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

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Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation Management Project Rio de los Pinos Analysis Area – all other species A variable amount of disturbance and/or habitat conversion would occur within the Rio de los Pinos Analysis Area under each alternative, which would be beneficial for some Sensitive species and negative for others. Overall, the alternatives May Impact Individuals of some species, but are not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or result in loss of viability in the planning area (the Forest). The proposed project in addition to other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable activities within the analysis area would be expected to have minor cumulative impacts such as possible disturbance and/or displacement. However, these impacts are determined to be fairly minor. Implementation of project design criteria will help to alleviate some of these potential impacts. 3.9 Wildlife Scope of the Analysis This section addresses non-TES wildlife and it has been categorized into two discussions as follows: 1) Management Indicator Species (MIS), and 2) migratory birds This section is a summary of more detailed analysis contained in separate reports as categorized above. Each report is part of the project administrative record. MIS are addressed at the Forest Level. Migratory birds are addressed within the Analysis Area. Potential influences on migratory birds were tiered to conservation objectives at the Forest-wide scale and the Southern Rockies Colorado Plateau Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 16 (additional information on BCR 16 is available online at: http://www.nabcius. org/bcrs.htmo). Past Actions that have affected the Existing Condition See section 3.8, TES Wildlife Species under the same heading since that description applies here as well. Existing Condition See section 3.8, TES Wildlife Species under the same heading since that description applies here as well. Management Indicator Species Table 3.9-1 is a summary of the Forest MIS species and the rationale for the detail in which they were analyzed for this project. Five MIS were evaluated in greater detail for this analysis: 1) Brown Creeper, 2) Hermit thrush 3) Elk, 4) Mule Deer and 5) Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. Rio Grande cutthroat trout were analyzed as an MIS in the Fisheries Specialist report prepared for this project. Chapter 3 – Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences Page 3-52
Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation Management Project Table 3.9-1 Summary of the MIS Evaluation. Habitats Rationale for Selection in MIS Represented Forest Plan Brown creeper Mature to late successional spruce/fir and mixed conifer (LTAs 1 1, 3, 13; Structure Class 5) 2 Species has a close association with structural elements that occur under older forest conditions, including large tree diameters and older snag component. May respond to certain threats, management, and conservation activities in spruce/fir forests (Colorado Bird Conservation Plan). Resident bird less affected by management activities outside of breeding range. Hermit thrush Mature to late Species primarily associated with successional spruce/fir spruce/fir and is commonly associated and mixed conifer with, but not restricted to, older forest (LTAs 1, 3, 13; structure. May respond to certain Structure Class 5) threats, management, and conservation activities in spruce/fir forests (Colorado Bird Conservation Plan). Tied to complex structural forest elements; may represent mature to late successional forest floor characteristics. Timber and/or fire management may affect quantity and/or quality of habitat, such as coarse woody debris. Elk Forest-wide (All LTAs) Special interest locally (i.e., economic and recreational value). May be competing with other native ungulates and livestock. Sensitive to roads and related disturbance. Mule deer Forest-wide (All LTAs) Special interest locally (economic and recreational value). Sensitive to roads and related disturbance. A habitat generalist but also associated with early successional stages for forage. Rio Grande cutthroat trout Riparian (LTA 10 -- Forest-wide aquatic) Management indicator of the health of montane aquatic ecosystems Most sensitive of the salmonid species to management activities that increase sediment, reduce stream cover, create barriers to movement, or impact stream flows or water quality. Rationale for Detailed Evaluation for the Analysis Area To assist in monitoring whether Forest Plan standards and guidelines for biodiversity are being met, with an emphasis on snag management. To assist in monitoring whether Forest Plan standards and guidelines for biodiversity are being met, with an emphasis on coarse woody debris. To assist in monitoring whether Forest Plan standards and guidelines are being met for wildlife, with an emphasis on providing cover to maintain screening along roads. To assist in monitoring whether Forest Plan standards and guidelines are being met for wildlife, with an emphasis on forest management issues that influence the early successional stages of plant communities. Will assist in monitoring whether Forest Plan standards and guidelines are being met, with an emphasis on how project activities are conducted within the water influence zone (WIZ) to maintain stream health. Chapter 3 – Affected Environment & Environmental Consequences Page 3-53 Rationale for Dismissal From Detailed Analysis
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Final Environmental Impact Statement Rio de los Pinos Vegetation ...

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