Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
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Vestal <strong>Final</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>Statement</strong> Chapter 3<br />
84<br />
Song sparrow<br />
(Melospiza<br />
melodia)<br />
Mountain sucker<br />
(Catostomus<br />
platyrhynchus)<br />
NOTE: Also an<br />
R2 Sensitive<br />
Species<br />
Summary of Effects on MIS<br />
increase in both alternatives.<br />
This project is contributing to Objective 238a because the proposed action increases<br />
the amount of habitat available for ruffed grouse. The proposed action would meet<br />
all standards and guidelines. Therefore, this species is likely to persist on the Forest.<br />
Alternative 1<br />
No Action<br />
Ponderosa pine may continue to<br />
become denser and encroach into<br />
hardwood stands and shrubs.<br />
However, the predicted MPB<br />
effects to conifers would result in<br />
an increase in hardwoods and<br />
shrubs, providing improved habitat<br />
along riparian corridors for this<br />
species. This alternative would be<br />
expected to benefit the song<br />
sparrow.<br />
Adverse cumulative effects may<br />
occur because of livestock grazing.<br />
Direct and Indirect Effects<br />
Alternative 2<br />
Proposed Action<br />
Direct effects are possible, but it is expected<br />
that individuals would leave the area before<br />
that occurs. Vegetation treatments may<br />
disturb individuals temporarily, but song<br />
sparrows are expected to return to the area.<br />
Proposed treatments would increase and<br />
enhance habitat. Some meadows and aspen<br />
stands near or adjacent to riparian areas<br />
would be released from pine encroachment.<br />
Mountain pine beetle caused mortality may<br />
also benefit this species by killing overstory<br />
pine along riparian areas.<br />
Because of vegetation treatments and MPB<br />
activity, hardwoods would increase.<br />
Additionally, pine habitat would become<br />
more open causing the potential for shrubs to<br />
increase in the understory. The additional<br />
habitat may increase enough for a population<br />
increase of song sparrow.<br />
Cumulative Effects<br />
Adverse cumulative effects may occur<br />
because of livestock grazing. Project<br />
activities are expected to outweigh effects.<br />
Summary<br />
The proposed action is expected to have more beneficial impacts to song sparrows<br />
because of treatments within meadows and hardwood stands that may include<br />
riparian habitat. Additionally, because of MPB activity, both alternatives have the<br />
potential for an increase in hardwoods and shrubs.<br />
This project is contributing to Objective 238a because all alternatives increase the<br />
amount of habitat available for song sparrows. The proposed action would meet<br />
these standards and guidelines. Therefore, this species is likely to persist on the<br />
Forest.<br />
Alternative 1<br />
No Action<br />
Alternative 2<br />
Proposed Action<br />
Direct and Indirect Effects<br />
No direct or indirect effects. Potential direct effects are largely avoided by<br />
the seasonal in-water work restriction to<br />
avoid the mountain sucker spawning,<br />
incubation and emergence period. Indirect<br />
effects to aquatic/riparian habitat are<br />
predicted to be negligible.<br />
Proposed reconstruction of FSR 342.1E<br />
would include one new road-stream crossing<br />
on French Creek downstream of Stockade