Final Environmental Impact Statement

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Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3 3-5 years and would provide a hindrance to grazing of aspen. Mountain pine beetle caused mortality on other ownerships would have a similar effect. A positive cumulative effect is expected for aspen under either alternative. Spruce The MPB epidemic may benefit spruce over time by reducing competition from pine. . No treatments for spruce are proposed in the alternatives and none are known on private lands either. Meadows Some meadows have been successfully released from pine competition in the past on both National forest and private lands. Grazing occurs on many private meadows as well as Forest service meadows and contributes to meadow maintenance. Approximately 1,458 acres of pine encroachment removal would occur in the proposed action alternative. These are historic meadow sites which have been encroached upon by pine. They would be maintained by removing conifers of all sizes. As a result, increased grass and forage production would occur. Mountain pine beetle may reduce pine in meadows, generally trees >7” dbh. The smaller trees are not expected to be killed by MPB. The cumulative effect under No Action would be that pine would remain in these meadows and seed more trees further into the meadows. Grass and forage production would continue to decrease. Wildlife and Fish Affected Environment Existing vegetation habitat conditions are discussed under the ‘Forest Vegetation’ section in this document. Additional discussion of some specific habitat components, snags and down woody material is presented below. Riparian ecosystems are discussed in the Hydrology section. Snags and Down Woody Material The MPB outbreak that has been occurring for the last 3-4 years has created snag habitat in the Vestal Project Area, especially in the northern and western portion of the project area. However, trees killed by MPB are only expected to remain intact on the landscape for about 5 years (Schmid et al. 2009). Currently, cutting snags for fuelwood is allowed within 300’ of roads where dispersed camping is permitted as shown on the Forest Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The majority of the Vestal project area is included. No other snag cutting areas occur within the project area. Down woody material amounts vary across the project area. Most of the project area currently contains down woody material at levels noted in Objective 212. Management Indicator Species (MIS) The Phase II Amendment to the 1997 Forest Plan-FEIS (USDA Forest Service 2005a) lists MIS to be considered during project-level planning. The MIS species which have 50
Vestal Final Environmental Impact Statement Chapter 3 habitat or populations present within the Vestal project area were analyzed (see Table 33). Some MIS species have dual designations as also R2 sensitive species or Species of Local Concern (SOLC), as noted in the analysis presented. Table 33. MIS List and Rationale for Inclusion in Project-Level Analysis Analyzed Species in Rep. Rationale Habitat Description Large rivers and lakes down to streams, Beaver There is an active marshes and small lakes with (Castor YES colony at Bismarck seepage/weak flows adequate for canadensis) Lake. damming and suitable woody vegetation (Higgins et al. 2000). White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) YES Species was observed throughout the project area. Very adaptable species that can live in almost any habitat. In South Dakota, this includes grasslands, wetlands and woodlands (Higgins et al. 2000). Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa) YES Suitable habitat is found in spruce stands within the project area. Found almost exclusively in white spruce habitat but occasionally present in habitats with a spruce component (Panjabi 2003). Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) NO Suitable habitat is not found within the project area. Found almost exclusively in native mixed-grass prairies (Panjabi 2003). Burned areas with a high density of pre- Black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) YES Suitable habitat is found within the project area. Species was burn snags; mountain pine beetle infested areas; dense and/or mature forests with a high snag density (Anderson 2003, Panjabi 2003, Bonnot et al. 2008). Brown creeper (Certhia americana) YES observed or heard throughout the project area in SS4B and SS4C pine sites. In the Black Hills, white spruce and late successional pine appears to be the most important habitat type for this species (Panjabi 2001, 2003). Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) YES Potential habitat exists in aspen throughout the project area. Variable aged aspen stands, other hardwoods and pine forests provide habitat. Winter habitat is almost exclusively aspen (DeGraaf et al. 1991, Tallman et al. 2002). Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) YES Riparian corridors provide desirable habitat throughout the project area. Streamside thickets, particularly shrubby willows, are required for habitat. Occasionally found in adjacent spruce habitat (Panjabi 2003). Mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) YES French Creek provides potential habitat for this species. Large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, prairie streams but most often in cool, clear, moderately swift mountain streams with mud, cobble, or boulder substrate (Isaak et al. 2003). 51
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Final Environmental Impact Statement

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