Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
96
eared bat
(Corynorhinus
townsendii)
Hoary bat
(Lasiurus cinereus)
Summary of Effects on R2 Sensitive Species
Fire hazard and MPB risk would
remain very high. Wildfire could
change the microhabitat of roosting
sites and may affect insect
populations which would reduce
prey for bats.
Possible long-term loss of roosting
habitat due to MPB activity.
Incremental impacts to habitat
quantity are expected to be
minimal.
Potential for direct impacts and disturbance.
Reduced fire hazard. Possible long-term
loss of roosting habitat due to MPB activity,
but to a lesser degree than No Action.
Prescribed burning could affect air quality in
cave and mine roosts, and may contribute to
the loss of existing snag roost habitat. Fire is
known to affect insect populations which
could reduce prey items for bats foraging in
the area.
Cumulative Effects
The proposed action for this project is not
expected to influence spread of white-nosed
syndrome. There is only one known
abandoned mine, which is gated to prohibit
unauthorized entry.
Incremental impacts to habitat quantity are
expected to be minimal for both alternatives
because direct and indirect impacts are
expected to be minimal. The effects of
disturbance are expected to be minimal since
bats are normally active during the night
when project activities would be minimal.
Summary
The alternatives ‘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 proposed action would likely have the more impact on the bat species due to the
larger acreage of treatment, but it is also expected to retain more live trees into the
future. The proposed action would meet Forest Plan standards and guidelines. The
Forest is conserving and enhancing habitat for this species through cave and mine
management therefore, both alternatives contribute to conservation of bat habitat
Forest plan Objective 221. Therefore, this species is likely to persist on the Forest.
Alternative 1
No Action
Fire hazard would remain very
high. Wildfire could change the
microhabitat of roosting sites and
may affect insect populations which
would reduce prey for bats.
MPB activity is expected to
continue and may result in longterm
loss of roosting habitat.
Direct and Indirect Effects
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Potential for direct impacts and disturbance.
Reduced fire hazard. Short-term decrease in
habitat, but it’s expected that more live large
trees would remain with this alternative.
May have a short-term effect on prey base.
Hardwood acres would be expected to
increase, which would contribute to more
roosting sites. MPB activity is expected to
continue and may result in long-term loss of
roosting habitat, but to a lesser degree than
No Action.
Prescribed burning could affect air quality in
cave and mine roosts, and may contribute to
the loss of existing snag roost habitat. Fire is
known to affect insect populations which
could reduce prey items for bats foraging in
the area.