Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 2
actions are expected to be substantially complete and when the MPB epidemic is
predicted to have run its course in the project area.
Table 3 shows the changes in cover types between the existing condition and the two
alternatives. The only differences are in acres of aspen and ponderosa pine, as 126 acres
of hardwood conversion are proposed. All other cover types would remain unchanged.
Table 3. Comparison of Cover Types
28
Alternative 1
No Action
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Year 2018
Cover Type
Existing Condition
Year 2011
Year 2018
Meadow 1,482 1,482 1,482
Aspen 431 431 557
Spruce 42 42 42
Ponderosa Pine 23,693 23,693 23,567
Water 29 29 29
Rock 146 146 146
Total 25,823 25,823 25,823
Table 4 and Figures 2-4 present estimated acres of pine structural stages for the existing
condition and both alternatives, at year 2018. The changes in Alternative 1 are due to
expected changes from MPB caused mortality, based on assumptions developed by the
project entomologist. The specific sites on where these structural stages would occur are
speculative. Therefore, the total acres of projected structural stages are presented for
comparison. Refer to Table 12 in Chapter 3 for definitions of each structural stage.
Table 4. Comparison of Ponderosa Pine Structural Stages
Ponderosa Pine
Structural Stages
Alternative 1
No Action
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Year 2018*
(acres)
Existing Condition
Year 2011
Year 2018*
SS1 87 7,082 77
SS2 269 2,530 1,275
SS3A 770 4,890 597
SS3B 1,270 1,168 111
SS3C 1,295 0 114
SS4A 6,924 6,716 18,438
SS4B 10,267 1,297 2,496
SS4C 2,704 0 352
SS5 107 10 107
Total 23,693 23,693 23,567**
*Total acreage for Alternative 2 is lower than existing and Alternative 1 due to Hardwood Conversion treatment which increases
aspen acres by 126 acres.