Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3
Water Purity
There would be no cumulative effects to water purity. This watershed feature would not
have direct or indirect effects, as discussed above.
Aquatic Life
There would be no cumulative effects to aquatic life. This watershed feature would not
have direct or indirect effects, as discussed above.
Riparian Ecosystems
Impacts to the riparian ecosystem as a result of the Vestal Project would occur. This
would add to what has already occurred (roads, private land development, grazing) in the
watershed creating a cumulative impact. Impacts to riparian ecosystems are expected to
be minimal and temporary for Alternative 2. There would be no cumulative effects to
riparian ecosystems resulting from the No Action alternative.
Wetlands
There would be no cumulative effects to wetlands. This watershed feature would not
have direct or indirect effects, as discussed above.
Floodplains
There would be no cumulative effects to floodplains. This watershed feature would not
have direct or indirect effects, as discussed above.
Watershed Condition Class
There would be no cumulative effects to watershed condition class. The Watershed
Condition Class for each watershed would remain unchanged from Class 2 as a result of
this project. None of the alternatives proposes enough activities to change the ratings.
Best Management Practices (BMP) Effectiveness
BMPs by definition are “Common-sense actions required, by law, to keep soil and other
pollutants out of streams and lakes. BMPs are designed to protect water quality and to
prevent new pollution” (IFPC 2003). BMPs are implemented to control or limit nonpoint
source pollution.
“BMPs are developed by the State of SD…to ensure compliance with federal and state
water-quality standards,” (USDA Forest Service 2006c). They provide good guidance
but are fairly general. WCPs are practices to protect soil, aquatic, and riparian systems.
USDA Forest Service, Region 2, developed them. They are more specific with design
criteria. “If used properly, they meet or exceed State BMPs,” (USDA Forest Service,
2006b). BMPs and WCPs are incorporated into the Forest Plan standards and guidelines
and provide more specific direction.
The Black Hills National Forest completed a Forest Plan BMP Evaluation (USDA Forest
Service 2003a). Two studies done on the Black Hills National Forest by the Black Hills
Forest Resource Association, 2001 and Wyoming Timber Industry Association, 2001,
reviewed BMP effectiveness. The conclusion is “These results highlight the consistent
application and effectiveness of BMPs in the Black Hills and other National Forests”
(USDA Forest Service 2003a). The evaluation goes on to review other studies or reports
and comes to the conclusion that “These studies highlight the effectiveness of BMPs in
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