Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
Free Selection (FS) treatment would result in reduced tree densities while maintaining
groups of large trees and hardwoods. This would make the color and characteristics of
larger trees and hardwoods more visible in the landscape, particularly in the foreground.
This treatment would reduce susceptibility of stands to MPB infestation by reducing
overall basal area within sites, which in turn would provide the conditions that can
enhance stand diversity. This treatment reduces overall density of the site to 80 ft 2 /ac
basal areas by interspersing dense groups of trees with openings. Stand densities would
vary from 30 - 90 ft 2 /ac BA. Lower basal area would likely meet a Low SIO. Higher
basal area, i.e. 60 BA would likely meet a Moderate SIO; while 60 BA with hardwoods
present, and 80 BA areas would likely meet a High SIO.
Variable Density Thinning (VDT) thinning of ponderosa pine to reduce the overall
quantity of trees on the site to a basal area average of 60. The remaining trees would be
varied in density (spacing) - where some areas are tightly spaced and other areas they are
widely spaced. The variety in residual tree spacing is what makes the difference as to
how natural these treatments appear. Due to the variety it creates, that mimic natural
vegetative patterns, this treatment should meet a Moderate to High SIO.
Sanitation (Sani) treatment removes trees currently infested with mountain pine beetle.
The visual effect is totally dependent upon the amount of MPB activity present. The
results of this treatment cannot be projected due to the unknown level of MPB activity.
When then treatment is in an area with high level of MPB activity, a Low SIO would
likely be achieved. When then treatment is in an area with limited level of MPB activity,
a High SIO can be achieved.
Products Other Than Logs Thinning (POL) removes 6 to 9-inch diameter trees and
would open up views into the Forest, as the spacing of the trees would range from 18 to
22 feet. This treatment often leaves a moderate level of vegetation debris on the forest
floor, reducing grasses and shrubs, and dominating Foreground views. Once the slash is
cleaned up, this treatment should meet a Moderate SIO. In the Middleground and
Background, large diameter trees should be more dominant in this landscape also
resulting in a Moderate to High SIO.
Pine Encroachment (PE) This treatment would remove all pine from meadow sites.
Generally, there are few trees in these areas to be treated, and their removal still
maintains a natural appearing condition, and meets a High SIO. In Foreground views,
where there are concentrations of trees to be removed, the remaining stumps are still
evident, lowering the scenic integrity to a Moderate level for the first 5 years.
Hardwood Conversion (HC) and Hardwood Restoration (HR) These treatments
remove all pine from mixed conifer / hardwood stands (HC) or ‘pure’ hardwood stands
(HR) to maintain or increase hardwoods. Pine under 9” DBH would be ‘hinged’ then left
on the site. Hinging adds a large horizontal component that can detract from the
landscape when being viewed in Foreground settings. Once the needles fall off the
hinged trees, this treatment should meet a Moderate SIO when viewed in the Foreground,
and a High SIO when viewed in the Middleground & Background. Short term (less than
10 years) this treatment should result in a High SIO being achieved, as the treated areas
would be filled with hardwoods that would provide additional color to the landscape
(spring and fall).
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