Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
Summary of Effects on MIS
Lake. This may have short-term adverse
effects resulting from some streambank
disturbance and additional sediment input
into the stream. The use of vegetative buffers
to trap sediment and other techniques that
minimize ground disturbance, protect
streambank stability and maintain overhead
tree canopy to shade streams would mitigate
adverse impacts to fisheries habitat.
Cumulative Effects
Past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions, such as recreational fishing, nonnative
fish stocking, livestock grazing, road use/maintenance and water
impoundment would continue to directly or indirectly affect fish populations and/or
their habitat. Existing instream structures that are barriers to fish passage, such as
dams and “perched” culverts, would continue to fragment the stream network and
affect fish distribution. These conditions and activities may have either a positive or
negative effect depending on the fishery resource (native vs. non-native fish) or the
type of activity (habitat restoration vs. degradation) being considered. Most of these
effects are long-term because of their chronic, ongoing nature though their
magnitude and intensity may vary over time.
Summary
This project would have a neutral effect on the Forest-wide population trend of the
mountain sucker because of the minimal amount of occupied habitat (lower French
Creek) in the project area and the minor degree of adverse effects to that habitat. The
implementation of resource conservation measures would meet the intent of Forest
Plan Objective 238d to maintain stream quality and connectivity. Mountain sucker
viability is not at risk due to the minor amount of aquatic habitat affected and the
low magnitude of potential direct and indirect adverse effects anticipated under the
proposed action.
The implementation of Forest Plan standards and guidelines (Standards 1106, 1109,
1113, 1201, 1203 and Guidelines 1115 and 3212), regional watershed conservation
practices and project-specific design criteria would avoid and minimize long-term
negative indirect effects to fisheries consistent with Forest Plan Objectives 103, 217
and 219. Potential adverse effects to aquatic habitat and control nonpoint surface
water pollution are mitigated consistent with Objective 221 of the Forest Plan.
The proposed action ‘may adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result
in a loss of viability in the Planning Area, nor cause a trend toward federal
listing’. The No Action alternative may adversely impact individuals as well,
primarily due to the negative interaction from ongoing non-native fish management
to provide for recreational fishing opportunities.
Species of Local Concern (SOLC)
The following is a summary of effects to the previously mentioned wildlife SOLC. A
detailed analysis can be found in the Wildlife Report in the project record.
Table 37. Summary of Effects to SOLC
Summary of Effects to SOLC
Alternative 1
No Action
Atlantis Fritillary
(Speyeria atlantis
Conifers encroachment would
continue into meadows/grasslands
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Habitat adjacent to riparian areas is expected
to increase in size because of vegetation
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