishers Harvesting would take place on 301 acres of upland and 11 acres of riparian fisher habitat. The harvest prescriptions in these units vary from seedtree to commercial thin. Where canopy cover retention exceeds 40 percent, potential fisher habitat would be retained. Where canopy cover is reduced to less than 40 percent, the area would be temporary unsuitable for fishers until sawtimber and canopy closure redevelops. In all units, except Unit 4, a majority of canopy cover in each harvest unit would likely be reduced to less than 40 percent; therefore, all harvest unit acres were considered temporary unsuitable habitat. However, some use of the harvest units could occur if the understory or regenerating seedlings provides overhead cover. Conversely, Unit 4 would likely continue to provide habitat following harvesting, but due to the small size and proximity to water and the unrestricted road, use of this stand is expected to be low. Where riparian fisher habitat is harvested within 50 feet of the streams, the SMZ law requires that 50 percent of the trees be retained. This retention is expected to maintain enough canopy cover to provide fisher habitat. Since fishers are unlikely to use areas adjacent to hard edges {Heinemeyer and Jones 1994), fisher use of these areas is expected to be low. Therefore, where less than 40 percent canopy cover is expected following harvests, all habitat was considered removed. Following harvesting, 35 acres (76.1 percent) of riparian habitat would be retained in a condition used by fishers, meeting ARM 36. 11. 440 (1) (b) (i) . In addition, forested cover would be retained on the other side of the stream from the harvest units and within the SMZ (50 feet) ; therefore, movement corridors are expected to be retained. Although fisher habitat would be removed or decreased in quality, 485 acres (60.7 percent) of upland and 35 acres (76.1 percent) of riparian fisher habitat would be retained in the project area. These acres could continue to provide some habitat and movement corridors . As other stands continue to age, fisher habitat could be increased. Therefore, negligible effects to fishers are expected due to this alternative . WILDLIFE ANALYSIS Cumulative Effects • Cnmidatiee Effects to Fishers Conunon to the JVo-m/lction and Jlction Jlltematives In addition to the effects discussed above, timber harvesting is planned for the adjacent sections of USFS lands. Approximately, 36 acres of additional habitat would be removed from the analysis area, while habitat quality could be reduced on another 120 acres. Public firewood gathering would continue to remove deadwood needed by fishers, primarily adjacent to open roads. Taken cumulatively, fisher habitat and movement corridors would be retained throughout the project area and on adjacent lands under either alternative. Therefore, negligible effects are expected under each alternative; however, less effect would occur under the No-Action Alternative. > Pileated Woodpecker Issue: Timber harvesting would reduce canopy cover and structure needed for pileated woodpecker habitat . DNRC defines pileated woodpecker habitat as "live mature cottonwood stands and mature conifer forests with overstory canopies dominated by large-sized western larch or ponderosa pine, and containing Douglas-fir, large snags, and coarse woody debris" {ARM 36.11.403[58]) . Based on this definition, DNRC-managed lands within the analysis area support 200 acres of pileated woodpecker habitat in 6 patches. Two of the 6 patches exceed 40 acres in size (41 and 77 acres) . The remaining patches are scattered near the larger patches. However, field observations indicated a general lack of large snags needed by pileated woodpeckers for foraging and nesting. In addition to habitat on DNRC-managed lands, aerial photographical interpretation identified an additional 1,476 acres of potential habitat on adjacent lands (primarily USFS lands) within the analysis area. Combined, the 9,587-acre analysis area contains an estimated 1,676 acres (17.5 percent) of pileated woodpecker habitat. Timber harvesting on much of the managed lands appears to have removed the canopy cover and, potentially, the structure required by pileated woodpeckers. Many of these stands have regenerated to provide some level of overstory canopy, but do not appear to have many large trees or snags intermixed within the stand. Therefore, pileated habitat is limited in the analysis area; however, on several occasions, pileated woodpecker use was documented in the project area . Alternative Effects to Pileated Woodpeckers Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects oftlieJVo- ^ction Jllfernative to Pileated Woodpeckers The amount and quality of pileated woodpecker habitat would remain unchanged in the project area in the short-term. In the longer term, the current timber stands would likely produce larger trees and snags, which could increase the amount of habitat available for pileated use. This alternative would result in minor, long-term positive effects to pileated woodpeckers . • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction Jllternative to Pileated Woodpeckers Timber harvesting would reduce canopy cover on 76 acres (38 percent of the existing habitat on DNRC-managed lands) of pileated woodpecker habitat, including all habitat within the 40-acre patch and the harvesting of 30 acres within the 77-acre patch. Within each harvest WILDLIFE ANALYSIS unit, the estimated historic densities of snags {Harris 1999) and large preferred tree species (ponderosa pine, western larch, and Douglas-fir) would be retained. Therefore, pileated woodpecker habitat could be reduced in the short term, but the structure and preferred tree species would be retained. Where 40 percent or more canopy cover is retained, pileated woodpeckers use could continue, to some degree, in the short- term, with use increasing as the retained tree canopy closes in the future. CumulativB Effects • Ctntuilatiee Effects to Pileated Woodpeckers Common to the JWo-Jlction and Action ,/llteriiatives In addition to the proposed alternatives, timber harvesting on USFS lands would affect an additional 225 acres (13 percent of the cumulative-effects analysis area) under the Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project. Additionally, firewood harvesting would continue to remove snags and downed wood, especially near open roads. The removal of deadwood reduces feeding and potential nesting structure for pileated woodpeckers. Under the No- Action Alternative, these would be the only reductions experienced in the analysis area. Under the Action Alternative, these reductions would be additive to the 76 acres proposed to be removed under this alternative, resulting in retention of 1,375 acres (14.3 percent) of pileated woodpecker habitat within the analysis area. Under either alternative, the guantity and quality of pileated woodpecker habitat would remain low, resulting in continued limited habitat for this species. BIG GAME SPECIES > Winter Range The project area provides habitat for white-tailed deer and elk during the nonwinter period and for moose year-round. Mule deer could move through the project area, but are not expected to use the area heavily. The project area is along a major migration corridor for white-tailed deer. Since elk and deer nonwinter habitat is not limiting and moose populations are tightly regulated through hunting permits, this analysis focuses on white-tailed deer migration and overall big game vulnerability. Issue: Timber harvesting could alter white-tailed deer migration to their winter range, resulting in reduced over-winter survival . White-tailed deer are migratory in this area. These animals spread out during the nonwinter period and migrate to the Cliff/Bowser lakes winter-range area. In milder winters, this winter range extends north of Tally Lake. This winter range supports approximately 5,000 white-tailed deer during the winter period {personal communication A. Wood, DFWP 1/2007) . To reach these winter ranges, several animals have been documented moving through the project area. Movement through the project area requires retention of vegetation that conceals traveling animals {Thomas 1979) . Presently, animals can move through the project area relatively undetected due to the abundance of cover. WILDLIFE ANALYSIS Alternative Effects to Big Game Winter Range Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- Jlction Jllternative to Rig Game Winter Range No timber would be harvested. Generally, the habitat conditions and movement corridors would remain intact, resulting in no change in habitat use or migration paths through the project area. • Direct and Indirect Effects of the miction m/Ilternative to Rig Game Winter Range Approximately 448 acres of forested habitats would be harvested. On a majority of the acres, hiding cover would be removed. However, the location of these units provide areas of forested or hiding cover interspersed throughout the project area, which an animal could use to successfully move through the project area. Therefore, negligible shifts in migration routes could occur. Cumulative Effects • Ciimtilatire Effects to Rig Game Winter Range Common to the J\o-Jlction and miction Jlltematives In addition to the effects discussed above, timber harvesting is occurring on USFS lands adjacent to the project area. These harvests could reduce the amount of cover in the area, but would not combine with either alternative to prevent big game travel through the project area or adjacent lands . > Security Issue: Timber harvesting and road building could reduce security for big game species . During the hunting season, individual animals could be made more vulnerable to mortality by increasing hunter access and reducing visual obstructions that allow hunters to see an animal at a distance . The project area is located in Hunting District 102. Elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer are hunted during a 5-week general hunting season. Moose harvests are controlled by a permit system. Currently, county and USFS roads allow motorized access into the northern portion of the project area. The remaining roads within the project area are restricted. The vegetation along these roads and within the harvest units provides visual obstructions that limit sight distances through the stands. The limited motorized access and sight distances reduce the chance of an animal being detected and killed during the hunting season. Alternative Effects to Big Game Security Direct and Indirect Effects • Direct and Indirect Effects of the J\o- Jlction Jllternative to Rig Game Security No changes to big game vulnerability would occur. • Direct and Indirect Fleets of the miction Jllternative to Rig Game Security Vegetation would be removed on 448 acres that could result in an increase in big game vulnerability. Removal of timber could increase sight distances, resulting in an increase in the distance a hunter can detect and shoot an animal. As part of the project design, visual screening would be retained along open roads, thereby decreasing big game vulnerability by reducing the distance a hunter can detect or kill an animal. Additionally, pockets of regenerating trees and shrubs would be retained within each harvest unit, along with boles of retention trees, to reduce sight distances in the harvest units. Therefore, this alternative would increase sight WILDLIFE ANALYSIS distances, resulting in increased vulnerability for big game; however, mitigations are in place to limit sight distances while reaching the project objectives. This project would not result in additional changes in the management status of any roads. Taken together, the proposed project is likely to increase big game vulnerability, but with retention of visual screening along open roads and visual obstructions throughout the harvest units, the change in vulnerability is expected to result in negligible increases in mortalities of big game during the hunting season. Cumulative Effects • Cnmnlatii'e Effects to Big Game Security Common to the JWo-,/lction and Jletion Jllternatives In addition to the effects discussed above, timber harvesting is currently taking place on USFS lands. These harvests would add to the effects of the Action Alternative by further reducing vegetation that would provide hiding cover. The reductions could result in habitat shifts, but are unlikely to affect ungulate population levels. PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS DECISIONMAKER Michael McMahon, Forest Management Supervisor, DNRC, Stillwater State Forest, Olney, Montana ID TEAM MEMBERS Pete Evans, Co-project Leader, DNRC, Stillwater State Forest, Olney, Montana Norm Merz, Wildlife Biologist, DNRC, Northwestern Land Office, Kalispell, Montana Tony Nelson, Hydrologist, DNRC, Northwestern Land Office, Kalispell, Montana Bob Traina, Co-Project Leader, DNRC, Stillwater State Forest, Olney, Montana TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE Margaret Beck, Graphics and Publication Technician, DNRC, Stillwater State Forest, Olney, Montana Jim Bower, Fisheries Biologist, DNRC, Forest Management Bureau, Missoula, Montana Wanemah Hulett, Graphics and Publication Technician, DNRC, Swan River State Forest, Swan Lake, Montana Sarah Pierce, Forest Program Specialist, DNRC, Forest Management Bureau, Missoula, Montana > REFERENCES ( Boyd, D.K., and D.H. Pletscher. 1999. Characteristics of Dispersal in a Colonizing Wolf Population in the Central Rocky Mountain . Journal of Wildlife Management. 63(4) : 1094-1108 DNRC, 1995. Shorts Meadow Timber Sale Project Environmental Assessment. Stillwater State Forest. Olney, MT DNRC, 2001. Taylor South Timber Sale Project Environmental Assessment. Stillwater State Forest. Olney, MT DNRC, 2006. Old Highway Timber Sale Project Environmental Assessment. Stillwater State Forest. Olney, MT DNRC, 1996. State Forest Land Management Plan. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Missoula, MT Earns, P. 1978. Hydrology of Mountain Watersheds, Preliminary Report. Soil Conservation Service. Bozeman, MT Fisher, W.C, A.F. Bradley. 1987. Fire Ecology of Western Montana Forest Habitat Types . USES General Technical Report INT-223 Foresman, K.R. 2001 The Wild Mammals of Montana. Special Publication 12. American Society of Mammalogists . Allen Press, Kansas. 27 8pp Graham, Russell T., Alan E. Harvey, Martine F. Jurgensen, Theresa B. Jain, Jonelea R. Tonn, and Deborah S. Page-Demroese . 1994. Managing Coarse Woody Debris in Forests of the Rocky Mountains. Research Paper INT-RP-477. Moscow, ID: USDA, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station Green, P., J. Joy, D. Sirucek, W. Hann, A. Zack, and B. Naumann. 1992. Old-Growth Fores Types of the Northern Region. USDA, Forest Service, Northern Region, Region 1, Missoula, MT Harris, R.D. 1999. Abundance and Characteristics of Snags in Western Montana Forests. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-31. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ogden, UT . 19pp Haupt, H.F., et al. 1974. Forest Hydrology Part II: Hydrologic Effects of Vegetation Manipulation. USDA Forest Service, Region 1. Missoula, MT Heinemeyer, K., and J. Jones. 1994. Fisher Biology and Management in the Western United States: A literature Review and Adaptive Management Strategy . USDA Forest Service Northern Region, Missoula, MT . 108pp Johnson, S. 1984. Home Range, Movements, and Habitat Use of Fishers in Wisconsin. M.S. Thesis, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point . 7 8pp Jones, J.L. 1991. Habitat Use of Fisher in Northcentral Idaho. M.S. Thesis, Univsity of Idaho, Moscow, ID. 147pp Jones, J.L., and E.O. Carton. 1994. Selection of Successional Stages by Fishers in Northcentral Idaho. Pages 377-387 in Buskirk, S.W., A.S. Harestad, M.G. Raphael, and R.A. Powell, eds . Martens, Sables, and Fishers: Biology and Conservation. Cornell University Press, NY Keegan, C. 2006. Montana Sawlog and Veneer Price Report. Business and Economic Research. Director of Forest Industry Research. Leaf, Charles F. 1975. Watershed Management in the Rocky Mountain Subalpine Zone: The Status of Our Knowledge. Research Paper RM137. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Ft. Collins, CO Losensky, B.J. 1997 Historical Vegetation of Montana. Montana DNRC. Missoula, MT Montana Natural Heritage Program. 2006. Animal and Plant Species of Concern . Montana Natural Resource Information System. Pfister, R., B. Kovalchik, S. Arno, and R. Presby. 1977. Forest Habitat Types of Montana . USDA Forest Service. General Technical Report INT-34. Intermountain Forest and Range Experimental Station. Ogden, UT Powell, R., and W.J. Zielinski. 1994. Fisher. Pages 38-73 in Ruggiero, L.F., K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, L.J. Lyon, W.J. Zielinski, eds . The Scientific Basis for Conserving Forest Carnivores: American Marten, Fisher, Lynx, and Wolverine in the Western United States . US Forest Service General Technical Report RM-254. 184pp Rosgen, David L. 1996. Applied River Morphology . Wildland Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, CO. Thomas, JW . 1979. Wildlife Habitats in Managed Forests: The Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington. US Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 553. 512pp Troendle, Charles A. 1987. The Potential Effect of Partial Cutting and Thinning Streamflow from the Subalpine Forest. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. USDA Forest Service. 1998. "WATERSHED" CONDITION - Rating Standards for Form KNF-2670-BT1 through BT5. Kootenai National Forest . USDA Forest Service. 2004. Logan Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project Record of Decision . Flathead National Forest. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, and USDA Wildlife Services. 2004. Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 2003 Annual Report . T. Meier, ed. USFWS, Ecological Services, 100 N. Park, Suite 320, Helena MT . 65 pp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Idaho Fish and Game, and USDA Wildlife Services. 2005. Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 2004 Annual Report . D. Boyd, editor, USFWS, Ecological Services, 100 N. Park, Suite 320, Helena MT . 72 pp U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Idaho Fish and Game, and USDA Wildlife Services. 2006. Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 2005 Annual Report. Sime, C.A., and E. E. Bangs, eds. USFWS, Ecological Services, 585 Shepard Way, Helena, Montana. 59601. 130pp Wildlife Services. 2003. Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 2002 Annual Report. T. Meier, ed. USFWS, Ecological Services, 100 N. Park, Suite 320, Helena MT . 64 pp > STIPULATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS ( stipulations and specifications for the Action Alternative was identified or designed to prevent or reduce potential effects to resources considered in this analysis. In part, stipulations and specifications are a direct result of issue identification and resource concerns. This section is organized by resource. Stipulations and specifications are contained within the Timber Sale Contract and apply to the reguired operations occurring during the contract period. As such, they are binding and enforceable. Project administrators will enforce stipulations and specifications relating to activities such as hazard reduction, site preparation, and planting that may occur during or after the contract period. The following stipulations and specifications will be incorporated into the Action Alternative to mitigate potential effects to resources . VEGETATION > SWAG RETENTION • Where available, 2 snags and 2 trees (snag recruits), 21 inches dbh or greater per acre will be retained. • High-quality wildlife trees/ snags, such as large, broken- topped western larch, will be designated for retention. > NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT • Off-road equipment will be cleaned of noxious weeds prior to beginning project operations. The contract-administrating officer will inspect equipment periodically during project implementation . • Prompt vegetation seeding of disturbed roadside sites will be required. Roads used and closed as part of this proposal will be reshaped and reseeded. • Herbicide weed spraying may be implemented on roads being abandoned following the timber sale project. • Herbicide weed spraying will be implemented on closed roads used in the timber sale project before roadwork takes place and for the next 2 years. > FUELS MANAGEMENT • Within 1,000 feet of residences, the High Standard specifications of the State Hazard Reduction Law will be met. In part, 90 percent of the logging slash along the perimeter of the harvest units will be piled and burned . • Ten to 15 tons of large woody debris will be retained on the forest floor following site preparation . WATERSHED AND FISHERIES • Harvesting will not occur within 100 feet of the main channel of Evers Creek. • Along the North Fork of Evers Creek, a 100-foot (50-foot on slopes less than 35 percent) SMZs will have limited harvesting and a majority of the shrubs and submerchantable trees will be maintained . • Planned erosion-control measures include : - grade breaks on roads and skid trails, - surface water-diverting mechanisms on roads, - slash-filter windrows, and grass seeding. > SOIL DISPLACEMENT • Details for these control measures will be included in ATTACHMENT B of the TIMBER SALE AGREEMENT. • Brush will be removed from existing road prisms to allow for effective road maintenance. Road maintenance will reduce sediment delivery . • The contractor will be responsible for the immediate cleanup of any spills (fuel, oil, dirt, etc.) that may affect water quality. • The BMP audit process will continue. This sale will likely be reviewed in an internal audit and may be picked at random as a State-wide audit site. SOILS > SOIL COMPACTION • Logging equipment will not operate off forest roads unless: - soil moisture is less than 20 percent, - soil is frozen to a depth that will support machine operations, or - soil is snow-covered to a depth that will prevent compaction, rutting, or displacement . • Existing skid trails and landings will be used where their design is consistent with prescribed treatments and meets current BMP guidelines. • Designated skid trails will be required where moist soils or short steep pitches (less than 300 feet) cannot be accessed by other logging systems. This will reduce the number of skid trails and the potential for erosion . • The density of skid trails in a harvest area will not exceed 20 percent of the total area in a cutting unit . Conventional ground-based skidding equipment will not be operated on steep slopes (greater than 40 percent) . Soft-tracked yarders are suitable on slopes up to 55 percent with less impact than conventional tractor skidding. Cable yarding will be used on steeper slopes. Piling and scarification will be completed with a dozer where slopes are gentle enough to permit. Steeper slopes will have slash treatment and site preparation done with an excavator or will be broadcast burned . > EROSION Ground skidding machinery will be equipped with winchline to limit equipment operation on steeper slopes. Roads used by the purchaser will be reshaped and the ditches redefined following use to reduce surface erosion. Drain dips and gravel will be installed on roads as needed to improve road drainage and reduce maintenance needs and erosion. Some road sections will be repaired to upgrade the roads to design standards to reduce erosion potential and maintenance needs. The prompt and timely application of certified weed- free grass seed and fertilizer will be applied to all newly constructed road surfaces and cut-and-fill slopes. These applications will also be applied to any existing disturbed cut-and-fill slopes and landings immediately adjacent to open roads. These measures, which will stabilize soils and reduce or prevent noxious weed establishmentto include : - seeding all disturbed road cuts and fills concurrent with construction, and - seeding the surfaces of all roads where motorized use will be restricted. • Based on ground and weather conditions, water bars, logging- slash barriers, and, in some cases, temporary culverts will be installed on skid trails where erosion is anticipated, as directed by the forest officer. These erosion-control features will be periodically inspected and maintained throughout the contract period or extensions thereof . ROAD MANAGEMENT New roads and roads that have been newly reconstructed may be seasonally restricted with gates when soils and road surfaces are most susceptible to rutting. AIR QUALITY • To prevent individual or cumulative effects during burning operations, burning will be done in compliance with the Montana Airshed Group reporting regulations and burning restrictions imposed in Airshed 2. This will provide for burning during acceptable ventilation and dispersion conditions. • Ignition should be coordinated with other major burning operations unless the Montana Airshed Group has designated a "free burn day". • Excavator, landing, and roadwork debris will be piled clean to allow trouble-free ignition during fall and spring when ventilation is good and surrounding fuels are wet. The Forest Officer may reguire that piles be covered to reduce dispersed (unentrained) smoke. Covered piles are drier, ignite easier, burn hotter, and extinguish sooner. production, large woody debris will be left on site to minimize the number and size of burn piles. • Depending on seasonal conditions and the level of public traffic, dust-abatement application may be reguired on some road segments. AESTHETICS • Damaged residual vegetation will be slashed. • A commercial-thin treatment method willd be employed in the proposed harvest areas adjacent to Star Meadows Road or some of the larger wetlands. This 'feathering' technigue will be used to reduce the sharpness of the edge between harvest units and adjacent unharvested stands. • Pockets of sawtimber-sized hardwoods (aspen, birch, and Cottonwood) will be retained. Individual large-diameter hardwoods may be left as snag replacement trees. • Landings will be limited in size and number and located away from main roads when possible. • Disturbed sites along road right- of-ways will be grass seeded. • Vegetation will be retained along open roads . • Harvest unit boundaries will be irregularly shaped. ARCHAEOLOGY • A contract clause provides for suspending operations if cultural resources were discovered; DNRC' s archeologist will be consulted and operations may only resume as directed by the Forest Officer. • If cultural resources were discovered, the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribe will be notified, as reguested. In order to reduce smoke WILDLIFE • If a threatened or endangered species is encountered, a DNRC biologist would be consulted. The biologist would develop additional mitigations that are consistent with the administrative rules for managing threatened and endangered species (ARM 36.11.428 through 435) . • Reclose roads and skid trails that were opened with the proposed activities to reduce the potential for unauthorized motor vehicle use . • Using signs or other measures, restrict public access on restricted roads that were opened with the proposed activities. Use a combination of topography, group retention, and roadside vegetation to reduce views into harvest units along open roads. When possible, retain forested corridors to maintain landscape connectivity and patches of dense vegetation to provide security cover . Manage for snags, snag recruits, and coarse woody debris according to ARM 36.11.411 through 414; in particular, favoring western larch and ponderosa pine. Prohibit contractors and purchasers conducting contract operations from carrying firearms while operating on restricted roads . ^ GLOSSARY X Administrative road use Road use that is restricted to DNRC personnel and contractors or for purposes such as monitoring, forest improvement, fire control, hazard reduction, etc. Airshed An area defined by a certain set of air conditions; typically, a mountain valley in which air movement is constrained by natural conditions such as topography. Bald eagle home range A circular area having a radius of 2.5 miles around a nest site that has been active within 5 years, or an area that has been defined in a Bald Eagle Site-Specific Plan. Basal area A measure of the number of sguare feet of space occupied by the stem of a tree. Best Management Practices (BMPs) Guidelines to direct forest activities, such as logging and road construction, for the protection of soils and water quality. Biodiversity The variety of life and its processes, including the variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the communities and ecosystems in which they occur. Board foot 144 cubic inches of wood that is equivalent to a piece of lumber 1 inch thick by 1 foot wide by 1 foot long . Canopy The upper level of a forest consisting of branches and leaves of the taller trees. Canopy closure The percentage of a given area covered by the crowns, or canopies. of trees. Cavity A hollow excavated in trees by birds or other animals. Cavities are used for roosting and reproduction by many birds and mammals. Coarse down woody material Dead trees within a forest stand that have fallen and begun decomposing on the forest floor. Co-dominant tree A tree that extends its crown into the canopy, receiving direct sunlight from above and limited sunlight on its sides. One or more sides are crowded by the crowns of other trees. Compaction Increased soil density caused by force exerted at the soil surface, modifying aeration and nutrient availability . Connectivity The quality, extent, or state of being joined; unity; the opposite of fragmentation . Cover See Hiding cover and/or Thermal cover . Covertype A classification of timber stands based on the percentage of tree species composition. Crown cover or crown closure The percentage of a given area covered by the crowns of trees cull A tree of such poor quality that it has no merchantable value in terms of the product being cut. Cutting units Areas of timber proposed for harvesting . Cumulative effect The impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other actions. Cumulative impacts can also result from individually minor actions, but collectively they may compound the effect of the actions. Desired future conditions Describes the set of forest conditions determined by DNRC to best meet the SFLMP objectives. The 4 main components useful for describing an appropriate mix of conditions are covertype proportions, age class distributions, stand structural characteristics, and the spatial relationships of stands (size, shape, location, etc.), all assessed across the landscape. Direct effect Effects on the environment that occur at the same time and place as the initial cause or action. Ditch relief A method of draining water from roads using ditches and corrugated metal pipe. The pipe is placed just under the surface of the road. Dominant tree Those trees within a forest stand that extend their crowns above surrounding trees and capture sunlight from above and around the crown . Drain dip A graded depression built into a road to divert water and prevent soil erosion. Ecosystem An interacting system of living organisms and the land and water that make up their environment; the home place of all living things, including humans . Environmental effects The impacts or effects of a project on the natural and human environment . Equivalent ciearcut acres (ECA) This method eguates area harvested and percent of crown removed with an equivalent amount of ciearcut area. Allowable ECA - The estimated number of acres that can be ciearcut before stream channel stability is affected. Existing ECA - The number of acres that have been previously harvested, taking into account the degree of hydrologic recovery that has occurred due to revegetation . Remaining ECA - The calculated amount of harvesting that may occur without substantially increasing the risk of causing detrimental effects to the stability of the stream channel. Evaportranspiration A combination of 2 physical processes in the environment: evaporation is the loss of moisture into the atmosphere from the soil and bodies of water (lakes, river, etc.); transpiration is the process where moisture is lost through the surfaces of plants and trees into the atmosphere. Both are the result of heating by the sun, and the combination of the 2 is how moisture is cycled back into the atmosphere. Excavator piling The piling of logging residue using an excavator . Fire regimes Describes the frequency, type, and severity of wildfires. Examples include: frequent nonlethal underburns; mixed-severity fires; and stand-replacement or lethal burns . forage All browse and nonwoody plants available to wildlife for grazing. forest improvement The establishment and growing of trees after a site has been harvested. Associated activities include : — site preparation, planting. survival checks, regeneration surveys, and stand thinnings; - road maintenance; — resource monitoring; - noxious-weed management; and — right-of-way acquisition on a State forest. Fragmentation (forest) A reduction of connectivity and an increase in sharp stand edges resulting when large contiguous areas of forest with similar age and structural character are interrupted through disturbance (stand- replacement fire, timber harvesting, etc . ) Habitat The place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows . Habitat type The place or type of site where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows. Hazard reduction The reduction of fire hazard by processing logging residue with methods such as separation, removal, scattering, lopping, crushing, piling and burning, broadcast burning, burying, and chipping. Hiding cover Vegetation capable of hiding some specified portion of a standing adult mammal from human view at a distance of 200 feet. Historical forest condition The condition of the forest prior to settlement by Europeans. Homogeneous Of uniform structure or composition throughout . Indirect Effects Secondary effects that occur in locations other than the initial action or significantly later in time . Intermediate trees A characteristic of certain tree species that allows them to survive in relatively low light conditions, although they may not thrive. Interdisciplinary team (ID Team) A team of resource specialists brought together to analyze the effects of a project on the environment. Landscape An area of land with interacting ecosystems. Meter A measurement equaling 39.37 inches . Mitigation measure An action or policy designed to reduce or prevent detrimental effects. Muitistoried stands Timber stands with 2 or more distinct stories. No-action alternative The option of maintaining the status quo and continuing present management activities; the proposed project would not be implemented. Nonforested area A naturally occurring area where trees do not establish over the long term, such as a bog, natural meadow, avalanche chute, and alpine areas. Old growth For this analysis, old growth is defined as stands that meet the minimum criteria (number of trees per acre that have a minimum dbh and a minimum age) for a given site (old-growth group from habitat type) . These minimums can be found in the Green et al Old Growth Forest Types of the Northern Region (see APPENDIX A - REFERENCES) . Overstory The level of the forest canopy including the crowns of dominant, codominant, and intermediate trees. Patch A discrete area of forest connected to other discrete forest areas by relatively narrow corridors; an ecosystem element (such as vegetation) that is relatively homogeneous internally, but differs from what surrounds it . Project file A public record of the analysis process, including all documents that form the basis for the project analysis. The project file for the Dog/Meadow Timber Sale project Ea is located at the Stillwater State Forest office near Olney, Montana. Vfidds The spawning ground or nest of various fish species. ■Regeneration The replacement of one forest stand by another as a result of natural seeding, sprouting, planting, or other methods . ■Residual stand Trees that remain standing following any cutting operation. ■Road-construction activities In general, the term ''road construction activities' refers to all the activities conducted while building new roads, reconstructing existing roads, and obliterating roads. These activities may include any or all of the following: - road construction; - right-of-way clearing; - excavation of cut/fill material; - installation of road-surface and ditch-drainage features; - installation of culverts at stream crossings ; - burning right-of-way slash; - hauling and installation of borrow material; and - blading and shaping road surfaces. ■Road improvements Construction projects on an existing road to improve ease of travel, safety, drainage, and water guality. S'aplings Trees 1 to 4 inches in diameter at breast height . S'awtimber trees Trees with a minimum dbh of 9 inches . S'carification The mechanized gouging and ripping of surface vegetation and letter to expose mineral soil and enhance the establishment of natural regeneration. ^coping The process of determining the extent of the environmental assessment task. Scoping includes public involvement to learn which issues and concerns should be addressed and the depth of assessment that will be reguired. It also includes a review of other factors such as laws, policies, actions by other landowners, and jurisdictions of other agencies that may affect the extent of assessment needed. S'ecurity For wild animals, the freedom from the likelihood of displacement or mortality due to human disturbance or confrontation. Security habitat (grizzly bears) An area of a minimum of 2,500 acres that is at least .3 miles from trails or roads with motorized travel and high-intensity nonmotorized use during the nondenning period. Seedlings Live trees less that 1 inch dbh. pediment In bodies of water, solid material, mineral or organic, that is suspended and transported or deposited. pediment yield The amount of sediment that is carried to streams. ^eral Refers to a biotic community that is in a developmental, transitional stage in ecological succession. S[)dde intolerant Describes the tree species that generally can only reproduce and grow in the open or where the overstory is broken and allows sufficient sunlight to penetrate. Often these are serai species that get replaced by more shade-tolerant species during succession. In Stillwater State Forest, shade- intolerant species generally include ponderosa pine, western larch, Douglas-fir, western white pine, and lodgepole pine. S'hade tolerant Describes tree species that can reproduce and grow under the canopy in poor sunlight conditions. These species replace less shade-tolerant species during succession. In Stillwater State Forest, shade- tolerant species generally include subalpine fir, grand fir, Douglas- fir, Engelmann spruce, and western red cedar . S'iltation The process of very fine particles of soil (silt) settling. This may occur in streams or from runoff. An example would be the silt build-up left after a puddle evaporates. Silviculture The art and science of managing the establishment, composition, and growth of forests to accomplish specific objectives. S'ite preparation A hand or mechanized manipulation of a harvested site to enhance the success of regeneration. Treatments are intended to modify the soil, litter, and vegetation to create microclimate conditions conducive to the establishment and growth of desired tree species. Slash Branches, tree tops, and cull trees left on the ground following a harvest . Snag A standing dead tree or the remaining portion of a broken-off tree. Snags may provide feeding and/or nesting sites for wildlife. Snou) intercept The action of trees and other plants in catching falling snow and preventing it from reaching the ground . Spur roads Low standard roads, constructed to meet minimum reguirements for harvest-related traffic. Stand An aggregation of trees occupying a specific area that are sufficiently uniform in composition, age arrangement, and condition so as to be distinguishable from the adjoining forest. Stand density Number of trees per acre. StocKing The degree of occupancy of land by trees as measured by basal area or number of trees and as compared to a stocking standard, which is an estimate of either the basal area or number of trees per acre reguired to fully use the growth potential of the land. Stream gradient The slope of a stream along its course, usually expressed in percentage, indicating the amount of drop per 100 feet. Stumpage The value of standing trees in the forest. Sometimes used to mean the commercial value of standing trees. Substrate scoring Rating of streambed particle sizes. S'uccession The natural series of replacement of one plant (and animal) community by another over time in the absence of disturbance . S'uppressed The condition of a tree characterized by a low-growth rate and low vigor due to competition. Temporary road Roads built to the minimal standards necessary to prevent impacts to water guality and provide a safe and efficient route to remove logs from the timber sale area. Following logging operations, reclamation would incorporate the following concepts to discourage future motorized use of the roads: - Segments near the beginning of the new temporary road systems would be reshaped to their natural contours and reclaimed for approximately 200 feet by grass seeding and strewing slash and debris . - The reclamation of the remaining road would include a combination of ripping or mechanically loosening the surface soils on the road, removing culverts or bridges that were installed, spreading forest debris along portions of the road, and allowing the surface to revegetate naturally. Texture A term used in visual assessments indicating distinctive or identifying features of the landscape, depending on distance. Thermal cover For white-tailed deer, thermal cover has 70 percent or more coniferous canopy closure at least 20 feet above the ground, generally reguiring trees to be 40 feet or taller . For elk and mule deer, thermal cover has 50 percent or more coniferous canopy closure at least 20 feet above the ground, generally reguiring trees to be 40 feet or taller . Timber-harvesting activities Refers to all the activities conducted to facilitate timber removal before, during, and after the timber is removed. These activities may include any or all of the following: - felling standing trees and bucking these trees into logs; - skidding logs to a landing; - processing, sorting, and loading logs onto trucks at the landing; - hauling logs by truck to a mill; - slashing and sanitizing residual vegetation damaged during logging; - machine piling logging slash; - burning logging slash; - scarifying and preparing the site for planting; and - planting trees. CJnderstory The trees and other woody species growing under a, more or less, continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by the overstory of adjacent trees and other woody growth. CJneven-afed stand Various ages and sizes of trees growing together on a uniform site. Ungulates Hoofed animals, such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose, that are mostly herbivorous and many are horned or antlered. Vigor The degree of health and growth of a tree or stand of trees. Watershed The region or area drained by a river or other body of water. Water yield The average annual runoff for a particular watershed expressed in acre-feet . Water yield increase Due to forest canopy removal, an increase in the average annual runoff over natural conditions. Windthrou) A tree pushed over by wind. Windthrows (blowdowns) are common among shallow-rooted species and in areas where cutting or natural disturbances have reduced the density of a stand so that individual trees remain unprotected from the force of the wind. ? ACRONYMS ARM Administrative Rules of Montana BMP Best Management Practices CMP Corrugated metal pipe dbh diameter at breast height DEQ Montana Department of Environmental Quality DFWP Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks DNRC Department of Natural Resources and Conservation EA Environmental Assessment ECA Equivalent Clearcut Acres EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency FI Forest Improvement FNF Flathead National Forest FRTA Federal Roads and Trails Act GIS Geographical Information System LAU Lynx Analysis Unit mbf thousand board feet MCA Montana Codes Annotated MEPA Montana Environmental Protection Agency MMbf million board feet Mbf thousand board feet MNHP Montanan Natural Heritage Program NCDE Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem NWLO Northwestern Land Office pfi peak flow increase RMZ Riparian Management Zone SFLMP State Forest Land Management Plan SLI Stand Level Inventory SMZ Streamside Management Zone TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TRUP Temporary Road Use Permit UKSR Upper Kootenai Subbasin Review USDA United States Department of Agriculture USES United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey ID Team Interdisciplinary Team Land Board Montana Board of Land Commissioners 124 Permit Stream protection Act Permit 318 Authorization Authorization A— Short-term Exemption from Montana' s Surface Water Quality Standards Stillwater State Forest P.O. Box 164 Olney, MT 59927-0164 CT^ I /A i ^m ^ } DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION STILLWATER UNIT OFFICE - STILLWATER STATE FOREST P.O. BOX 164 OLNEY, MT 59927 (406) 881-2371 Persons with disabilities who need an alternative, accessible format of this document should contact DNRC at the address or phone number shown above. 20 copies of this document were published at an estimated cost of $8.15 per copy. The total cost includes $163.00 for printing and binding and $27.72 for distribution.