Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 2
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01 is on the north side of Calamity Peak and is proposed as a Group
Shelterwood. Limitations to harvest capabilities, such as access, soils, and
slopes, will dictate where activities may occur in these sites. Very small
portions of these two sites will be accessible and feasible to treat, based on
project design for soils and slopes. It is expected that only the periphery
of these sites would be treated. Due to the very active MPB outbreak, and
the location of these sites near private lands, reducing stand density and
MPB risk is a main goal.
• An alternative that includes non-conventional logging systems, such as tractor or
skyline systems. These systems would allow for areas with slopes in excess of
50% to be treated.
- Generally, the inaccessible areas within the project area are due to large
granite outcrops and peaks. Tractor logging may occur under the
proposed action, although, the area is not conducive to skyline harvest
systems due to the granite rock outcrops.
• An alternative that includes: Individual Tree Selection, Group Selection, Group
Retention, Hardwood Enhancement, Meadow Enhancement, Old Growth.
- The proposed action includes treatments which maintain or enhance stand
or landscape level diversity, including Free Selection, Variable Density
Thinning, and Group Shelterwood. Hardwood enhancement (hardwood
release) is included on all existing hardwood stands which contain
conifers. Meadow enhancement (pine encroachment) is also included on
all meadows that have conifers. The group retention treatment vastly
opens stands and is not prescribed in this area due to the MPB epidemic
which is actively reducing stand densities. Old growth is not a treatment
type. There are currently 107 acres (