Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation ...

Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation Management Project
CHAPTER 3
Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences
3.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the present conditions of the environment in and around the Analysis
Area. This chapter also discloses the probable consequences (impacts and effects) of
implementing each alternative presented in Chapter 2 on selected environmental resources. It
provides the analytical basis to compare the alternatives.
This chapter begins by briefly describing the location of the Analysis Area. This is followed by
a brief analysis of how each alternative responds to the Key Issues identified in Chapter 1
(section 1.9). Then, the chapter is organized by selected environmental and social resources.
Each resource discussion addresses the following components:
1) Scope of the analysis.
2) Past activities that have affected the existing condition.
3) Existing condition and;
4) Direct, indirect, and cumulative effects.
A list of terms and definitions used in the analysis is located in Appendix A of this EIS.
3.2 General Description of the Analysis Area
The Analysis Area is located approximately two miles northwest of Cumbres Pass, Colorado,
which is approximately 13 miles north of Chama, New Mexico, and 36 miles south of Antonito,
Colorado along Colorado State Highway 17. The Analysis Area falls within Conejos County,
Colorado and encompasses approximately 1380 acres. See the Vicinity Map in Chapter 1,
Section 1.4 for an overview of the Analysis Area.
Not every resource area conducts their specific analysis using the same Analysis Area boundary.
Some evaluations focus on the specific timber stands units; others might need to use a larger area
outside the formal Analysis Area. In this Chapter, the “Scope of the Analysis” clearly describes
the appropriate scale of analysis used for each resource.
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment &Environmental Consequences Page 3-1