Environmental Assessment

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES CHAPTER 2
Effects Summary
Table 2-8 displays the effects of every of the alternatives as measured by the measurement standards for
each issue.
Table 2-8 Key Issue Comparison of Treatments by Alternative.
ISSUE & MEASUREMENT STANDARD ALT 1 ALT 2 ALT 3
Key Issue #1: Effects on Mule Deer Habitat, which include: Vegetation Treatments; and Effects of Open Road and
Motorized Trails on Habitat Effectiveness
Acres of Winter Range Treated 0 16,436 21,007
Hiding Cover Remaining After Treatment (% / acres)
Project Area 21 /5627 8.9 / 2390 10.1 / 2691
Pine Mountain and General Forest Allocation 37 / 1782 3.6 / 177 6.6 / 319
Thermal Cover Remaining After Treatment (% / acres)
Project Area 9 / 2417 2.6 / 690 2.7 / 720
WRHUs 8 / 2169 2.6 / 665 2.5 / 656
Miles of System Roads Closed or Decommissioned
Key Issue #2: Condition of Existing Vegetation
0 19 42
Acres Treated Rated as Moderate/High Risk for Bark Beetle
Attack
Key Issue #3: Wildfire Risk
0 4,625 4,964
Acres Treated Rated as Moderate to Extreme Fire Behavior
Potential
15,659 (existing) 15,223 11,846
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED
ANALYSIS_____________________________________________________________
An alternative that would implement vegetation management activities (non-commercial thinning and
prescribed fire) without the removal of commercial wood fiber was considered, but eliminated from
consideration. This alternative was eliminated from consideration because it would not meet the purpose
and need because it limits treatments only to non-commercial thinning and prescribed fire.
Specifically, the Opine Planning Area has determined the need for reductions in natural fuels in shrub and
forest stand densities as well as for providing commercially viable wood fiber to support local mills and
the local economy. Strategically located commercial thinning units (4,132 acres, Alternative 2 and 3,761
acres, Alternative 3) are integral to meeting the purpose and need and objectives of the project.
Eliminating commercial firmwood fiber removal would effectively eliminate the opportunity to reduce
fuel loads on 4,132 acres, Alternative 2 and 3,761 acres, Alternative 3 classified as moderate to extreme
for fire behavior potential, while exacerbating a worsening forest health trend. The emphasis on fuel
reduction activities is intended to reduce risks to desired habitats such as late and old-structured stands,
xeric shrublands, and large trees; protect developments such as the Pine Mountain Observatory, electronic
sites; transmission lines, range improvements, and other similar improvements and facilities from largescale
wildfire; as well as provide timber and other wood fiber products to contribute to local and regional
economies resulting from these activities. By limiting objectives (commercial treatments) outlined in the
Purpose and Need for the project, this alternative would not achieve the desired condition.
No other alternatives were identified as a result of scoping or 30-day comment period.
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