Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Final Environmental Impact Statement
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Vestal <strong>Final</strong> <strong>Environmental</strong> <strong>Impact</strong> <strong>Statement</strong> Chapter 3<br />
does occur it would generally be expected to be reduced over time meaning no long-term<br />
effects. Forest Plan Monitoring on one site has shown “there is evidence that conditions<br />
were such that within one geographic area, on at least one soil type, and to the depth<br />
sampled, that the mean soil bulk density decreased from levels above the threshold<br />
classified as “detrimental compaction” to levels below the threshold within the time<br />
period of one year” (USDA Forest Service 2009).<br />
No indirect effect on soil productivity from soil compaction with this alternative is<br />
expected. Short-term direct effects can occur but are not expected to persist.<br />
Nutrient Removal – Direct and Indirect Effects<br />
“Soil fertility depends on organic matter and nutrients. Soil productivity can be degraded<br />
if humus and topsoil, or even excess leaves and limbs, are taken off site,” (USDA Forest<br />
Service 1996a).<br />
Alternative 1<br />
There would be no direct or indirect effects to soil productivity from nutrient removal<br />
with this alternative because no new activities are planned.<br />
Alternative 2<br />
This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management, dead<br />
fall treatment, fuel break construction and prescribed fire. Noncommercial vegetation<br />
management, dead fall treatment, fuel break construction and prescribe fire do not affect<br />
soil productivity from nutrient removal because organic material is not physically<br />
removed from the site. Lopping, chipping, crushing, or mastication leaves all material on<br />
site. Burning will change the form or composition of the nutrients but most will be still<br />
available on site.<br />
Commercial vegetation management generally removes whole trees from the site in order<br />
to reduce the fuels in the stand. This could pose a concern on some soils, however with<br />
the mountain pine beetle activity in the Vestal project area, there would be sufficient<br />
material left on site to meet Standard 1102, including Guideline 1102a, and soil<br />
productivity would not be affected<br />
No direct or indirect effects on soil productivity related to soil nutrients are expected to<br />
occur with this alternative.<br />
Soil Heating – Direct and Indirect Effects<br />
“Soil heating is caused by severe fires that occur when humus and large fuels are dry and<br />
large fuels are consumed near the ground. Soil heating sterilizes the soil, alters soil<br />
physics, consumes organic matter, and removes much of the site’s nutrients,” (USDA<br />
Forest Service 1996a). <strong>Impact</strong>s to soil productivity from soil heating usually occurs as a<br />
result of a wildfire but can occur in small areas with prescribe fire.<br />
Alternative 1<br />
There would be no direct or indirect effect to soil productivity from soil heating with this<br />
alternative because no new activities are proposed within the project area.<br />
Alternative 2<br />
Effects from soil heating can occur from burning of slash piles and prescribed fire.<br />
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