Environmental Assessment

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES CHAPTER 3
Conversion of existing shrub and grass communities to forest would continue with continuing
encroachment by western juniper and ponderosa pine. In sites dominated by juniper, this would also
lead to decreased ground cover and reduced plant diversity. This would lead to increased levels of
exposed soils and increased levels of soil loss due to wind and water erosion. There would also be a
greater degree of competition for water between juniper and other plant species (Range Report page
44). Experience indicates that under certain conditions during the summer season, juniper become
highly flammable. The increasing juniper component would increase on-site fuel loading and
subsequent wildfire intensity should a wildfire occur.
The quantity, quality, and distribution of browse for wildlife would not change in the short-term
assuming no major disturbance such as a fire.
There would be no direct or indirect effects on existing grazing operations. Use of allotments or
pastures within allotments would not be restricted or prohibited because of vegetation and/or fuel
reduction treatments. Seasons of grazing and stocking levels would not need to be adjusted.
Alternative grazing sites to replace those closed or restricted due to management activities would not be
required. Existing improvements such as fences and water sets would not be damaged and therefore
there would no need for additional repair or replacement.
Permittees would experience no changes in access as no roads would be closed or decommissioned.
Management activities such as timber harvest and fuel reduction activities, as well as natural events
such as wildfires, alter forage production on sites where these activities are located. Such activities or
events provide often significant increases in forage quantities for periods ranging from two (2) to 20
years. This is considered as “transitional” range for livestock; in forested east-side vegetative
communities, this is a significant element (Range Report page 44). The development of transitional
range would be limited to wildfires only and therefore limited in quantity, timing and distribution.
None of the sale area improvement projects proposed under the proposed action would be implemented
under this alternative. Conflicts between OHV uses, dispersed camping, and livestock operations
would continue. Vandalism at the trick tank on West Pine Mountain would also be expected to
continue. No wildlife friendly fences would be constructed along the northern boundary on Pine
Mountain, which would continue to cause problems for wildlife movement, particularly deer. Existing
unneeded fence lines would not be removed.
Alternatives 2 and 3
Alternatives 2 and 3 would reduce fuel loadings and subsequent wildfire intensity on 507 and 235 acres
respectively by removing encroaching juniper and pine from historic and existing shrub and grass
communities. In addition to the reduction in fuel loadings and subsequent wildfire intensity, the
removal of these trees would also reduce the amount and distribution of bare soil, reduce the exposure
and loss of soil to wind, and help to maintain or improve vegetative diversity. These treatments would
retard progression to a forested type – pine or juniper – for approximately 30 years (Range Report, page
43).
The hand falling of juniper and pine would be expected to have limited and localized impacts on
existing vegetation. Some, particularly shrub species, may be damaged by falling trees. Others,
including shrubs, forbs, and grasses, may be shaded for a period of time by slash. In both instances, this
may result in a decline in the quantity of forage and browse available for livestock and wildlife. These
impacts would be expected to be short-term, less than five (5) years, in duration.
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