Final Environmental Impact Statement

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Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3 addition to the three crossings, a culvert on a level 1 road, NFSR 297.1I, would be removed upon completion of its use. Some sediment is expected to be introduced to the streams at these locations, but not in quantities that would affect the aquatic resource. Alternative 2 may generate sediment from mechanical treatments, prescribed burning, the use of existing roads or stream crossings. However, with the implementation of Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines, WCPs, BMPs and design criteria, the potential to generate sediment from mechanical treatments or prescribed fire, is low. Some sediment is expected to be generated from use of existing roads and stream crossings, however the amount would be minimal, and in quantities that would not affect the aquatic resource. As a benefit of the activities, three (3) CDAs on Forest roads would be corrected. There would be a slight increase in potential for sedimentation from the action alternative in the short term (5 years) sediment potential would be reduced by the action alternative as compared to existing conditions because of the repair or fixing of some of the CDAs. Bed and Bank Stability – Direct and Indirect Effects “Bed and bank stability can be damaged from trampling by animals or humans, vehicle impact, degraded bank vegetation, or excessive flow augmentations. Streams can be made wider and shallower, pools and overhanging banks can be destroyed, and much sediment can be added to streams,” (USDA Forest Service 1996a). Alternative 1 No direct or indirect effects to bed and bank stability would occur. Alternative 2 This alternative would not have an impact on bed and bank stability within the Vestal project area. Skid and forwarding trails have the potential to cross perennial and intermittent streams. When this occurs, design criteria for forwarding and skid trails would be implemented to protecting bank stability. By implementing the design criteria and this alternative would have no direct or indirect impacts. Stream Flow Regime – Direct and Indirect Effects “Flow regimes can be altered by major changes in cover type or ground cover, dense road networks, or water projects. Water temperature and chemistry, sediment transport, aquatic habitats, and aquatic life cycles can be degraded” (USDA Forest Service 1996a). Large change to flow regimes in the Black Hills would occur if a large precipitation event occurs or if a wildfire burns a large portion of the watershed. Vegetation management (timber harvest) and tree mortality (MPB) would affect the flow regime minimally by increasing the base flows. Alternative 1 There would be no direct effects to flow regime. Indirect effects include an increase in the amount of water available for streamflow and ground water recharge due to MPB caused tree mortality. 162
Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3 Alternative 2 Commercial and non-commercial timber activities which remove live biomass would positively affect flow regime. Prescribed burning could also result in a positive impact to flow regime due to resulting tree mortality. This would be minimal since mortality limits are included. This alternative would have a positive effect on flow regime by the removal of live vegetation from the landscape and would result in improved flow regimes over Alternative 1 by reducing the live biomass across the landscape. Temperature and Oxygen – Direct and Indirect Effects “Summer water temperature is increased, and winter water temperature is decreased, by removing shade, reducing low flows, or damaging banks so streams are wider and shallower. Dissolved oxygen is usually reduced when summer water temperature is increased. Such impacts impair or destroy the suitability of water bodies for aquatic biota,” (USDA Forest Service 1996a). Alternative 1 No direct effects would occur. An indirect effect would occur if the live biomass decreases over time due to tree mortality from Mountain Pine Beetle. This could affect stream temperature/oxygen, by making more water available for streamflow because of reduced evapotranspiration. More water in the stream could mean stable water temperature and oxygen levels. Alternative 2 This alternative would have a positive but minimal impact on stream temperature and oxygen because live biomass would be reduced, resulting in more water being available for streamflow. Increases in water amounts would help maintain stream temperatures. This alternative is similar to the No Action alternative with the expected indirect effect due to the MPB. Water temperature and oxygen levels are expected to be maintained throughout the project area and French Creek because more water would be available for streamflow and with the implementation of the design criteria for the WIZ. Water Purity – Direct and Indirect Effects “Water purity can be degraded by placing concentrated pollutant sources near water bodies, applying harmful chemicals in or near water bodies, or intercepting hazardous rock strata by roads. Degrading water purity can impair or destroy use of the water by aquatic biota and humans,” (USDA Forest Service 1996a). Alternative 1 This alternative would not have any direct or indirect effects on water purity. Alternative 2 None of the proposed activities involves placing concentrated pollutant sources near water bodies or applying harmful chemicals near water bodies. There would be no direct or indirect effect to water purity. 163
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Final Environmental Impact Statement

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