Environmental Assessment

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES CHAPTER 3
down log information was obtainable from the stand exam data because the stand exams did not collect
that information. Given that the snag levels recorded by the stand exams were significantly below desired
conditions, and since snags eventually become down wood habitat, it is likely and predictable that down
wood habitat is also below desired condition, especially in the long-term.
Green tree replacements (GTRs) provide future snags and ultimately future down logs. They were
determined to be not a major issue within the planning area. All coniferous stands have fully stocked
overstory. This may become a problem at some point in the future in existing black bark ponderosa pine
stands with heavy canopy cover because of a general lack of understory regeneration.
Cumulative Effects – There are no identified cumulative or cumulatively significant effects associated
with any of the current, on-going, or reasonably foreseeable actions in conjunction with any of the three
alternatives in this analysis. Current levels of snags are generally below desired levels across the
landscape. Recent management activities in Fuzzy and Aspen and planned activities in the Lava Cast
planning area have or will implement actions that would over time, increase the number and distribution
of snags across the landscape. These actions are also expected to result in larger diameter snags due to
increased growth rates associated with both thinning and the use of prescribe fire in forested areas.
It is unlikely that funding to implement the creation of additional snags would be available under either of
the action alternatives. Therefore, there would be no measurable cumulative effects under any of the
three alternatives.
Past, current, and planned actions are also expected to result in increases in the quantity, quality, and
distribution of CWM across the landscape for the same reasons. Realization of these objectives would
take somewhat longer than that for snags
All management activities, past, current, and planned, incorporate GTR objectives which provide future
sources of snag and CWM and are expected, over time to result in levels of both snags and CWM that
more closely approximately historic levels across the landscape.
Special/Unique Habitats – The planning area has no wet meadows, aquatic / riparian habitats, or talus
slopes. There are also no permanent water bodies, including lakes, ponds, rivers or streams with the
planning area boundaries.
There is one cave, Lavacicle, in the southern portion of the planning area. It is a large cave with a length
of 3,500 feet. Due to past vandalism which has caused considerable damage to the stalagmites in the
cave, it is gated to prevent non-designated entry. No data has been found in the District's records on bat
occupancy of the cave. The current entrance has also been vandalized making entry by wildlife very
difficult.
There are several cliffs and rock outcrops within the planning area that provide potential habitat for
golden eagles, prairie falcons, ravens, bobcat, mountain lion, bats, and other species.
There are six man-made guzzlers/trick tanks in the planning area. These provide critical water sources for
wildlife. These are augmented during periods of grazing by numerous water sets and water troughs (Sand
Springs pasture only).
Forested lavas also occur in the planning area. These areas provide a combination of rock and vegetation
for wildlife. The ecotones between these areas and adjacent habitats are also valuable.
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