INTERIOR COLUMBIA BASIN ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PROJECT

How does the preferred alternative address forest health and the threat of catastrophic fire?

The preferred alternative proposes the use of prescribed fire and thinning to promote species and age diversity of the forests to reduce the risk of insect and disease infestation and catastrophic fire.

How does Alternative 4 differ from PACFISH/INFISH? Does Alternative 4 provide long-term protection?

PACFISH and INFISH are interim measures intended to halt the decline of aquatic habitat and begin the process of recovery. PACFISH and INFISH riparian buffers have fixed widths by stream type.

Alternative 4 places more emphasis on an ecosystem management approach that moves the decision process from the broad-scale sub-basin view through ecosystem analysis at the watershed scale through to local conditions and local projects. A zonal strategy is applied to riparian buffers. Buffer widths will vary by forest and range type, stream type and the steepness of upland slopes.

Will Alternative 4 preclude listing and provide for recovery of species on Federal lands?

Pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, as amended, listing determinations for species must consider all relevant information about the status of the species populations, habitats and overall geographic distribution, and must take into account existing management measures designed to protect the species. For those species which exist primarily on federal lands, Alternative 4 provides the framework necessary to conserve species and their habitats, which will support species recovery on federal lands, and may avoid the need for listing. The EISs do not attempt to restrict activities affecting habitat on non-federal lands.

Does the preferred alternative allow for salvage logging?

Salvage logging is one of many tools available to land managers to address forest health issues in the Basin. Other tools available include forest thinning, prescribed burning and watershed restoration. The preferred alternative does not prescribe where salvage logging or other management activities will take place. Rather, priority areas are identified and a variety of management tools are available to local managers.

What will be the impact to rural communities?

Most communities in the Basin will not be adversely impacted economically. But some rural communities, especially those more reliant on the flow of timber from public lands, may see a decline in the amount of timber offered for sale compared to the average for the last 10 years. However, timber levels are expected to be higher than for the last three years and to stabilize over time.

Does the preferred alternative deal with the issue of old growth?

Yes. We are changing our management to focus on future forest conditions that are more resilient to large natural disturbances such as catastrophic fire and insect infestation. This means managing to achieve a range of forest types, including mature forests. This preferred alternative sets a desired condition for old forests that is equal to or greater than all the other alternatives.

How does the preferred alternative deal with noxious and exotic weeds?

The draft EIS identifies areas where problems exist and the priorities for controlling future spread of noxious weeds.

How does Alternative 4 address restoration and/or protection of resources, particularly salmon, important to tribes?

Alternative 4 takes aggressive actions to protect and restore watersheds with a focus on riparian and aquatic conditions. This will conserve populations of native fish (salmon, steelhead, and bull trout) and provide for tribal use. Also, the use of prescribed fire and thinning and the control of noxious weeds will restore native ecosystems and provide resources of importance to tribes.

Are you willing to look at other alternatives?

Yes, if they would meet the purposes and needs of the project.

Do you expect the preferred alternative will change?

Yes. We will be responsive to public comment and are willing to make necessary changes to the preferred alternative, including selection on an entirely different alternative.