Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
Meadow Jumping
Mouse
(Zapus hudsonius
campestris)
Summary of Effects to SOLC
decreased potential in the long term. Would reduce MPB and wildfire risk.
Cumulative Effects
Activities such as vegetation management, fuels management, livestock grazing,
recreational activities and other management activities have and are expected to
continue within the project area. These activities would likely occur on private
lands as well. Private lands would likely continue to be developed, some of which
may include roads. All may affect flying squirrels through direct mortality,
modification of behavior, habitat alteration, spread of exotics, or disturbance.
Additionally, private lands would continue to be thinned to reduce the threat of
MPB. Northern flying squirrels have relatively small ranges, generally less than 42
acres (Cotton & Parker 2000), and are non-migratory. Privately-owned lands within
and adjacent to the project boundary may also provide suitable northern flying
squirrel habitat, but resource management and conservation by private citizens and
companies depend on a number of factors (e.g., desired goals, market prices,
development potential). Private lands managed for timber harvest may tend toward
fewer acres in the late-successional stage forest and fewer snags. Potential northern
flying squirrel habitat is assumed to occur on private lands across the project area;
however, the extent and persistence of such habitat is uncertain.
Summary
Both alternatives affect habitat for the flying squirrel. However, the proposed action
treats stands to mostly SS4A, and more acreage of SS 4B, 4C, and 5 would remain
within the project area, providing little more habitat for this species. More future
replacement snags would also be expected to remain on the landscape.
The proposed action would meet Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Therefore,
the alternatives would contribute toward meeting Forest Objective 221. This
species is likely to persist on the Forest.
Alternative 1
No Action
No treatments in riparian areas
would occur. Livestock grazing
would continue and riparian grasses
may continue to receive high
seasonal use. Expected MPB
activity would increase hardwoods
and meadows by killing more pine.
This may increase quality habitat
for this mouse species.
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Possible direct effects from proposed
activities.
Treatments would enhance meadow and
riparian hardwood habitat.
Cumulative Effects
Activities such as vegetation management, fire suppression, livestock grazing,
recreational activities and natural events such as drought and flooding have caused
impacts to riparian areas within the project area. Fire suppression has resulted in an
increase of pine trees which may lead to a change in water tables. Other
management activities have and will continue in and adjacent to the project area.
These activities would likely occur on private lands as well. Private lands would
likely continue to be developed, some of which may include roads. All may affect
jumping mice through direct mortality, modification of behavior, habitat alteration,
spread of exotics, or disturbance.
Private lands occur frequently within riparian areas. These private lands provide
suitable habitat, but conditions may have been altered by private land management
activities such as livestock grazing or draining to convert to drier site conditions for
subsequent haying.
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