Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
0.6 miles of non-system road would be converted to National Forest System Road
(NFSR) and approximately 2 miles of open system road would be closed (see Map 8 in
Appendix A). The converted system road segment was identified as needed for current
and future resource management access. The proposed road closures (approximately 2
miles total) are in three separate segments and would protect wildlife values and prevent
resource damage.
An estimated 34 miles of road would be reconstructed which may include, but is not
limited to, structural improvements, typically rolling dips or culverts, surface
reconditioning or realignment. An additional 91 miles of road would require
maintenance to complete proposed activities.
Existing unauthorized roads that are used as temporary roads with the project would be
closed after use as part of the timber operations. Remaining unauthorized roads not used
for the proposed activities are already administratively closed and may be physically
closed in the future when funds become available.
Temporary roads may also be used to access portions of proposed treatments units. The
intent after use for all temporary road construction is that they shall be closed or
decommissioned during post resource management activities. Temporary roads utilize
existing unauthorized roads or are constructed in locations approved by the Forest
Service.
The average road density for the Black Hills National Forest is 4.4 miles per square mile
as shown in the Forest Plan (Phase II Amendment). The minor changes to the
transportation system proposed in Alternative 2 do not result in an overall change to road
density. A simple comparison of road densities for the Vestal project area is listed below
in Table 48.
Table 48. Road Mileage and Density by Alternative
Existing Conditions/Alt.1 Alternative 2
Miles Miles/Mile 2 Miles Miles/Mile 2
Open Roads 42 0.6 41 0.6
Seasonal Roads 35 0.5 35 0.5
Closed Roads 48 0.7 50 0.7
Total 125 1.8 126 1.8
Cumulative Effects
Alternative 1 – No Action
Alternative 1 would have no direct or indirect effects; therefore no cumulative effects
would occur.
Alternative 2
This alternative would not increase open road density for the project area. Therefore, no
negative cumulative effects to open road density would occur.
These activities along with the Vestal project have the potential for the following
cumulative effects on the transportation system.
145