Environmental Assessment

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES CHAPTER 3
Issue-Related Consequences______________________________________
The analysis of effects on wildlife, and specifically for mule deer in MA-7, (deer habitat land allocation)
was conducted using Winter Range Habitat Units (WRHUs) rather than the Implementation Units
prescribed by the LRMP. WRHUs were proposed as the “Implementation Units” to assess the potential
impacts of commercial and non-commercial thinning and fuel reduction activities on wildlife and wildlife
habitat and specifically on mule deer. This recommendation was incorporated into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District and the Oregon Department of Fish
and Wildlife (ODFW) and was signed by Forest Supervisor Weldon on March 30, 2001.
Implementation units are used to determine consistency with the LRMP. Figure 3-1 displays the
relationship between the planning area, WRHUs, and implementation units. WRHUs are designated by a
name – Pine Mountain, Tepee Draw, etc.; implementation units are designated by a number – 51, 52, etc.
Implementation Units: To meet Forest Plan Consistency, Implementation Units effects are disclosed
under Key Issue #1: Effects on Mule Deer Habitat (a) Vegetation Treatments in Deer Habitat,
Measurement Standard - Percentage hiding and thermal cover after treatment; Alternative 2 and 3 (Hiding
/Thermal Cover), Alternative 2 and 3 (Forest Plan Consistency); and under Key Issue #1 (b) Effects of
Open Road and
Motorized Trails on Habitat Effectiveness, Measurement Standards for: Miles of system roads closed and
decommissioned; Open Road Densities by Implementation Units.
Figure 3-1 displays the spatial relationship between the planning area, Implementation Units (IUs), and
WRHUs.
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