Final Environmental Impact Statement

Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 2
Table 5 compares MPB risk rating between alternatives. Mountain pine beetle risk level
is determined by ponderosa pine structural stage (SS):
30
Low Risk = SS1, SS2, SS3A, SS3B, & SS 4A
High Risk = SS3C, SS4B, SS4C, & SS5
Table 5. MPB Risk Rating by Alternative
Comparison Value
14,373
ac.
9,320 ac.
Existing Condition/
Alternative 1- No Action
MPB Risk
Alternative 2
Low
High
MPB Risk
Existing Condition
Low
High
3,069 ac.
Alternative 2
Proposed Action
Year 2018
MPB Risk Rating (acres)
Low 9,320 (39%) 20,498 (87%)
High 14,373 (61%) 3,069 (13%)
Total 23,693 23,567
No change to MPB risk would occur with Alternative 1, No Action. Over time, the MPB
is expected to cause substantial pine mortality across this landscape because the MPB
risk was not reduced. Risk ratings shown in Alternative 2 display how active
management would reduce MPB risk. Figures 4 and 5 give a visual display of MPB risk
rating.
Figure 5. MPB Risk Rating (in acres)-Existing Condition.
Figure 6. MPB Risk
Rating (in acres)-
Alternative 2.
20,498
ac.