!!!!!Because of the length of this chapter, it has been broken into 10 smaller sections. If you want to print the entire chapter you will need to print the individual sections.INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides information concerning the existing (affected) environment in the project area and the expected environmental effects (consequences) of the alternatives. The affected environment sections describe the baseline conditions against which environmental consequences are evaluated. The following resources are discussed:
- Old Growth Allocations (section 2)
- Late and Old Structure Stands (section 2)
- Mule Deer Winter Range (section 3)
- Sensitive Plants (section 3)
- Treaty Rights (section 4)
- Cultural Resources (section 4)
- Wildlife (including Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species) (sections 5 and 6)
- Wetland/Riparian Areas (section 7)
- Watersheds and Hydrology (section 7)
- Fisheries (section 7)
- Timber Resources (section 8)
- Payments to Counties (section 8)
- Recreation (section 8)
- Access (section 9)
- Range Resources (section 9)
- Scenic Resources (section 9)
- Lands (section 9)
- Geology and Mineral Resources (section 9)
- Soils (section 10)
- Noxious Weeds (section 10)
- Economic and Social Environment (section 10)
- Survey and Maintenance Costs (section 10)
- Other Environmetal Considerations (section 10)
The environmental effects related to each of these resource areas are discussed immediately following the presentation of each resource's affected environment. The environmental effects sections provide the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of alternatives presented in Chapter 2. These sections present the expected effects on the physical, biological, social, and economic environments associated with the implementation of the alternatives. The expected environmental consequences to each resource area are disclosed, including the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects. Effects are quantified where possible.
The effects analysis is based on reasonably foreseeable consequences under likely management policies of Crown Pacific and the Forest Service. Future management of the lands proposed for exchange to Crown Pacific would comply with the regulations of the Oregon State Forest Practices Act. Lands exchanged to the Forest Service would be managed according to the Deschutes, Fremont, and Winema National Forest Land and Resource Management Plans (USDA , 1990b, 1989b, 1990c, respectively). Together these documents will be referred to as the Forest Plans.
Direct environmental effects are defined as those occurring at the same time and place as the intial cause or action. Indirect effects are those that are a result of the action, but occur later in time or are spatially removed from the activity. Cumulative effects result from the incremental effects of actions when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Chapter 3 concludes with other environmental considerations that must be addressed under NEPA. These topics include the relationship between short-term uses and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, the irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources, possible conflicts between the Proposed Action and the plans of other jurisdictions, and other environmental considerations.
The direct environmental effects of this land exchange would be primarily those associated with changes in public access and use of respective lands. Other expected environmental effects would be indirect effects, mostly associated with the change in management emphasis.
Management Allocations (MA's)
The current Forest Plans allocate areas to various management emphasis through the use of 59 separate MAs. These 59 MAs are documented in Deschutes, Fremont, and Winema National Forest Plans. In addition, the general theme, goal, and/or objective of the specific MAs affected by the proposed land exchange have been detailed in Appendix B.MAs prescribe the proposed land management activities that can occur on lands exchanged to the Forest Service. Consequently, these MAs also guide part of the discussion of environmental effects for many resources.
Comparison between Oregon State Forest Practices Act and National Forest Management Requirements
National Forest System (NFS) lands included in the proposed exchange are managed under three separate Forest Plans. Forest Plans provide direction for the kinds of activities which may take place based on Forest-wide and Management Area Goals and Objectives, and Standards and Guidelines. These Forest Plans have been amended by the Revised Continuation of Interim Management Direction Establishing Riparian, Ecosystem, and Wildlife Standards for Timber Sales (also known as Eastside Screens) and the Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH) which has generally applied additional requirements for maintenance and protection of riparian areas, wildlife habitats, and late and old structure forests.The Oregon State Forest Practices Act (ORS 527.610 - 527.992) regulates private land forest management activities. Specific standards and definitions relating to the administration of this law are included in Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 629, Division 24.
For NFS and private lands, these documents provide guidance as it relates to harvest and reforestation activities. Generally speaking, the Forest Plans will provide more direction on what kinds of activities can be implemented and under what conditions. This direction will generally result in fewer, smaller trees being available for harvest than under the Oregon State Forest Practices Act. Forest plans will usually provide greater emphasis on maintaining other amenities in association with timber harvest such as big game cover; scenic quality; large snags and down wood; future snags (also known as green tree replacements); reproductive, foraging, and dispersal habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species; plants, and cultural and cave resources. The State Forest Practices Act rules require protection of water quality; minimizing loss of soil productivity; protection of known nesting sites for bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and great blue herons; protection of known cultural resource sites; and reforestation to a level closely approximating those required on NFS lands. There are no specific requirements for protection of big game cover, caves, or sensitive plant or animal species.
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