Nautilus Project

Final Environmental Impact Statement

Black Hills National Forest

Northern Hills Ranger District

Spearfish, South Dakota

September 2010
Commonly Used Acronyms and Abbreviations

ATV     All‐Terrain Vehicle

BA     Basal Area

BCR    Bird Conservation Region

BF    Board Foot

BHNF    Black Hills National Forest

BLM    Bureau of Land Management

BMP    Best Management Practices

CAR    Community at Risk

CCF    Hundred Cubic Feet

CDA    Connected Disturbed Area

CEQ Council on Environmental

Quality

CF    Cubic Feet

CFR    Code of Federal Regulations

CMAI Culmination of Mean Annual

Increment

DBH Diameter Breast Height

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact

Statement

EA Environmental Analysis

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

FEIS Final Environmental Impact

Statement

FS Forest Service   

FSH Forest Service Handbook

FSM Forest Service Manual

FVS Forest Vegetation Simulator

GIS Geographic Information System

HUC Hydrologic Unit Code

IDT Interdisciplinary Team

MA Management Area

MBF Thousand Board Feet

MIS Management Indicator Species

MMBF Million Board Feet

MPB Mountain Pine Beetle

NEPA National Environmental Policy

Act

NFMA National Forest Management Act

NFS National Forest System

NFSR    National Forest System Road

NOA Notice of Availability

NOI Notice of Intent

NRHP National Register of Historic

Places

OHV Off‐Highway Vehicle

PFC Proper Functioning Condition

POL Products Other than Logs

R2 Forest Service Region 2 (Rocky

Mountain Region)

RN Roaded Natural

ROD Record of Decision

ROS Recreation Opportunity

Spectrum

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SIO Scenic Integrity Objective

SMU Soil Mapping Unit

SOLC Species of Local Concern

SS Structural Stage

SVS Stand Vegetation Simulator

TES Threatened and Endangered

Species

TCP Traditional Cultural Property

TFB Thin from Below

TSI Timber Stand Improvement

USDA United States Department of

Agriculture

USDI United States Department of

the Interior

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife

Service

WCP Watershed Conservation

Practice

WUI Wildland Urban Interface

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Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                2    Northern Hills Ranger District

Nautilus Project

Final Environmental Impact Statement

Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties  

South Dakota

Lead Agency:      USDA‐Forest Service

Cooperating Agencies:     None

Responsible Official:       Rhonda O’Byrne

District Ranger

2014 North Main Street

Spearfish, SD  57783

(605) 642‐4622

For Information Contact:     Chris Stores  

Assistant NEPA Planner

2014 North Main Street

Spearfish, SD  57783

(605) 642‐4622

Abstract:  The Northern Hills Ranger District of the Black Hills National Forest has prepared a Final

Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA), the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and

regulations.  The Northern Hills Ranger District proposes to implement multiple resource management

actions within the Nautilus project area as guided by the Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource

Management Plan as amended.  The focus of the proposed actions is modification of stand structure

across the planning area to reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle outbreaks.  In addition, the project

would reduce the susceptibility of pine stands to high‐intensity wildfire, mitigate areas that are

contributing to decreased watershed health and provide opportunities for research forestry.  Actions

used to achieve these goals include prescribed burning, non‐commercial thinning, and commercial

timber harvest.  The District also proposes to improve maintenance of the road system.  Two

alternatives are considered in detail.  Alternative A is the no action alternative; no management actions

associated with this project would occur.  Alternative B is the proposed action and preferred alternative.  

It includes silvicultural treatments designed primarily to limit the potential of mountain pine beetle

infestations. Treatments are also intended to reduce fire hazard, improve watershed conditions and

allow for research forestry in the Experimental Forest.  This FEIS discloses the direct, indirect, and

cumulative environmental impacts resulting from the proposed action and no action alternatives.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                3    Northern Hills Ranger District

Summary

The Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD) of the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) proposes to

implement multiple resource management actions within the Nautilus project area as guided by the

Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and Phase II Amendment (Forest Plan).  

Due to the potential for a large outbreak of mountain pine beetles in the project area, the Nautilus

Project was developed under the authorities of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA).   

The Nautilus project area covers a total of 41,302 acres including approximately 35,603 acres of National

Forest System (NFS) land and approximately 5,699 acres of interspersed private land immediately west

of Nemo, South Dakota, and 7 miles northwest of Rapid City, South Dakota (see Appendix A, Map 1).  

The proposed resource management actions apply to NFS land only and do not involve private land

except where rights‐of‐way are established to allow Forest Service access to NFS land across private

property.  

The focus of the proposed action (Alternative B) is to modify stand structure across the project area to

reduce the potential for widespread mountain pine beetle outbreaks.  The activities proposed under this

alternative would also reduce the risk of high‐intensity wildfires, improve watershed conditions,

improve big game habitat and allow for research forestry in the Experimental Forest.  Alternative B

would treat a total of 27,854 acres through commercial and non‐commercial timber harvest.  This

alternative could include a maximum of 25,350 acres of prescribed fire.  Of that total, 24,640 acres

would be implemented as a follow‐up to vegetation treatments while the remaining 710 acres would be

a standalone treatment.  The alternatives are described in detail in Chapter 2.   

Comments on the proposed action, potential concerns, and opportunities for managing the Nautilus

project area were solicited from members of the public, other government agencies, adjacent property

owners, and organizations.  Methods used to request comments included publishing a Notice of Intent

(NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 and local newspaper

articles discussing the project on November 2, 9, 11, and 13, 2009. A scoping letter was mailed on

November 18, 2009 to approximately 752 interested parties.  A public open house was held on December

2, 2009, at the Community Hall in Nemo, South Dakota.  A Notice of Availability (NOA) was published in

the Federal Register, along with a legal notice in the Rapid City Journal, on June 4, 2010, announcing the

availability of the DEIS and initiating the 45‐day comment period.

Comments received during the scoping process were used to help identify issues, determine whether to

develop additional action alternatives, and to develop design criteria applicable to the proposed action.  

Through review and analysis of the scoping comments, the Nautilus Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)

identified two significant issues related to the proposed activities.  The first concerned the treatment of

activity fuels and impacts associated with fuel loading and subsequent insect risk. The second concerned

prescribed fire and potential impacts such as damage or mortality to trees in stands in which prescribed

fire is implemented. These issues lead the IDT to clarify components of the proposed action that were

not made explicit during the scoping phase of the project.  No issues raised merited the development of

additional action alternatives.  Comments received on the DEIS did not warrant substantial changes in

the FEIS.  Comments on the DEIS and agency responses are located in Appendix E.

The alternatives analyzed in detail in this FEIS are summarized below:
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                4    Northern Hills Ranger District

Alternative A (No Action) – The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires study and use of the

no action alternative as a basis for comparing the effects of the proposed action and other alternatives.  

This alternative assumes no implementation of any elements of the proposed action or other action

alternatives.  Alternative A does not attempt to actively respond to the purpose of and need for action

or the issues brought forth during scoping for this project.  Under the no action alternative, no effort to

modify existing vegetation or related fuels and habitat conditions in the project area would occur.  None

of the actions associated with this EIS would occur.  Actions such as ongoing Forest protection efforts,

recurring road maintenance on system roads and wildfire suppression would continue as directed by the

Forest Plan.  Actions analyzed under past projects or proposed by future projects, including prescribed

burns and ongoing timber harvest, may still occur.   

Alternative B (Preferred Alternative) – Alternative B is the modified proposed action and was

developed to address the purpose and need.  This alternative would modify stand structure across the

planning area to reduce the potential of mountain pine beetle infestations, reduce fire hazard, improve

watershed conditions and allow for research forestry in the Experimental Forest.  A variety of vegetation

management tools, including commercial timber harvest, would be used to thin densely stocked

ponderosa pine stands to reduce the risk of pine beetle outbreaks.  By strategically locating vegetative

treatments and prescribed burns across the landscape, the continuity and density of fuels would be

modified to reduce the risk of large wildfires while at the same time providing cover and structural

diversity for the benefit of wildlife.  Watershed improvement projects would be conducted to reduce

the impacts to streams that have resulted from past activities and to mitigate the impacts associated

with this project.  In the Black Hills Experimental Forest Management Area, research forestry activities

would be conducted by foresters from the Rocky Mountain Research Station.   A total of 27,854 acres of

the project area would receive vegetation treatments under Alternative B with up to 25,350acres of

prescribed burning possible.

Implementation of Alternative B would require 8 miles of new road construction and 6 miles of new

road conversion.  Newly created roads do not currently exist on the ground and would be built from

scratch.  Converted roads already exist in some form, but are not part of the NFS.  For the purposes of

this project, those roads would be added to the NFS and maintained accordingly.  All roads constructed

or converted for this project would be closed following project activities.  In addition, approximately 147

miles of existing NFS roads would require some level of pre‐use maintenance, ranging from minimal

maintenance to reconstruction of the road template.  Roads where reconstruction/pre‐use maintenance

is conducted would be available for public use depending on the direction provided by the Forest‐wide

travel management plan, which is expected to be implemented in the late summer of 2010.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                5    Northern Hills Ranger District

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 PROPOSED ACTION AND PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION................................................... 11

1.1 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE ......................................................................................................................................11

1.2 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................12

1.2.1 The Project Area...................................................................................................................................12

1.3 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................................13

1.3.1 Agency Direction..................................................................................................................................13

1.3.2 Historical Perspective...........................................................................................................................13

1.4 MANAGEMENT DIRECTION...................................................................................................................................16

1.4.1 Forest Plan Direction............................................................................................................................16

1.4.2 Forest Plan Objectives..........................................................................................................................17

1.4.3 Management Area‐specific Goals and Objectives ...............................................................................20

1.4.4 Compliance with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act.........................................................................23

1.5 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION......................................................................................................................23

1.6 PROPOSED ACTION.............................................................................................................................................25

1.6.1 Development of the Proposed Action ..................................................................................................25

1.6.2 Summary of Proposed Action...............................................................................................................25

1.7 DECISION FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................................................26

1.8 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND SCOPING .....................................................................................................................26

1.9 ISSUES..............................................................................................................................................................27

1.10 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIS ..................................................................................................................28

1.11 CHANGES BETWEEN DRAFT AND FINAL EIS .............................................................................................................28

2 ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................................... 31

2.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................31

2.2 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN DETAIL ...................................................................................................................31

2.2.1 Alternative A – No Action.....................................................................................................................31

2.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action ..........................................................................................................32

2.2.3 Treatment Timing (All Action Alternatives)..........................................................................................42

2.3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY..........................................................................42

2.4 COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES............................................................................................................................46

3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES............................................ 49

3.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................49

3.2 PAST, PRESENT AND REASONABLY FORESEEABLE FUTURE ACTIVITIES ............................................................................49

3.2.1 Past Activities.......................................................................................................................................49

3.2.2 Ongoing Activities................................................................................................................................51

3.2.3 Foreseeable Future Activities...............................................................................................................52

3.3 FOREST RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................................53

3.3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................53

3.3.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................53

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences..............................................................................................................61

3.4 FIRE AND FUELS .................................................................................................................................................73

3.4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................73

3.4.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................73

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences..............................................................................................................78

3.5 WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES .....................................................................................................................................85

3.5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................85

3.5.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................85
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                6    Northern Hills Ranger District

3.5.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................101

3.6 BOTANY .........................................................................................................................................................120

3.6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................120

3.6.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................120

3.6.3 Environmental Consquences..............................................................................................................125

3.7 NOXIOUS WEEDS .............................................................................................................................................133

3.7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................133

3.7.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................133

3.7.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................134

3.8 RANGE ...........................................................................................................................................................137

3.8.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................137

3.8.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................137

3.8.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................139

3.9 HYDROLOGY AND SOILS .....................................................................................................................................141

3.9.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................141

3.9.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................141

3.9.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................152

3.10 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK..............................................................................................................................174

3.10.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................174

3.10.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................174

3.10.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................175

3.11 LANDS/MINERALS/SPECIAL USES ........................................................................................................................176

3.11.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................176

3.11.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................176

3.11.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................180

3.12 RECREATION AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................184

3.12.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................184

3.12.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................184

3.12.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................188

3.13 SCENERY.........................................................................................................................................................192

3.13.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................192

3.13.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................192

3.13.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................195

3.14 HERITAGE RESOURCES.......................................................................................................................................205

3.14.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................205

3.14.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................205

3.14.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................208

3.15 SOCIO‐ECONOMICS ..........................................................................................................................................211

3.15.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................211

3.15.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................211

3.15.3 Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................215

3.15.4 Economic Analysis.........................................................................................................................217

3.16 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES.............................................................................219

3.17 SHORT‐TERM USES AND LONG‐TERM PRODUCTIVITY...............................................................................................220

3.18 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS .......................................................................................................................220

3.19 CONSISTENCY WITH THE FOREST PLAN..................................................................................................................221

3.20 OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES..........................................................................................................................221

3.20.1 Wildlife ..........................................................................................................................................221

3.20.2 Botany ...........................................................................................................................................221

3.20.3 Hydrology and Soils.......................................................................................................................221

4 INDEX ...................................................................................................................................... 225
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                7    Northern Hills Ranger District

5 BIBLIOGRAPHY......................................................................................................................... 227

6 GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................ 251

7 LIST OF PREPARERS .................................................................................................................. 259

8 RECIPIENTS OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS................................................................................... 261

8.1 RECIPIENTS OF DEIS .........................................................................................................................................261

8.2 RECIPIENTS OF FEIS..........................................................................................................................................262

TABLES

TABLE 1‐1. NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA LEGAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................13

TABLE 1‐2. MANAGEMENT AREAS IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA...........................................................................................17

TABLE 2‐1. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES ‐ ALTERNATIVE B................................................................................................................33

TABLE 2‐2. COMPARISON OF ACTIVITIES BY ALTERNATIVE ........................................................................................................46

TABLE 2‐3. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PURPOSE AND NEED BY ALTERNATIVE ....................................................................................47

TABLE 3‐1.  PAST TIMBER SALES IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA .............................................................................................50

TABLE 3‐2.  NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA GRAZING ALLOTMENTS ..................................................................................................51

TABLE 3‐3.  PROJECT AREA PONDEROSA PINE STRUCTURAL STAGES BY ALTERNATIVE ....................................................................54

TABLE 3‐4.  FOREST‐WIDE STRUCTURAL STAGE 4 WITH VERY LARGE TREE SIZE ............................................................................55

TABLE 3‐5. PLANT SPECIES COMPOSITION.............................................................................................................................55

TABLE 3‐6. SUITABLE, UNSUITABLE, AND TOTAL PINE ACRES BY CLASS .......................................................................................57

TABLE 3‐7. ACRES AND PERCENT OF MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE BY ALTERNATIVE............................................................................60

TABLE 3‐8. NAUTILUS STRUCTURAL STAGES: EXISTING VS. POST TREATMENT ..............................................................................68

TABLE 3‐9. FOREST WIDE STRUCTURAL STAGE DISTRIBUTION BY MANAGEMENT AREA..................................................................69

TABLE 3‐10. STRUCTURAL STAGE WITH TREE SIZE OF VERY LARGE: EXISTING VS. POST TREATMENT.................................................70

TABLE 3‐11. FOREST‐WIDE STRUCTURAL STAGE 4 WITH TREE SIZE OF VERY LARGE BY MA AND ALTERNATIVE ...................................70

TABLE 3‐12:  STRUCTURAL STAGE VERSUS FIRE HAZARD RATING...............................................................................................75

TABLE 3‐13.  ALTERNATIVE A, EXISTING CROWN FIRE HAZARD IN THE WUI AND NON‐WUI – NFS LAND ONLY ................................79

TABLE 3‐14.  ALTERNATIVE B, CROWN FIRE HAZARD IN THE WUI AND NON‐WUI)......................................................................81

TABLE 3‐15.  ALTERNATIVE A – CHANGES IN CROWN FIRE HAZARD CATEGORIES – WUI AND NON‐WUI.........................................84

TABLE 3‐16.  ALTERNATIVE B POST‐TREATMENT CHANGES IN FIRE HAZARD CATEGORIES IN WUI AND NON‐WUI .............................84

TABLE 3‐17.  ACRES BY COVER TYPE ON NFS LANDS IN NAUTILUS.............................................................................................85

TABLE 3‐18. FOREST‐WIDE AND NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA EXISTING STRUCTURAL STAGE ON PONDEROSA PINE COVER TYPE BY MA .....87

TABLE 3‐19.  R2 SENSITIVE SPECIES (SS)..............................................................................................................................91

TABLE 3‐20. EVALUATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST MIS AND HABITATS..............................................95

TABLE 3‐21. EVALUATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST SOLC AND HABITATS............................................96

TABLE 3‐22. BIRDS OF CONSERVATION CONCERN AND WYOMING PIF PRIORITY I SPECIES ...........................................................100

TABLE 3‐23. ALTERNATIVE A (NO ACTION) ‐ DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS TO HABITAT ............................................................103

TABLE 3‐24.  ALTERNATIVE B STRUCTURAL STAGES FOR PONDEROSA PINE IN MA 5.1................................................................105

TABLE 3‐25.  ALTERNATIVE B STRUCTURAL STAGES FOR PONDEROSA IN MA 5.4. ......................................................................105

TABLE 3‐26.  ALTERNATIVE B ‐ DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS TO HABITAT...............................................................................106

TABLE 3‐27. SUMMARY OF EFFECTS BY ALTERNATIVE ON REGION 2 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE AND FISH SPECIES.....................................110

TABLE 3‐28. SUMMARY OF EFFECTS BY ALTERNATIVE ON MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES .......................................................114

TABLE 3‐29. SUMMARY OF EFFECTS BY ALTERNATIVE ON WILDLIFE SPECIES OF LOCAL CONCERN ..................................................116

TABLE 3‐30. SUMMARY OF EFFECTS BY ALTERNATIVE ON MIGRATORY BIRDS.............................................................................119

TABLE 3‐31.  US FOREST SERVICE R2 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES KNOWN FROM THE BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST ........................121

TABLE 3‐32.  BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST PLANT SPECIES OF LOCAL CONCERN AND RATIONALE FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS ..............122

TABLE 3‐33. ASSIGNMENT OF HABITAT CATEGORIES FOR ANALYSIS .........................................................................................123

TABLE 3‐34.  OTHER PLANT SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST KNOWN TO OCCUR IN NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA..........................123

TABLE 3‐35.  ALTERNATIVE B TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CHANGES WITHIN POTENTIAL PLANT HABITAT ...........................................131
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                8    Northern Hills Ranger District

TABLE 3‐36. NOXIOUS WEEDS IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA .............................................................................................134

TABLE 3‐37. COST OF TREATMENT FOR ALTERNATIVE B.........................................................................................................136

TABLE 3‐38. COST OF MONITORING FOR ALTERNATIVE B ......................................................................................................136

TABLE 3‐39. GRAZING ALLOTMENTS WITHIN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA ..............................................................................138

TABLE 3‐40. HUC 6 AND HUC 7 WATERSHEDS IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA ......................................................................142

TABLE 3‐41. STREAMS WITHIN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA.................................................................................................143

TABLE 3‐42. EXISTING STREAM HEALTH CONDITIONS............................................................................................................145

TABLE 3‐43.  FISH PASSAGE OF ROAD‐STREAM CROSSINGS WITHIN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA.................................................146

TABLE 3‐44.  CONNECTED DISTURBED AREAS BY STREAM TYPE...............................................................................................146

TABLE 3‐45.  NUMBER OF CDAS AND RED FISH PASSAGE PER FOREST PLAN WATERSHEDS ..........................................................146

TABLE 3‐46. NAUTILUS LANDTYPE ASSOCIATIONS ................................................................................................................147

TABLE 3‐47. MAJOR COMMON SOIL MAP UNITS IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA.....................................................................148

TABLE 3‐48. SOIL EROSION POTENTIAL FOR MAJOR SOIL MAP UNITS WITH A SEVERE OR VERY SEVERE EROSION HAZARD .................150

TABLE 3‐49.  MILES OF ROADS WITHIN WIZ .......................................................................................................................155

TABLE 3‐50.  NUMBER OF ROAD‐STREAM CROSSINGS USED ..................................................................................................155

TABLE 3‐51.  CDAS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA FOR EACH ALTERNATIVE ..................................................................................155

TABLE 3‐52. ROAD DENSITY ALTERNATIVE COMPARISON.......................................................................................................161

TABLE 3‐53. SPACING FOR WATER BARS ............................................................................................................................168

TABLE 3‐54. STANDS WITH LOW ORGANIC MATTER – ALTERNATIVE B.....................................................................................171

TABLE 3‐55.  SITE SPECIFIC DESIGN CRITERIA FOR UNSTABLE SOILS .........................................................................................174

TABLE 3‐56. NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA RECREATION OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM..........................................................................185

TABLE 3‐57. AREA POPULATION (BASED ON 2000 CENSUS DATA AND 2008 ESTIMATE) .............................................................212

TABLE 3‐58. POPULATION BY ETHNICITY (BASED ON 2006‐2008 3‐YEAR ESTIMATES)................................................................212

TABLE 3‐59. ECONOMIC WELL BEING (BASED ON 2006‐2008 3‐YEAR ESTIMATES) ...................................................................213

TABLE 3‐60. COSTS AND BENEFITS BY ALTERNATIVE..............................................................................................................219

FIGURES

FIGURE 3‐1. COVER TYPES .................................................................................................................................................56

FIGURE 3‐2. AGE CLASS DISTRIBUTION BY SUITABLE AND UNSUITABLE SITES ...............................................................................58

FIGURE 3‐3. ACRES PER BASAL AREA CLASS...........................................................................................................................59

FIGURE 3‐4. MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE RISK ...........................................................................................................................60

FIGURE 3‐5.  POST‐TREATMENT MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE RISK BY ALTERNATIVE...........................................................................72

FIGURE 3‐6.  FIRE HAZARD PRE‐TREATMENT .........................................................................................................................75

FIGURE 3‐7.  COMMUNITIES AT RISK ...................................................................................................................................77

FIGURE 3‐8.  IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL SENSITIVE AND SOLC PLANT HABITAT IN THE NAUTILUS PROJECT AREA...................................125

FIGURE 3‐9.  LANDSCAPE DISTANCE ZONES .........................................................................................................................193

APPENDICES

Appendix A   MAPS

Map 1 – Nautilus Project Area Vicinity

Map 2 – Management Areas

Map 3 – Watersheds

Map 4 – Cover Type

   Map 5 – Alternative B Vegetation Treatments

Map 6 – Alternative B Transportation Network

Map 7 – Existing Pine Beetle Risk

Map 8 – Post‐treatment Pine Beetle Risk

Map 9 – Existing Fire Hazard

Map 10 – Post‐treatment Fire Hazard

Map 11 – Existing Structural Stage Distribution
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                9    Northern Hills Ranger District

Map 12 – Post‐treatment Structural Stage Distribution

Appendix B SILVICULTURAL FINDINGS OF COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS AND POLICY

Appendix C DESIGN CRITERIA AND MONITORING

Appendix D BLACK HILLS EXPERIMENTAL FOREST STUDY PLAN

Appendix E RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
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1 PROPOSED ACTION AND PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION

1.1 Document Structure

The Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD) of the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) has prepared this

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA), the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) and other relevant federal and state laws and

regulations.  This FEIS discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts that would

result from the proposed action and alternatives.  The document is organized into eight chapters:  

Chapter 1 ‐ Proposed Action and Purpose of and Need for Action:  The chapter includes information

related to the background of the project proposal, the purpose of and need for the project and a

description of the agency’s proposal for achieving that purpose and need. This section also details how

the Forest Service informed the public of the proposal and how the public responded.

Chapter 2 ‐ Alternatives:  This chapter provides a more detailed description of the proposed action and

alternative methods for achieving the stated purpose and need.  These alternatives were developed

based on significant issues raised by public comments, by other agencies, and internally.  This section

also includes summary tables displaying the activities planned by alternative and a comparison of the

alternatives’ response to the elements of the purpose and need.

Chapter 3 ‐ Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences:  This chapter describes the

environmental effects of implementing each alternative.  The analysis is organized by resource area (Fire

and Fuels, Recreation and Travel Management, Wildlife, Hydrology and Soils, etc.).

Chapter 4 ‐ Index:  The index provides page numbers by document topic.

Chapter 5 ‐ Bibliography:  The bibliography provides a list of references supporting the documentation

in the DEIS.

Chapter 6 ‐ Glossary:  The glossary provides a list of key words, acronyms and terminology used

throughout the FEIS.

Chapter 7 ‐ List of Preparers:  This chapter contains information on those who conducted the analysis

documented in this FEIS.

Chapter 8 ‐ Recipients of Planning Documents: This chapter provides a list of those to whom the DEIS

will be sent.

Appendices: The appendices provide more detailed information to support the documentation and

analysis presented in the FEIS.

Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project area resources, may be found in

the project file located at the NHRD office in Spearfish, South Dakota.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                12    Northern Hills Ranger District

1.2 Introduction

This FEIS discloses the environmental effects of implementing the no action alternative or the proposed

action in the Nautilus project area.  The proposed action is intended to improve project area forest

conditions by reducing the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation, reducing the risk of high‐intensity

wildfires, providing for diversity in wildlife habitat, improving watershed conditions, and conducting

research forestry activities.  Per HFRA authorities, this FEIS will be subject to a 30‐day objection period

before a final decision is rendered and documented in a Record of Decision (ROD).  All objections to the

FEIS will be reviewed and addressed before issuance of the ROD.

The environmental analysis documented here is tiered to:

1) The 1997 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the Black Hills National Forest as

Amended by the 2005 Phase II Amendment (Forest Plan) (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).

2) The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 2005 Phase II Amendment (Phase II FEIS)

(USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).

3) The Record of Decision for the 2005 Phase II Amendment (Phase II ROD) (USDA‐Forest

Service 2005b).

4) The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 1997 Revised Land and Resource

Management Plan (Revised Forest Plan FEIS) (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).

In addition, this document incorporates the recent FEIS and ROD for the Forest‐wide travel management

plan, signed by the Forest Supervisor on May 7, 2010 (USDA‐Forest Service 2010b, 2010c).  Physical

changes to the National Forest System road network are included in the Nautilus proposed action, but

the appropriate uses of roads and trails (i.e., closed vs. open, motorized vs. non‐motorized) are

delineated by the travel management plan and incorporated through the motorized vehicle use map

(MVUM) to be released in the fall of 2010.

1.2.1 The Project Area

The Nautilus project area is located in Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties, South Dakota, in the

northern Black Hills.  The project area covers a total of 41,302 acres including approximately 35,306

acres of National Forest System (NFS) land and approximately 5,699 acres of interspersed private land

immediately west of Nemo, South Dakota and approximately 7 miles northwest of Rapid City, South

Dakota.  Landmarks within the project area include: White Mansion, Green Top, Green Mountain,

Flagstaff Mountain, Pilot Knob, Boxelder Creek, Hay Creek and Estes Creek.  Elevation ranges from 4,330

feet along Boxelder Creek in the southeastern corner of the project area to 6,177 feet along Minnesota

Ridge on the western boundary of the project area.  Ponderosa pine is the dominant cover type in the

project area, covering 34,737 acres.  Other cover types include grassland (938 acres), white spruce (640

acres), aspen (333 acres) and other hardwoods (such as paper birch and bur oak) (12 acres). 

Approximately 257 miles of known road, including NFS and non‐system roads, are located in the

Nautilus project area.  U.S. Highway 385 is the primary travel route through the project area.  

Approximately 9 miles of the Centennial trail crosses the project area.  Recreation features located in

the project area include the Pilot Knob and Box Elder trailheads to the Centennial and the Boxelder

Forks campground.  The Steamboat Rock Picnic Area is immediately adjacent to the project area.  Two
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                13    Northern Hills Ranger District

administrative sites are located in the project area:  the Boxelder Job Corps, administered jointly by the

Forest Service and the US Department of Labor, and the Nemo work center, administered by the Forest

Service.  

The project area includes all or portions of the legal descriptions shown in Table 1‐1.

Table 1‐1. Nautilus Project Area Legal Description

Township Range Section

2 North 4 East 1‐6, 9‐12

2 North   5 East 1‐18

2 North 6 East 7, 18

3 North 3 East 36

3 North 4 East 1‐5, 10‐14, 20‐29, 31‐16

3 North   5 East 4‐9, 15‐22, 27‐34

4 North   4 East 28, 29, 32‐36

4 North   5 East 29‐33

Black Hills Meridian

1.3 Background

1.3.1 Agency Direction

The Forest Plan was revised in 1997 and amended by the Phase I Amendment, which provided interim

direction until the Phase II Amendment was completed and went into effect in March of 2006.  The

Phase II Amendment directs multiple‐use land management with an emphasis on two key factors that

are affecting the Black Hills today: the threat of high severity wildfires and epidemic mountain pine

beetle infestations.   

1.3.2 Historical Perspective

Euro‐American settlement of the Black Hills began shortly after the Custer Expedition confirmed the

presence of gold in 1874.  The subsequent gold rush led to rapid settlement of the area, which brought

with it mining, logging, road construction, grazing, non‐native plants and animals, human‐caused fires,

suppression of natural fires, and many other activities.  All of these actions contributed to altering the

natural disturbance regime of the forest.

The Black Hills Forest Reserve was created in 1897 and transferred to the Forest Service upon its

creation in 1905.  In 1907, it was renamed the Black Hills National Forest.  Case 1, the first commercial

timber sale on federal land, occurred in 1898 near Nemo, South Dakota in what is now the Northern

Hills Ranger District.  A portion of the Case 1 sale area is within the Nautilus project area boundary.

As a result of the gold rush‐era settlement, the BHNF contains a significant number of private in‐

holdings, creating a “checkerboard” land ownership pattern.  Historically, these in‐holdings were most

often mining claims or ranches.  In recent years, many of these private land inclusions have been

developed by real estate investors and private individuals.  The result is that the forest is currently

scattered with numerous homes, businesses and other developments, creating a substantial amount of

wildland urban interface (WUI).   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                14    Northern Hills Ranger District

Mountain Pine Beetles

One of the primary forest health issues affecting the Black Hills is the mountain pine beetle epidemic.  

Mountain pine beetles are native to western ponderosa pine forests.  They are a natural part of the

Black Hills ecosystem and were at one time known as the “Black Hills beetle”.  Large infestations occur in

the Black Hills on a cyclical basis, usually in association with drought conditions, which lessen the ability

of individual ponderosa pine trees to produce enough sap to expel invading beetles.  Southwestern

South Dakota is recently removed from a prolonged drought and beetle infestations are currently

widespread across the BHNF with epidemic populations located in several areas of the Black Hills with

the highest levels of activity occurring near Deerfield Lake and the Black Elk Wilderness in the central

Hills and near Custer Peak and Beaver Park in the northern Hills.  The Nautilus project area lies roughly

between the Custer Peak and Beaver Park areas.

Beetles generally attack ponderosa pine trees that are located in dense stands (Shepperd and Battaglia

2002).  Studies by Schmid and Mata (1992) indicate that ponderosa pine stands with a basal area (BA) of

120 or higher may be at the highest risk for beetle attack.  Research has shown that stands with a BA

less than 80 are at low risk for infestation (Schmid and others 1994).  Stressed trees, such as those in

drought areas, are more susceptible to attack (Schmid and others 1991).  The likelihood of infestations

in healthier trees and less dense stands increases as the beetle population increases.   

Beetles infect trees by boring through the sapwood to lay their eggs.  The beetles carry spores of the

blue‐stain fungus which is transmitted to the tree (Amman and others 1989).  This fungus limits the

tree’s sap flow and eventually causes mortality.  Healthy, unstressed trees are sometimes able to “pitch

out” invading beetles by increasing their sap flow and pushing beetles out their bore holes (Shepperd

and Battaglia 2002).  Stress conditions caused by drought or large numbers of invading beetles reduce

the effectiveness of the “pitch out” tactic (Shepperd and Battaglia 2002).   

Epidemic pine beetle populations can kill large patches of ponderosa pine and have multiple effects on

the associated ecosystem.  Large patches of dead trees increases the amount of available foraging and

nesting habitat for woodpeckers, provides open forage areas for big game, and allows aspen and birch

to propagate in new openings.  On the other hand, species that depend on dense pine forests for

roosting or nesting habitat, such as American marten or northern goshawks, are negatively affected.  

Large patches of dead trees also increase fire hazard in the short‐term and create an accumulation of

fuels on the forest floor when the dead trees eventually fall.  Large infestations decrease scenic values

as the dead trees support red needles for two or three years.  Particularly large infestations can create

areas of dead trees thousands of acres in size.

Wildfires

One of the greatest impacts that human settlement has had on the Black Hills is widespread fire

suppression.  Researchers have come to different conclusions regarding the historic fire regime of the

Black Hills.  Shinneman and Baker (1997) introduced the idea that prior to Euro‐American settlement the

northern Black Hills, with its relatively wetter climate, was more susceptible to infrequent, high‐intensity

fires than the drier southern Black Hills, which likely experienced more regular, low‐intensity fires.  

Brown and others (2003) contend that crown fires did not play a role in the historical fire regime and

that frequent, low‐intensity fires kept the fuel load low and prevented the development of high‐

intensity crown fires across the forest.  In either case, it is agreed that human settlement has altered the

fire regime of the Black Hills significantly.  Brown and Sieg (1996) found that the longest “fire free

interval” on Jewel Cave National Park, which is within the BHNF, prior to Euro‐American settlement was
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                15    Northern Hills Ranger District

79 years.  The longest fire free interval in the post‐settlement area was 104 years (Brown and Sieg

1996).  On some sample sites, the current fire free interval was more than twice as long as the longest

pre‐settlement interval, indicating that widespread settlement of the area has resulted in fires occurring

less frequently across the landscape than they did prior to settlement (Brown and Sieg 1996).   

Historical photos taken during the 1874 Custer Expedition, when compared to present‐day photos taken

at the same locations, clearly show that the ponderosa pine forest is much denser now and has

encroached upon many areas that were once open meadows or hardwood stands.  In the interest of

protecting homes, timber and other assets, the Forest Service adopted a policy of suppressing all

wildfires as quickly as possible following a particularly severe fire season in Montana and Idaho in 1910.   

This practice continued for several decades and has resulted in many forests, including the Black Hills,

accumulating a large fuel load that would have historically been reduced by frequent, low‐intensity fires.   

Prior to the year 2000, wildfires burned an average of 2,400 acres annually on the BHNF (USDA‐Forest

Service 2005a).  Since 2000, wildfires have burned over 35,000 acres annually (USDA‐Forest Service

2005a).  The number of fires has remained fairly constant over time at 65‐130 starts per year and the

number of wildfires escaping initial attack has also remained constant; however, fires that escape initial

attack have recently become larger and more difficult to control.  The average size of fires over 300

acres in size has increased from less than 1,000 acres per fire in the early 1900s to over 8,000 acres per

fire in recent years (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  From 1900 to 1980, large fires (300 acres or more)

burned about 147,900 acres in the Black Hills.  Since 1980, a dramatic increase in acreage burned has

occurred.  Wildfires occurring since 1980 including Jasper, Battle Creek, Little Elk, Roger’s Shack, Elk

Mountain II, Grizzly Gulch, Flagpole, Galena, and Westberry Trails have burned approximately 238,500

acres (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  In addition, recent fires such as Ricco, Eastridge and Harbaugh have

burned in the WUI, destroying multiple homes before they were brought under control.

Human Use of the Forest

The Nautilus project area is located between Lead‐Deadwood, Sturgis and Rapid City, South Dakota.   

Because of its location and the recreation opportunities present, it receives a significant amount of

recreational use throughout the year.  The Boxelder Forks campground and walk‐in fishery receives

heavy use during the summer.  The Centennial Trail is a popular destination, primarily for non‐motorized

recreation, but the only motorized portion of the trail is located within the Nautilus project area.  The

project area is popular for big game hunting and experiences heavy hunter traffic in the spring and fall.  

Recreational use of the area continues to increase, as do conflicts between motorized and non‐

motorized users.  Heavy use sometimes results in trash dumping, illegal fires, vandalism, and negative

impacts on natural resources.  Motorized travel restrictions are difficult to enforce.  The main travel

routes within the project area include U.S. Highway 385, Forest Highway (FH) 26 (Vanocker Canyon

Road), and Forest System Road 414.5 (Nemo Road).  Numerous unpaved roads provide access to a

majority of the project area.   

Approximately 5,699 acres of private land is scattered across the Nautilus project area.  Much of this

land remains undeveloped and is occupied by working ranches and is used for cattle grazing.  An

increasing amount of private land is being sub‐divided and individual residences, as well as small

communities, are being constructed within the project area.   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                16    Northern Hills Ranger District

Project History

The Nautilus Project was originally set to be analyzed as part of the larger Steamboat Project.  After

reviewing the available data and considering timelines, the NHRD determined that it would be more

efficient to split the Steamboat area in two using Nemo Road and FH 26 as the dividing line.  This

division left Steamboat Rock, which was the landmark for which the original project area was named, in

the eastern half, so the west half was renamed Nautilus.  The east half will retain the Steamboat name

and be analyzed at a future date.   

The scoping period for the Nautilus Project began on November 18, 2009, when a letter describing the

proposed action was sent out for public comment to landowners, organizations, local governments,

state and federal agencies, and concerned citizens and groups.  A public meeting to discuss the project

and identify issues to be considered for alternative actions was held in Nemo, South Dakota on

December 2, 2009.  The Notice of Intent (NOI) to produce an EIS appeared in the Federal Register on

November 24, 2009. The Notice of Availability (NOA) was published in the Federal Register on June 4,

2010, along with a legal notice in the Rapid City Journal announcing the availability of the DEIS and

initiating the 45‐day comment period.

  

1.4 Management Direction

1.4.1 Forest Plan Direction

The Forest Plan, as amended, supported by the FEIS for the revision and the Phase II Amendment

(USDA‐Forest Service 1997, 2005a, 2005c), is the Forest programmatic document required by the rules

implementing the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Act of 1974 (RPA) as amended by the

National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA).  The purpose of the Forest Plan is to provide direction

for the multiple use and sustained yield of goods and services from NFS lands in an environmentally

sound manner.  The Forest Plan provides overall goals and objectives (Chapter 1), standards and

guidelines (Chapter 2), and Management Area‐specific goals, objectives, standards and guidelines

(Chapter 3) that direct management of the BHNF.

The Phase II Amendment to the Forest Plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c) was approved on October 31,

2005, and took effect on March 6, 2006.  The amendment provides additional direction related to

species viability, management of fire risk, and management of insect infestations.     

The Forest Plan contains 11 goals, each with associated objectives, for multiple‐use management of the

BHNF.  Goals 1, 2, and 10 address natural resource objectives for multiple‐use management of the

forest.  Goals and objectives, applicable to specific resource management issues needing resolution,

provide the basic direction for defining the purpose and need and ultimately developing the proposed

action (Alternative B).  Forest Plan goals are discussed in Chapter 1 of the Forest Plan.  Goals 1,2 and 10

provide management emphasis and direction applicable to the Nautilus Project:   

Goal 1. Protect basic soil, air, water, and cave resources.

Goal 2. Provide for a variety of life through management of biologically diverse ecosystems.

Goal 10. Establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetative conditions to reduce the occurrences of

stand replacing fire and insect‐and‐disease events, and to facilitate insect and disease
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                17    Northern Hills Ranger District

management and firefighting capability adjacent to at‐risk communities, sensitive

resources, and non‐federal land and generally across the Forest.

Chapter 2 of the Forest Plan contains Forest‐wide standards and guidelines that are intended to ensure

that project activities are compliant with a variety of laws and regulations and that they help achieve the

multiple‐use goals and objectives specified in the Forest Plan. The proposed action described in this DEIS

was designed to comply with Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

Chapter 3 of the Forest Plan also sets management allocations for specific uses of management areas

(MAs) within the forest to meet multiple‐use objectives.  The Nautilus project area is comprised of the

following MAs:

Table 1‐2. Management Areas in the Nautilus Project Area

Management

Area

Emphasis Acres in

Project Area

Percent of

Project Area

Management Theme

5.1 Resource Production 20,069 56.4 These areas are managed for wood

products, water yield, and forage

production, while providing other

commercial products, visual quality,

diversity of wildlife and a variety of other

goods and services.

5.3A Black Hills Experimental Forest 3,394 9.5 This area is managed for research

conducted by scientists assigned to the

Rocky Mountain Research Station.

5.4 Big Game Winter Range 12,140 34.1 These areas are managed to provide high‐

quality winter and transitional habitat for

deer and elk, high‐quality turkey habitat,

habitat for other species, and a variety of

multiple uses.

Each of these MAs is managed according to their own sets of standards and guidelines, in addition to

those established for the overall Forest Plan.  When general Forest Plan standards and guidelines

conflict with those specific to a MA the more site‐specific or stringent standard or guideline applies

(USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).

1.4.2 Forest Plan Objectives

The Responsible Official for the Nautilus Project has chosen to propose resource management actions

that respond to Forest Plan goals 1, 2, and 10.  Associated with these goals are specific resource

objectives.  Comparing objectives to current conditions is integral to defining the purpose and need and

developing the proposed action.  Objectives providing management emphasis for this project are

summarized below.  Note that other amended Forest Plan goals and objectives not mentioned below

also provide guidance and are achieved to varying degrees depending on project accomplishment

(USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                18    Northern Hills Ranger District

Goal 1:  Protect basic soil, air, water, and cave resources.

Objective 103: Maintain or improve long‐term stream health. Achieve and maintain the integrity of

aquatic ecosystems to provide stream channel stability and aquatic habitats for water quality in

accordance with state standards.

Protection of stream channels and water quality is important to wildlife and plants within the Black Hills

as well as humans, who reside, recreate, or work in or near the Black Hills.  Healthy streams provide

more and better habitat for plants and animals.  Polluted or otherwise degraded streams could have a

negative impact on wildlife, plant, and human usage both in the Black Hills and in areas downstream.

Eight out the nine Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 7th level watersheds in the Nautilus project area are

identified as Class 3, the most impaired and at‐risk classification.  Opportunities exist to improve

watershed conditions by implementing projects that improve stream health, such as mitigating

connected disturbed areas (CDA).

Goal 2:   Provide for a variety of life through management of biologically diverse ecosystems.

Objective 201: Manage for a minimum of 92,000 acres of aspen (double current aspen acres), and

16,000 acres of bur oak (approximately 33 percent increase) during the life of the Plan.  The highest

priority for hardwood restoration is where conifers (e.g., spruce and pine) have out‐competed aspen

adjacent to riparian systems that once supported beaver.  Increases in bur oak will be focused away from

the Bear Lodge Mountains.

National Forest System lands in the Nautilus Project Area include approximately 333 acres of aspen and

12 acres of combined paper birch and bur oak.  Ponderosa pine encroachment into hardwood stands is

occurring forest‐wide.  Pine is able to out‐compete hardwood regeneration, eventually taking over the

stand and reducing total hardwood acreage.  Hardwood stands, particularly aspen stands, provide

important cover, browse, or nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife species.  Loss of these stands has a

negative impact on the overall diversity of wildlife habitat.

The opportunity exists to remove pine from hardwood stands to reduce competition and rejuvenate the

hardwood component.  This would allow current aspen, bur oak, and paper birch stands to persist and

eventually expand in the absence of pine competition.   

Objective 203:  Manage 30 to 50 percent of each bur oak stand for 100‐plus year old trees.   

Twelve acres of combined paper birch and bur oak exist in the Nautilus project area. These stands, along

with other areas across the project area, could contain some component of bur oak in the understory.   

An opportunity exists to open bur oak stands by selecting for tree‐form oak and opening the understory

to allow stands to develop fully.  Doing so would create more diversity of potential wildlife habitat and

reduce overall fire hazard.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                19    Northern Hills Ranger District

Objective 204:  Conserve and manage birch/hazelnut, lodgepole pine, limber pine, and Douglas fir.

Paper birch represents a unique habitat within the ponderosa pine‐dominated Black Hills and is

therefore valuable to certain wildlife and plant species.  Paper birch is often associated with hazelnut,

which provides another unique habitat component.  The birch/hazelnut habitat type is often associated

with suitable botanical habitat for Sensitive Species (SS) or Species of Local Concern (SOLC).

The Nautilus Project Area includes 12 acres of paper birch and bur oak combined.  Additional areas of

paper birch are likely present in stands that are predominantly quaking aspen, ponderosa pine or other

cover types.  The opportunity exists to conserve these stands by thinning competing vegetation and

leaving behind hazelnut.  Removing competing pine regeneration will allow paper birch to develop as

the dominant overstory species, will help hazelnut expand in the understory, and will preserve suitable

botanical habitat in the understory.   

Limber pine, lodgepole pine and Douglas fir are not known to occur in the Nautilus Project Area.

Objective 205:  Manage for 122,000 acres of prairie grassland and 3,600 acres of meadow during the life

of the Plan.  Restored areas will not be considered suitable for timber production.

The project area includes 938 acres of grasslands.  These are an important aspect of the Black Hills

ecosystem as they provide critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.  Many grassland

areas are being overtaken by encroaching ponderosa pine.  Preservation of grassland areas is desirable

in maintaining a diversity of habitat types across the project area.

The opportunity exists to remove ponderosa pine regeneration from grasslands. Doing so will preserve

and enhance this important habitat component.   

Goal 10.  Establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetative conditions to reduce the occurrences

of stand‐replacing fire and insect‐and‐disease events, and to facilitate insect‐and‐disease

management and firefighting capability adjacent to at‐risk communities, sensitive resources,

and non‐Federal land and generally across the Forest.

Objective 10‐01:  Manage for 50‐ to 75‐ percent moderate‐to‐low fire hazard in the wildland‐urban

interface and reduce fire hazard within proximity of structures to current NFPA standards except in

Management Area (MA) 1.1 Black Elk Wilderness, MA 2.2 Research Natural Areas, MA 3.1 Botanical

Areas, MA 4.2B Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and MA 5.4A Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.  Manage the

remainder of the Forest for 50 percent moderate‐to‐low except in MA 1.1 Black Elk Wilderness, MA 2.2

Research Natural Areas, MA 3.1 Botanical Areas, MA 3.7 Late‐successional Forest Landscapes, MA 4.2

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, and MA 5.4A Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.

This objective is closely tied to the National Fire Plan (NFP), which was developed following the 2000

fire season.  The NFP established guidelines for identifying and prioritizing Wildland Urban Interface

(WUI) areas.  The Nautilus Project Area contains approximately 5,699 acres of private land, all of which

is designated as WUI.  The project area includes the town of Nemo, South Dakota, along with several

sub‐developments where multiple houses are located within an area of private land. The need exists to

reduce fire hazard in WUI areas.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                20    Northern Hills Ranger District

Fire hazard is most often reduced by removing fuels that would allow fires to grow large and spread

quickly.  This is achieved through a variety of vegetative treatments.  The opportunity exists in the

Nautilus Project Area to work toward achieving this objective by incorporating the proposed

management actions.

Objective 10‐04:  Reduce or otherwise treat fuels commensurate with risks (fire occurrence), hazard (fuel

flammability), and land and resource values common to the area, using the criteria in Forest‐wide

Guideline 4110.

Forest‐wide guideline 4110 defines the level to which fuels should be reduced based on the risk, hazard,

and value ratings for that area.  Essentially, those areas with high risk, hazard, or value should

experience the highest level of fuel reduction.  Reducing fire risk and hazard would protect people,

property, and forest resources.

Risk, hazard, and value ratings are assigned to a specific area based on the risk of a fire occurring, the

hazard (flammability) of the fuels, and the resource values of the area.  There are three ratings for each

category: low, moderate, and high.  An area with an HHH rating has High risk, High hazard, and High

value while an area with an LML rating has Low risk, Moderate hazard, and Low value.  The Nautilus

Project Area includes five rating areas.  The ratings for these areas are HHH, HHM, HMH, MHM and

MMM.  Based on these ratings, the opportunity exists to reduce the risk and hazard ratings for

moderately to high value resource areas in the project area.

Objective 10‐07:  Where outbreaks of mountain pine beetle could present risks to management

objectives for ponderosa pine, reduce acreage of ponderosa‐pine stands that are in medium or high risk

for infestation.

Mountain pine beetle infestations, at epidemic levels, can create large patches of dead timber which

represents a high fire hazard and negatively impacts the natural resource values of the area.  Active

management in areas where endemic infestations are known to occur can prevent them from reaching

epidemic levels.   

Aerial surveys conducted in 2007, 2008 and 2009 indicated several mountain pine beetle outbreaks in

the project area, with additional larger outbreaks located immediately west of the project area.  Beetle

infestations have killed scattered trees across the project area.  Dense stands of ponderosa pine are at

the highest risk of mortality by mountain pine beetle.  The opportunity exists to decrease beetle risk in

the project area through silvicultural treatments and prescribed fire.

1.4.3 Management Area‐specific Goals and Objectives

In addition to the Forest‐wide goals and objectives outlined in Chapter 1 of the Forest Plan, each

Management Area has goals and objectives specific to that area (see Chapter 3 of the Forest Plan).  In

the event that a Forest‐wide goal or objective conflicts with a Management Area‐specific goal or

objective, the more restrictive goal or objective will take precedent.  Below is a summary of the needs

and opportunities associated with the Management Area‐specific goals and objectives on the Nautilus

project area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                21    Northern Hills Ranger District

Management Area 5.1 – Resource Production Emphasis

5.1‐202:  While meeting other objectives for this management area, provide variety in stand sizes, shape

crown closure, age structure, and interspersion. (Objective)

This objective requires that MA 5.1 stands be managed for resource production while achieving the

varied forest structure described for Management Area 4.1‐202 above.  Forest stands of varying shapes,

sizes, and age classes provide a variety of habitats for associated plant and animal species and also have

high scenic quality.   

A variety in forest structure already exists in the Nautilus Project Area and the opportunity exists to

increase or enhance this by using a variety of silvicultural treatments to promote different size, shape,

and age class qualities in forest stands across the management area.

5.1‐203:  Maintain or enhance hardwood shrub communities where biologically feasible, and within

management objectives. (Objective)

Shrub communities represent important habitat for a variety of wildlife.  Small birds and mammals use

shrub communities for nesting or shelter while big game species use shrubs as browse.  Maintenance of

shrub habitat is important for a variety of wildlife species present in the Nautilus project area.

The opportunity exists in the Nautilus Project Area to promote shrub growth through silvicultural

treatments.  Removal of encroaching pine will prevent current shrub communities from being eventually

converted to forest.

5.1‐204:  Manage for the following percentages of structural stages in ponderosa pine across the

management area in a variety of sizes and shapes. (Objective)

SS1 5% SS4A 25%*

SS2 5% SS4B 25%*

SS3A 10% SS4C 5%*

SS3B 15% SS5 5%**

SS3C 5%    

*10% of the structural stage 4 ponderosa pine acreage in the management area will have an average tree size of “very large”.  

Seek opportunities to increase understory shrubs in open‐canopy structural stages.

**Active management is allowed, and may be necessary, to provide desired late‐successional characteristics.

This objective applies to MA 5.1 across the Forest.  There is an opportunity in the Nautilus Project Area

to contribute towards meeting this objective on a Forest‐wide basis.

Management Area 5.3A – Black Hills Experimental Forest

5.3A‐201:  Apply harvest practices, including untested experimental practices, to meet the needs of

designed experiments. (Objectives)

The Experimental Forest is set aside to allow for research activities.  The opportunity exists in the

Nautilus Project to analyze and implement these activities.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                22    Northern Hills Ranger District

5.3A‐203:  Reduce the threat of wildfire damage to research projects. Provide fuel treatment

recommended by research staff. (Objective)

The study plan developed by the Rocky Mountain Research station includes treatments to reduce the

threat of wildfire damage.  Additionally, the opportunity exists to reduce the threat of wildfire in the

forest land adjacent to the Experimental Forest.   

5.3A‐701:  Cooperate with the Rocky Mountain Research Station to accomplish research objectives.

(Objective)

Researchers from the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Moscow, ID, have been part of the Nautilus

IDT from the beginning of the project and have developed the study plan for the Experimental Forest in

conjunction with Forest and District specialists.

5.3A‐4101:  Permit prescribed fire in association with research projects. (Guideline)

The study plan developed for the Experimental Forest includes prescribed fire as a treatment in select

stands.   

Management Area 5.4 – Big Game Winter Range

5.4‐206:  Manage for the following percentages of structural stages in ponderosa pine across the

management area in a variety of sizes and shapes. (Objective)

SS1 5% SS4A 25%*

SS2 5% SS4B 25%*

SS3A 10% SS4C 5%*

SS3B 15% SS5 5%**

SS3C 5%    

*10% of the structural stage 4 ponderosa pine acreage in the management area will have an average

tree size of “very large”. Seek opportunities to increase understory shrubs in open‐canopy structural

stages.  

**Active management is allowed, and may be necessary, to provide desired late‐successional

characteristics.

As described for MAs 4.1 and 5.1 above, this objective applies to MA 5.4 across the Forest. There is an

opportunity in the Nautilus Project Area to contribute towards meeting this objective on a Forest‐wide

basis. The current structural stage distribution for MA 5.4 in the Nautilus Project Area is:

SS1 1% SS4A 16%

SS2 3% SS4B 50%

SS3A 3% SS4C 20%

SS3B 0% SS5 7%

SS3C 1%    
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                23    Northern Hills Ranger District

1.4.4 Compliance with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA, Public Law 108‐148) was signed by President Bush

after being passed by a large bi‐partisan majority in both the House and Senate.  The act contains a

variety of provisions to expedite the approval of hazardous fuel reduction and forest health restoration

projects on specific types of Federal land that are at risk to wildland fire or insect and disease epidemics.  

The Nautilus project area meets the insect and disease criteria set forth by HFRA in that mountain pine

beetle infestations are present both within and adjacent to the project area and forest conditions within

the project area are such that there is a risk of an epidemic infestation (Allen 2010).  Therefore, the

Nautilus Project was analyzed using the provisions of Title I, Sec. 102(a) of HFRA.

The following demonstrates the Nautilus Project’s consistency with applicable portions of HFRA:

 The proposed action is consistent with the Forest Plan.

 The proposed action does not include treatments in designated wilderness, wilderness study

areas or other Federal land where timber harvest is prohibited.

 Collaboration with local governments was conducted through the scoping process and informal

meetings.

 The proposed action is on Federal land that includes or is adjacent to an epidemic of disease or

insects that pose an imminent risk to a forest resource (Allen 2010).

 The primary objective of the project’s purpose and need is to reduce mountain pine beetle risk.

1.5 Purpose of and Need for Action

The primary purpose of and need for action in the Nautilus project area is to reduce the risk of mountain

pine beetle infestation.  In addition, there is the need to reduce risk of high intensity wildfires, improve

watershed conditions, provide for a diversity of wildlife habitat, and conduct research forestry activities.

Reduce Risk of Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation

The Forest Plan provides direction for maintaining a mosaic of vegetation conditions to reduce the

susceptibility of ponderosa pine stands to mountain pine beetle infestation. Forest Plan Objective 10‐07

states that where outbreaks of mountain pine beetle could present risks to management objectives for

ponderosa pine, the acreage of ponderosa pine stands that are at medium or high risk for infestation

should be reduced.

Aerial pest surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 indicate that pockets of mountain pine beetle activity

are established in the southwestern portion of the Nautilus project area with the potential to spread

into densely stocked pine stands to the east and north. Currently, 89% of the ponderosa pine stands in

the project area are rated as being at a high or medium risk of mountain pine beetle infestation.

Reduce Risk of High Intensity Wildfire

Forest Plan Objective 10‐01 directs that the Forest be managed for 50‐75% moderate‐to‐low fire hazard

in the wildland urban interface (WUI). The Nautilus project area includes 5,699 acres of interspersed
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                24    Northern Hills Ranger District

private land. The Lawrence, Meade and Pennington County Community Wildfire Protection Plans

establish a 1⁄2 mile WUI buffer around all structures.

Currently, there are 489 known private structures located either within the Nautilus project area or

within 1⁄2 mile of the project area boundary. Approximately 89% of the forested land in the project area

is rated as high or very high fire hazard and only 11% is rated low or moderate. The amount of NFS land

in the project area classified as at‐risk WUI is 22,732 acres, 64% of the total NFS land in the area.

Improve Watershed Conditions

Forest Plan direction calls for improving watershed conditions in Class 3 watersheds, which are

identified as being impaired and in need of improvement. The Forest Plan states that “management

activities can still occur in these watersheds, but watershed improvement projects, or other activities

which will improve the health of the watershed, must be a part of project planning.” The Nautilus

project area includes all or portions of nine hydrologic unit code 7th‐level (HUC 7) watersheds. Eight of

these nine watersheds are identified as Class 3.

Provide for a Diversity of Wildlife Habitat

The Forest Plan provides for a diversity of forest structure, and wildlife habitat, through structural stage

objectives in specific MAs. These structural stage objectives outline the desired Forest‐wide distribution

of ponderosa pine age classes and are designed so that a variety of structure, ranging from open

grassland to late successional (i.e., old growth) forest, will exist across the forest. Structural stage

objectives are in place for MAs 5.1 and 5.4 in the Nautilus project area (Objectives 5.1‐204 and 5.4‐204).  

The Nautilus project area contains 20,069 acres of MA 5.1 and 12,140 acres of MA 5.4. In general, the

structural stage distributions, both Forest‐wide and within the project area, are skewed heavily to

mature forest (structural stage 4) with a lack of early to mid‐successional habitat (structural stages 1, 2

and 3) and late successional habitat (structural stage 5). Habitat for a variety of wildlife species,

including Region 2 Sensitive Species, Management Indicator Species and Species of Local Concern is

located within the project area.

Conduct Research Forestry Activities

Forest Plan direction is in place for conducting research on forestry practices and techniques on the

Black Hills Experimental Forest. Objective 5.3A‐701 calls for cooperation with the Rocky Mountain

Research Station (RMRS) to accomplish research activities. Objective 5.3A‐201 directs the use of harvest

practices, including untested experimental practices, to meet the needs of designed experiments. The

overall goal of the Experimental Forest is to provide an area to apply experimental techniques, which

may not be typically used elsewhere in the Black Hills, and to use information gained from that research

to provide insight into effective management of the entire BHNF and, possibly, other ponderosa pine

forests in the western United States.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                25    Northern Hills Ranger District

1.6 Proposed Action

1.6.1 Development of the Proposed Action

Development of the proposed action was guided by Forest Plan direction, a comparison of existing

conditions against desired conditions, and public input received on the proposed action during the

scoping period. A baseline proposed action was included in the public scoping letter distributed on

November 18, 2009.  Input on this initial proposed action was also collected at a public meeting held on

December 2, 2009.  Comments received during the comment period and at the public meeting as well as

subsequent field verification of forest conditions were used to refine and clarify components of the

proposed action.   

1.6.2 Summary of Proposed Action

Below is a brief summary of Alternative B, the proposed action.  The activities described are intended to

respond to the purpose of and need for the project. This alternative and the no‐action alternative are

presented in more detail in Chapter 2.

Proposed activities include:

 Thinning of commercial‐sized trees would occur on 21,018 acres.  Treatments include overstory

removal, seed cuts, individual tree selection, group selection and commercial thinning to varying

residual densities.  The primary purpose of these treatments is to reduce pine beetle risk.

However, the treatments will also reduce fire hazard, improve overall stand vigor, and enhance

wildlife habitat.  

 Thinning of non‐commercial sized trees would occur on 6,329 acres. Treatments are intended to

reduce the amount of standing fuels, release overgrown and stagnant stands, and improve the

overall health of forested stands so that they may become more resilient to mountain pine

beetle attack .

 Pine removal from 764 acres of hardwood stands would occur to maintain aspen as the cover

type.  Hardwoods provide habitat diversity desired by several wildlife and plant species;

removing pine from existing hardwood stands would ensure that this diversity remains into the

future.

 Prescribed burning will be analyzed for 25,350 acres.  Of that, it is expected that approximately

10,000 acres would actually be conducted over the life of the Nautilus Project to reduce fuels

and improve the overall health of forested stands.  Of the 10,000 acres, 710 acres would be

burned with no prior treatment while the remainder would be burned after a commercial or

non‐commercial thin.

 Pine removal from meadow areas would occur on 251 acres across the project area to curb pine

encroachment into open areas.  As with hardwood stands, meadows provide an important

component of habitat diversity that is desired by several plant and animal species.

 Products other than logs (POL) would be harvested from 456 acres.  These products include

posts and poles.  Post and pole thinning reduces stand density, improving the overall health of

the stand.

 A total of 1,250 acres of ponderosa pine have been identified as either having late succession

forest (structural stage 5) features or having good potential to be managed toward a late
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                26    Northern Hills Ranger District

succession structure. No commercial harvest would occur in these areas, but non‐commercial

harvest of small diameter less than nine inches DBH) material or prescribed burning could occur

to open the understory and maintain or create late succession features. This activity is intended

to respond to structural stage objectives identified for MAs 5.1 and 5.4.  

 Construction of eight miles of new road and conversion of six miles of non‐system road to

system road to facilitate vegetation treatments.  Reconstruction or pre‐use maintenance of

approximately 147 miles of existing system roads would also be necessary. Newly constructed or

converted roads would be closed to motorized travel upon the completion of management

activities.  Travel management opportunities on existing roads and trails are determined by the

Forest‐wide travel management plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2010c).

 Treatments on 3,394 acres of the Black Hills Experimental Forest to facilitate research designed

by scientists at the Rocky Mountain Research Station.

1.7 Decision Framework

The Responsible Official will decide which actions, if any, to implement. This decision will be based on:

 Whether the proposed action addresses the issues, is responsive to national policy or guidance

and direction in the Forest Plan, and meets the purpose of and need for action in the Nautilus

project area.

 Whether the information in this analysis is sufficient to implement proposed activities.

If the proposed action is selected, project implementation could begin as early as spring 2011.  Most

actions would be accomplished within a decade.  Certain actions could last longer.

1.8 Public Involvement and Scoping

Scoping is the process of obtaining public comments about proposed federal actions to determine the

range of issues to be addressed.  Comments on the proposed action  were solicited from members of

the public, other public agencies, tribal governments, adjacent property owners, interest groups, and

Forest Service specialists.  Various methods were used to request comments, including the following:

 The Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on November

24, 2009.  The NOI asked for public comment on the proposal through December 2, 2009.

 A news release was submitted to the local news media on November 23, 2009.  This release

introduced the project to the public by providing a description of the project area and an

explanation of the proposal.  The release also solicited public comment on the project.

 A scoping letter was mailed to over 750 interested parties, including property owners, tribal

members, state and federal agencies, and other organizations on November 18, 2009.  This

letter included a description of the project area, an overview of the planning process, a general

explanation of the proposed actions, and an invitation to comment.

 A public open house meeting was held at the Community Hall in Nemo, South Dakota, on

December 2, 2009.  The meeting was attended by 36 interested parties who met with Forest

Service officials to view maps of the project area and discuss the proposed actions.  Attendees

were encouraged to submit comments on the proposed actions or to document their concerns

associated with the project area.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                27    Northern Hills Ranger District

 The Notice of Availability (NOA) for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on June 4,

2010.

 A legal notice announcing the availability of the DEIS was published in the Rapid City Journal on

June 4, 2010, initiating the 45‐day comment period.

 Other information sharing, communication and interaction with interested parties, agencies,

and individuals has occurred on a continuing basis during project planning.  Information shared

by such parties has been considered by the IDT in the development of this EIS.

During the comment period, feedback was received from the public both supporting and opposing the

proposal.  The public voiced a concern about a wide range of topics including fire hazard in the WUI, the

visual impacts of certain timber harvest methods, the potential for widespread mountain pine beetle

infestations, negative impacts associated with road construction, and preservation of non‐motorized

recreation opportunities.   

Overall, respondents favored treatments that would reduce fire hazard and pine beetle risk on NFS land.  

Strong public support was given to expanding thinning and fuel treatments and conducting vegetation

treatments that would help reduce impacts of wildfire to private land.  We also received strong local

government and industry support for continuing to harvest timber on a sustainable basis to meet

multiple use objectives while reducing the threat of mountain pine beetle epidemics.

Construction of new roads raised some concerns regarding associated negative impacts such as erosion,

weed infestations and the potential for increased ATV use.  Several commenters were concerned with

the lack of or reduction of non‐motorized recreation opportunities in the face of new road construction

and increased motorized vehicle access.  Others were concerned with the prospect of newly constructed

roads being closed to motorized access.   

Some commenters were concerned with the potential side effects of the proposed activities.  Some

argued that the treatments would be effective in achieving the purpose and need but may affect future

site productivity while others argued that the treatments as prescribed would not be effective at all.

A description of how the issues identified during scoping were rated as significant or non‐significant

appears below in Section 1.9.

1.9 Issues

Comments received during the scoping process are used to help define issues, determine whether

additional action alternatives or mitigation measures are necessary, and frame the analysis of

environmental impacts.  A total of 43 parties provided feedback via letters, faxes, public meeting

transcripts, hand delivery, or electronic mail during the formal scoping process.  The majority of the

concerns raised during the scoping period were relatively minor issues that would be addressed through

the application of Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Others could be addressed through mitigation

measures.  Issues such as these are not at large enough of a scale to warrant a specific alternative.   

An issue is defined as “a point of disagreement, debate, or dispute over a proposed action based on

environmental effects”.  Significant and non‐significant issues are determined by considering five

factors:  
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                28    Northern Hills Ranger District

1) Is the issue beyond the scope of the proposed action?

2) Is the issue irrelevant to the decision being made?

3) Is the issue already decided by law, regulation, the Forest Plan or other higher authority?  

4) Is the issue conjectural in nature and not supported by scientific evidence?  

5) Is the magnitude, extent, speed, or direction of effects relating to the issue limited?   

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then the issue is non‐significant.  If the answer to all of

these questions is “no”, then the issue is significant.   

Two significant issues were identified in the scoping comments. The first concerned the treatment of

activity fuels and impacts associated with fuel loading and subsequent insect risk. The second concerned

prescribed fire and potential impacts such as damage or mortality to trees in stands in which prescribed

fire is implemented. These issues lead the IDT to clarify components of the proposed action that were

not made explicit during the scoping phase of the project.  No issues raised merited the development of

additional action alternatives. Documentation of each comment received, the issues identified in the

comments and the rationale for identifying them as non‐significant is located in the Nautilus Project file.

1.10 Public Comments on the Draft EIS

The Forest Service received 19 comment letters during the DEIS comment period.  Content analysis

identified specific, separate statements within each letter and responded to each individually.  Each

comment and its associated response are presented in Appendix E.  The following are key public

outreach efforts utilized during the DEIS comment period:

 The Notice of Availability (NOA) for the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on June 4,

2010.  The NOA announced the availability of the DEIS to interested parties.

 A legal notice announcing the availability of the DEIS and soliciting comments from interested

parties was published in the Rapid City Journal on June 4, 2010, initiating the 45‐day comment

period.

 A news release announcing the availability of the DEIS and soliciting comments from interested

parties was issued to local media on June 4, 2010.

 Hard copies of the DEIS were mailed to all individuals or groups who had submitted scoping

comments or who specifically requested a copy of the DEIS.

 Other information sharing, communication and interaction with interested parties, agencies,

and individuals occurred on a continuing basis during the DEIS comment period.

1.11 Changes Between Draft and Final EIS

Several minor changes (e.g. grammatical corrections, citation corrections, number consistency, etc.)

were made between the draft and final versions of the Nautilus EIS.  These changes were due to public

comment and internal review of the DEIS.   Comments received did not raise issues necessitating the

development of a new alternative or analysis of a Supplemental DEIS.  No substantive changes to the

analysis contained within the EIS were made between draft and final.  Several changes or additions

appear in the FEIS based on public comments and internal review:
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                29    Northern Hills Ranger District

 A list of tables and figures was added to the FEIS (pages 7 and 8).

 Alternative B was identified as the preferred alternative.

 Appendix E, which lists all comments received on the DEIS and their associated responses, was

added.

 Three maps were added to Appendix A: cover type (Map 4), existing structural stage distribution

(Map 11) and post‐treatment structural stage distribution (Map 12).  All maps from the DEIS

were retained, but some were renumbered to accommodate the new maps.  These maps were

added as a response to comments on the DEIS.

 A discussion of Air Quality and Smoke Management was added to the Fire and Fuels section

(Section 3.4) in response to comments on the DEIS.

 Several design criteria in Appendix C were added or modified based on internal review or in

response to comments.  Monitoring elements were also added.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                31    Northern Hills Ranger District

2 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

This chapter provides a detailed description of the no action alternative (Alternative A) and the

proposed action (Alternative B).  Maps of the proposed action are located in Appendix A.

This chapter presents and compares the alternatives, both quantitatively and qualitatively.  The intent is

to provide the public and the Responsible Official a basis for a choice among management options when

considering the environmental consequences of implementing each alternative, as disclosed in Chapter

3 of this EIS.   

A brief overview is provided of alternatives considered by the IDT and the decision maker but eliminated

from detailed development and study.  The last section of the chapter contains a tabular summary of

effects.

2.2 Alternatives Considered in Detail

       

This section describes activities that are planned to occur during implementation of any of the

alternatives.  All figures are approximate and may vary due to irregular stand structure, small inclusions

of inoperable ground, application of design criteria, or other factors not immediately evident upon initial

analysis.  Actual figures may increase or decrease during on‐the‐ground preparation of the project.

Implementation of past projects indicates that the amount of land treatments implemented following a

decision is regularly less than the amount of land treatments authorized.

2.2.1 Alternative A – No Action

NEPA requires the study and use of the no action alternative as a basis for comparing the effects of the

proposed action and other alternatives.

The no action alternative assumes that none of the elements of the proposed action would take place in

the Nautilus project area.  Under this alternative, no attempt is made to actively respond to the purpose

of and need for action or the issues brought forth during scoping.  Vegetation management would not

take place unless authorized by other decisions (see cumulative effects actions in Chapter 3).  

Vegetation structure would change over time through natural growth and mortality and events such as

wildfires, storms, and insect or disease outbreaks.  The existing road network would persist until

modified by future decisions.  Activities authorized under previous NEPA analyses such as ongoing

timber sales and post‐sale projects would continue.  Routine activities not tied to this analysis such as

scheduled road maintenance, treatment of noxious weeds, livestock grazing, and fire suppression would

also continue.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                32    Northern Hills Ranger District

2.2.2 Alternative B – Proposed Action and Preferred Alternative

The proposed action is intended to be responsive to the purpose of and need for action specified for this

project.  It should also move conditions within the project area toward desired future conditions as

described in the Forest Plan.  The proposed action was developed and released for public review and

comment in November 2009. The decision maker has identified Alternative B as the preferred

alternative.

The proposed action analyzed in this EIS differs from the proposed action that was presented during

scoping.  Based on the issues identified during scoping, the IDT determined that a separate action

alternative would not differ appreciably from the proposed action so instead modified the proposed

action to address the issues.  The changes made to the proposed action between scoping and analysis

and the rationale for those changes are explained below:

 3,394 acres identified as “Experimental Forest” in the scoping letter were changed to individual

tree selection for the EIS.  All of these treatments would occur within the Black Hills

Experimental Forest.  The scoping letter simply stated that something would occur, but did not

specify the prescription for those stands.

 477 acres identified as goshawk/precommercial thin/prescribed burn in the scoping letter were

change to no treatment in the EIS.  Upon further review by the wildlife biologist, it was

determined that deferring these stands from treatment was most beneficial to goshawks at this

time.

 742 acres identified as old growth/precommercial thin/prescribed burn in the scoping letter

were changed to no treatment in the EIS.  As with the goshawk stand mentioned previously, it

was determined that the best course of action for maintaining these old growth stands was to

not take any action.   

 4,899 acres identified as precommercial thin or precommercial thin/prescribed burn in the

scoping letter were changed to no treatment in the EIS.  These changes were made primarily to

address new information and to address issues such as logging feasibility, high scenic integrity

areas, presence of sensitive plant habitat, soils, recently harvested stands, goshawk nest areas,

old growth, concerns for growth potential, and presence of heritage resources.

 217 acres identified as commercial thin/precommercial thin/prescribed burn during scoping

were changed to simply precommercial thin/prescribed burn due primarily to logging feasibility

issues. Commercial thinning was dropped on 19 of these acres due to concerns about soils.

   

The proposed action includes a variety of commercial and non‐commercial vegetation treatments on

approximately 27,854 acres. Commercial treatments are proposed for approximately 21,018 acres.

Stewardship opportunities through which the Forest Service exchanges goods for services may also be

allowed under this alternative. Some treatments would stand alone, while others include initial

treatments as well as follow‐up treatments such as pre‐commercial thinning or prescribed burning.

The proposed action also includes approximately 25,350 acres of NFS land on which prescribed burning

could occur.  These treatments include prescribed burns that are conducted following commercial or

non‐commercial harvest and prescribed burns in units with no prior vegetative treatment associated

with this project (although some stands have been commercially or non‐commercially harvested as a

result of prior projects).  It is not expected that all of this acreage would be burned.  Rather, it is
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                33    Northern Hills Ranger District

anticipated that approximately 1,000 acres per year, a total of 10,000 acres over the life of this project,

would actually be implemented.  The full 25,350 acres is being analyzed to allow for flexibility in future

management.  Specific burn units would be selected after the initial vegetation treatments have been

completed and resulting site conditions are observed.  For each prescribed burn that is conducted, a

site‐specific burn plan would be developed prior to implementation.    

To facilitate the treatments described above, an estimated eight miles of new NFS road would need to

be constructed (i.e., a brand new road template built) and six miles of non‐system road would be

converted to NFS road (i.e., a non‐system road or template already exists and would be added to the

NFS). The proposed action would also require the use of approximately 147 miles of existing NFS road

that would require some level of preparation, which could range from minimal maintenance activities

(pre‐use maintenance) to reconstruction of the road template, depending on the current condition of

the road.  All newly constructed or converted roads would be closed following the completion of

management activities.  Reconstructed roads would remain a part of the NFS and their allowable use

would be determined by the travel management plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2010c).   

Treatments proposed under Alternative B are summarized in Table 2‐1 and described in detail below.  

Proposed post‐sale treatments would take place as funding allows.  Figures are approximate.

Table 2‐1. Proposed Activities ‐ Alternative B

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Hardwood Enhancement 463

Meadow Enhancement 45

Overstory Removal   7,164

Commercial Thin to 40 BA 3,286

Commercial Thin to 50 BA 660

Commercial Thin to 60 BA 2,692

Seed Cut   2,154

Individual Tree Selection 489

Group Selection 215

Product‐other‐than‐log 456

Experimental Forest (Individual Tree Selection) 3,394

Total Commercial Treatments 21,018

Non‐commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Hardwood Enhancement 301

Meadow Enhancement 206

Pre‐commercial Thin 6,329

Total Non‐commercial Treatments 6,836

Fuels Treatments   Acres

Broadcast Prescribed Burning 710

Prescribed Burning Following Vegetation Treatments 24,640

Total Fuels Treatments 25,350

Timber Volume Removed

Sawtimber (MBF) 93,658

Roundtimber (CCF) 187,316

Transportation System Miles

New Road Construction 8
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                34    Northern Hills Ranger District

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Non‐system to System Road Conversion 6

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre‐use Maintenance 147

Total Road Maintenance Activities 161

Proposed Vegetation Treatments  

Hardwood Enhancement

Hardwood enhancement is intended to maintain or encourage hardwood growth.  Maintaining or

expanding hardwood stands is desirable to provide a diversity of habitat for plants and animals.  

Hardwood stands can also act as natural fuel breaks as they typically have a lower flammability than

pine stands.  This treatment may be applied to stands with either a pine or aspen cover type.  

 Stands with a pine cover type—When applied to stands with a pine cover type, the pine portion

of the stand will be treated with a commercial thin. Pine areas within stands with a 4C structural

stage would be thinned to 60 BA, and pine areas within stands with a 4B structural stage would

be thinned to 40 BA.  

 Stands with an aspen cover type—When applied to stands with an aspen cover type, all

commercial and non‐commercial pine may be removed across the stand.  

Regardless of cover type, areas of older, decadent or declining aspen may be thinned or clearcut to

regenerate the aspen.

Meadow Enhancement

This treatment involves removal of pine in historical meadow areas to increase vegetative diversity and

grass production in meadow communities.  Similar to hardwood stands, meadows provide a diversity of

plant and animal habitat as well as natural fuel breaks where wildfires could potentially slow down or

stop.   

Overstory Removal

The objective of removing overstory trees is to liberate the established understory regeneration. In

areas identified as visually sensitive by a landscape architect, an average of 5 to 10 overstory trees per

acre will be retained in a clumpy arrangement. Residual trees will also be retained at seed cut spacing

where regeneration is less than 400 trees per acre at least two feet tall or where prescribed burning is

done. Prescribed burning following treatment is generally not proposed in order to protect

regeneration, but is included in selected stands to maintain road‐to‐road containment perimeters for

prescribed burn units. In all stands where overstory removal is prescribed, pre‐commercial thinning is

also prescribed as a follow‐up treatment in order to retain appropriate growing stock levels (see the

description of pre‐commercial thinning below).  Overstory removal treatments are the appropriate

silvicultural prescription in stands that have experience a seed cut in the past.  Removing the overstory

reduces competition and allows established understory trees to develop more fully.   

Commercial Thin

Retention densities would vary from 40 to 60 square feet of basal area. The best formed, most

dominant, and vigorous trees would be retained. This treatment is prescribed for stands with a

ponderosa pine cover type. Species selected for retention would discriminate against white spruce.

Conifers may be removed from within and up to 30 feet from the edge of aspen pockets in excess of 1⁄4
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                35    Northern Hills Ranger District

acre.   Commercial thins reduce the stocking density in ponderosa pine stands, making them less

susceptible to mountain pine beetle infestation.

Seed Cut

The seed cut treatment involves thinning overstory trees to create optimal regeneration conditions. The

best formed overstory trees are retained at approximately 30 square feet of basal area (approximately

35 foot spacing between trees). Site preparation for seedling establishment may be accomplished with

prescribed burning.  Seed cuts are prescribed to provide a sustained yield of timber over time while also

reducing stocking density and, subsequently, the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and fire

hazard.

Individual Tree Selection

Individual tree selection (also called single‐tree selection) is a method of creating or maintaining an

uneven‐aged stand structure. Uneven‐aged stands, when completely regulated, have at least three

distinct age classes present.  In this method, individual trees in all diameter classes are removed to

create a broken or uneven canopy.  The largest number of stems is in the smallest diameter class, with

the number decreasing more or less regularly with increasing size.  The fewest number of stems is in the

largest diameter class.   Individual tree selection creates an uneven‐aged stand that contains a variety of

habitat components, increasing habitat diversity for plants and animals.

Group Selection

This uneven‐aged treatment creates or maintains multiple age classes in even‐aged groups and

maintains the age classes in perpetuity through stand regulation. Groups are up to two acres in size and

are scattered throughout a site. Groups occupy 20% of the site. Groups are openings designed to create

the youngest age class of trees. The rest of the site will be variable density thinned. To achieve

regulation, the site would have five age classes, each age class occupying 20% of the site.  Group

selection creates an uneven‐aged stand that contains a variety of habitat components, increasing

habitat diversity for plants and animals.

Product‐other‐than‐log

Products other than logs are made from trees generally 5‐9" DBH. The primary objective of these

treatments is to increase growth and vigor of remaining trees. Suppressed, defective, and excess trees

are removed. This treatment may be commercial or non‐commercial, depending on the pulp and pole

markets. Dominance is a desirable characteristic and is taken into account during tree retention

selection.  Product other than log thinning reduces stand density at an earlier stage than commercial

thinning, increasing overall stand health and reducing fire hazard.

Pre‐commercial Thinning

Pre‐commercial thinning would involve the reduction of standing stems less than nine inches DBH,

retaining 200‐400 stems per acre (~12 foot spacing). Cut material is lopped and scattered within the

stand to maintain nutrients on the site. Stands may be burned to hasten fuel decomposition and reduce

uncontrolled fire risk.  Pre‐commercial thinning decreases stand density, which improves overall stand

health and reduces fire hazard.

Experimental Forest

The Black Hills Experimental Forest is set aside for research purposes.  The intent of the Experimental

Forest is to provide an area for researchers to establish study plans and evaluate the effects of different
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                36    Northern Hills Ranger District

management strategies for a ponderosa pine forest.  Treatments planned for the Black Hills

Experimental Forest are explained in more detail below.

Prescribed Fire

In addition to the 710 acres of prescribed burning identified in the table above where burning is the

primary treatment in a stand, 24,640 acres of the project area will be analyzed for prescribed burning as

a follow‐up treatment.  It is not expected that all of this acreage would be burned.  Rather, it is

anticipated that approximately 1,000 acres per year, a total of 10,000 acres over the life of this project,

would actually be implemented.  The full 24,640 acres is being analyzed for burning to allow for

flexibility in the future.  Specific burn units would be selected after the initial vegetation treatments

have been completed and resulting site conditions are observed.  For each prescribed burn that is

conducted, a site specific burn plan would be developed prior to implementation. In response to the

significant issue related to implementing prescribed fire raised during the project scoping period, the

following clarification has been developed to allow for a better understanding of the objectives of

prescribed fire and conditions under which prescribed fire would be applied.

Objectives of Prescribed Fire

The primary objectives of prescribed burning under the Nautilus proposed action include:

 reducing natural and activity fuels consistent with Forest Plan guideline 4110;

 maintaining the effectiveness of fuel treatments over time by controlling regeneration

densities;  

 enhancing soil conditions by returning inorganic and organic chemicals found in logging slash

to the soil (Forest Plan guideline 4105); and

 enhancing wildlife habitat by creating vegetative diversity across the landscape and

stimulating forage production for big game, especially in MA 5.4.

These objectives are consistent with the purpose and need for action identified for the Nautilus project area.  

Procedures for Implementing Prescribed Fire

Prior to any prescribed burn taking place on the ground, a burn plan would be developed. Burn plans are

reviewed by Forest resource specialists to ensure consistency with the Forest Plan and are authorized by the

Line Officer. These plans identify the area in which a prescribed burn would take place, the objectives of

applying fire to the ground, the conditions under which a burn would be allowed, and the methodologies for

achieving the objectives of the burn.  

Considerations for Determining Prescribed Fire Unit Boundaries

As burn plans are developed for areas within the Nautilus project area, the following items would be considered

when determining the boundaries of prescribed burn units:

(1) Prescribed burning would be emphasized in pine stands that are proposed to be commercially

thinned or in areas where hardwoods are prevalent. Commercially thinned stands where little

regeneration is present allows for a larger window in which burns may be carried out to meet

specified objectives. Prescribed burning in both pine and hardwoods can also create diversity

in vegetative conditions across the landscape and reduce the rate at which a wildfire might

spread across the landscape.  

(2) Stands that are within 1⁄2 mile of concentrated urban interface areas (e.g.  Elk Ridge

Subdivision, Misty Meadows) would not generally be included as part of a prescribed burn
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                37    Northern Hills Ranger District

unit to alleviate concerns about the potential for escape. However, prescribed burning may be

considered as a follow‐up or maintenance treatment in these areas when doing so would

meet stand objectives and the potential for escape is determined to be low.

(3) Stands that have either been treated in the past with a silvicultural prescription that

emphasized stand regeneration (e.g. overstory removal or seed cut) or are proposed for such

a treatment under the Nautilus proposed action would not generally be included as part of a

prescribed burn unit if the following apply:

(a) Pre‐commercial thinning within the stand has already been accomplished or is

prescribed, or

(b) There are nine or more tons per acre of dead and down fuels three inches in

diameter or less.  

However, prescribed fire may be authorized in such stands as a follow‐up or maintenance

treatment to achieve stand objectives when other treatment methods are not available.

The goal behind this consideration is to reduce tree mortality in areas where regeneration

harvest has or will be applied. It is estimated that approximately 10 tons of dead and down fuels

will produce fireline intensities or flame lengths sufficient to kill 95 percent of pine trees 20 feet

in height and less. Trees that are 20 feet tall are those that have a DBH of 3 to 5 inches. Where

there is a specified objective to retain trees smaller than 3 inches to 5 inches, surface fuel

loadings would be such that the fireline intensity would achieve objectives provided by the

silviculturist. Prescribed burning may be used to treat stands in which the majority of stems per

acre are in the seedling stage, provided surface fuel loading does not produce fireline intensities

that would result in unacceptable mortality in trees as defined by the silviculturist.

There may be instances in which such stands are included in a prescribed burn unit boundary. Reasons

for inclusion may be to consolidate a burn block and reduce the need for dozer line construction, which

leads to additional and longer lasting ground disturbance, or to control seedling/sapling density to

maintain or enhance fuel treatment effectiveness.

Road Management Activities

Completion of the proposed vegetation management activities would require maintenance of and

additions to the existing road network.  These activities are above and beyond routine maintenance,

which would occur on an as needed basis regardless of the decision related to the Nautilus Project.

New Road Construction

Road construction refers to creating new routes where no route has previously been developed.  New

roads would be constructed to Forest Service specifications and would adhere to Forest Plan standards

and guidelines, Region 2 Watershed Conservation Practices (WCPs) and project‐specific design criteria.   

All new roads constructed under the Nautilus Project would be closed following the completion of

management activities.  The method of closure would be determined based on site conditions.   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                38    Northern Hills Ranger District

Non‐system to System Road Conversion

Conversion refers to the addition of non‐system roads to the NFS.  The routes proposed for conversion

are typically unclassified, user‐created routes or routes that were NFS roads at one time but have since

been decommissioned.  The road template already exists on the ground.  Under the Nautilus Project, the

route would be added to the NFS and improved as necessary to meet Forest Service specifications.  Like

newly constructed roads, converted routes would also adhere to Forest Plan standards and guidelines,

WCPs, and project‐specific design criteria.  As with new construction, these routes would be closed

following management activities unless they are specifically identified as being open to motorized travel

under the Forest‐wide travel management plan.   

Reconstruction/Pre‐use Maintenance of Existing Roads

Reconstruction or pre‐use maintenance is proposed for existing NFS roads that would require

improvement prior to management activities occurring.  Of these two activities, reconstruction is

generally the more intense activity and could include widening the road or slight rerouting based on site

specific conditions.  Pre‐use maintenance involves more routine activities such as grading or brushing of

the roadway.  These two activities are lumped together for analysis purposes to allow for flexibility in

applying specific activities.  Road conditions may change between the time of analysis and

implementation of the project.  Analyzing for both activities provides the leeway for applying the most

appropriate action at the time of implementation.

Watershed Improvement Projects

Per Forest Plan direction, watershed improvement projects must be undertaken when activities are

proposed in Class 3 watersheds, which are identified as being highly sensitive to management activities

(further explanation of Class 3 watersheds is provided in the Hydrology and Soils section in Chapter 3 of

this document).  Eight out of the nine Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 7th‐level watersheds that comprise the

Nautilus project area are identified as Class 3.  Therefore, a variety of watershed improvement projects

are planned, including:

 Meadow and hardwood enhancement along streams across the project area.

 Reduction in the number of connected disturbed areas (CDAs) through road

maintenance/improvement across the project area.

 Repair of the road‐stream crossings that are currently impassable to fish and that are

contributing to stream sedimentation.   The priority would be on perennial and intermittent

streams.

 Decommissioning of Forest System Road (FSR) 706.1A. The location and condition of this road is

negatively impacting Jim Creek.

 Repair or removal of non‐functioning fish passage structures in Estes Creek, Jim Creek, South

Boxelder Creek and Boxelder Creek.

 Repair of the junction where the Centennial trail crosses West Fork Estes Creek near the end of

FSR 740.1B.  This may involve rerouting the trail or road for a short distance.  Also, there is a

need to re‐establish meadow and streamside vegetation where unauthorized ATV paths have

destabilized the banks of West Fork Estes Creek in this area.

Experimental Forest

Experimental forests are places that are designated for long‐term and manipulative research of forest

and range vegetation (Adams et al 2004). The experimental forests are well suited to evaluate a variety

of silviculture techniques. By using an experimental forest, both the short‐ and long‐term silvicultural,

managerial, and ecological effects of treatments can be studied, displayed, and preserved.  The Black
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                39    Northern Hills Ranger District

Hills Experimental Forest (BHEF) is located 20 miles northwest of Rapid City, South Dakota and is 3,500

acres in size representing the ponderosa pine cover type near the center of the Black Hills National

Forest.  The entirety of the BHEF is within the Nautilus project area.  Research studies established on

BHEF are designed to provide abundant current and future research opportunities. All activities

conducted on BHEF are for research purposes, including vegetation manipulation, road maintenance

and construction, and fire suppression.

Research proposed within the BHEF has two primary long‐term objectives. The first is to apply and

evaluate the use of the irregular or free selection silvicultural system in a very productive ponderosa

pine forest (Graham and Jain 2005). The second is to conduct the classic reverse J‐curve uneven‐aged

concept (Nyland 2002). This study will evaluate a variety of ecological effects of the forest conditions

created by these silvicultural systems. For example, this study will document the impact the treatments

associated with each silvicultural system have on creating and maintaining forest conditions that are

resilient to insect, disease, and wildfire within a changing climate. In addition, because both silvicultural

systems are fully replicated using a scientific design, future research opportunities exists for wildlife,

hydrology, or other research purposes.

The first of a series of replicated studies was installed on the Priest River Experimental Forest in Idaho;

however, these results, if only applied in this one location, have limited applicability to other landscapes

and places. Thus to fully understand the applicability of results, similar studies need testing in other

locations. The BHEF study is one of several similar studies being placed within other Experimental

Forests in the northern Rocky Mountains. Other locations include the Deception Creek Experimental

Forest and the Boise Basin Experimental Forest, both in Idaho (Adams and others 2004).

Under the proposed vegetation treatments, harvesting of trees would provide a variety of overstory tree

canopy cover. Slash created through these treatments would be managed by various means such as

underburning, jackpot burning, mechanized piling, or mastication. After the stands have been treated,

the establishment and development of understory vegetation would be studied and quantified using

research protocols. Other ecosystem components including nutrient cycling, vegetation dynamics,

species composition, gap size, shape and orientation of openings and insect and disease activity would

be evaluated as a function of the different vegetation treatments.  

Treatments are proposed on 3,394 acres of the BHEF.  These treatments are best described as individual

tree selections.  As described above, under this treatment individual trees in all diameter classes are

removed to create a broken or uneven canopy.  The largest number of stems is in the smallest diameter

class, with the number decreasing more or less regularly with increasing size.  The fewest number of

stems is in the largest diameter class.   A spreadsheet and map showing the specific treatments

proposed for each study plot within the BHEF appears in Appendix D.  

Sanitation Harvest Provisions

Sanitation treatments are considered to be preventative and are most effective prior to the start of an

epidemic.  A treatment is used to remove resident beetle populations from the stand before they are

able to infest the stand as a whole.  In an attempt to prevent the mortality of the entire stand, the use of

sanitation is best incorporated at the first indication of beetle infested trees being present.  Sanitation is

the removal of infested trees; however, it is reasonable to do any proposed treatments once sanitation

is deemed appropriate.  Use of all treatments, particularly preventative treatments such as thinning, are

done together to have the highest level of effectiveness in protecting the stand as a whole.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                40    Northern Hills Ranger District

The purpose and need for this project recognizes that there is a need to alter stand structure within the

project area to reduce the threat of mountain pine beetle infestation. In an effort to be responsive to

mountain pine beetle infestations, sanitation harvest proposals could be prepared for areas of mountain

pine beetle infestation within the project area. These proposals would identify site specific treatments

intended to limit the spread of beetles.

The intent of the sanitation harvest provision is to increase the efficiency and speed at which the Forest

Service is able to respond to emerging mountain pine beetle infestations. Infested areas would be

treated to remove beetle‐hit trees. In addition to removal of infested trees, thinning treatments to

increase resiliency of the stand and to decrease the likelihood of a sustained outbreak would be

implemented. Proposed treatments would likely involve cutting green beetle‐infested trees and thinning

stands to residual basal areas below 80. Consultation with a Forest Service entomologist indicated that

sanitation harvest methods should be pursued when a population has reached incipient epidemic levels

(Allen 2010). The first major sign of incipient epidemic levels occurring are groups of beetle‐hit trees

beginning to show up on a landscape scale. Specifically, when two or more groups of three to four

beetle attacked trees on 20 to 320 acres occur in two to three consecutive years (Allen 2010).  

The Northern Hills Ranger District will utilize the most recent information available (e.g. aerial pest

survey data, stand exam data, field verification, other interested parties) as it designs and prioritizes

sanitation harvest proposals to ensure that the most effective strategy is developed. Proposals will be

field reviewed by resource specialists prior to implementation to determine whether any special design

criteria are required to protect forest resources and to ensure that the proposals comply with Forest

Plan direction.  No new system roads would be constructed to access sanitation harvest units.

Harvest Systems

The specific harvest system to be employed for any given area to be treated would be determined at the

time of layout. The harvest system selected will be based on topographical considerations, acceptable

levels of residual fuels within stands, and soil nutrient requirements. In general, whole tree yarding is

preferred within the WUI to reduce fuel loading.

Activity Fuels

Both commercial and non‐commercial treatments generally result in wood by‐products that function as

a source of fuel in the forest. This section describes the Northern Hills Ranger District’s approach to

addressing activity fuels resulting from commercial and non‐commercial treatment activities within the

Nautilus project area.

Commercial Treatments

Commercial treatments entail cutting commercial‐sized trees and removing the logs from the site. There

has not historically been a market for the residual material (i.e., limbs and tops of trees) resulting from

commercial timber harvest. The residual material, often referred to as slash or activity fuel, functions as

a fuel source that could potentially feed a forest fire. Because fuels reduction is a key objective in the

Forest Plan, harvest methods that allow for the removal of activity fuels are generally preferred over

those that do not. This is especially true in the wildland urban interface and adjacent to private

property. In such areas, slash is generally piled and burned. Less frequently, material is chipped and

distributed on site. As markets for biomass develop, it is expected that logging slash will become

commercially valuable. As that happens, slash may be hauled off‐site rather than piled and burned.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                41    Northern Hills Ranger District

Sometimes, it is neither feasible nor desirable to pile and burn activity slash. This is the case in areas

where the terrain makes the use of certain logging equipment a challenge or in areas where soil

productivity is a concern. In such areas, slash is often lopped and scattered on site.

Non‐Commercial Treatments

Pre‐commercial thinning treatments entail cutting trees that are not of a commercial size. Where

funding and terrain allow, this is usually accomplished with a masticator/chipper. The machinery cuts

the trees and grinds or chips them, dispersing the material across the forest floor. On steep sites or in

rocky areas, such machinery cannot be used. Instead, trees are cut by hand, and the material is lopped

and scattered on site. Mastication/chipping is a preferred method for accomplishing pre‐commercial

thinning  because the activity fuels, while left on site, pose less of a fire hazard than the larger material

resulting from the lop and scatter method. If trees are hand‐felled adjacent to private property and fuel

loading is a concern in that area, the material is often piled and burned to eliminate high levels of

surface fuels.   

Post‐Treatment Transportation Management

The BHNF recently issued a decision on a new travel management plan, which is expected to go into

effect in the fall of 2010. This plan changes the travel management paradigm from “open unless marked

closed” to “closed unless marked open”.  The plan specifies what routes are open for public motorized

travel and what types of vehicles are allowed on those routes.  Any newly constructed or converted

roads authorized under the Nautilus project would be closed following treatment activities and would

not be part of the motorized use network.  Allowable uses of existing NFS roads within the Nautilus

project area is subject to the direction in the Forest‐wide travel management plan.   The Nautilus Project

decision, regardless of which alternative is chosen, will not affect opportunities for motorized recreation

in the project area.

Post‐sale Activities

The Knutson‐Vandenburg (KV) Act authorizes the Forest Service to collect money from timber sales for

resource enhancement, protection, and improvement work in the timber sale area.  Actions proposed as

KV activities for the Nautilus project area are listed below:

 Pre‐commercial thinning, release and weed cleaning, and product‐other‐than‐log (POL)

thinning:  Thinning of stems 0‐9 inches DBH; intensity varies due to stand density and overstory

conditions. Included slash treatment may be lop and scatter, chipping, or removal to a landing

where tops may be burned. Could follow pre‐commercial thin, overstory removal, commercial

thin, seed cut, or prescribed fire treatments.

 Regeneration surveys 3rd and 5th year post‐harvest:  Essential KV; Monitoring will determine if

mortality rate of trees less than nine inches DBH is less than 75 percent after prescribed

burning. At least one survey must be conducted post‐burn. Would be conducted following

overstory removal and clear cut treatments.

 Vegetation monitoring:  Post treatment data collection for use in monitoring and evaluation of

activities. Follows standard stand exam protocols for complete condition evaluation. Could be

implemented on any treatment type not covered by 3rd and 5th year post‐harvest regeneration

surveys.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                42    Northern Hills Ranger District

 Site preparation:  Mechanical scarification or prescribed burning to expose mineral soil for

ponderosa pine establishment. Would be identified for implementation if regeneration surveys

indicate inadequate stocking. Would apply to overstory removal and seed cut treatments.

 Removal of encroaching pine from hardwood stands:  Removal of pine from selected

hardwood stands. All activity‐created material would be hand‐piled and burned.  These

treatments may occur in addition to those areas proposed for hardwood enhancement under

the action alternatives.   

 Removal of encroaching pine from meadow areas:  Removal of pine from selected meadows.

All activity‐created material would be lopped and scattered.  These treatments may occur in

addition to those areas proposed for meadow enhancement under the action alternatives.

 Noxious weed treatment and monitoring:  Spray and monitor noxious weeds following all

ground disturbing activities.

 Road closure:  All new roads constructed or converted under the Nautilus Project would be

closed upon the completion of management activities.  Closure methods would be determined

at the time of closure depending on site conditions.  Possible methods include:  locked gates,

boulders, dirt berms, downed trees, fences, partial obliteration and recontouring.   

2.2.3 Treatment Timing (All Action Alternatives)

The NFMA generally prohibits the harvest of stands before they reach their maximum growth rate [16

U.S.C. 1604(m)].  Exceptions in this law allow the harvest of individual trees, or even parts or whole

stands of trees, before this time to thin and improve timber stands and salvage damaged stands of trees

[16 U.S.C. 1604(m1)].  Further exceptions are allowed in order to achieve multiple‐use objectives other

than timber harvest [16 U.S.C. 1604(m2)].

Alternative B would harvest some stands before their maximum potential growth rate has been

reached.  These harvest treatments are consistent with the exceptions provided in 16 U.S.C. 1604(m2)

and amended Forest Plan guideline 2411, and include the following:  

 Pre‐commercial thinning

 Commercial thinning  

 Pine encroachment cutting  

 Fuel treatments

These treatments are proposed to meet the amended Forest Plan multiple‐use objectives stated in

Chapter 1.  Refer to Appendix B for a more detailed description of how this project complies with law,

regulation and policy relating to timber harvest.

2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study

A wide range of alternatives were considered by the Nautilus IDT.  Following are brief descriptions of

alternatives the IDT considered but eliminated from detailed analysis.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                43    Northern Hills Ranger District

2.3.1 Decommissioning of the Maximum Amount of Roads

One commenter requested an alternative that would decommission as many miles of roads as possible

within the project area.

The IDT determined that this alternative is outside the scope of the Nautilus Project.  The Forest‐wide

travel management plan determines the allowable uses for all existing roads on the Forest.  Some road

decommissioning is proposed under Nautilus to achieve watershed improvement, but focusing an

entirely separate alternative on road decommissioning is beyond the primary focus of this project, which

is to reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation.

2.3.2 No Harvest of Structural Stage 4B or 4C Stands

One commenter requested that the Forest Service defer harvest of all stands that are in structural

stages 4B or 4C.

The IDT determined that deferring structural stages 4B and 4C from harvest would limit our ability to

respond to the purpose of and need for the project.  As an HFRA project, the primary purpose and need

objective is to reduce mountain pine beetle risk through reducing stand density in ponderosa pine,

which would not be achievable under this alternative.  Based on the structural stage objectives

identified in the Forest Plan, there is currently a Forest‐wide overabundance of structural stages 4B and

4C.  This alternative would not allow for movement toward the Forest‐wide objectives.

2.3.3 Fragmentation Concerns

One commenter requested an alternative that would address fragmentation concerns on the BHNF.

Fragmentation was addressed at the Forest level through the 1997 Forest Plan revision and the 2005

Phase II Amendment.  Addressing Forest‐wide fragmentation concerns is outside the scope of the

Nautilus Project.  At the project level, it is possible to analyze the effects of fragmentation on specific

species that are susceptible to it, such as pine marten.  However, pine marten habitat (e.g. large

contiguous areas of white spruce) is not present in the Nautilus Project area, so it was determined that

this was not a concern specific to this project.  No other specific concerns regarding fragmentation

caused by the proposed action were identified during the scoping period, either by commenters or by

the IDT.  Therefore, a new alternative addressing fragmentation is not warranted.   

2.3.4 No Overstory Removal

One commenter requested an alternative that would not include any overstory removal treatments to

retain large diameter trees that are more fire resistant.

Overstory removal is proposed in the Nautilus Project area where it is the silviculturally appropriate

treatment (i.e., in stands in which a seed cut was implemented in the past and now have established

regeneration in the understory).  Overstory removal is also used as a tool to move the Forest toward the

Forest‐wide structural stage objectives identified in the Forest Plan.  The commenter’s concern appears
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                44    Northern Hills Ranger District

to be for large tree retention, which is provided for in the Forest Plan structural stage objectives for MAs

5.1 and 5.4.

2.3.5 No Harvesting of Trees Greater than 15” DBH

One commenter requested an alternative that places a moratorium on cutting individual pine trees

larger than 15" DBH, or some other size of large diameter trees designed to retain large diameter yellow

bark pines in the area.

The IDT determined that analyzing this alternative is unnecessary because large tree retention is

provided for in the Forest Plan, which includes retention objectives for very large trees (16” or greater

DBH) in MAs 5.1 and 5.4.  Additionally, the proposed action provides for additional large tree retention

through the identification of late successional (i.e. old growth) stands and other mature stands that

should be managed for late successional characteristics.

2.3.6 Re‐designation of MA 5.1 to MA 4.1

One commenter requested an alternative that would re‐designate all areas of MA 5.1 (Resource

Production Emphasis) in the project area to MA 4.1 (Limited Motorized Use and Forest Product

Emphasis).

The commenter did not provide a rationale for redesignating MA 5.1 in the project area.  The purpose

and need of the Nautilus Project focuses on reducing bug risk and fire hazard while providing for a

diversity of wildlife habitat and opportunities for research forestry.  Changing the MA designation from

5.1 to a non‐motorized emphasis does not clearly fit in with the stated purpose and need.

2.3.7 Designation of Structural Stage 4C Stands as MA 3.7

One commenter requested an alternative that would designate all stands of SS 4C as MA 3.7.   

Again, rationale for changing MA designation is not provided and it is not clear how this alternative

would achieve the purpose and need for the project.  Logistically, such an alternative would be

problematic.  MA designations were assigned on a landscape level to allow for multiple‐use

management across the Forest as a whole.  Redesignating select stands within a MA would fragment the

contiguous MAs that currently exist, making management of scattered fragments of land with different

management objectives more difficult.

2.3.8 Road Decommissioning and Closure Only, No Timber Harvest

One commenter requested an alternative that proposes only road decommissioning or closure and does

not include any timber harvest.

The IDT determined that this alternative would be outside the scope of the Nautilus Project.  The Black

Hills National Forest is currently developing a Forest‐wide travel management plan that will determine

what routes that are open to motorized travel.  This is an issue that would be better addressed at the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                45    Northern Hills Ranger District

Forest level.  An alternative that did not allow any or very little commercial timber harvest would not

achieve the stated purpose and need for the Nautilus Project because it would not allow for reducing

stand density, which is critical to reducing bug risk and fire hazard.

2.3.9 Maximization of Tree‐sized Oaks

One commenter suggested and alternative that would maximized the acreage of tree‐sized oak in the

project area.

While such an alternative may benefit wildlife habitat, it was determined that it would not achieve the

remainder of the purpose and need.  The opportunities to implement such an alternative in the Nautilus

Project are limited considering that only 12 acres of combined bur oak and paper birch exist in the

project area.

2.3.10 Protection of Biodiversity

On commenter suggested an alternative that addresses the issues of biodiversity, protection of large

and old yellow bark pine trees, protection of special and "at risk" plants and plant communities,

protection of "at risk" wildlife and protection of water bodies/water quality.

It was not clear from the comments how this alternative would differ from the proposed action.  The

Forest Plan provides direction to address all of these issues and the Nautilus Project implements the

Forest Plan.  Therefore, all of these issues are already addressed through the proposed action and the

need for a separate alternative is not apparent.  No specific examples of how the proposed action would

not address these issues were provided by the commenter.

2.3.11 Backcountry Recreation

One commenter requested an alternative that maximizes the back‐country hiking experience available

in the area (if such qualities exist) and if suitable areas exist to set asides large areas that meet the semi‐

primitive non‐motorized (SPNM) and semi‐primitive motorized (SPM) recreation opportunity spectrum

(ROS) class criteria. To achieve this, the commenter suggested closing roads, especially in areas that

retain a pristine or wild value with low evidence of human manipulations, if such qualities exist in the

areas. If no such areas exist that can meet SPNM or SPM ROS class criteria, the commenter suggested

that roaded natural non‐motorized (RNNM) areas be set aside.

The IDT determined that this alternative is outside the scope of the Nautilus Project.  The stated purpose

and need for the project does not include an objective for increasing non‐motorized recreation.  

Designation of ROS classes is done at the Forest level and would be best addressed during Forest Plan

revision.

2.3.12 Scenery

One commenter requested and alternative that maximizes the protection of scenery.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                46    Northern Hills Ranger District

The commenter does not elaborate on how the proposed action is deficient in this regard or what

actions such an alternative would include.  The Forest Plan does not contain any standards regarding

scenery, only guidelines, which were considered by the IDT during the development of the proposed

action (e.g., avoiding large contiguous blocks of overstory removal, feathering treatments into the

surrounding landscape to avoid sharp, unnatural lines between treated and untreated stands).  Design

criteria are also in place to minimize the impact of proposed activities on aesthetics in specific areas

(e.g., near private property or along primary travel routes).

2.3.13 Aronnax Alternative

An anonymous commenter(s) submitted an alternative, which they named “Aronnax” that emphasizes

uneven‐aged management rather than even‐aged management.

The focus of this alternative is on increased uneven‐aged management, reduced commercial harvest

and enhancement of hardwood stands, meadows and old growth.  During the evaluation of comments

and determination of issues, additional opportunities for these types of treatments were explored by

the IDT but those opportunities are limited in the Nautilus project area.  The proponents of the Aronnax

Alternative assert that the proposed action, and even‐aged management in general, is ineffective in

reducing bug risk and fire hazard but provide no scientific evidence to back their claim nor any evidence

to suggest that the Aronnax Alternative would be as, or more, effective than the proposed action.  The

IDT determined that it is not prudent to conduct uneven‐aged management for the sake of doing so

when a different, even‐aged treatment is silviculturally appropriate according to the Forest Plan and

supporting best available science.

2.4 Comparison of Alternatives

The public and decision maker can compare the alternatives based on whether or not they achieve the

purpose and need for action and the resulting environmental effects.  Tables 2‐2 and 2‐3 below provide

a comparison of the alternatives by level of vegetation management and response to the purpose and

need.  Analysis of environmental effects is presented in Chapter 3.

Table 2‐2. Comparison of Activities by Alternative

Vegetation Treatment Alternative

A B

Commercial Hardwood Enhancement 0 463

Commercial Meadow Enhancement 0 45

Non‐commercial Hardwood Enhancement 0 301

Non‐commercial Meadow Enhancement 0 206

Overstory Removal   0 7,164

Commercial Thin to 40 BA 0 3,286

Commercial Thin to 50 BA 0 660

Commercial Thin to 60 BA 0 2,692

Seed Cut   0 2,154

Individual Tree Selection 0 489

Group Selection 0 215

Product‐other‐than‐log 0 456

Experimental Forest   0 3,394
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                47    Northern Hills Ranger District

Pre‐commercial Thin 0 6,329

Total Acres 0 27,854

Total Sawtimber Volume (MBF) 0 93,658

Total Roundtimber Volume (CCF) 0 187,316

Fuels Treatment Alternative

A B

Standalone Prescribed Burning 0 710

Prescribed Burning Following Vegetation

Treatments 0 24,640

Total Acres 0 25,350

Road Construction Alternative

A B

New Road Construction 0 8

Non‐system to System Road Conversion 0 6

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre‐use

Maintenance 0 147

Total Miles 0 161

Table 2‐3. Achievement of the Purpose and Need by Alternative

Purpose and Need Element Alternative

A B

Element 1: Reduce Pine Beetle Risk Acres Percent Acres Percent

Pine Beetle Risk Rating

High 24,763 72% 4,758 14%

Moderate 7,366 22% 11,948 35%

Low 2,169 6% 17,592 51%

Element 2: Reduce Fire Hazard Acres Percent Acres Percent

Fire Hazard Rating

Very High 23,627 66% 5,202 15%

High 8,125 23% 4,753 13%

Moderate 3,056 9% 14,244 40%

Low 795 2% 11,404 32%

Element 3: Provide Diversity of Wildlife Habitat Acres

Structural Stage 5 (Late Succession) 1,250 1,250

Hardwood Enhancement 0 764

Meadow Enhancement 0 251

Element 4: Improve Watershed Conditions

Number of CDA Remaining 44 12

Roads Decommissioned (miles) 0 0.2

Hardwood Enhancement (acres along streams) 0 162

Meadow Enhancement (acres along streams) 0 189

Element 5: Provide Opportunities for Research

Forestry

Acres

Research Treatments (acres) 0 3,394
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3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSEQUENCES

3.1 Introduction

This section describes the affected environment and discloses the potential effects of the proposed

action and each alternative.  It forms the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of the

potential environmental effects of the alternatives.  In determining potential environmental

consequences of each alternative, the IDT considered the following.   

 The probable consequences of each alternative on environmental resources.

 Achievement of the stated purpose and need for the project.

 Adherence to Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

 Compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Chapter 3 of the Forest Plan FEIS and the Phase II FEIS discuss the short and long term effects,

irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources, and adverse environmental effects associated

with implementing management practices in the Black Hills National Forest.  The Nautilus Project EIS

tiers to the Revised Forest Plan FEIS (USDA‐Forest Service 1997), the Phase II Amendment FEIS (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005a), the Phase II Amendment ROD (USDA‐Forest Service 2005b) and the Phase II

Amendment Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BABE) (USDA‐Forest Service 2005f) to avoid

repetition and to allow this description to focus on the site‐specific effects that would result from

implementation of the proposed action.

3.2 Past, Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Activities

A number of activities have already occurred, are occurring or are planned in the Nautilus project area.  

Past activities have contributed to the existing condition of resources as described in this chapter.  

Ongoing and future activities may contribute to effects on resources that would also be affected by the

proposed project.  The need to include these activities in the cumulative effects section of each

individual resource analysis depends on the extent of the cumulative effects analysis area and the

duration of effects on each resource.  Future activities described in this section are not part of the

decision to be made for this EIS.  Most have already been approved by other decisions or would require

separate environmental analysis and public involvement.   

3.2.1 Past Activities 

The Black Hills have been subject to extensive human activities since the 1870s.  Humans have altered

vegetation structure, composition, and patterns by harvesting timber, suppressing natural fire,

introducing exotic species, igniting wildfires, nearly extirpating beaver, and grazing domestic livestock,

among other activities.  Due in large part to suppression of natural fires and the ability of Black Hills

ponderosa pine to regenerate prolifically, more of the landscape is forested today than it was

historically, though the trees are generally smaller (Parrish et al 1996).  The water table is generally
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                50    Northern Hills Ranger District

lower in drainages; historically, numerous beaver dams were present, which kept the water table higher.  

This change has contributed to alterations in plant communities.   

The Nautilus project area, as typical of the BHNF, is dominated by ponderosa pine, with interspersed

areas of quaking aspen, paper birch, white spruce and open meadows (Shepperd and Battaglia 2002).  

Climatic conditions, along with applications of silvicultural systems and fire suppression over the last 100

years, have contributed to the structure, composition, and appearance of the majority of this existing

forest, but the effects of wildfires and unregulated timber harvest in the late 1800s are still evident in

places.  These past activities helped shape the conditions that are present today and are reflected in the

existing conditions for each resource.

Grazing

Livestock grazing began in the Black Hills in the late 1800s and continues today.  Historically, both cattle

and sheep grazing occurred, but in recent history cattle have become the only form of livestock grazing

on NFS lands.   

Noxious Weeds

Herbicide application has occurred in various locations, mainly along roads and at other areas of soil

disturbance related to past management activities.

Private Land In and Around the Project Area

Subdivision and development of land, water developments, limited timber harvest and other activities

have occurred on private lands.  Site specific data are not available for these activities.

Recreation

Recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, ATV riding, and camping have occurred in

the Nautilus project area for several decades.  The project area includes 9 miles of the Centennial trail,

which is primarily used for non‐motorized recreation but includes a motorized section within Nautilus.

Roads and Travel Management

Roads were constructed in the Nautilus project area under previous projects.  In addition, private roads

and non‐system roads have been developed.  There are approximately 209 miles of NFS roads in

Nautilus along with approximately 48 miles of non‐system roads.  

Timber Harvest

Vegetative treatments have occurred through several past timber sales within the Nautilus boundary.  A

total of 16 timber sales have recently been completed.  These sales harvested a total of 5,027 acres

within Nautilus.

Table 3‐1.  Past Timber Sales in the Nautilus Project Area

Sale Name Acres* Sale Year Year Closed**

Buffalo 10 1997 Pre‐2003

Cavern 62 1999 2008

Crossing Salvage III 181 1999 Pre‐2003

Dano 265 2002 2005

Elk Creek 14 2004 2009

Gimlet 812 2004 2009
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                51    Northern Hills Ranger District

Greenant 7 1997 2004

Jimmy 574 2006 2006

Kirk 624 1998 2006

Meadow 715 2003 2006

Northwind 19 2004 2006

Rochford 317 2005 2008

Roubaix 15 2002 2005

Strike 778 2006 Open

Unction 582 1994 Pre‐2003

Virk 52 2003 2004

Total Acres 5,027

*Acres represent the acreage within the Nautilus Project Area.  Some sales include additional acreage that falls outside of the Nautilus

boundary.

**By regulation, timber sale files are maintained for 7 years following the sale’s closure date.  The Buffalo, Crossing Salvage and Unction sales

were completed sometime prior to 2003.

3.2.2 Ongoing Activities

A variety of activities are ongoing in the project area.  Timber harvest is not known to be taking place on

other ownerships (e.g., private, state, or county).  Fire suppression takes place as necessary.  

Maintenance of roads and electric utility lines continues as budgets allow and needs arise.  Water is

diverted in various locations for domestic water supply.  Development of private land is occurring at an

increasing rate.  The extent of each type of activity is described below.

Grazing   

Livestock grazing currently occurs in the Nautilus project area on a permit basis.  In general, cattle are

allowed into grazing allotments beginning in June and are removed by October.  The Nautilus project

area includes all or part of 8 allotments:

Table 3‐2.  Nautilus Project Area Grazing Allotments

Allotment Acres*

Bear Butte 1,704

Boxelder 19,616

Cave 32

Corral Creek 1,940

East Rapid 989

Little Elk 5,133

Runkle 59

Wolff 288

Total 29,761

*These figures display acreage within Nautilus Project Area. Some allotments extend beyond project area boundary.

Noxious Weeds

Spraying for noxious weeds occurs after road construction and maintenance or other ground disturbing

activity.  Noxious weed treatment is currently ongoing in the Nautilus area in those timber sale areas

listed above that were recently harvested.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                52    Northern Hills Ranger District

Private Land In and Around the Project Area

Ongoing private land uses appear to be similar to past uses within the project area.  The exact type and

extent of activities occurring on private land cannot be easily identified.  General activities, such as

livestock grazing, timber harvest, weed spraying, and land development are occurring across the project

area.

Recreation

A variety of recreational activities occur in the project area, including:  hunting, fishing, hiking, biking,

ATV riding, snowmobiling, camping, sightseeing and bird watching.   Motorized recreation occurs

regularly on the existing road network, including system and non‐system roads.  The Centennial trail

crosses the project area and is a popular hiking destination.  A portion of the Centennial trail through

the Nautilus project area is also open to motorized travel.

Roads and Travel Management

Road maintenance is currently ongoing on an as needed basis.   

Timber Harvest

One of the timber sales listed in Table 3‐1 is still active (Strike).  Post‐sale (KV) activities are ongoing in all

sales listed in Table 3‐1 except for Buffalo, Crossing Salvage and Unction.   

Fire Suppression

Fire suppression occurs on an as necessary basis.

3.2.3 Foreseeable Future Activities

Reasonably foreseeable future activities in the project area include fire suppression, vegetation

management, treatment of noxious weeds, road and utility maintenance, livestock grazing, and

recreation.  Other timber harvests may take place in the future on public lands, but specific locations

and treatment types are not known at this time.  The extent of each future activity is listed below.   

Grazing

Grazing on the Northern Hills Ranger District was recently re‐evaluated and approved under the North

Zone Range 05 and North Zone Range 08 Environmental Assessments (EAs).   

Noxious Weeds

Control of noxious weeds will continue in association with road management, timber harvest and other

ground disturbing activities.

Travel Management

The Forest Supervisor recently signed a decision on the Forest‐wide Travel Management Plan, which will

go into effect in late summer or early fall 2010.  This plan changes the previous system of “open unless

posted closed” to one of “closed unless posted open.”  The plan designates the types of motorized

recreation activities that are allowed on specific routes and the types of vehicles that are allowed on

those routes.    
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                53    Northern Hills Ranger District

Mining

One proposal has been submitted to mine stone from an area alongside Gimlet Creek in the Nautilus

project area.  This proposal is currently undergoing a separate environmental review by resource

specialists and is not tied to the Nautilus Project decision.

Timber Harvest

The Strike timber sale is still open and harvest will continue from that area.  KV activities associated with

other past sales in the Nautilus project area will continue in the future.

Recreation

Recreational activities described previously will continue.  Motorized recreation opportunities will be

impacted by the recently signed travel management plan as described above.

Road and Utility Maintenance

Maintenance of existing roads and utility lines will continue on an as necessary basis and as budgets

allow.

Fire Suppression/Fuels Reduction

Fire suppression will occur on an as necessary basis.

A categorical exclusion was completed in 2009 for fuel reduction activities near the Nemo work center.  

The intent of the project is to create defensible space around the work center through non‐commercial

thinning and hazard tree removal.  Non‐commercial trees would either be chipped on site or piled and

burned to minimize the residual activity fuels.

3.3 Forest Resources

3.3.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus Project

Area for forest resources.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Silviculturist Report (Haas 2010), which is

located in the Nautilus project file.

3.3.2 Existing Conditions

Structural Stage

Structural stage is an important forest attribute, categorizing stands based on tree size and density.  The Forest

Plan identifies distribution objectives for management areas (MA) where structural stage could be altered

through management intervention.  It is not expected, or required, that the areas meet these objectives in the

first rotation. However, management actions are designed as a step to move the areas towards a condition that

will meet the distribution objectives. Within the Nautilus project area there are three MA where treatments are

proposed in the action alternative:  MA 5.1 (Resource Production Emphasis), MA 5.4 (Big Game Winter Range

Emphasis), and MA 5.3A (Black Hills Experimental Forest). Only MA 5.1 and MA 5.4 have structural stage

objectives and the objective is the same for both.

Structural stages are defined by the following conditions based on the Forest Plan:
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                54    Northern Hills Ranger District

Structural Stage 1 (Grass/Forb): The grass/forb stage was historically a product of fires, windthrow, or

similar disturbances. Under forest management, this stage can be created through harvesting. This stage

is dominated by grasses and forbs lasting until tree seedlings become established.

Structural Stage 2 (Shrub/Seedling): The shrub/seedling stage consists of shrubs such as chokecherry,

rose and serviceberry along with tree seedlings. A stand remains in Stage 2 until the tree seedlings reach

one inch diameter at breast height (DBH), which should take less than a decade.

Structural Stage 3 (Sapling/Pole): The sapling/pole stage consists of trees with stems one to nine inches

DBH. This stage typically persists up to 30 years, or until approximately age 70.  This structural stage is

divided further by percent of canopy closure.  Structural stage 3A classifications consist of canopy

closure of less than 40 percent; 3B classifications consist of canopy closure of 40 to less than 70 percent;

and 3C is anything with greater than 70 percent canopy closure.

Structural Stage 4 (Mature): The mature stage beings when trees reach the 9‐inch DBH class. Trees

remain in this stage until they are about 160 years old.  As with structural stage 3, understory

productivity depends upon the overstory canopy cover. Less than 40% canopy cover is 4A, 40 percent to

less than 70 percent is 4B, and greater than 70 percent canopy closure is 4C. The sizes of trees in this

stage will vary depending upon growing site potential and the density of the stand.

Structural Stage 5 (Late Succession): This structural stage is characterized by very large trees (16 inches

or greater DBH). Trees are at least 160 years in age; ponderosa pine that reach this age are commonly

referred to as “yellow barks”. Late seral ponderosa pine may occur in dense stands, but may also grow in

the open or in “park‐like” stands with wide spacing between individual trees and a relatively open

understory.  Late succession stands are sometimes referred to as “old growth”.

Table 3‐3.  Project Area Ponderosa Pine Structural Stages by Alternative

Structural Stage

Forest‐wide

Objective

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B

(Proposed Action)

MA 5.1 – Resource Production

1 5% 0.2% 0.2%

2 5% 3.7% 3.7%

3A 10% 2.2% 27.2%

3B 15% 5.1% 12.9%

3C 5% 7.4% 1.6%

4A 25% 17.7% 17.4%

4B 25% 37.8% 29.1%

4C 5% 22.7% 4.6%

5 5% 3.2% 3.2%

MA 5.4 – Big Game Winter Range

1 5% 0.7% 0.7%

2 5% 3.9% 3.9%

3A 10% 2.4% 16.3%

3B 15% 3.6% 9.4%

3C 5% 8.2% 1.1%
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                55    Northern Hills Ranger District

4A 25% 18.5% 17.1%

4B 25% 24.4% 32.7%

4C 5% 33.0% 13.5%

5 5% 5.4% 5.4%

            

The existing condition shows a large majority of the project area in structural stages 4B and 4C.  

Fortunately, these structural stages provide economical opportunities for adjustment. Using the

shelterwood system results in 4B and 4C being changed to structural stages 1, 2, or 4A. Structural stage

5 was identified and designated through the analysis and evaluation process.   

Additional Forest‐wide objectives call for providing 10% of  structural stage 4 with an average tree size

of “very large” where the stand has an average stand quadratic mean diameter (QMD) of 16 inches or

greater, seeking opportunities to increase understory shrubs in open‐canopy structural stages, and

actively managing stands to provide 5% in desired late succession characteristics.  Table 3‐4 displays the

Forest‐wide acres of structural stage 4 with a tree size of very large for MAs 5.1 and 5.4 (USDA‐Forest

Service 2007d).  Based on this data, this objective is being exceeded Forest‐wide in MA 5.1 and is near

achievement in MA 5.4.  

Table 3‐4.  Forest‐wide Structural Stage 4 with Very Large Tree Size

Forest‐wide

Objective MA 5.1 ‐ Existing MA 5.4 ‐ Existing

% of SS4 Acres % of SS4 Acres % of SS4

10% 45,688 12% 20,782 9%

Plant Species Composition  

The vast majority of the NFS land in this project area is covered by ponderosa pine (34,298 acres, 98% of the NFS

acres).  Other cover types include 345 acres (<1%) of aspen/birch/other hardwoods, and 640 acres (<1%) of

white spruce.  There are numerous small inclusions (10 acres and less in size) of oak, aspen and other

hardwoods well distributed throughout the area.  These are usually very productive pine sites where pine will

eventually take over the site if no treatment is done.  In addition, there are 320 acres (<1%) of grassland and

non‐forested land.  Some of these areas have pine encroaching on them.   

Table 3‐5. Plant Species Composition

NFS Land Characteristics Management Areas

35,603 ac

NFS

5.3A

3,394 ac

5.4

12,140 ac

5.1

20,069 ac

Forested

35,283 ac

Conifer

34,938 ac

Ponderosa Pine

(TPP)

34,298 ac

3318 11655 19,325

White Spruce

(TWS)

640 ac

0 380 260

Hardwood

345 ac  

Quaking Aspen

(TAA)

333 ac

30 77 226
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                56    Northern Hills Ranger District

Other

Hardwoods

(TOH)

12 ac

0 0 12

Non‐

Forested

320 ac

Vegetated

274 ac

Grass

(GRA)

274 ac

46 12 216

Non‐

Vegetated

46 ac

Non‐forested

(NFL, NPT)

16 ac

0 16 0

Rock

(NRK)

30 ac

0 0 30

Figure 3‐1. Cover Types

Age Class Distribution

Approximately 21,085 acres (61%) of the pine cover type is greater than 100 years of age.  Approximately 18,676

acres (25%) of the pine acres are between 60 and 100 years old, with 4,537 acres (13%) being less than 60 years

old.   
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                57    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐6. Suitable, Unsuitable, and Total Pine Acres by Class

Suitable Pine

Acreage by Age

Class

Unsuitable Pine

Acreage by Age

Class

Total Pine Acreage

by Age Class

Age Acres Age Acres Age Acres

0‐10 2,958 0‐10 174 0‐10 3,132

11‐20 215 11‐20 66 11‐20 281

21‐30 174 21‐30 0 21‐30 174

31‐40 107 31‐40 0 31‐40 107

41‐50 406 41‐50 10 41‐50 416

51‐60 411 51‐60 16 51‐60 427

61‐70 319 61‐70 3 61‐70 322

71‐80 500 71‐80 248 71‐80 748

81‐90 1,735 81‐90 183 81‐90 1,918

91‐100 5,035 91‐100 653 91‐100 5,688

101‐110 5,531 101‐110 2,075 101‐110 7,606

111‐120 5,108 111‐120 1,070 111‐120 6,178

121‐130 2,986 121‐130 235 121‐130 3,221

131‐140 1,338    131‐140 254 131‐140 1,592

141‐150 622 141‐150 357 141‐150 979

151‐160 342 151‐160 58 151‐160 400

161‐170 329 161‐170 153 161‐170 482

171‐180 105 171‐180 55 171‐180 160

181‐190 131 181‐190 16 181‐190 147

191‐200 134 191‐200 33 191‐200 167

201‐210 97 201‐210 0 201‐210 97

211‐220 19 211‐220 0 211‐220 19

221‐230 15 221‐230 0 221‐230 15

231‐240 0 231‐240 0 231‐240 0

241+ 22 241+ 0 241+ 22

Total 28,424 Total 5,593 Total 34,298
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                58    Northern Hills Ranger District

Figure 3‐2. Age Class Distribution by Suitable and Unsuitable Sites

The distribution of age classes ranges 0 to 250 years with the majority of stands in the 80 to 120 year age

classes.  The age class curve is a bell shaped curve with the greatest acreage in the 100‐year class as illustrated in

the Age Class Distribution chart.  The majority of the stands were regenerated post European settlement and are

indicative of intensive harvest activities and fire suppression occurring within the last 140 years.  The width of

the bell curve where the majority of acres occur is between 80 and 110 years, which indicates that many of the

stands were regenerated over a 30 year period from approximately 1890 until 1920. This corresponds with

historical accounts of heavy logging activity in that time period.  There is a period from 1930 to 1970 (40 to 80

year age classes) where the amount of new stand regeneration declines rapidly.  

Regeneration was less prevalent due to a shift in harvesting methods and amounts as well as, reduction in

mineral soil exposure from fire. Within the past 20 years, an increase in the amount of regeneration harvesting

has occurred as can be seen by the upward trend in acres in the 0, 10 and 20 year age classes.  To develop an

even distribution of age classes across the landscape over a 200‐year period, approximately five percent, or

1,714 acres, would have to be regenerated each decade.  In theory this could occur, however, management

objectives, accessibility and natural stand replacement events make the probability of this very unlikely.

Stocking Levels

The majority of suitable ponderosa pine acres in the project area are within the timber management zone as

identified in Appendix H‐3 of the Forest Plan.  Although they are within the zone, many of these stands are at a

high risk of mountain pine beetle infestation.  Considering the existing ongoing epidemic within the project area,

and that Forest Plan Goal 10, Objective 10‐07 states “where outbreaks of mountain pine beetle could present

risks to management objectives, reduce acreage of ponderosa pine stands that are in medium or high risk for

infestation”, management activities would move many of these stands to the lower range within the

management zone.  Although basal areas are generally a good indication of stocking in most sawtimber and pole

timber stands, it does not represent smaller diameter stands (<6” DBH) nor large diameter stands (>16” DBH)

well. Figure 3‐3 below displays the existing condition and the estimated results of proposed treatments in the

action alternative on basal area distribution.  The effects of these proposed changes are described below under

‘Environmental Consequences’; however, this chart shows them together for comparison.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                59    Northern Hills Ranger District

Figure 3‐3. Acres per Basal Area Class

About 6,873 acres (20%) are less than 40 BA, 2,397 acres (7%) are 40 to 79 BA, 14,842 acres (43%) are at 80 to

120 BA, and about 10,186 acres (30%) that are greater than 120 BA. The area shows little diversity in basal area

distribution, with much of the area above desired stocking densities.  

Regeneration

Pine regeneration is occurring in the project area where the crown canopy is open and where

competition from grasses, shrubs and forbs is low.  In areas where grasses have invaded the site,

regeneration is at moderate to low levels.  Where pine regeneration is desired such as in regeneration

harvests, activities within the project area should be designed to reduce ground cover competition and

expose mineral soil, increasing natural regeneration potential.  Past regeneration harvests in adjacent

areas have resulted in fully stocked stands of pine when the soil was disturbed.  Experience shows that

even with competition from grass, pine sites in the project area generally regenerate to full stocking

levels, without additional site preparation, within 5 to 10 years.

Insects and Disease

Generally, current losses from insect and disease are at endemic levels.  Western gall rust (Peridermium

harknessii) has been observed in the area.  Most of the galls have been observed to be occurring on the limbs

and not on the boles of the ponderosa pine.  The result will be reduced growth of the pine stands but should not

be considered a major threat to the merchantability of the stands in the area.  Armillaria root disease (Armillaria

ostoyae) is another important disease in the Black Hills that kills trees by breaking down cambial tissue,

effectively girdling the tree and causing decay of both sapwood and heartwood.  Armillaria centers can vary in

size from a few trees to 1,000 acres.  Within the project area, little evidence of Armillaria centers exist and are

considered a minor problem.  Also, red rot disease (Dichomitus squalens) is common throughout the Black Hills

and is a major cause of defect loss in ponderosa pine, especially as pine become overmature.  Mortality will

increase and merchantable volume will decrease due to red rot disease within the overmature pine.  Diplodia tip

blight (Sphaeropsis sapinea) is a fungus that attacks ponderosa pine needles and cones reducing growth and

eventually killing the pine, however the occurrence of Diplodia tip blight is uncommon in the Black Hills.

Some of the area has experienced commercial harvesting and precommercial thinning activities.  Slash buildup

from these activities has the potential to favor an increase of insects, especially the pine engraver or Ips beetle
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                60    Northern Hills Ranger District

(Ips pini).  Where precommercial thinning has been implemented, no major infestation has occurred and

additional activities can be considered a minimal risk.   

Mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is currently at epidemic levels and risk ratings show that much

of the ponderosa pine stands in the project area are at moderate or high risk for attack (Allen 2010).  The

current insect risk rating scheme is based upon the database protocol directed by Forest Service Region 2 (R2).  

The insect risk rating is one of the variable outputs from the national growth and yield model of the Forest

Vegetation Simulator (FVS).

Table 3‐7. Acres and Percent of Mountain Pine Beetle by Alternative

Risk Alternative A (Existing) Alternative B

Acres % Acres %

Low 2,169 6.3% 17,592 51.3%

Medium 7,366 21.5% 11,948 34.8%

High 24,763 72.2% 4,758 13.9%

Total 34,298 34,298

Figure 3‐4. Mountain Pine Beetle Risk

The mountain pine beetle risk is a concern as 94% of the pine cover type is at high or moderate risk.  The hazard

rating refers to the chances of losses within a stand if an infestation occurs within the area, not the probability

of an infestation.  If an infestation occurs within stands with a high hazard rating, then one can expect higher

overall losses than those stands with lower hazard ratings.  The Forest Plan (Table B‐5) indicates the tie between

mountain pine beetle risk and fire hazard, and shows that any stand at medium or high beetle risk is at medium

to very high fire hazard.  
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                61    Northern Hills Ranger District

Another common insect found throughout the Black Hills that causes mortality in ponderosa pine is the red

turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens).  In contrast to the mountain pine beetle, the red turpentine beetle is

not aggressive.  These beetles are usually not the primary cause of mortality in pine.  Red turpentine beetles are

opportunistic and typically attack trees already weakened by drought, fire, other insects, or logging damage.  If

enough damaged pine exists for their numbers to multiply, they can fly to otherwise healthy pine and be the

primary cause of their death.  In the Nautilus project area, red turpentine beetle activity is very low and is not

expected to increase.

The western pine tip moth (Rhyacionia bushnelli) and the southwestern pine tip moth (Rhyacionia neomexicana)

both can be found in the Black Hills.  Both moths attack small trees (less than 10’ tall) and are not considered

serious pests in the Nautilus project area.

  

Other insects affecting both pine and other species of trees in the project area may be present, but are having

minimal impact on the area and will probably continue to have a low impact in the future.  

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences

Most of the treatments and cutting methods proposed in the alternatives are described and illustrated in

Section II‐31 “Methods to Achieve or Influence Vegetative Diversity” of the Forest Plan (USDA‐Forest Service

2005c).  Some combinations of treatments are proposed that are not listed specifically, but the actions and

effects described for the individual treatments give a good idea of the kinds of impacts to be expected.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under this alternative, no timber management activities would occur other than ongoing activities such as

firewood gathering, right‐of‐way clearing, Christmas tree cutting, and activities approved under other

environmental analyses.  Alternative A is used as a baseline for comparison with the other alternatives.

Insect and Disease

Based on current stand conditions, the overstocked stands of pine pose a high hazard for mountain pine

beetle infestation.  This hazard would increase over time with growth due to increasing stocking levels.

There are 38,176 acres (93%) of NFS conifer stands in the project area that currently have a high or

moderate hazard rating. Coupled with the high beetle populations in the area, the likelihood of a

continuous, widespread, epidemic‐level infestation of mountain pine beetle is high (Allen 2010).  There

are considerable changes in the landscape taking place within the Nautilus project area due to mountain

pine beetle mortality. If no action is taken, many currently forested areas could lose most or all of their

mature pine overstory. This loss of mature pine trees would add to fuel loads and wildfire hazard on a

long‐term basis (see ‘Fire and Fuels’ section), and cause substantial changes to wildlife habitat (see

‘Wildlife’ section).  

If not treated, the insect risk would remain high until stocking levels decrease due to mortality from pine beetle

activity or a high intensity wildfire.  It is not possible to determine exactly which stands would become infested

and the precise level of beetle‐caused mortality, but reasonable estimates can be made based on the current

extent of the epidemic, the expanding beetle brood populations available to infest new trees, and the large
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                62    Northern Hills Ranger District

volume and wide distribution of moderate to high hazard stands in the project area. What is apparent is that

there would be considerable changes in the landscape in the Nautilus area.

Initially, the highest levels of pine tree mortality are expected in the northern and western parts of the

project area, closest to Custer peak. However, pockets of currently infested trees are currently located

throughout the project area (Allen 2010). In the hardest hit areas, near complete mortality of the larger

trees would occur on up to 80 percent of structural stages 4B, 4C and 5 (dense stands with larger trees).  

Significant but lesser amounts of mortality would be expected in structural stages 3B, 3C and 4A.  Stands

in high mortality areas would revert to earlier structural stages.  Adding younger structural stage stands

helps to increase vegetation diversity in the area, which is dominated by mature pines. However, the

large volume of dead and down trees significantly increases fuel loads and wildfire hazard in areas that

are within or near the wildland‐urban interface.  This increases the probability for large, intense wildfires

resistant to control that threaten natural resources, private property, and human life.

In areas that currently have lower infestation levels, it is assumed they would also have lower overall

mortality rates.  This may not be the actual case, as the current epidemic could easily overwhelm the

entire project area given the right environmental conditions.  In these areas, structural stage 4B, 4C and

5 stands are expected to have substantial beetle‐caused mortality, with a high percentage being

converted to structural stage 4A and lesser amounts to structural stages 2 and 3.

The pine engraver beetle is non‐aggressive and breeds in damaged ponderosa pine trees and slash greater than

two inches in diameter.  Unless severe drought, weather damage or fire damage occurs within the area, the

probability of a major buildup of the pine engraver beetle is unlikely.  Other insects and diseases are expected to

remain at current levels barring natural disasters.

Plant Species Composition

With no action, plant species composition and diversity would decrease.  Pine is encroaching into

hardwood and meadow areas and filling in small openings in the forest canopy.  As the canopy closes,

aspen and other hardwoods would diminish in numbers until natural disturbances once again open up

the canopy.  Within many sites, forbs and grasses in the under story would be shaded out, reducing

quality of other resources such as wildlife habitat, range, recreation and the visual aesthetics.

Other Effects

The effects of no action in the project area would be increased mortality and the resulting decrease in

growth and yield due to the continuation of the mountain pine beetle epidemic, reduction of diameter

growth due to age and overstocking in stands not impacted by beetle activity, and an increase in the risk

of a high intensity wildfire.  With no treatments, the 24,770 acres of pine type that are in the high insect

and fire hazard category would experience reduced growth due to overcrowding and competition for

nutrients, water and light.  Age class distribution would not change except for changes created through

unpredictable natural processes such as insect infestations and wildfires.  Long‐term effects in stands

not heavily impacted by beetle infestation would be an increase in mortality due to competition

between pine, an increase in merchantable defects due to disease, and an increased crown fire hazard.  

Long term sustainability of the timber resource would be in jeopardy since much of the mature forest

would be killed by the mountain pine beetle and relatively few acres are currently young and available

to grow into the next generation of mature forest.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                63    Northern Hills Ranger District

Periodic annual increment is declining in some stands and is less than desired conditions due to

overstocking and age.  Alternative A would cause a further decline in the periodic annual increment.  

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires that even‐aged stands scheduled for harvest

during the planning period would generally have reached the culmination of mean annual increment

(CMAI) of growth.  During the diagnosis phase of the analysis, 284 stands were identified that had

reached CMAI.  Net growth would remain positive, but it would be below its potential.         

  

As the stands of pine become denser, they would become susceptible to snow damage.  Dense stands of

pine with interlocking crowns cannot shed snow as well as open stands.  During times of heavy snowfall

and wind, snow can build up on the crowns of dense stands and cause heavy breakage.  Stands with

open canopies shed their snow as wind shakes them and are less susceptible to snow buildup.  Under

this alternative, more snow damage would likely occur.

The hazard of a stand replacing wildfire would be higher without treatment.  Crown fires would cause

many of the stands to be completely killed.  The effect of such a high intensity fire to the timber

resource would be a loss of timber value, a large reduction of age class distribution, a disruption of an

even flow of timber to local mills, an increase in insects, and a disruption of the natural regeneration

process.  Solarization would reduce the success of both natural and artificial regeneration.  Soil

sterilization would reduce productivity for many years, as the process of rebuilding soil horizons in this

relatively dry climate is slow.

Cumulative Effects

The geographic area considered for cumulative effects on forest resources is the Nautilus project area.  

The time period considered is 40 years total, from 20 years in the past until 20 years into the future.  

This time frame allows consideration of recently completed timber harvest projects within the project

area and takes into account the absolute maximum amount of time it would be expected for all

treatments (initial and post‐sale) proposed under Nautilus to be completed.

Past Activities  

Much of the area has experienced vegetative treatments within the past 20 years.  Commercial harvests and

pre‐commercial thinnings from the late 1970s through the early 2000s have taken place in the project area.  

Many treatments were designed to lower the basal area to promote increased growth and vigor as well as

lessen susceptibility to mountain pine beetle attack.  

The effect of past treatments has been an increase of merchantable volume growth rates, an increase in the

quality of timber and a minimal amount of insect and disease infestations.  Commercial thins reduced stocking

levels in some overstocked stands on suitable ground.  However, not all stands were treated in the past and

growth has occurred, leading to many overstocked stands.  An additional effect has been an increase in the

quality of the timber through the removal of damaged, diseased, and poorly formed trees. There has been an

increase in individual tree growth by releasing remaining trees from competition for light, water and nutrients.

Due to heavy cutting some stands were regenerated, resulting in seedlings.  A reduction of the risk to the pine

stands due to the reduction of basal area below the level of susceptibility to pine beetle attack also occurred,

but risk is now increasing due to growth.  Past practices of fire suppression and minimal management induced

disturbance have cumulatively resulted in an area overstocked with trees that lack age and size diversity.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                64    Northern Hills Ranger District

Present Activities  

No major activities are occurring at present on NFS lands within the project area.  One timber sale from a

previous NEPA project, Strike, is still active.  Post‐sale KV activities continue in the Cavern, Dano, Elk Creek,

Gimlet, Greenant, Jimmy, Kirk, Meadow, Northwind, Rochford, Roubaix, Strike, and Virk timber sale areas. These

activities were analyzed under previous decision documents and were developed to maintain the productivity of

the area. Development on private land has occurred.  Areas that were once open meadows are increasingly

being converted into sub‐developments.  Since private land comprises 14% of the project area (5,699 acres) and

approximately half of that is timberland, the effects of timber harvesting practices on private land could affect

forest resources in the project area as a whole.  The amount of timber harvesting on private land during any one

decade has been small and its effects on NFS timberland thus far have been minimal.

Proposed or Reasonably Foreseeable Activities  

Anticipated future silvicultural activities not connected to this analysis that are expected to occur within the

project area include fuel breaks adjacent to developed private land, ongoing KV activities related to past timber

sales, and firewood gathering and Christmas tree cutting by permit.  Other silvicultural treatments such as small

salvage sales for the removal of storm damage, road right‐of‐way clearing, pine encroachment removal, and

hardwood regeneration and release may occur within the project area.  The size of these projects would

generally be small and the cumulative effects of these projects should not be of measurable significance.  None

of these projects would alter the structural stage distribution of ponderosa pine within the project area.  

Ongoing mechanical treatments and prescribed burning activities occurring on NFS land within the project area

have similar effects to past treatments.  This includes relatively small amounts of treatments on private land

within the project area, mostly in conjunction with development.  Anticipated future silvicultural activities not

connected to this analysis are minor in scope.  The size of these projects would generally be small and would not

contribute to cumulative effects.   

Continuing development of private land and actions taken on private land to protect property from wildfire and

mountain pine beetle would result in additional scattered openings and lower basal areas, but would have no

major effect on the forested landscape within the project area.  

One Plan of Operations for future mining activity has been submitted.  The proposal is to remove stone from

Gimlet Creek.  No affect to the forest landscape is foreseen. The motorized portion of Centennial trail is within

the Nautilus project area as well as a newly authorized network of motorized trails under the Forest‐wide travel

management plan.  Neither of these activities would contribute to cumulative effects to forest resources.  

Alternative A could lead to significant changes on the landscape, and result in adverse cumulative effects

to the timber resource.  Lack of management under the Nautilus Project would result in no reduction of

pine beetle risk or fire hazard.  In combination with a lack of proposed activities to reduce stand density

in the future, the situation would be expected to get worse.   Loss of mature pine trees over large areas

with a subsequent increase in fuel loads would be possible.  This would set the stage for intense

wildfires that could eliminate forest cover within and adjacent to the project area.  Past and present

forest improvements would be negatively affected by ongoing mountain pine beetle infestations and

could be completely eliminated where wildfires occur.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                65    Northern Hills Ranger District

Activities that have a good probability of occurring on land within the project area other than

National Forest System lands are as follows:    

With an increasing interest from landowners in the management and protection of their property, an

additional 2,000 acres may be treated within the next decade. However, lower timber prices may cause

landowners to defer treatments until they can get a better price for their timber.  Since the amount of

silvicultural activities associated with the private lands would be minimal, the cumulative effects of

these activities under any of the alternatives would also be minimal.  Treatments on private land for fire

hazard reduction would contribute to both a reduction of hazard from high intensity wildfire and

mountain pine beetle infestation.    

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects  

Under this alternative 27,854 acres of NFS land would be treated through commercial and non‐

commercial harvests.  In addition, 710 acres of prescribed burning is identified as a primary treatment

and 24,640 acres of the project area is analyzed for prescribed burning as a follow‐up treatment.  Of

these proposed follow‐up prescribed burn acres, it is not expected that all of the acreage would be

burned.  Rather, it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 acres per year, a total of 10,000 acres over

the life of this project, would actually be implemented. Specific burn units would be selected after the

initial vegetation treatments have been completed and resulting site conditions are observed.  For each

prescribed burn that is conducted, a site specific burn plan would be developed prior to

implementation.  

Many of the stands in the project area have inclusions of less than 10 acres in size that may have basal

areas, age classes, size classes and tree species that differ from the majority of the stand.  Treatments

specified generally apply to 80% and more of the stand.  As these stands are laid out and marked these

inclusions may not be prescribed and marked as specified in the stand treatment table, but rather

prescribed using criteria developed for other stands with similar characteristics (e.g.  an inclusion of pole

size pine may be thinned if located within a stand scheduled for a seed tree cut).   

  

Commercial treatments include overstory removal, seed cut, thinning, group selection, individual tree selection

and product other than log (POL).  Non‐commercial treatments include prescribed burning and pre‐commercial

thinning of trees less than nine inches DBH.  Meadow enhancement and hardwood enhancement may be either

commercial or non‐commercial depending on the size of the pine trees encroaching into the meadow or

hardwood stands.  The effects of individual treatment types are described below:

Overstory Removal

Overstory removal would occur on 7,164 acres and would generally be followed with pre‐commercial thinning.  

The overmature overstory stands have reached CMAI and are no longer needed for seed and shade (see

Appendix B).  The removal of the pine overstory would release the established understory from competition for

light, water and nutrients.  Generally, all overstory pine nine inches DBH and greater would be removed,

retaining only pine necessary for other resource needs.  The preferred logging method would be whole tree

yarding within 300 feet of private property to reduce the amount of residual slash left on site.  Outside of this

buffer, cut to length methods could be used.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                66    Northern Hills Ranger District

The effect would be an increase in growth of the remaining pine, the establishment and production of forage for

both cattle and wildlife, an increase in the nutrients and fuel loading outside the 300’ private land buffer, a

decrease in vertical diversity (multi‐storied stands), and a reduction in the amount and continuity of aerial fuels.  

Post‐sale work included in this treatment would be prescribed burning, cull tree cutting, regeneration surveys,

and possible pre‐commercial thinning to manage the new stand.  

Seed Cuts

Seed cuts would begin the regeneration process on 2,154 acres of pine.  Pine would be left at an approximate

basal area (BA) of 30 square feet per acre.    Leave trees would generally be dominant or co‐dominant pine with

full crowns and good form.  Form and vigor are considered a higher priority than spacing in leave tree selection,

so leave basal area may range from 20 to 40 BA. Opening up the canopy allows sufficient sunlight to reach the

forest floor to establish seedlings, yet provides enough shade to limit the harsh microclimates of full canopy

openings. The scarification provided by whole tree logging and possible prescribed burning exposes mineral soil

necessary for ponderosa pine seedling establishment. These stands have reached CMAI and periodic annual

growth (see Appendix B). Proposed treatment stands may have immature inclusions or stories within them.  

Treatment of these inclusions would be appropriate to their condition, for example thinning in a pole timber

inclusion rather than conducting a seed cut.   Mortality due to age in the overstory retained pine within the

stands should be minor over the next decade.   

This silvicultural method has been extensively used in this area and regeneration success is very high.  Cull tree

cutting (included in the pre‐commercial thinning treatment type) and prescribed burning would be allowed in

these stands post‐harvest prior to adequate seedling establishment.  Burn mortality should be limited to 10% or

less on the trees greater than nine inches DBH and should expose mineral soil for seedling establishment. Post‐

harvest activities would include prescribed burning and pre‐commercial thinning as well as regeneration

surveys.

Commercial Thinning  

Commercial thinning would occur on 6,638 acres of the area. Commercial thinning would generally consist of

removing larger pine from the stand and the overmature pine from the overstory, leaving the intermediate sized

(five to nine inches DBH) pine of good form.  Densities would generally be 40‐60 BA with some stands treated to

lower or higher BA based on proximity to structures on private land, communities, and the need to move toward

the structural stage goals for the management area.   

Commercial thinning would reduce the stocking levels in overstocked stands.  The effect would be an increase in

the quality of the timber through the removal of damaged, diseased, and poorly formed trees and an increase in

individual tree growth by releasing the remaining trees from competition for light, water and nutrients.  Trees

would develop larger diameters due to a reduction of competition which concentrates the stand growth on the

fewer stems.  Reduction of basal area below the level of susceptibility to pine beetle attack would reduce risk to

the pine stands. Total yield would not be maximized because the trees would not fully occupy the stand.  This

treatment also includes pre‐commercial thinning of trees less than nine inches DBH, and possible prescribed

burning to reduce fuels and reintroduce fire to the ecosystem.  Mortality from the burns should be 10% or less

in trees nine inches DBH and greater, not exceed 90% on trees less than nine inches DBH.  This treatment would

also include pre‐commercial thinning of trees less than nine inches DBH and prescribed burning to reduce fuels

and reintroduce fire to the ecosystem. Whole tree skidding is the preferred method to remove as much slash as

possible during harvest activities.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                67    Northern Hills Ranger District

Pre‐commercial Thinning  

Pre‐commercial thinning would occur on approximately 6,329 acres.  At the time of implementation, an adaptive

management approach would be enacted in regards to pre‐commercial activities. It would be assessed at this

time if the follow‐up treatment to activity fuels reduction would be pre‐commercial thinning or prescribed

burning.  Pre‐commercial thinning could occur on up to 24,640 acres as a complementary treatment following

commercial treatments.  As with prescribed fire, it is not expected that pre‐commercial thinning would actually

occur on all of that acreage.  Rather, site conditions (e.g. amount of residual slash, amount of regeneration,

proximity to private property) would be evaluated following the initial commercial treatment.  At that time, it

would be determined whether or not a pre‐commercial thin or a prescribed burn is the most appropriate,

effective treatment.  Pre‐commercial thinning would occur in pine stands and consists of cutting pine up to nine

inches DBH, leaving the largest pine at a rate of at least 130 trees per acre.   

Pre‐commercial thinning would reduce the stocking levels in overstocked stands and move those stands toward

the desired condition identified in the Forest Plan.  The effect would be an increase in the quality of the timber

through the removal of damaged, diseased, and poorly formed trees.  There would be an increase in individual

tree growth by releasing the remaining trees from competition for light, water and nutrients.  Trees would

develop larger diameters due to a reduction of competition, which concentrates the stand growth on the fewer

stems.  A reduction of risk to the pine stands would occur due to the reduction of basal area below the level of

susceptibility to pine beetle attack.  Slash buildup from pre‐commercial thinning, if not treated properly, could

encourage Ips beetle buildup and mortality in residual stands of pine.  Past practices of lopping and scattering or

burning of slash within a year of treatment has reduced Ips infestation to less than a few trees per acre.  

Scattering slash or mastication is proposed as these methods facilitate the rapid drying of fuels, which reduces

conditions favorable for Ips buildup.  No adverse effects are anticipated to the timber resource.

Hardwood Enhancement

The release of 764 acres of hardwoods (mostly aspen with some birch) from pine competition by the

commercial and non‐commercial removal of conifers is proposed in this alternative.  This treatment may

be applied to stands with either a pine or aspen cover type.  When applied to stands with a pine cover

type, the pine portion of the stand would be treated with a commercial thin.  Pine stands with a 4C

structural stage would be thinned to 60 BA and pine stands with a 4B structural stage would be thinned

to 40 BA. Removal of all commercial and non‐commercial pine would be done within the established

aspen inclusion within these stands. Pine would be removed from the area within 66 feet of the edge of

the inclusion or, in the case of draws where there are remnants of past hardwood occupation, the pine

would be removed to the boundary of the original stand which would normally be between 33 and 100

feet.  Though the actual acreage of aspen would increase, it is anticipated that the increase would be

less than 5% of the commercially treated pine acres.  Consequently, no change of cover type from pine

to aspen is anticipated. When applied to stands with an aspen cover type, all commercial and non‐

commercial pine would be removed from the stand.   

This would move the area toward the Forest Plan goal of increasing the aspen component, but does not reach

the goal of doubling aspen within the project area.  The effects of this treatment would be an increase in

vegetative diversity and increased vigor of hardwood communities by release from the competition of pine.  

Indirectly, the hardwood dependent wildlife species would have increased habitat.  An additional indirect

benefit would be the value of hardwood stands as fuel breaks.   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                68    Northern Hills Ranger District

Prescribed Burning  

Broadcast prescribed burning may occur on up to 10,000 acres, reducing ground fuels and increasing vegetative

diversity in the understory.  In some of the stands, the understory vegetation is lacking due to needle cast and a

closed canopy cover.  A low to moderate intensity prescribed fire would reduce inhibiting duff and stimulate

residual grasses and forbs.   Broadcast prescribed burning should be designed to limit mortality in trees less than

9 inches DBH to 10% or less with seedling/sapling mortality less than 90% on the suitable land base.  Burning in

stands to be regenerated would favor grass establishment and reduce regeneration.  The effects of prescribed

burning on the timber resource would be a short‐term increase in growth from the nutrients released into the

soil and from decreased pine competition.  There may be mortality associated with the burning that would

decrease the number of live stems per acre, and this mortality may be beneficial (reducing competition) or

detrimental (exceeding mortality rate limits and long term yield).  Additional protection of the timber resource

from high intensity wildfire would be increased by the removal of ground fuels and ladder fuels.  Burning would

encourage grass and forb production, particularly oak, which competes with pine regeneration.  At that time,

site preparation and scarification may be needed to provide a seedbed for successful regeneration.  

Structural Stage       

Stand structure within the project area would generally be even‐aged with the majority of the trees

having an age range of 20 years from other trees.  Most of the pine would be either dominant or co‐

dominant.  Much of the intermediate and suppressed pine would be removed in treatment areas to

raise crown heights and reduce ladder fuels for crown fire hazard reduction.

Within the project area, stand structure generally would change from a closed canopy structure to an

open canopy structure.  More than 6,500 acres would move from the more closed 3B, 3C, 4B and 4C

structures to the open structures of 3A and 4A.  This is designed to reduce mountain pine beetle risk and

to accomplish reduction of fire hazard within the WUI.  This was also done to achieve Forest Plan

objective 10‐01 to manage for 50 to 75 percent moderate‐to‐low fire hazard in the WUI and reduce fire

hazard within proximity of structures (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  

Table 3‐8. Nautilus Structural Stages: Existing vs. Post Treatment

MA 5.1 Existing Alternative B

SS Acres Acres Change

1 29 29 0

2 877 877 0

3A 447 5,325 4,878

3B 1,004 2,509 1,505

3C 1,451 332  ‐1,119

4A 3,608 3,553  ‐55

4B 7,400 5,692  ‐1,708

4C 4,382 881  ‐3,501

5 625 625 0

Total 19,823 19,823   

MA 5.4 Existing Alternative B

SS Acres Acres Change

1 77 77 0

2 523 523 0

3A 284 1,896 1,612
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                69    Northern Hills Ranger District

3B 415 1,104 689

3C 960 128  ‐832

4A 2,282 2,127  ‐155

4B 3,095 4,053 958

4C 3,851 1,579  ‐2,272

5 625 625 0

Total 12,112 12,112   

Changes in structural stage are generally from the following under Alternative B:

‐No changes in SS1 are due to meadow treatments being a secondary treatment.  

‐No changes in SS2 are due to removal cuts having sapling size regeneration.  

‐Increases in SS3A are due to removal cuts and commercial thinning.

‐Increases in SS3B are due to commercial and non‐commercial thinning.

‐Decreases in SS3C are due to commercial and non‐commercial thinning.

‐Decreases in SS4A are due to removal cuts.

‐Increases in SS4A are due to commercial thinning.

‐Decreases in SS4B are due to commercial thinning and removal cuts.

‐Decreases in SS4C are due to commercial thinning.

Past experience indicates the forest is not lacking in trees between one inch and nine inches DBH, however, the

data does show that there are relatively few pure stands of this structural stage.   The rules used for estimating

resulting structural stage may also under‐represent the created structural stage 3.  It was assumed that all

overstory removal treatments resulted in structural stage 2.  While this is a conservative estimate, it is likely that

some areas would remain in the sapling/pole stage (SS3).  

Forest‐wide management area stand structure changes occur in the structural stages as displayed in the

table below.  Generally, structural stages change only slightly, less than 1%, , and mostly towards Forest

Plan objectives.  In MA 5.4, there is a 1% change towards Forest Plan objectives in structural stages 2

and 3A.  There is a 1‐2% change towards the Forest Plan objective of 25% in the 4B structural stage in

each of the MAs and a 1% change exceeding the 25% objective in the 4A structural stage in MA 5.1.   

Table 3‐9. Forest Wide Structural Stage Distribution by Management Area

MA 5.1 Objective Existing* Alternative B

SS % Acres % Acres %

1 5% 30,261 6% 30,261 6%

2 5% 18,827 4% 18,827 4%

3A 10% 18,558 4% 23,436 5%

3B 15% 18,949 4% 20,454 4%

3C 5% 9,624 2% 8,505 2%

4A 25% 194,353 41% 194,298 41%

4B 25% 137,839 29% 136,131 29%

4C 5% 45,654 10% 42,153 9%

5 5% 869 0.2% 869 0%

Total 100% 474,934 100% 474,934 100%

MA 5.4 Objective Existing  * Alternative B

SS % Acres % Acres %

1 5% 50,491 15% 50,491 15%
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                70    Northern Hills Ranger District

2 5% 10,621 3% 10,621 3%

3A 10% 18,947 5% 20,559 6%

3B 15% 22,263 6% 22,952 7%

3C 5% 14,450 4% 13,618 4%

4A 25% 92,131 27% 91,976 27%

4B 25% 88,796 26% 89,754 26%

4C 5% 4,6638 13% 44,366 13%

5 5% 1,299 0.4% 1,299 0%

Total 100% 345,636 100% 345,636 100%

*Existing column is from Forest Vegetation Database, 14 February 2008

Very Large Tree Size  

Objective 204 in the Forest Plan calls for 10 percent of the ponderosa pine structural stage 4 have an

average tree size of “very large”, where the average size pine is greater than 16 inches DBH.  There

would be a decrease in the number of acres of stands with a very large size class rating in Alternative B

across MAs 5.1 and 5.4.  In MA 5.1 the amount of areas decreases towards the Forest Plan objective of

10 percent. In management are (MA) 5.4 the amount of acres decreases away from the Forest Plan

objective of 10 percent (Table 13).  In order to reduce the acreage of stands in the very large size class,

more MA 5.1 would be thinned from above, removing the larger pine.  The table below displays the

existing acreage of stands with a tree size of “very large” and the acreage of “very large” upon

completion of planned activities:

Table 3‐10. Structural Stage with Tree Size of Very Large: Existing vs. Post Treatment

MA 5.1 Existing Alternative B  

Acres % of SS4 Acres Change

1,211 8% 701  ‐510

MA 5.4 Existing Alternative B

Acres % of SS4 Acres Change

1,306 14% 865  ‐441

Reductions in tree size are due to commercial thin and overstory removal treatments that remove larger

sized trees.

Table 3‐11. Forest‐wide Structural Stage 4 with Tree Size of Very Large by MA and Alternative

Objective MA 5.1 Existing Alternative B

% of SS4 Acres % of SS4 Acres % of SS4

10% 45,688 12% 45,178 12%

Objective MA 5.4 Existing Alternative B

% of SS4 Acres % of SS4 Acres % of SS4

10% 20,782 9% 20,341 9%

Plant Species Composition

Plant species composition and diversity would increase in this alternative.  The amount of hardwood and

meadow acreage would increase a minor amount with the largest increase in plant species composition
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                71    Northern Hills Ranger District

increasing in the understory of the pine stands.  Pine regeneration in the understory after harvest would

become abundant and may be a limiting factor in their establishment.  Understory species establishment and

diversity would be much greater than the existing condition because mechanical treatments and prescribed

burning would limit pine regeneration and encourage grass, shrub and forb establishment.  

Age Class Distribution

Age class distribution would improve in this alternative by removing the overstory on approximately 7,164 acres.  

In addition, the seed cuts on 2,154 acres should establish regeneration under the reserve trees, providing future

young stands.  In this alternative, there would be an increase in the younger, early successional stages to better

align with Forest Plan objectives.  There would also be an increase in the sapling and pole age classes due to

removal of larger and older pine to move toward Forest Plan structural stage objectives.

Stocking Levels

This alternative was designed to reduce mountain pine beetle risk and fire hazard in the project area by

increasing the spacing between trees.  The only long‐range strategy to minimize beetle‐caused mortality is

controlling stand conditions through silvicultural treatments that encompass large areas and then monitoring for

areas of high beetle infestation (USDA‐Forest Service 2008).  Fire managers have determined lower basal area

stands have reduced bulk density, which decreases the potential for high intensity wildfires.  The effect would

be an increase in the quality of the timber through the removal of damaged, diseased, and poorly formed trees

and an increase in individual tree growth by releasing the remaining trees from competition for light, water and

nutrients.  Decreased stocking levels would increase diameter growth of individual trees, increase plant species

composition in the understory, reduce the risk to stands from insects and disease, and improve the general vigor

of the stands treated  This alternative would contribute to the Forest Plan goal of providing for sustained

commodity uses while using acceptable silvicultural systems.  This alternative would also provide adequately

stocked pine stands for future management

Regeneration

The natural regeneration of pine and other native species of trees within the project area should be

adequate to meet regeneration stocking standards outlined in the Forest Monitoring Plan with the

treatments in this alternative. Whole tree skidding would scarify the forest floor, which favors

regeneration establishment and has a positive effect in discouraging competition from grasses and forbs

during seed germination and early regeneration establishment.  The abundance of regeneration would,

however, create dense, sapling size pine within the next 20 to 40 years, which would lead to an

increased fire hazard as the saplings represent ladder fuels. Pre‐commercial thinning would be

necessary to help reduce the fire hazard as well as release the residual trees from completion.  Where

prescribed burning occurs, regeneration would be reduced due to the rapid establishment of

competitive grasses and forbs.  

Insects and Disease

Current losses from insects and disease are at an epidemic level in the southern part of the project area (Allen

2010).  According to Schmid et al (2007) the most important aspect of managing mature ponderosa pine stands

in the Black Hills is minimizing pine beetle‐caused mortality through tree thinning.  The most effective long‐

range strategy to minimize beetle‐caused mortality is controlling stand conditions through silvicultural means

over large landscapes and monitoring for areas of beetle buildup (Schmidt et al 2007). Reduction of stand

density is a forest management action that increases tree vigor and reduces stand susceptibility to beetle attack.  

Thinning is a preventive treatment that should be completed prior to stands experiencing beetle outbreaks.  

Sanitation harvest (i.e. removal of infested trees) can also provide protection to surrounding uninfested trees
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                72    Northern Hills Ranger District

and stands by removing sources of attacking beetles.  Creating diverse stand conditions across the landscape

would result in an overall forest that is less susceptible to beetles in the future

Figure 3‐5.  Post‐treatment Mountain Pine Beetle Risk by Alternative

Slash buildup from treatments could encourage Ips beetle buildup and mortality in residual stands of

pine.  Past practices such as lop and scatter logging systems help to reduce the amount of infestations

by scattering the fuels for rapid drying, effectively reducing favorable conditions for Ips. Whole tree

skidding in association with burning of slash piles within a year of treatment reduces the amount of

slash and reduces conditions favorable for Ips infestation.  Other insects and diseases affecting both

pine and other species of trees in the project area that are present are having minimal impact on the

area and would probably continue to have a low impact under this alternative.  

Cumulative Effects

The geographic area and timeframe considered for cumulative effects analysis are described under

Alternative A above.  

Past Activities

Past activities are listed under Alternative A above.  Cumulative effects of past treatments and

treatments proposed in this alternative generally would be positive.  Thinning of stands created with

regeneration harvests would bring those stands into desired condition.  Fire hazard reduction and

mountain pine beetle risk that was lowered with past treatments would be maintained where treatment

occurs in these alternatives.  Plant species diversity was increased with past treatments and would be

minimally increased in these alternatives where treatment occurs.

Present Activities

Present activities are minimal and their effects are listed in Alternative A above.  Only the Strike timber

sale is still active within the project area.  The accumulation of effects of the proposed action with

ongoing activities would be minimal as areas that are either currently being harvest (e.g. Strike) or

where harvest was recently completed are generally not proposed for commercial treatment under

Nautilus.  Many recent timber sale areas have ongoing KV work occurring presently and many of those
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                73    Northern Hills Ranger District

areas are proposed for pre‐commercial thinning or prescribed burning under Alternative B in Nautilus.  

This would allow for ongoing maintenance and improvement of stand conditions.  The cumulative effect

would be that stands would not become overstocked with regeneration, which would lessen the fire

hazard and risk of pine beetle infestation in the project area.

Proposed and/or Reasonably Foreseeable Activities  

Where vegetation treatment is not proposed the activities and effects described under Alternative A

would occur.  The effect of the proposed treatments in Alternative B would change environmental

conditions to move towards those desired in the Forest Plan.  The changes would result in a decreased

mountain pine beetle risk, reduced risk to high intensity wildfires, increased growth rates and improved

overall quality on retained trees in treated areas, increased forage and shrub presence and growth, and

improvement in the structural stage and age class balances.  Negative effects of the treatments include

removal of trees  and thus, a reduction in available timber in the future, temporary increase in fuel

loadings following pre‐commercial thinning,  and the possibility of increased oak competition.   

Activities that have a good probability of occurring on land within the project area other than National Forest

System lands:        

Silvicultural activities on private lands are expecte to be minimal and their effects are listed under

Alternative A above.  Alternative B treatments would have a minimal cumulative effect over those

discussed under direct and indirect effects for this alternative.  In general, private lands would benefit

from the treaments conducted under Alternative B because of the subsequent reduction in fire hazard

and pine beetle risk on NFS land bordering private property.  If additional treatments were conducted by

private landowners, the cumulative effect would be an even greater reduction in risk for those private

lands.

3.4 Fire and Fuels

3.4.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for fire and fuels.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Fuels Specialist Report (Gies and Rafferty

2010), which is located in the Nautilus project file.

3.4.2 Existing Conditions

Historic and Current Conditions

Prior to the 20th Century, low severity fires burned regularly in most dry forest ecosystems due to

ignitions caused by lightning or humans. Low intensity fires controlled regeneration of fire‐intolerant

species, promoted fire‐tolerant species (e.g. ponderosa pine), maintained an open forest structure,

reduced forest biomass, decreased the impacts of insects and diseases, and maintained wildlife habitats

for many species that depend on open forest stand structures (e.g. northern goshawk) (Graham et al.

2004).  

Within the Black Hills, fire was historically the major factor in shaping the composition and structure of

the ecological processes in the forest. These fires generally had lower fire return frequencies, and were
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                74    Northern Hills Ranger District

less severe in nature. Tree ring research has documented the historical fire regime in the Black Hills to

average between 10 and 30 years, depending on elevation.  There is no conclusive evidence that stand‐

replacing crown fire was a major factor in affecting forest structure over large areas. It is most widely

supported that severe fires did occur with high fire return intervals, and that other forces such as

drought and insects had a role in shaping large‐scale landscape effects.  

During the early 1900s (particularly after the severe wildfires that burned across the west in 1910) there

was a change in philosophy about how natural fires should be managed. This would be the beginning of

an era that would focus on aggressive fire suppression and prevention, and generally promote a

message that fire is destructive and detrimental. Fire exclusion through fire suppression coupled with

the reduction of fine fuels through grazing, urbanization, and other land use changes, caused a dramatic

reduction in the area burned by frequent low‐intensity fires (Graham et al. 2004). Over time,

accumulations of fire intolerant vegetation and dense forest canopies with homogeneous and

continuous horizontal and vertical stand structure (dense trees with low crown base heights) developed,

resulting in an increased potential for crown fires in many forests of the western United States (Graham

et al. 2004).  

In the last five years, stand replacing fires have burned an average of 35,000 acres a year in the Black

Hills (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a). This is due in large part because of the increase in forest density and

accumulations of forest litter that have occurred from decades of fire exclusion. The Black Hills fire

ecosystem is now operating more closely to a mixed severity fire regime. In such a regime, weather,

climate and fuels all influence the frequency, extent, and severity of fires in complex ways with

considerable variability across time and space. Surface fire forms the background process creating forest

structure and landscape pattern.  However, fires sometimes burn with mixed severity, with both a

surface fire and a stand‐replacing fire component.  These mixed severity fires sometimes create large

areas of high‐severity burns interspersed with lightly burned areas.  As a result, forest patches are

variable in size and vegetation structure (Lentile et al. in press).

The term condition class describes the degree to which the composition and structure of plant

communities has departed from the historic fire regime. The number of missed fire‐return intervals

determines it with respect to the historic fire‐return interval, and the current structure and composition

resulting from the alterations to the disturbance regime. The Black Hills National Forest has been

characterized as primarily Condition Class III, which means that lands are at high risk from

uncharacteristically severe wildfires due to significant changes in the vegetation composition and

structure (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  

Existing Fire Hazard Ratings

A number of factors contribute to fire behavior and severity, including fuels, weather, and topography.

The factor that can most effectively be manipulated by humans is fuels. For this reason, the analysis

presented in this document focuses on the composition of fuels in the project area.  

Crown fires (fires that are carried through a forest in the forest’s canopy) pose the greatest threat to

human values associated with the forest and adjacent private property. Crown fires also generate higher

fire severity and can negatively impact ecological values. The presence of high amounts of fuels on the

forest floor (surface fuels) and smaller sapling and pole sized trees (ladder fuels) can increase the

likelihood that a fire will become a crown fire. Dense canopies (aerial fuels) can also increase fire
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                75    Northern Hills Ranger District

severity.  The Black Hills National forest uses structural stages as a proxy for these features to estimate

the crown fire hazard for this conifer dominated forest. A structural stage is any one of several

developmental stages of tree stands described in terms of tree size and the extent of canopy closure

they create. Structural stages are described in more detail in the Forest Resources section of this DEIS.

Table 3‐15 displays the link between forest structural stage and crown fire hazard.

*Structural stage classification is not given to a stand that historically has not had a timber component, such as meadow or

large rock outcrop.

Figure 3‐6.  Fire Hazard Pre‐Treatment

For a map depicting the existing fire hazard rating for stands within the Nautilus project area, refer to

Appendix A, Map 9.

Table 3‐12:  Structural Stage versus Fire Hazard Rating

Structural Stage Crown Closure Fire Hazard

Rating Acres % of ProjectArea

1 ‐ grass/forb Forest cover less

than 10 percent

Low 115 0.3%

2 ‐ shrub / seedlings Tree seedlings Medium 1,495 4.2%

3A ‐ sapling /  pole 10 to 40 percent Medium 841 2.4%

3B – sapling / pole 40 to 70 percent High 1,601 4.5%

3C – sapling / pole 70 to 100 percent Very High 2,833 8.0%

4A – mature (>9’ DBH) 10 to 40 percent Medium 6,061 17.0%

4A – mature (<9” DBH) 70 to 100 percent Very High 11,858 33.3%

4B – mature (>9’ DBH) 40 to 70 percent High 9,229 25.9%

4B – mature (<9” DBH) 70 to 100 percent Very High 1,250 3.5%

4C – mature (>9’ DBH) 70 to 100 percent Very High 320 0.9%

4C – mature (<9” DBH) 70 to 100 percent Very High 115 0.3%

5 – late succession 70 to 100 percent Very High 1,495 4.2%

Non Timber Type* Usually 0% Low 320 0.9%
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Wildland Urban Interface

The 1997 Wildfire Prevention and Analysis Plan (also called Fire Protection Assessment) was developed

to provide an analysis of the Forest’s risks, hazards and values associated with wildfire and to provide an

operational plan that outlines the protection of the Forest’s resources from wildfire.  This plan divides

the Forest into compartments that are given ratings based on the risk, hazards, and values in each

compartment.  Risk is the probability of wildfire ignition, hazard is the potential (based on topography

and fuels) for a “large” fire to develop from an ignition source, and values are natural or developed

areas where loss or destruction from a wildfire would be unacceptable.  Based on the evaluation of the

risks, hazards, and values, a compartment is given an overall rating of low, moderate, or high‐‐a high

rating in any of the three categories gives a compartment an overall rating of high.  

The National Fire Plan (2001) outlines a comprehensive approach to the management of wildland fire,

hazardous fuels, and ecosystem restoration on Federal, State, and private lands.  Goals of the NFP are to

prevent loss of life, reduce firefighter injuries, and lessen damage to communities and the environment

from severe, unplanned, and unwanted fires.  Two of the main priorities of the NFP include targeting

funding towards communities that have a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in place and

towards WUI areas with high risk reduction potential. The WUI is generally described as the zone where

structures and other human developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or

vegetative fuels (SAF 2004).  The Forest Plan defines WUI as the area within 1⁄2 mile of structures or and

ARC.

In addition, a list of ARC was published in the Federal Register in August 2001.  This list outlines the WUI

communities in the vicinity of Federal lands that are at high risk from wildfire.  The list was developed so

that land managers could identify priority areas that would benefit from hazard reduction activity.   

Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties have all completed CWPPs.  Each of them states that within

1⁄2 mile of all inhabited structures, hazardous fuels should be reduced to the point where a high intensity

crown fire will not be supported.  This should be accomplished by providing conifer canopy separation,

removing ladder fuels, and reducing dead and down fuel.  They also recommend that areas within three

miles of ARC be managed in such a way that will minimize the chances of a crown fire from threatening

the community (Mattox 2005).      

The Nautilus project area has large contiguous areas that are uninhabited, with dense concentrations of

inhabited structures along the transportation corridors that follow the creeks and drainages of the area.

The majority of the project area is in Lawrence County with smaller portions in Meade and Pennington

Counties.  Approximately 489 inhabited structures exist within the project boundary or within the 1⁄2 mile

WUI buffers that define the WUI for fuels management planning. There are several dense clusters of

homes within the project area, including the Elk Ridge Subdivision, Benchmark Subdivision, the town site

of Nemo, and the old town site of Merritt. The remaining homes are scattered amongst the private land

in‐holdings.  

                                               
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                77    Northern Hills Ranger District

Figure 3‐7.  Communities At Risk

Air Quality and Smoke Management

Air quality and smoke management is addressed in individual burn plans based on site specific data.  As

a protocol fire planners use the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures

Reference Guide to develop prescribed fire plans (USDA and USDI 2008).  This guide supports the

Interagency Strategy for the Implementation of Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy. It provides

unified direction and guidance for prescribed fire planning and implementation for the Department of

the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the National Park

Service (NPS), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Forest Service.

The guide consists of 21 different elements.  Each element allows the burn plan preparer to evaluate

and address appropriate strategies, tactics and mitigation measures to ensure that the burn’s objectives

are safely achieved.  Among the 21 elements are Smoke Management and Air Quality.  This element

describes how the burn project will comply with community, county, state, tribal and federal air quality

regulations.  It also identifies what permits, if any, need to be obtained, identifies smoke sensitive areas

including population centers, recreation areas, hospitals, airports, transportation corridors, schools,

non‐attainment areas, Class 1 air sheds and restricted areas that may be impacted.   

Modeling runs are completed to obtain data on smoke production for particulate matter 2.5 and

visibility concerns for identified areas.  Surface fuel loadings are gathered for the prescribed fire project

area to aid in the development of accurate modeling.  Mitigation strategies can then be identified if

smoke production is determined to be a concern.  Mitigation strategies include size of the unit, wind

direction and speed, lighting techniques and air ventilation indices.   Other strategies include notifying

smoke sensitive receptors, media notifications and signing transportation corridors.   
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                78    Northern Hills Ranger District

An additional document, the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide, also addresses smoke

management (NWCG 2004).  The purpose of this guide is to provide management and implementation

personnel a relative ranking as to the overall complexity and provide a process that can be used to

identify prescribed fire plan elements or characteristics that may pose special problems or concerns and

where prescribed fire plan changes may be prudent to mitigate or eliminate these problems or concerns

of a specific prescribed fire project. In this process the plan preparer considers three different factors for

each complexity element:  (1) Risk – the likelihood that an adverse action will occur; (2)  Potential

Consequences – some measure of the cost or result of an adverse event or situation occurring;  (3)

Technical Difficulty – indicates the skills needed to implement the project and deal with unexpected or

adverse events.   

Element 14 of the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating Guide evaluates potential problems with smoke

management.  The preparer identifies the risk of smoke management based on past experience from

previous prescribed fires and wildfires or concerns addressed in during the comment period of analysis

document.  The preparer addresses the potential consequences if an adverse action occurred because of

smoke.  Finally the burn plan developer recognizes considerations and organizational needs to

adequately address any mitigation strategies that were raised during this planning process.

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences

The area to be analyzed for determining direct and indirect effects of proposed fuel treatments is all

land located within and adjacent to the Nautilus project area. The analysis area is shown on several

maps within this report. Cumulative effects are also analyzed for all lands within or adjacent to the

project area.

The major gauge for measuring the improvement in effects is based on objective 10‐01 of goal 10 of the

Forest Plan which calls for reduction of the fire hazard within the WUI.  The standard is to manage for

50‐75 percent moderate‐to‐low fire hazard in the WUI and reduce fire hazard within proximity of

structures to current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. NFS lands outside of the

WUI will be managed for an improvement towards 50 percent moderate‐to‐low fire hazard, except for

specific management areas that may have differing management objectives.

The WUI is generally described as the zone where structures and other human developments meet or

intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels (SAF 2004). The CWPPs for the three counties

within Nautilus state that within 1⁄2 mile of all inhabited structures, hazardous fuels should be reduced to

the point where a high intensity crown fire will not be supported. These plans further recommend that

areas within three miles of ARC be managed in such a way that will minimize the chances of a crown fire

from threatening a community (Mattox 2005).   

Change in structural stage is the guiding measure for management of stands in the project area.

Structural stage was used in the Phase II Amendment of the Forest Plan as the indicator of the stages of

maturity in forested stands, and was assigned measures of crown fire hazard by linking the Forest

Vegetation Simulator – Fire & Fuels Extension Model (FVS‐FFE), and torching and crowning indices to

each of the five structural stages and their sub‐stages (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                79    Northern Hills Ranger District

Fire hazard rating increases as the amount and continuity of surface and canopy fuels increase.  As the

amount of fuel on a given landscape increases and fuel profiles become more horizontally and vertically

continuous, the intensity of a wildfire in that landscape is expected to increase. Stands with low

crowning index and torching index are the least susceptible to crown‐fire initiation and spread (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005a, 2005c). For more information on structural stages and how fire hazard rating

relates please refer to the Phase II Amendment FEIS and Forest Plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a,

2005c).

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under the no action alternative, no vegetation management treatments would be implemented.  

Ecosystem trends and processes would continue as they have.  No progress would be made relative to

the fuels reduction objectives outlined in the Forest Plan. Likewise, no progress would be made relative

to the management direction outlined in the National Fire Plan, Healthy Forests Restoration Act, and the

CWPPs completed by Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties.    

Under the no action alternative, no vegetation treatment would within or outside the WUI or adjacent

to ARC. In the short term, fire hazard ratings would remain the same. Using structural stage as an

indicator of crown fire hazard in the Nautilus project area, 12% of the NFS lands within the WUI have a

low to moderate hazard rating and 10% of the NFS lands outside of the WUI have a low to moderate

rating. Currently 76% of the stands within and outside of the WUI are rated at high and very high (see

Table 3‐16).   

Table 3‐13.  Alternative A, Existing Crown Fire Hazard in the WUI and non‐WUI – NFS Land Only

Hazard Rating WUI (ac.) % of WUI Non‐WUI (ac.) % of Non‐WUI Total Acres

Low 340 1% 455 4% 795

Medium 2,265 11% 791 6% 3,056

High 5,099 22% 3,026 23% 8,125

Very High 15,028 66% 8,599 67% 23,627

Total Acres 22,732    12,871 35,603

Over time, fire hazard ratings in these areas would be expected to move towards “high” and “very high”

as vegetative biomass increases and stand structures become more complex through forest growth.  As

forest stands continue to grow and become structurally more complex or are converted to fire‐

intolerant species, fire behavior could be more erratic, potentially causing losses to private

improvements within the project area. Fire suppression activities would continue as fires start in the

project area but could be more difficult and dangerous as the complexity of the forest structure

increases under the no action alternative.   

Indirect effects on forest stand structures and subsequently on wildfire behavior may occur if no

treatments are planned or implemented in the project area.  With no treatment, the stands would

continue to create vegetative material that would add volume and structure to the fuel matrix.  

Continued needle and timber litter deposition would add to the surface fuel loading.  Understory

vegetation would continue to grow vertically, which would essentially lower the canopy base height and

overstory crowns would continue to grow together increasing the canopy bulk density of the stands,
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                80    Northern Hills Ranger District

thereby making them susceptible to active crown fire.  Fire behavior, especially how it relates to surface

to crown fire transition in ponderosa pine stands, would have increased potential to occur.  Crown fire

may be sustained once initiated.   

Unchecked growth of conifers in hardwood stands could eventually convert these natural firebreaks into

stands that are unable to alter the direction and rate of fire spread.  In some ponderosa pine stands, lack

of management and lack of natural disturbance could allow shade‐tolerant species such as white spruce

to become established. Over time, this encroachment would eventually convert the stand from a fire‐

tolerant species to a fire‐intolerant species with low growing crowns that are easily accessed by surface

fires making these stands more susceptible to stand replacing fire.   

Cumulative Effects

From 1997 to the present, 16 different timber sales were active in the project area.  Harvest was

conducted on 5,027 acres across the project area; 2,061 acres of which were whole tree yarded.  Other

activities in the project area that contribute to cumulative effects include:   prescribed fire (266 acres),

mechanical mastication (403 acres), fuelbreak construction (799 acres), piling of fuels (103 acres),

thinning for fuels reduction (1,051 acres), and rearrangement of fuels (164 acres). Timber harvest on

private lands, continued brush disposal and sale area improvement (KV) activities associated from

several recently closed and active timber sales within and adjacent to the project area are also

foreseeable actions. While these activities have reduced or have the capacity to further reduce fuels,

reduce fire hazard ratings, and improve forest conditions, their effects are represented in the existing

condition. Fire hazard ratings within the project area are generally high and likely to continue to

increase.

The effect of not taking action can combine with effects from other activities in the project area to make

larger impacts in the future.  As the fire hazard potential in the project area continues to move toward

high and very high and development of private property within the project area continues to increase,

the risk of property damage and public and firefighter exposure to wildfire would most likely increase.  

Firefighters would be required to take more aggressive actions such as utilizing mechanized equipment

and more personnel to keep fires small resulting in increased suppression costs and more negative

ecological effects from suppression actions.  The likelihood of a fire escaping initial containment actions

would also increase, allowing fires to become larger and making it necessary for firefighters to use more

mechanized equipment, more personnel, and larger burnout operations to control wildfires.  Use of

these tactics would also increase suppression costs, increase negative ecological effects, and increase

exposure of firefighters to erratic fire behavior.   

In conclusion, the no action alternative would not address National, Agency, Forest, or local direction for

reducing wildland fuel accumulations.  This alternative would minimize disturbance from forest

management activities in the short‐term, but could realize more significant effects to people and the

environment from wildfire and suppression activities in the long‐term.   

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Vegetation management and mechanical treatments are effective in reducing the threat of crown fire

(Graham et al. 1999). Treatments that reduce density and change the composition of stands will reduce
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                81    Northern Hills Ranger District

the probability of crown fire, decrease severity of impacts, reduce the threat to high‐value areas, and

enhance fire‐suppression effectiveness and safety (Pollet and Omi 2002). In forested stands that have

developed without regular disturbance, combinations of mechanical harvest/thinning and prescribed

fires are the most effective technique for altering the fuels matrix (Graham et al. 2004).  

Under Alternative B, a variety of treatments would be used to thin forested stands and alter surface fuel

loadings.  Vegetation treatments under Alternative B would reduce wildland fuels both within and

outside the WUI and adjacent to ARC. The proposed action also identifies 6,329 acres across the project

area for pre‐commercial thinning as a primary vegetative treatment.  Several of these sites either have

no commercial value, terrain makes removal of commercial timber improbable or the site has been

recently harvested commercially.  Although it is likely that not all of these acres would be thinned or

burned, fully considering these activities allows specialists to adequately describe and analyze potential

effects for these treatments if managers decide to implement either treatment.  It also allows managers

to effectively choose the more appropriate treatment based on stand conditions at the time of

implementation.  Post‐treatment fire ratings are different for each treatment.  Pre‐commercial thinning

with lop and scatter results in a post‐treatment fire hazard rating of very high while prescribed burning

post‐treatment fire hazard ratings are considered low.  Table 3‐17 accounts for this difference and gives

a range of possible acres in the low and very high category assuming that a complement of pre‐

commercial thinning, prescribed burning and all other vegetative treatments listed are accomplished.

Table 3‐17 describes the differences in fire hazard ratings within the WUI and non‐WUI.  Vegetative

treatments would occur on 18,021 acres in the WUI and 10,543 acres outside the WUI.  Fifty‐six percent

to 73% of the NFS lands within the WUI would have a low to moderate hazard rating and 57% to 69% of

the NFS lands outside of the WUI would have a low to moderate rating, moving the project area toward

Forest Plan objective 10‐01.  Twenty‐seven percent to 44% of the stands within the WUI would remain

at high and very high ratings and 31% to 43% of the stands outside of the WUI would remain rated at

high and very high (See Table 3‐17) depending on how all acres were implemented.  Alternative B would

improve the current fire hazard ratings over the existing condition both within and outside of the WUI.  

The improvement in fire hazard rating could enhance fire suppression efforts by reducing the number of

acres susceptible to crown fire.

Table 3‐14.  Alternative B, Crown Fire Hazard in the WUI and non‐WUI)

Hazard Rating WUI (ac.) % of WUI Non‐WUI (ac.) % of Non‐WUI Total Acres

Low 3,858‐7,841 17%‐34% 2,048‐3,563 16%‐28% 11,404

Medium 8,966 39% 5,278 41% 14,244

High 2,630 12% 2,123 16% 4,753

Very High 3,295‐7,278 15%‐32% 1,907‐3,422 15%‐27% 5,202

Total Acres 22,732    12,871 35,603

Treated Acres 18,021    10,543 28,564

Vegetative treatments have direct and indirect effects on stand structure and fire behavior.  Canopy

base heights, canopy bulk density, and canopy continuity are key characteristics of forest structure that

affect the initiation and propagation of crown fire (Graham et al. 2004).  Overstory or crown thinning

reduces crowding in the overstory by selectively harvesting some of the mature trees in the stand.  

Removing the crowns of mature trees from a stand reduces the canopy bulk density of the stand

(reduces fuels available to a crown fire) and creates openings in the canopy (reduces canopy continuity)
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                82    Northern Hills Ranger District

that can help slow a crown fire, keep a crown fire from developing, or divert a crown fire back to the

ground.  Because there is a well established timber industry in the Black Hills, all material nine inches

DBH and greater would be commercially utilized.

During timber harvest, the crown material and other non‐merchantable material can either be left in the

woods (lopped and scattered) or can be brought to a central location (whole tree yarding). Whole tree

yarding typically leaves approximately 25% of the total activity created fuels in the unit.  This is

accomplished by yarding the entire tree, bole, branches, and foliage from the unit and piling

unmerchantable material and slash at the landing.  Whole tree yarding will be utilized in the

commercially harvested units to limit the amount of surface fuels that are added to the stand. The

objective of this treatment is to remove as much activity fuel as possible off‐site and into landing piles,

where it would be later treated through routine pile burning activities.  The result is a more open‐

profiled commercial timber stand that is, when compared to a multi‐structured stand, more resistant to

loss from wildland fire.  Areas where adverse skidding is required for long distances would not utilize

this brush disposal technique.  Also, within overstory removal cutting units where minimizing residual

stand damage is necessary, this harvesting technique would not be used.  Whole tree yarding is

recommended for all commercial harvest treatments proposed with the exception of areas where

topography and other ground based logging constraints exist.   

Mechanically masticating or manually felling mid‐story vegetation reduces the likelihood of a surface fire

ascending from the forest floor to the overstory canopy by raising the canopy base height of a stand.  

Small diameter thinning mimics mortality caused by inter‐tree competition or surface fires and

concentrates site growth potential on dominant, vigorous trees (Graham et al. 1999).  Manually or

mechanically thinning mid‐story vegetation has the ability to more precisely create desired stand

structure than does prescribed fire (Graham et al. 2004). Used alone, manual or mechanical thinning

that focuses on understory tree regeneration and shrubs can be effective in reducing the vertical fuel

continuity that aids crown fire initiation (Graham et al. 2004). In areas where manual felling is used, cut

material would be piled and then burned when sufficient snow cover exists to reduce the risk of fire

escaping into the stand.   

Mechanically masticating surface fuels reduces wildfire rates of spread and flame lengths by compacting

and rearranging existing fuel loads.  Compacting existing fuels brings the fuel into closer contact with the

surface of the ground reducing the amount of air space that is between the fuel particles.  The lack of air

surrounding each fuel particle restricts combustion creating less intense fire.  Rearranging existing fuel

loads is beneficial because it separates fuel particles and scatters jackpots of fuel, providing less fuel per

unit area to a fire.  Mechanical mastication does not eliminate fuels, it only redistributes it vertically and

horizontally.  Additionally, mechanical mastication fragments the woody material on the forest floor

creating more surface area for weather and microbes to decompose the material into nutrients for use

by the remaining vegetation.   

Aspen, birch, and oak stands can act as natural fuel breaks during weather conditions when conifer

stands will readily carry fire.  These deciduous stands can slow and even stop the advance of a surface or

crown fire because the stands tend to be found in cool draws, are heavily shaded, and have foliage that

is not easily ignited.  With a lack of disturbance, pine and spruce can encroach into a deciduous stand

and eventually replace the deciduous species in the overstory.  The hardwood enhancement activities

proposed under Alternative B would improve the ability of the deciduous stands to act as natural

fuelbreaks.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                83    Northern Hills Ranger District

Prescribed fire would be utilized to reduce surface fuel loading and to reduce the density of small‐

diameter conifers.  Prescribed fire can alter potential fire behavior by reducing the loading of fine fuels,

duff, large woody fuels, rotten material, and live surface fuels (shrubs, seedlings) all of which compose

the fuel and energy available to a surface fire (Graham et al. 2004). Prescribed fire also reduces the

horizontal continuity of surface fuels, which limits surface fire intensity and reduces the potential of spot

fire ignition (Graham et al. 2004).  As a prescribed fire burns over an area, burned fuels settle closer to

the ground reducing the fuelbed depth which slows the combustion rate of the remaining fuels (Graham

et al. 2004).  The lower branches of the overstory can be scorched and killed during a prescribed fire,

effectively raising the canopy base height of the stand (Graham et al. 2004).   

The proposed action identifies 710 acres of prescribed burning as primary treatment without first

conducting some other type of vegetative treatment, such as commercial thinning or meadow

enhancement.  Burning would be analyzed on 24,640 additional acres as a follow up or maintenance

treatment.  Of the acres analyzed for burning, it is anticipated that up to 10,000 acres would be

completed. Chapter 2 of this DEIS contains a description of the factors that influence where prescribed

fire would most likely be applied.  

In forested stands that have developed without regular disturbance a combination of mechanical

harvest/thinning and prescribed fire is the most effective technique for altering the fuels matrix

(Graham et al. 2004).  Initially treating a stand with mechanical harvest or thinning reduces canopy

continuity and ladder fuels allowing for prescribed fire to be safely used as a follow‐up treatment to

consume surface fuels.  Limited control lines would be utilized to burn units identified in Alternative B.

However, specific control line locations cannot be predicted at this time due to the isolated nature of

some of the units. As prescribed fire is generally planned to follow commercial treatments under this

alternative, it is likely that there would be the opportunity to use skid trails and logging roads prior to

their rehabilitation/closure. All control line locations would be reviewed by staff specialists prior to

implementation. Under Alternative B, there are up to 10,000 acres within the Nautilus project area that

would receive both vegetative and prescribed fire treatments to effectively manage the entire fuel

matrix.

Cumulative Effects

The effects of the treatment actions taken under Alternative B could combine with the effects of other

actions that have occurred in the project area to create cumulative impacts on the fire hazard rating

within and outside of the WUI and adjacent to ARC in the project area.

From 1997 to the present, 16 different timber sales were active in the project area.  Harvest was

conducted on 5,027 acres across the project area; 2,061 acres of which were whole tree yarded.  Other

activities in the project area that contribute to cumulative effects include:   prescribed fire (266 acres),

mechanical mastication (403 acres), fuelbreak construction (799 acres), piling of fuels (103 acres),

thinning for fuels reduction (1,051 acres), and rearrangement of fuels (164 acres). Timber harvest on

private lands, continued brush disposal and sale area improvement (KV) activities associated from

several recently closed and active timber sales within and adjacent to the project area are also

foreseeable actions.   

All of the previous, ongoing, and proposed treatments will change the structural stage of the forested

stands in the project area.  Because these treatments alter the overstory canopy, the understory ladder
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                84    Northern Hills Ranger District

fuels, and the surface fuels they would contribute to lower fire hazard ratings both within and outside of

the WUI.  The reduced fire hazard could contribute to less erratic fire behavior, making fire suppression

more effective, less time consuming, and safer for firefighters.   

Overall, Alternative B would move the project area towards Forest Plan objective 10‐01 and would

address direction set forth by the National Fire Plan, Healthy Forest Restoration Act, and the CWPPs for

Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties. This alternative may increase the disturbances from forest

management activities in the short‐term, but could realize fewer effects to people and the environment

from wildfire and suppression activities in the long‐term.   

Comparison of Alternatives and Summary

Planned activities under Alternatives A and B vary in their effects. As discussed above, the most

detrimental cumulative effects that are related to fuels management are those that do not improve the

condition class of forested stands, thus creating potential long‐term effects on life/safety, and

resources. Alternative A (No Action) would not bring improvement towards this degrading forest and

fire hazard condition, and conditions would continue to worsen over time without treatment. Twelve

percent of the NFS lands would continue to be in the low to moderate hazard rating in the WUI areas

and 10% of the NFS lands outside of the WUI would continue have a low to moderate rating. This is in

conflict with management directives in the Forest Plan that call for moving the project area toward

Forest Plan objective 10‐04.

Table 3‐15.  Alternative A – Changes in Crown Fire Hazard Categories – WUI and Non‐WUI

Fire Hazard   Alt A (No Action)

WUI Non‐WUI Total Acres

Low 340 455 795

Medium 2,265 791 3,056

High 5,099 3,026 8,125

Very High 15,028 8,599 23,627

Total NFS Acres 22,732 12,871 35,603

           

Acres Treated         

0 0 0

Alternative B makes significant improvement in areas towards condition class and improvement in fire

hazard rating by treating 18,021 acres in the WUI and 10,543 acres in the non‐WUI. These treatments

would produce improvements in condition class and fire hazard rating by improving the treated acres up

to 73% in the low to moderate rating in the WUI and 69% low to moderate outside of the WUI areas.  

Table 3‐16.  Alternative B Post‐treatment Changes in Fire Hazard Categories in WUI and

Non‐WUI

Fire Hazard Alt B (Proposed Action)

WUI Non‐WUI Total Acres

Low 7,841 455 11,404

Medium 8,966 791 14,244
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                85    Northern Hills Ranger District

High 2,630 3,026 4,753

Very High 3,295 8,599 5,202

Total NFS Acres 22,732 12,871 35,603

           

Acres Treated         

18,021 10,543 28,564

Alternative B would create a greater diversity of stand conditions and cover types that would help to

alter fire behavior.  Greater abundance of hardwood vegetation along with lower crown bulk density,

higher canopy base heights of conifer stands, and reduced surface fuel loading would inhibit the spread

of fire to the crowns of trees.  This effect allows fire managers greater opportunities to contain future

unwanted wildfires and provides for a safer environment in which to conduct suppression activities.  A

map showing the post‐treatment fire hazard under Alternative B is located at Appendix A, Map 9.   

3.5 Wildlife and Fisheries

3.5.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for wildlife and fisheries.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Wildlife and Fisheries Specialist Report

and Biological Evaluation (Goldberg 2010), which are located in the Nautilus project file.

3.5.2 Existing Conditions

The Nautilus project area is within the Black Hills coniferous forest province ecoregion (Bailey 1995). The

climate is temperate steppe. Winters are cold, with temperatures below freezing. The average annual

temperature ranges from 48°F (9°C) at lower elevations to 37°F (3°C) at higher ones. The frost‐free

season varies from 80 to 140 days, depending on altitude. Annual precipitation, which ranges from 15 to

26 inches (380 to 660 millimeters), falls mostly as winter snow. Most soils are alfisols (Bailey 1995).

Topography in the project area varies and includes steep, mountainous terrain and gently sloping hills,

valleys and meadows.  

Ponderosa pine forest is the dominant habitat, covering about 96 percent of National Forest System

(NFS) land within the Nautilus project area. Other habitat types include white spruce, hardwoods

(primarily aspen), grasslands and meadows, and riparian habitats (Table 3‐20). All of these habitats are

discussed below.

Table 3‐17.  Acres by Cover Type on NFS Lands in Nautilus

NFS Land Characteristics Management Areas

35,603 ac

NFS*

5.3A

3,394 ac

5.4

12,140 ac

5.1

20,069 ac

Forested

35,283 ac

Conifer

34,938 ac

Ponderosa Pine

(TPP)

34,298 ac

3,318 11,655 19,325

White Spruce 0 380 260
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                86    Northern Hills Ranger District

(TWS)

640 ac

Hardwood

345 ac  

Quaking Aspen

(TAA)

333 ac

30 77 226

Other

Hardwoods

(TOH)

12 ac

0 0 12

Non‐

Forested

320 ac

Vegetated

274 ac

Grass

(GRA)

274 ac

46 12 216

Non‐

Vegetated

46 ac

Non‐forested

(NFL, NPT)

16 ac

0 16 0

Rock

(NRK)

30 ac

0 0 30

Human use, fire and insects have altered habitat conditions. Within the Black Hills, fire was historically the major

factor in shaping the ecological processes in the forest. Tree ring research documented the historical fire regime

in the Black Hills to average between 10 and 30 years, depending on elevation.  These fires were generally less

severe in nature than the wildfires observed today. The historical fire regime maintained a mature pine canopy

with a productive and diverse understory by thinning pine stands and creating open stands with abundant

grasses, forbs and shrubs in the understory (Sieg and Steverson 1996). A century of fire suppression has caused

widespread alteration and degradation of wildlife habitat in the Black Hills. In the absence of frequent low‐

intensity fires, the increase in the density and canopy cover of pine stands has resulted in large, contiguous

expanses of higher density trees with abundant pine regeneration and sparse understories (Parrish et al. 1996).

Additionally, fire suppression has allowed fuels in this fire‐adapted ecosystem to accumulate to dangerous

levels, increasing the risk of a high‐intensity wildfire in or adjacent to the project area. Fire suppression has also

resulted in the conversion of hardwood stands such as aspen and bur oak to pine, which has reduced diversity

(Uresk and Severson 1998). Encroachment of pine into meadows and riparian areas has reduced grass, forb, and

shrub availability. Fire suppression has thus resulted in diverse negative impacts on wildlife habitats in the Black

Hills.  

The primary insect of concern is the mountain pine beetle. Mountain pine beetles are native to western

ponderosa pine forests and are a natural part of the Black Hills ecosystem. Large infestations occur in the Black

Hills on a cyclical basis, usually in association with drought conditions, which lessen the ability of individual

ponderosa pine trees to produce enough sap to expel invading beetles. Western South Dakota has recently been

under the influence of a prolonged drought, and beetle infestations are currently widespread across the Black

Hills National Forest (BHNF). The Nautilus project area currently has widespread areas of known beetle activity.

Risk ratings show that 94% of the pine in the project area is at moderate or high risk for infestation.  

WILDLIFE HABITAT  

Ponderosa Pine Habitat

Ponderosa pine forest covers 34,298 acres of NFS land in the Nautilus project area. The structural stage of

ponderosa pine is an important component for forest health; therefore, the Forest Plan established objectives
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                87    Northern Hills Ranger District

for vegetative diversity within ponderosa pine stands.  Structural stages in the Region 2 (R2) vegetation database

are defined as follows:

   

 1 (grass‐forb, previously trees)

 2 (shrub‐seedling)

 3A (sapling‐pole, crown cover <40 percent)

 3B (sapling‐pole, crown cover >40 to <70 percent)

 3C (sapling‐pole, crown cover >70 percent)

 4A (mature trees, crown cover <40 percent)

 4B (mature trees, crown cover >40 to <70 percent)

 4C (mature trees, crown cover >70 percent)

 5 (late succession/old growth)  

Table 3‐21 displays the objective and current condition of the Forest‐wide and project area structural

stages in ponderosa pine cover type in Management Areas (MAs) that have a structural stage objective.

The Black Hills Experimental Forest (MA 5.3A) does not have structural stage objectives in the Forest

Plan.  According to the Black Hills FY 2008 Monitoring and Evaluation Report (USDA‐Forest Service

2009), early succession structural stages (2, 3A, 3B, 3C) are below structural stage objectives for MAs 5.1

and 5.4 across the Forest while later succession structural stages (4A, 4B and 4C) are above objectives

for both MAs.  However, it should be noted that Forest‐wide structural stage 5 (late succession) is below

the objective across both MAs.  While the structural stages are tracked on a Forest‐wide basis, the

Nautilus project area can be summarized in a similar fashion.  

Table 3‐18. Forest‐wide and Nautilus Project Area Existing Structural Stage on Ponderosa Pine Cover Type by MA

Management Area 5.1

Structural

Stage

Forest‐wide

Desired

Distribution

Forest‐wide Existing

Condition *

Acres & Percent

Existing Condition in the

Nautilus Project Area

Acres & Percent

1 5% 30,261 6.3% 29 0.2%

2 5% 18,827 3.9 718 3.7

3A 10% 18,558 3.9 418 2.2

3B 15% 18,949 4 995 5.1

3C 5% 9,624 2 1.424 7.4

4A 25% 194,353 40.7 3,428 17.7

4B 25% 137,839 28.8 7,306 37.8

4C 5% 48,654 10.2 4,382 22.7

5 5% 869 0.2 625 3.2

Totals 100% 477,934 100% 19,325 100%

Management Area 5.4

Structural

Stage

Forest‐wide

Desired

Distribution

Forest‐wide Existing

Condition *  

Acres & Percent

Existing Condition in the

Nautilus Project Area

Acres & Percent

1 5% 50,491 14.6% 77 0.7%

2 5% 10,621 3.1 454 3.9
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                88    Northern Hills Ranger District

3A 10% 18,947 5.5 284 2.4

3B 15% 22,263 6.4 415 3.6

3C 5% 14,450 4.2 956 8.2

4A 25% 92,131 26.7 2,152 18.5

4B 25% 88,796 25.7 2.848 24.4

4C 5% 46,638 13.5 3,844 33.0

5 5% 1,299 0.4 625 5.4

Totals 100% 345,636 100% 11,655 100% a

Based on the FY 2008 Monitoring and Evaluation Report (USDA‐Forest Service 2009)

The following is a discussion of ponderosa pine structural stages by MA:

MA 5.1‐Within MA 5.1 (Resource Production Emphasis), the Forest‐wide and project area structural

stage distributions differ from desired conditions. Most notably, within the project area (and Forest‐

wide) there is a deficit of stands in structural stages 3A, 3B, and 5 and a surplus of stands in structural

stages 4B and 4C. To move towards Forest Plan objectives for MA 5.1, there would need to be an

increase in the amount of area in structural stages 3A, 3B and 3C, and a decrease in the amount of

structural stage 4C as well as an increase in the area of structural stage 5. Opportunities exist within the

project area to manage vegetation to move this management area toward Forest Plan structural stage

objectives.

MA 5.4‐Current data suggests that within MA 5.4 (Big Game Winter Range Emphasis) there is a Forest‐

wide and project area deficit of pine stands in structural stages 3A and 3B, and an overabundance of

acres classified as 4C. To move towards Forest Plan objectives for MA 5.4, there would need to be an

increase in the amount of area in the younger structural stages (except structural stage 1), and a

decrease in the amount of structural stage 4C. Opportunities exist within the project area to manage

vegetation to move this management area toward Forest Plan structural stage objectives.

White Spruce Habitat

The white spruce covertype is found on 25,724 acres Forest‐wide, approximately two percent of the

Forest (USDA‐Forest Service 2009). This is a decrease of 386 acres from the amount reported in 2007. In

1995, there were 21,737 acres of spruce, and in 1899, it was estimated at 15,000 acres (USDA‐Forest

Service 1996). These data indicate a long‐term upward trend in the area of white spruce. Spruce,

however, remains an ecologically limited component of the Forest. Spruce has replaced pine on cool

moist sites as a result of fire suppression, outbreaks of insects that affect pine, and silvicultural

treatment (Alexander and Edminster 1981).  On drier sites, it appears that spruce may increase, but pine

will remain dominant (USDA‐Forest Service 1996).  Some of the change in spruce acreage may also be

attributable to more accurate mapping techniques and recent inventories. The Nautilus project area

contains a relatively limited amount of spruce compared to the Forest as a whole. Turner (1974) noted

that the highest densities of spruce in the Forest are found in white spruce forests in moist canyons of

the northern Black Hills.  Within the Nautilus project area, white spruce currently exists on only 640

acres, or approximately 1.8 percent of NFS land. Spruce is an ecologically important habitat for a variety

of species with sensitive species (SS), species of local concern (SOLC), or management indicator species

(MIS) status.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                89    Northern Hills Ranger District

Hardwood Communities

The Nautilus project area includes 333 acres of aspen, and 12 identified acres of other hardwoods.

Additional hardwood acres have been identified during field surveys; however, these acres have not

been incorporated into the R2 vegetation database and; therefore, are not reflected in these numbers.

Ponderosa pine is encroaching into many hardwood community types as a result of fire suppression.

Aspen, birch and oak stands provide important cover, browse, or nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife

species. Loss of these stands has a negative impact on the overall diversity of wildlife habitat.

Opportunities exist within the project area to enhance and increase the aspen within the project area.

Grasslands and Meadow Habitat

NFS land within the Nautilus project area includes 274 acres of grassy meadows, some of which are wet

meadows. Grasslands and meadows tend to be interspersed among forested areas in the project area

and some are being overtaken by encroaching ponderosa pine. Grasslands and meadows are an

important aspect of the Black Hills ecosystem as they provide critical habitat for a variety of plant and

animal species. Conservation and restoration of grassland and meadow areas is desirable in maintaining

a diversity of habitat types and providing natural fuel breaks that could help to slow or stop wildfires.

Opportunities exist within the project area to enhance and increase the amount of meadow habitat.

Riparian/Aquatic Habitat

The long‐term trend in aquatic habitat is variable and is influenced by a variety of factors. Increased

rainfall and higher flows greatly improved stream conditions in 2008 compared to the previous 7‐8 years

of drought (USDA‐Forest Service 2009). There are approximately 45.3 miles of perennial stream and 27.3

miles of intermittent stream within the Nautilus project area. Suitable fish habitat, as defined by

perennial streams and past fisheries surveys, includes all or parts of Boxelder, South Boxelder, Hay, Little

Elk, Jim, Estes, West Fork Estes and Wilson Draw Creeks.  Much of the perennial streams within the

project area occur on private inholdings. There are currently seven road crossings of perennial streams

and ten road crossings of intermittent streams that are contributing sediment into the stream system.

Barriers to fish passage, such as impassable culverts at road‐stream crossings, exist in the project area.

There are nine barriers to fish on perennial streams and twenty‐one on intermittent streams within the

project area. These fish passage barriers reduce the ability of fish to colonize or reoccupy suitable

habitat without human intervention, which may limit a species’ distribution or abundance. There are no

natural lakes in the Black Hills (Stewart and Thilenius 1964). One small man‐made lake and several small

impoundments exist within the Project Area.  Reausaw Lake is located on Hay Creek on private property.  

All streams in South Dakota are assigned the beneficial uses of irrigation and fish and wildlife

propagation, recreation, and stock watering (South Dakota Administrative Rule 74:51:03:01). Refer to

the Hydrology/Soils Specialist Report (Dempsey and Jons 2010) for additional information on assigned

beneficial uses.

The structure and composition of the riparian areas throughout the Black Hills and in the Nautilus

project area has changed over the past century due to a number of influences. Stream flow in the Black

Hills has been strongly influenced by periodic drought. Private inholdings typically result in fragmented

landownership pattern along Black Hills streams. Much of the perennial creeks within the project area

are within or adjacent to private land.  Fire suppression may have had impacts (USDA‐Forest Service

2005a) as fire stimulates regeneration in species such as aspen and opens up habitat for other earlier

seral types (Mariot and Faber‐Langendon 2000). Removal of beaver, for fur or to reduce human/wildlife

related conflicts, has led to a reduction in the water table. Other human related influences in the project
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                90    Northern Hills Ranger District

area include mining, trampling of the stream bank from livestock grazing and road construction for

timber harvest activities. Today, riparian habitat in the project area receives protection in the Forest

Plan. Additional information on watershed, riparian and aquatic resources can be found in the Botany

and Hydrology/Soils Specialist Reports (Larson 2010, Demspey and Jons 2010).

Field reconnaissance has entailed a number of site visits to streams within the project area over the past

two years related to this and other timber, range, fuels hazard reduction, or fisheries enhancement

projects.  

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provides a list of federally Threatened (T), Endangered (E), Proposed

(P), Candidate (C) species and Nonessential/Experimental Population (XN) via their South Dakota Field Office

Internet site (USFWS 2010, most recent update April 14, 2010). The only listed species that occurs in Lawrence

County is the whooping crane (Grus americana) (E).  Very small portions of the Nautilus project area occur in

Pennington and Meade Counties.  Three listed species occur in Pennington County: the whooping crane, least

tern (Sterna antillarum athallasos) (E), and black‐footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) (XN). Two listed species occur

in Meade County: the whooping crane and least tern.  

REGION 2 SENSITIVE SPECIES

Sensitive species (SS) are those plant and animal species identified by the Regional Forester for which population

viability is a concern, as evidenced by:

a.   Significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or density.

b.   Significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would

reduce a species’ existing distribution (FSM 2670.5).

Species Considered and Evaluated

The most recent Region 2 SS wildlife list (FSM R‐2 Supplement 2600‐2009‐1, effective June 9, 2009) was

reviewed and species that may occur in or near the Black Hills were identified (Table 3‐22). Although each of

these species are known to or could potentially occur in or near the Black Hills, not all of them have potential to

occur in the Nautilus project area. A pre‐field wildlife and fish review of the project area for all Region 2 SS was

completed using Heritage database records, district data, literature reviews, communication with district

personnel and the Forest Plan to identify which SS to analyze for.  Table 3‐22 lists the species, their status, and

whether the species or their habitat might occur in the project area. Some of these species are also designated

as MIS in the Forest Plan.  Ten of the species listed in Table 3‐22 have neither habitat nor documented

occurrences within the project area. Therefore, the proposed project would have “no impact” upon them. No

further analysis is provided for these species.

For further information about these species and generalized analysis of landscape scale project affects,

reference the Phase II FEIS and associated BA/BE (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a ).
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                91    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐19.  R2 Sensitive Species (SS)

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known

Species

Presence?   

(X = yes)

Habitat

Present?   

(X = yes)

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document?   

(X = yes)

Rationale for not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

Birds   

American Peregrine

Falcon                 

(Falco peregrinus

anatum)

SS Open habitat with cliffs present; optimal

cliffs dominate the surrounding

landscape (Terres 1991).  Habitat not

present in the project area.   

American Three‐toed

Woodpecker                           

(Picoides tridactylus)

SS X X Restricted to high elevation conifer

(primarily spruce) forests in the Black

Hills (Wiggins 2004).   Refer to Effects

Analysis.

Bald Eagle                               

(Haliaeetus

leucocephalus)

SS X X Usually found near open water or

carrion (Tallman et al. 2002); only one

nest and one winter roost has ever been

documented on the Forest.  Neither is

within a 1⁄2 mile of the project area.  

However, migrating and wintering bald

eagles may use the project area.  Refer

to Effects Analysis.

Black‐backed

Woodpecker                           

(Picoides arcticus)

SS,

MIS

X X Burned areas with a high density of pre‐

burn snags; dense and/or mature forests

with a high snag density (Anderson

2003).  Species rare outside of burned

areas (Beason et al. 2006).  Refer to

Effects Analysis.

Burrowing Owl                       

(Athene cunicularia)

SS Dry grasslands and pastures, usually

associated with prairie dog or ground

squirrel burrows (Tallman et al. 2002).  

Habitat not present in the project area.  

Flammulated Owl                  

(Otus flammeolus)

SS X X Open ponderosa pine forests (Hayward

and Verner 1994).  Refer to Effects

Analysis.

Grasshopper Sparrow           

(Ammodramus

savannarum)

SS,

MIS

Native mixed‐grass prairies, especially in

southern Black Hills (Panjabi 2004,

Beason et al. 2006); prefers large

grassland patches greater than 8 ha

(19.8 acres) in size (Slater 2004).  Habitat

not present in the project area.  

Lewis’s Woodpecker             

(Melanerpes lewis)

SS X X Open burned areas with large snags; oak

and cottonwood forests, and open, park‐

like ponderosa pine forests (Anderson

2003, Panjabi 2003).  Refer to Effects

Analysis.

Loggerhead Shrike                 

(Lanius ludovicianus)

SS Open country with scattered, low

deciduous thickets; however, rare or out

of normal range in Black Hills (Tallman et

al. 2002). Breeding records occur near
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                92    Northern Hills Ranger District

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known

Species

Presence?   

(X = yes)

Habitat

Present?   

(X = yes)

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document?   

(X = yes)

Rationale for not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

periphery of Black Hills but not in the

interior or at higher elevations (Peterson

1995). Habitat not present in the project

area.   

Northern Goshawk                

(Accipiter gentilis)

SS X X X Forages in a variety of forested areas

and small openings; nests primarily in

dense mature conifer forests (Kennedy

2003).  Three goshawk territories are

known to exist in the project area. Refer

to effects analysis.    

Northern Harrier                    

(Circus cyaneus)

SS Open country in medium/tall grass

prairies and associated wetlands,

marshes, and meadows (Tallman et al.

2002).  Habitat not present in the project

area.  

Yellow‐billed Cuckoo            

(Coccyzus americanus)

SS Riparian obligate; low elevation riparian

areas and woodlands characterized with

cottonwood or burr oak (Panjabi 2003).  

Breeding habitat must be at least 25

acres in size, but habitats greater than

100 acres and 330 feet wide are

preferred; canopy cover often exceeds

50% in both understory and overstory

(Nicholoff 2003). Habitat not present in

the project area.

Mammals   

American Marten                  

(Martes americana)

SS X X X Spruce forests with complex near‐

ground structure, extending into

adjacent ponderosa pine stands (Buskirk

2002).  Refer to effects analysis.    

Black‐tailed Prairie Dog        

(Cynomys ludovicianus)

SS Short‐grass and mixed‐grass prairies

with soils conducive to burrowing

(Higgins et al. 2000).  Habitat not present

in or near project area.  

Fringed Myotis                       

(Myotis thysanodes

pahasapensis)

SS X X Found at high elevations in spruce

habitat and mixed ponderosa pine,

spruce and aspen habitat; roosts in a

variety of structures including caves,

mines, tunnels, snags and buildings

(Schmidt 2003a).  No known hibernacula

or roost sites present in the project area.

Foraging habitat may exist.  Refer to

effects analysis.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                93    Northern Hills Ranger District

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known

Species

Presence?   

(X = yes)

Habitat

Present?   

(X = yes)

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document?   

(X = yes)

Rationale for not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

Rocky Mountain Bighorn

Sheep (Picoides dorsalis)

SS Cliffs, rock outcrops, and nearby

meadows. Limited primarily to areas

around Sheridan Lake, Dark Canyon

(Rapid Creek), Spring Creek, and Custer

State Park (USDA‐ Forest Service 2005a).

Habitat not present in the project area.

Townsend’s Big‐eared Bat   

(Plecotus townsendii)

SS X X X Forages on insects in a variety of

habitats including forested and wet

areas; requires suitable roosts in a

variety of structures including caves,

mines, and rocky ledges and overhangs

(Schmidt 2003b). One known location in

the project area. Foraging habitat may

exist.  Refer to effects analysis.

Reptiles   

Black Hills Redbelly Snake   

(Storeria

occipitomaculata

pahasapae)

SS X X Moist habitats with well‐developed

ground litter (Smith and Stephens 2003).   

Refer to effects analysis.

Amphibians   

Northern Leopard Frog         

(Rana pipiens)

SS X X X Riparian and wetland areas for tadpoles,

sub‐adults, and breeding adults; adults

forage in upland habitats (Smith 2003).  

Refer to effects analysis.

Fish   

Finescale Dace                       

(Phoxinus neogaeus)

SS Streams, small lakes and cool, boggy

environments often associated with

springs or beaver dams; limited primarily

to the Redwater Creek drainage, with

the exception of Geis Reservoir on

Middle Fork Hay Creek; no know

occurrences on the South Dakota

portion of the Forest (Isaak et al. 2003).   

Lake Chub                               

(Couesius plumbeus)

SS Lakes and streams that usually have cool

waters and clean gravel or cobble

substrate; only population on the Forest

is in Deerfield Reservoir (Isaak et al.

2003).   

Mountain Sucker                   

(Catostomus

platyrhynchus)

SS,

MIS

X X X Occurs most often in cool, clear

mountain streams, but have been

observed elsewhere in large rivers, lakes

and reservoirs (Isaak et al. 2003). Known

occurrences within the Project Area

(Hirtzel 2009). Refer to effects analysis.

Invertebrates   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                94    Northern Hills Ranger District

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known

Species

Presence?   

(X = yes)

Habitat

Present?   

(X = yes)

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document?   

(X = yes)

Rationale for not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

Cooper’s Mountain Snail      

(Orechelix strigosa

cooperi)                          

SS X X Found on calcareous soils, lowland

wooded areas and talus slopes, generally

but not always with northern or eastern

exposures.  In contrast to other land

snails, Cooper's snail can thrive with

little cover and thin litter (Anderson

2005).  Refer to effects analysis.

Regal Fritillary                        

(Speyeria idalia)

SS X X X Tall‐grass prairies; continuous prairie

near marshes (Marrone 2005); greater

than 1,000 acres may be required for

stable populations (Royer and Marrone

1992).  Best habitat in Black Hills occurs

at lower elevations along Forest

boundary and in interior prairies (at least

250 acres in size) (USDA‐Forest Service

1996).  Refer to effects analysis.

MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES

The Forest Service Manual defines management indicator species (MIS) as "...plant and animal species,

... selected for emphasis in planning, and which are monitored during forest plan implementation in

order to assess the effects of management activities on their populations and the populations of other

species with similar habitat needs which they may represent" (FSM2620.5).    

Forest‐wide wildlife and fish MIS are:

 Black‐backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus)  

 Brown creeper (Certhia americana)

 Golden‐crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa)

 Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)

 Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

 Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

 Beaver (Castor canadensis)  

 White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

 Mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus)

Although each of these species are known to or could potentially occur in or near the BHNF, not all of

them have potential to occur in the Nautilus project area. Table 3‐23 lists each species, their status, and

whether the species or their habitat occurs in the project area.  If an MIS or its habitat were not found in

the project area, it was not identified for further analysis.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                95    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐20. Evaluation and Description of Black Hills National Forest MIS and Habitats.

Management Indicator

Species Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes      

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document    

Species habitat and rationale for

carrying or not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

Birds      

Black‐backed

Woodpecker                        

(Picoides arcticus)

MIS,

SS

X X X Burned areas with a high density of

pre‐burn snags; dense and/or mature

forests with a high snag density

(Anderson 2003).  Species rare

outside of burned areas (Beason et al.

2006).  Refer to effects analysis, also

analyzed as a sensitive species in the

Biological Evaluation.   

Brown Creeper                    

(Certhia americana)

MIS X X X Late successional ponderosa pine and

white spruce (Beason et al. 2006).

Refer to effects analysis.   

Golden‐crowned Kinglet   

(Regulus satrapa)

MIS X X X Breeds almost exclusively in white

spruce habitat (Beason et al. 2006).

Refer to effects analysis.   

Grasshopper Sparrow        

(Ammodramus

savannarum)

MIS,

SS

Native mixed‐grass prairies, especially

in southern Black Hills (Panjabi 2004,

USDA Forest Service 2006); prefers

large grassland patches greater than 8

ha (19.8 acres) in size (Slater 2004).  

Habitat not present in the Project

Area.

Ruffed Grouse                     

(Bonasa umbellus)

MIS X X X

Occur widely throughout Black Hills in

hardwood communities; may require

variety of aspen structural stages

(USDA Forest Service 2006). Refer to

effects analysis.   

Song Sparrow                      

(Melospiza melodia)

MIS X X X Found mostly in dense, riparian

vegetation in the Black Hills (Beason

et al. 2006).   Refer to effects analysis.  

Mammals

Beaver                                  

(Castor canadensis)  

MIS X X X Riparian habitat dominated by stands

of willow, aspen and cottonwood; do

not use areas lacking permanent

water and suitable woody vegetation

(USDA Forest Service 2006). The

Project Area contains little surface

water and the project is not likely to

increase measurable amounts of

water. Refer to effects analysis.   

White‐tailed Deer               

(Odocoileus virginianus)

MIS X X X Various habitats from forests to fields

with adjacent cover; wooded draws

and pine stands with closed canopies

provide thermal cover, while

agricultural areas and recently logged
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                96    Northern Hills Ranger District

Management Indicator

Species Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes      

Analysis      

Included     

in NEPA      

document    

Species habitat and rationale for

carrying or not carrying species

forward into NEPA document

and open stands with abundant

shrubs are important for foraging.

Refer to effects analysis.   

Fish   

Mountain Sucker                

(Catostomus

platyrhynchus)

SS,

MIS

X X X Occurs most often in cool, clear

mountain streams, but have been

observed elsewhere in large rivers,

lakes and reservoirs (Isaak et al.

2003). Known occurrences within the

project area (Hirtzel 2009). Refer to

effects analysis.

SPECIES OF LOCAL CONCERN

Species of Local Concern (SOLC) are plant, fish and wildlife species (including subspecies or varieties)

that do not meet the criteria for sensitive status. These could include species with declining trends in

only a portion of Region 2, or those that are important components of diversity in a local area. The local

area is defined as NFS lands within the Black Hills National Forest (FSM 2620.5 Black Hills Supplement

2600‐2005‐1).

Table 3‐24 lists each wildlife species, their status, and whether the species or their habitat occurs in the

project area.  Although each of these species are known to or could potentially occur in or near the

Black Hills, not all of them have potential to occur in the Nautilus project area. If an SOLC or its habitat

were not found in the project area, it was not identified for further analysis.

Table 3‐21. Evaluation and Description of Black Hills National Forest SOLC and Habitats.

Species of Local

Concern Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes       

Analysis       

Included      

in NEPA       

Document?    

Species Habitat and Rationale for

Carrying or Not Carrying Species

Forward into NEPA Document

Birds   

American Dipper          

(Cinclus mexicanus)

SOLC    X X Swift‐flowing montane streams; occur

primarily in Spearfish Creek in the

Black Hills (Anderson 2002).  Refer to

effects analysis.   

Black‐and‐White

Warbler                          

(Mniotilta varia)

SOLC    X X Found primarily in bur oak woodlands

and associated edges, mainly at lower

elevations (Hutton et al. 2007). Refer

to effects analysis.   

Broad‐winged Hawk    

(Buteo platypterus)

SOLC X X X Primarily found in habitat with

prominent deciduous component, but

also found occasionally in late

successional pine stands (Stephens
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                97    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species of Local

Concern Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes       

Analysis       

Included      

in NEPA       

Document?    

Species Habitat and Rationale for

Carrying or Not Carrying Species

Forward into NEPA Document

and Anderson 2003).  Refer to effects

analysis.   

Cooper’s Hawk             

(Accipiter cooperii)

SOLC X X X Ponderosa pine, white spruce,

riparian, shrubland and burned areas

(Stephens and Anderson 2002).  Refer

to effects analysis.   

Northern Saw‐whet

Owl    

(Aegolius acadicus)

SOLC X X X Forest habitat generalist; dense

coniferous or mixed forest; prefers

conifer stands and willow thickets for

roosting; hunt along edges or

openings in forest (Johnson and

Anderson 2003). Refer to effects

analysis.   

Pygmy Nuthatch           

(Sitta pygmaea)

SOLC X X X Mature ponderosa pine stands with

large trees and snags (Ghalambor

2003).  Refer to effects analysis.   

Sharp‐shinned Hawk   

(Accipter striatus)

SOLC    X X A variety of forested areas, but

nesting habitat typically restricted to

dense young conifer stands (Stephens

and Anderson 2002).  Refer to effects

analysis.   

Mammals      

Long‐eared Myotis       

(Myotis evotis)

SOLC    X X Mostly coniferous montane habitats;

roosts in snags; no known hibernacula

in Black Hills (Schmidt 2003a). Refer

to effects analysis.   

Long‐legged Myotis     

(Myotis volans)

SOLC    X X Primarily in montane coniferous

forests; uses caves and mines as

hibernacula; roosts in abandoned

buildings, rock crevices, under bark; in

Black Hills occur primarily between

4500 and 6500’ (Schmidt 2003b).  

Refer to effects analysis.   

Meadow Jumping

Mouse                            

(Zapus hudsonius)

SOLC    X X Strongly associated with riparian

habitats along small streams in

meadows (Luce et al. 1999).  Refer to

effects analysis.  

Mountain Goat             

(Oreamnos

americanus)

SOLC    Rugged terrain with cliffs, rock faces,

ledges and talus slopes. Limited

primarily to Black Elk Wilderness Area

and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve (USDA

Forest Service 2005a).  Habitat not

present in the Project Area.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                98    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species of Local

Concern Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes       

Analysis       

Included      

in NEPA       

Document?    

Species Habitat and Rationale for

Carrying or Not Carrying Species

Forward into NEPA Document

Northern Flying

Squirrel                          

(Glaucomys

sabrinus)

SOLC X X X Optimal conditions are cool, moist,

mature forest with abundant standing

and down snags; typically dominated

by conifers or mixed

coniferous/deciduous forests (Wells‐

Gosling and Heanery 1984).  Refer to

effects analysis.

Northern Myotis          

(Myotis

septentrionalis)

SOLC    X X Dense ponderosa pine and mixed

coniferous/deciduous forest; roosts in

caves, mines, tunnels, and under bark

of snags; elevation ranges between

4000 to 6500’ in the Black Hills

(Schmidt 2003c).  Refer to effects

analysis.

Small‐footed Myotis    

(Myotis ciliolabrum)

SOLC    X X Variable habitats, but usually

associated with rocky areas like bluffs,

dissected breaks, ridges, cliffs and

major rock outcrops; Roosts include

mines, caves, rock features, and

under bark (Schmidt 2003d).  Refer to

effects analysis.

Invertebrates   

Atlantis Fritillary

Butterfly           

(Speyeria atlantis

pahasapa)

SOLC    X X Prefer wet meadows and boggy areas

near springs and headwaters of small

streams (Marrone 2002).  Refer to

effects analysis.

Tawny Crescent

Butterfly                         

(Phyciodes batessi)

SOLC    X X Open meadows and riparian

woodlands (Stefanich 2001).  Refer to

effect analysis.

Callused Vertigo

Snail                                

(Vertigo arthuri)

SOLC    X X Moist, relatively undisturbed forest

with diverse understories, deep litter,

and abundant woody material (Frest

and Johannes 2002).  Calcareous or

shist soils.  Refer to effect analysis.

Frigid Ambersnail         

(Catinella gelida)

SOLC    X X Limestone soils, usually in open

ponderosa pine forest (sometimes

spruce), often with a secondary

deciduous tree and shrub component

(Frest and Johannes 2002).  Refer to

effect analysis.

Mystery Vertigo

Snail                                

(Vertigo paradoxa)

SOLC X X X On limestone or schist soils, usually in

spruce forests (but sometimes pine)

with relatively closed canopy,

abundant litter, and well‐developed

understories (Frest and Johannes

2002).  Refer to effect analysis.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                99    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species of Local

Concern Status

Species

Present?

X=yes      

Habitat

Present?

X=yes       

Analysis       

Included      

in NEPA       

Document?    

Species Habitat and Rationale for

Carrying or Not Carrying Species

Forward into NEPA Document

Striate Disc Snail           

(Discus shimekii)

SOLC    X X Found in litter of rich mesic forests

with limestone soils, generally on

shaded, north‐facing slope bases;

often bordering or ranging slightly

onto stream flood plains (Frest and

Johannes 2002).  Refer to effect

analysis.

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Many species of migratory birds are of international concern due to naturally small ranges, loss of

habitat, observed population declines, and other factors. The Forest recognizes the ecological and

economic importance of birds and approaches bird conservation at several levels by implementing the

following: Forest Plan objectives, standards, and guidelines; a Forest‐wide bird monitoring program; and

site‐specific mitigation and effects analyses for identified species of concern.

The Forest Plan contains a variety of objectives, standards, and guidelines that further the conservation

of migratory birds. Objectives describe desired resource conditions. The most relevant objectives for

bird conservation are those relating to vegetation diversity, landscape structural diversity, snags and

down woody material, riparian condition, habitat improvements, and disturbance processes. Standards

and guidelines are designed to help achieve those objectives and are implemented at the project level.

The most relevant standards and guidelines for migratory birds that occur on the Forest are presented in

discussions of individual birds in the Species of Local Concern, Management Indicator Species,

Threatened and Endangered Species, and Region 2 Sensitive Species sections.

Bird monitoring is conducted at the Forest‐level to determine species distribution, abundance, and

trends. The RMBO designs and conducts the monitoring to provide statistically rigorous population

trend data for at least 61 species that nest in the Black Hills (Panjabi 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, Beason et

al. 2006, Hutton et al. 2007, Giroir et al. 2007, White and Giroir 2009). Trend data will assist the Forest in

determining whether additional conservation measures are necessary.  

Species of concern applicable to project‐level conservation are identified by many sources including the

Endangered Species Act, the Region 2 sensitive species list, the Forest MIS list, the USFWS Birds of

Conservation Concern (BCC) 2008 publication (USDI ‐Fish and Wildlife Service 2008), and the Wyoming

Partners in Flight (PIF) Plan (Nicholoff 2003) (Note: South Dakota does not yet have a PIF plan).  

The BCC 2008 publication partitions North America into 37 bird‐conservation regions (BCRs). The Black

Hills is included in BCR 17 – Badlands and Prairies. The Wyoming PIF plan identifies three levels of

priority birds, with the top level (Level 1) representing species that need conservation action. Table 3‐25

below shows the disposition of migratory birds from the USFWS BCR‐17 list of Birds of Conservation

Concern and the Level I species list of the Wyoming PIF Plan.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                100    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐22. Birds of Conservation Concern and Wyoming PIF Priority I Species

Species List Disposition

Horned Grebe BCR 17 Shallow freshwater ponds and marshes ‐ No

habitat in project area.

American Bittern BCR 17,

WY PIF No Habitat on Forest.

Trumpeter Swan WY PIF No Habitat on Forest.

Bald Eagle BCR 17,

WY PIF

Region 2 Sensitive Species – Addressed in that

section.

Golden Eagle BCR 17 Foraging habitat present. Evaluated below.

Northern Goshawk WY PIF Region 2 Sensitive Species – Addressed in that

section.

Swainson’s Hawk WY PIF Occasional on Forest but no habitat in project

area (prairie habitat).

Ferruginous Hawk BCR 17,

WY PIF

Region 2 Sensitive Species, ‐ No habitat in

project area (shrub‐steppe/prairie).

Prairie Falcon BCR 17 Nesting habitat present on Forest. No habitat in

project area (cliffs, forest/prairie edge).

Peregrine Falcon BCR 17,

WY PIF

Region 2 Sensitive Species – No habitat in

project area (cliff habitat).

Yellow Rail BCR 17 No occurrence on Forest (prairie wetlands and

hay fields).

Greater Sage Grouse WY PIF No occurrence on Forest, minimal sage brush

(40 acres) on Forest in small patches.

Columbian Sharp‐tailed

Grouse WY PIF No habitat on Forest.

Mountain Plover BCR 17,

WY PIF

Region 2 Sensitive Species – No habitat in

project area (shortgrass prairie).

Upland Sandpiper BCR 17,

WY PIF

Occurs on and adjacent to the Forest. No

habitat in project area (grassland).  

Long‐billed Curlew BCR 17,

WY PIF

Known occurrences on Forest. No habitat in

project area.

Franklin’s Gull WY PIF No habitat on Forest (prairie wetlands).

Forster’s Tern WY PIF No habitat on Forest (prairie wetlands).

Black Tern WY PIF No habitat on Forest (prairie wetlands).

Marbled Godwit BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (prairies and prairie

wetlands).

Sanderling BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (prairie wetlands).

Wilson's Phalarope BCR 17   No habitat on Forest (prairie wetlands).

Black‐billed Cuckoo BCR 17 Species present on Forest (riparian hardwood

habitat). Evaluated below.

Burrowing Owl BCR 17,

WY PIF

Region 2 Sensitive Species – No habitat in

project area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                101    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species List Disposition

Short‐eared Owl BCR 17,

WY PIF No habitat on Forest (shortgrass prairie).

Red‐headed Woodpecker BCR 17 Nesting habitat present. Evaluated below.

Lewis' Woodpecker BCR 17 Region 2 Sensitive Species – Addressed in that

section.

Loggerhead Shrike BCR 17 Region 2 Sensitive Species – No habitat in

project area.

Pinyon Jay BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (pinyon‐juniper forest).

Sage Thrasher BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (sagebrush plains).

Dickcissel BCR 17 Species present on Forest. No habitat in project

area (prairie habitat).  

Grasshopper Sparrow BCR 17 Region 2 Sensitive Species – No habitat in

project area.

Sage sparrow

BCR 17,

WY PIF No Habitat on Forest.

Sprague's Pipit BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (prairie).

Brewer's Sparrow BCR 17,

WY PIF No habitat on Forest (shrub‐steppe).

Baird's Sparrow BCR 17,

WY PIF No habitat on Forest (shortgrass prairie).

McCown's Longspur BCR 17,

WY PIF No habitat on Forest (shortgrass prairie).

Chestnut‐collared Longspur BCR 17 No habitat on Forest (prairie).

3.5.3 Environmental Consequences

Analysis Methods

The analysis of potential effects on sensitive species was conducted using data gathered in the pre‐field review

and field reconnaissance on the habitat requirements for each species.  The habitat requirements for each

species were then used to determine the effects of the alternatives on each Region 2 SS.  The habitat impacts

and risks to species on the Forest were estimated based on the best available science and data. The overall

conclusions were derived from anticipated trends, probable risks, and degree of uncertainty under each

alternative.  

Alternative analysis is provided on the direct and indirect impacts for each specific SS.  Where species share

similar habitat requirements, they are discussed together.  Cumulative impacts bounded by the NHRD and a

period of 15 years are also addressed for the individual species.  Where appropriate, Forest Plan standards,

guidelines and objectives (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c) are discussed. These standards and guidelines are met in

the Nautilus project area through the use of specific design criteria. The analysis and determinations presented

below only apply if the proposed design criteria are adopted and implemented.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                102    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species viability was evaluated in the Phase II Amendment FEIS (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  Each alternative in

this project was evaluated as to whether it is consistent with Forest Plan objectives, standards and guidelines

applicable to each species.

The indicators listed below are used to measure impacts of the project on wildlife and fish habitat:  

 Ponderosa pine structural stage diversity (resulting structural stage distributions)

 Hardwood and meadow communities (acres enhanced)  

 Transportation (miles of road constructed)  

 Snag retention  

 Riparian community and water quality effects  

Data for this report was obtained from surveys, monitoring reports, and literature. Forest‐wide monitoring for

birds is documented annually by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) (Panjabi 2001, 2003, 2004, and

2005, Beason et al. 2006, Hutton et al. 2007, Giroir et al. 2007,  White and Giroir 2009) and documented in the

BHNF Monitoring Reports (USDA‐Forest Service 2004, 2005c, 2006, 2007, and 2009).

  

Ground reconnaissance of potential treatment areas, areas of interest for wildlife, and areas classified as

structural stage 5 was conducted by a Forest Service wildlife biologist and biological technicians in the

winter of 2008 and the spring, summer and fall of 2009. Where ground reconnaissance was not feasible,

aerial photographs, Region 2 vegetation data (R2veg data), botany suitable habitat data, Forest Service

wildlife data, fauna data, pertinent literature, and local knowledge were used for planning and analysis

purposes. Northern goshawk monitoring surveys were conducted by Forest Service wildlife personnel

and by Craig Knowles of Fauna West in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Additional surveying was done by

Forest Service wildlife personnel in areas of high potential habitat for the northern goshawk. Frest and

Johannes conducted surveys for sensitive snail species in this area in 1991, 1993 and 1999 (Frest and

Johannes 2002). Marrone (2005) conducted butterfly surveys. Smith et al. (1998) conducted

herpetofaunal surveys. Incidental data for other sensitive wildlife species or species of concern were

obtained in conjunction with northern goshawk, botanical, and rangeland surveys.  Fish occurrence and

abundance data was based on Stewart and Thilenius (1964), Ford (1988), Isaak et al. (2003), the South

Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) Stream Fisheries Database (2005a) and Belica and

Nibbelink (2006).

WILDLIFE HABITAT   

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct effects of Alternative A (No Action) would be minimal, as no new actions would occur.  Long‐

term, indirect effects would vary depending on habitat type. Indirect effects would occur as a response

to current conditions in the absence of active management, other than fire suppression efforts.  In

general, Alternative A would maintain existing habitat and protect biodiversity in the short‐term. Long

term, the proportion of ponderosa pine cover type in the Nautilus project area would be expected to

rise as this species continued to encroach into existing meadows and hardwood stands. Early

successional habitats would continue to decline as pine stands continue to progress toward later seral
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                103    Northern Hills Ranger District

stages. Currently, late successional habitat (structural stage 5) is below management objectives within

the project area and Forest‐wide. Over the next ten to twenty years some of the mature stands could

further develop towards late successional habitats. However, this alternative would not result in a

variety of successional stages in ponderosa pine, which would reduce habitat and structural diversity

and not comply with Forest objectives. Natural disturbances such as wildfire and beetle outbreak would

continue to return portions of the forest in which they occur to early successional stages. However, the

no action alternative would greatly increase the chances of high intensity wildfire, insect, and disease

events.

  

Effects by habitat types in the project area that may be affected are described in Table 3‐26.   

Table 3‐23. Alternative A (No Action) ‐ Direct and Indirect Effects to Habitat

Habitat Type

Direct Effects

for     

Alternative A

Indirect Effects for Alternative A

Ponderosa Pine   None In the absence of active management, additional dense, late

successional stands with closed canopy would develop.  The

amount of snags is likely to increase with forest succession.

These stands would have an increased risk of mountain pine

beetle infestation and high intensity wildfire.  

White Spruce None In the absence of active management, white spruce as a

component of the ecosystem would likely continue to increase

within its ecological limits.

Hardwood

Communities

None In the absence of active management, conifer encroachment

would continue to reduce areas dominated by aspen.

Grassland/Meadows None In the absence of active management, conifer encroachment

would continue to reduce meadow habitat.

Riparian/Aquatic None Stream fragmentation by existing dams and roads and other

fish passage barriers would continue to persist.  

Water quality would continue to be influenced by ongoing

federal/non federal activities. Drought may continue to reduce

stream flows and connectivity.

Cumulative Effects

A century of fire suppression has caused widespread alteration and degradation of wildlife habitat in the

Black Hills (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  Frequent recurring disturbances like fire and insects

maintained a generally open, mature pine canopy with a productive and diverse understory by thinning

pine stands and creating open stands with abundant grasses, forbs, and shrubs in the understory (Sieg

and Severson 1996).  In the absence of frequent low‐intensity fires, the increase in the density and

canopy cover of pine stands has resulted in large, contiguous expanses of higher density trees with

abundant pine regeneration and sparse understories (Parrish et al. 1996).  Fire suppression has also

resulted in the conversion of hardwood stands such as aspen and bur oak to pine, which has reduced

diversity (Uresk and Severson 1998).
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                104    Northern Hills Ranger District

No new activities are proposed under Alternative A.  As a result, the conditions described above would

be expected to continue, or worsen in the absence of active management, into the foreseeable future.  

The cumulative effects of Alternative A on wildlife habitat would be similar to the indirect effects

described above.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B is designed to reduce the threat of mountain pine beetle epidemics and high intensity fires

by moving towards the Forest objectives for structural stage management. In general, there would be

short‐term impacts to wildlife habitat availability during treatments; however, over the long‐term there

would be improved diversity of habitats, and improved quality of most habitats.  As a result of the

hardwood enhancement treatments, there would be an increase in the amount and quality of hardwood

habitat (primarily aspen). Commercial and non‐commercial hardwood enhancement treatments would

occur on 2,239 acres.  The meadow enhancement treatments would enhance 206 acres of

grassland/meadows.  

There would be an increase in the diversity of understory plants within many pine stands due to reduced

forest canopy cover and disturbance caused by prescribed fire and logging.  Nearly 78% (27,615 acres) of

the treatments on NFS land within the project area would have a pre‐commercial thinning or prescribed

fire component under this alternative. In addition, emergency sanitation harvest treatments, including

cutting of beetle infested trees and thinning of stands, may occur in sites with high pine beetle risk.  The

area that could be treated under this provision would be limited to 10 percent of the NFS acres within

the project area. This figure represents a ceiling rather than a target; sanitation harvest provisions would

be implemented only where deemed necessary to control the spread of mountain pine beetles.

Proposed treatments would likely involve cutting green beetle‐infested trees and thinning stands to

residual basal areas below 80. These treatments would help to limit the spread of beetles and would

open up these stands and result in more sunlight, moisture and nutrients being available for understory

plants including grasses, forbs and shrubs.  Inclusions of aspen, birch and oak within these pine stands

may also benefit from these treatments.  Disturbance created by prescribed fire would also help

stimulate the regeneration of the less shade tolerant plant species within these stands. No new system

roads would be constructed to access sanitation harvest units.

Most of the proposed treatments within the ponderosa pine stands of the project area would have an

effect on the stand structural stage.  Tables 3‐27 and 3‐28 display the proportion of each structural stage

in MA 5.1 and 5.4 following the treatments proposed under the proposed action alternative.  Structural

stage changing treatments are not proposed for MA 5.3A (Black Hills Experimental Forest). Proposed

treatments within the Experimental Forest are generally categorized as individual tree selection, which

would create a more uneven aged structure across the landscape.  Implementation of Alternative B

would not result in the desired distribution of structural stages for MAs 5.1 and 5.4. The treatments

proposed under Alternative B would, however, help to achieve the desired distribution of structural

stages in the long term.  This alternative would generally reduce the amount of area in the mature

structural stages and increase the amount of area within the sapling‐pole stages.  

The area in structural stages 4C would drop in MAs 5.1 and 5.4, bringing the MAs closer to Forest‐wide

structural stage objectives. There would be a corresponding increase in the amount of area of structural
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                105    Northern Hills Ranger District

stage 3A and 3B in MA 5.1 and MA 5.4 with overstory removal treatments.  While treatments would

move some stands away from Forest‐wide objectives for MAs 5.1 and 5.4 in the short term, over time

forest succession would continue. For example, stands within 4A would move up to 4B and 4C as tree

crowns and understory vegetation grow.  

Alternative B would not directly result in an increase in late successional pine forest or an attainment of

the five percent objectives for any MA. Current and future structural stage 5 stands totaling 1,250 acres

were identified and would be managed for structural stage 5 characteristics into the future. In addition,

there would be a proportion of mature stands retained in all management areas that could develop into

late successional habitat over time.  

Table 3‐24.  Alternative B Structural Stages for Ponderosa Pine in MA 5.1.

Structural Stage

Forest‐wide

Objective

(percent)

Existing

Area

(acres)

Alternative

B          

Area

(acres)

Change

from

Existing

Area

(acres)

1 ‐ Grass‐forb 5 29 29 0

2 ‐ Shrub/Seedling 5 718 718 0

3A ‐ Sapling‐pole; less than 40% crown

cover

10 418 5,264 +4,846

3B ‐ Sapling‐pole; 40‐70% crown cover 15 995 2500 +1,505

3C ‐ Sapling‐pole: greater than 70% crown

cover

5 1,424 305  ‐1,119

4A ‐ Mature; less than 40% crown cover 25 3,428 3,373 +55

4B ‐ Mature; 40‐70%; crown cover 25 7,306 5,630  ‐1,676

4C ‐ Mature; greater than 70% crown cover 5 4,382 881  ‐3,501

5 ‐ Late Successional 5 625 625 +625

Total area of ponderosa pine   19,325 19,325

Table 3‐25.  Alternative B Structural Stages for Ponderosa in MA 5.4.

Structural Stage

Forest‐wide

Objective

(percent)

Existing

Area

(acres)

Alternative

B          

Area

(acres)

Change

from

Existing

Area

(acres)

1 ‐ Grass‐forb 5 77 77 0

2 ‐ Shrub/Seedling 5 454 454 0

3A ‐ Sapling‐pole; less than 40% crown

cover

10 284 1,896 +1,612

3B ‐ Sapling‐pole; 40‐70% crown cover 15 415 1,100 +685

3C ‐ Sapling‐pole: greater than 70% crown

cover

5 956 128  ‐828

4A ‐ Mature; less than 40% crown cover 25 2,152 1,997  ‐155

4B ‐ Mature; 40‐70%; crown cover 25 2,848 3,806 +958
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                106    Northern Hills Ranger District

4C ‐ Mature; greater than 70% crown cover 5 3,844 1,572  ‐2,272

5 ‐ Late Successional 5 625 625 +625

Total area of ponderosa pine 11,655 11,655   

Alternative B would include an estimated eight miles of new NFS road construction, six miles of currently

unclassified road would be added to the system.  This alternative would also require use of

approximately 145 miles of existing NFS road. These system roads would need to be prepared for use.

Preparation could range from minimal maintenance activities to reconstruction of the road template,

depending on the current condition of the road. The loss of habitat to road or trail construction is

unknown, but is often estimated at five acres per linear mile (Rowland et al. 2004).  There would likely

be some effects from disturbance during project implementation. System roads that undergo pre‐use

maintenance or reconstruction would remain on the system and allowable uses would be determined

by the Forest‐wide travel management plan. No indirect disturbance impacts from public use of newly

constructed roads are expected after the project is finished because all newly constructed or temp roads

would be closed following completion of management activities.  The method of closure would depend

on site conditions and be determined at the time of closure.  In addition, 0.2 miles of existing NFS road

(706.1A) are proposed for decommissioning in an effort to improve watershed conditions.  Closure

methods for these roads would also depend on site conditions.

Effects to riparian/aquatic habitat are summarized in the table below. These effects are mitigated

through the use of the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, Region 2 Watershed Conservation Practices

Handbook (WCPH; Forest Service Handbook 2509.25) and South Dakota Forestry Best Management

Practices (BMPs). The Handbook contains proven watershed conservation practices to protect soil,

aquatic, and riparian systems. If used properly, the watershed conservation practices would meet

applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including BMPs. A summary of the relevant WCPH

direction is in the Hydrology Specialist Report.

Effects to habitats due to the treatments proposed in Alternative B are provided in Table 3‐29 below.  

Relevant Forest Plan standards and objectives are met by the use of specific design criteria applied to

mitigate the impacts in the project area.

Table 3‐26.  Alternative B ‐ Direct and Indirect Effects to Habitat

Habitat Type Direct Effects for Alternative B Indirect Effects for Alternative B

Ponderosa Pine   Commercial and non‐commercial treatments

to approximately 27,854 acres, which includes

7,164 acres of commercial overstory removal

treatments as well as commercial and non‐

commercial thinning and prescribed burning.

Treatments include the removal of 5,773 acres

of mature, dense forest (4C).

Reduction of pines in structural stage 4C and

increase in structural stages 3A and 3B for

both MAs, moving towards Forest‐wide

structural stage objectives.  

Long term movement towards all structural

stage objectives, including structural stage 5.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                107    Northern Hills Ranger District

Habitat Type Direct Effects for Alternative B Indirect Effects for Alternative B

White Spruce A small reduction of spruce in pine habitat as

a result of pine and hardwood treatment

activities.

Very little active management in spruce

dominated habitat. Some treatments would

occur in pine/spruce ecotones.  

Overall change in acreage of spruce would be

minimal.  

White spruce as a component of the

ecosystem would likely continue to increase

within its ecological limits.

Hardwood

Communities

2,239 acres of primary and secondary

treatments in aspen stands with commercial

and non‐commercial treatments (conifer

removal) and prescribed burn.

Increase in quantity and quality of hardwood

habitat due to reduced conifer competition.

Birch stands have been identified and would

be protected (see botany specialist report).

Grassland/

Meadows

206 acres treated with commercial and non‐

commercial meadow enhancement

treatments including prescribed burning to

maintain meadows.

Enhancement of meadow habitat due to

reduction in conifer encroachment.

Riparian/Aquatic Direct effects would be limited to those

incurred by new road stream crossings.  

Effects would include habitat loss at the

crossing and short term habitat loss in the

vicinity of the road crossing during

construction.  

Bank stabilization may decrease and

sedimentation may increase due to new

stream crossings (refer to Hydrology Report).

There is also the potential for short‐term

impacts from sedimentation during treatment

activities.

Cumulative Effects  

Cumulative effects are the additive incremental impacts from the action alternative in relation to past,

present and reasonably foreseeable future actions.  Past and present actions are reflected in the existing

condition. This analysis is bounded by the Northern Hills Ranger District boundary and the 15 year

period required for project implementation. Relevant actions on federal and non‐federal land assessed

in the analysis are discussed below.  

A century of fire suppression has caused widespread alteration and degradation of wildlife habitat in the

Black Hills (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  Frequent recurring disturbances like fire and insects

maintained a generally open, mature pine canopy with a productive and diverse understory by thinning

pine stands and creating open stands with abundant grasses, forbs, and shrubs in the understory (Sieg

and Severson 1996).  In the absence of frequent low‐intensity fires, the increase in the density and

canopy cover of pine stands has resulted in large, contiguous expanses of higher density trees with

abundant pine regeneration and sparse understories (Parrish et al. 1996). The action alternative is

expected to offset some effects of fire suppression.  The net cumulative effect is expected to offset the

loss of open, mature pine habitat with a productive understory.

Fire suppression has also resulted in the conversion of hardwood stands such as aspen and bur oak to

pine, which has reduced diversity (Uresk and Severson 1998).  The action alternative is expected to have

a positive cumulative effect on hardwood habitat which may offset some conversion to pine that has
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                108    Northern Hills Ranger District

occurred as a result of fire suppression.  Encroachment of pine into meadows and riparian areas has

reduced grass, forb, and shrub availability. The increased biomass of pine has changed hydrologic

conditions and decreased available water within the watersheds.   

The project area has been logged intermittently for the last 130 years. The very first timber sale, Case

One, authorized by the Forest Service occurred within the project area.  A discussion of the recently

completed and ongoing timber sales appears above in Section 3.2.  Logging has had multiple effects on

the project area. Logging has created single story stands of mature trees and multi‐level pine stands

with both immature and mature pine. The Nautilus Project would continue this condition, however, with

an increase of individual tree selection treatments aimed at increasing multi‐level pine stands on the

District.  The Experimental Forest will, essentially, be treated entirely with individual tree selection

treatments. Mixed pine‐hardwood stands have also developed due to a proliferation of aspen in the

understory as the mature pine canopy is removed. The Nautilus Project is expected to reduce the

incremental impacts of past sales by implementing hardwood enhancement treatments.

Invasive weeds have also spread as a result of past and ongoing harvest activities, recreational activities,

and livestock grazing. Treatment of invasive weed infestations with herbicide has controlled the spread

of weeds in many of these areas. The Nautilus Project is expected to incrementally increase the spread

of invasive plants, but most increases would be mitigated through post‐harvest weed treatments.

There are several timber sales planned or ongoing on the NHRD. They include sales associated with the

Telegraph, Citadel, West Rim, Mineral and Geranium planning areas, none of which overlap with the

Nautilus project area. Treatments in these areas would primarily affect the ponderosa pine cover type

and will result in the decrease of pine cover and density throughout these project areas.  Pine habitat,

both mature and immature, would be decreased, forested habitat would be fragmented, and hardwood

stand development, as well as grass, forbs and shrub habitat would be encouraged and increased.  

These effects should be long‐term (>30 years).  The Nautilus Project is expected to have similar impacts,

which is expected to incrementally add to these affects across the District.

Grazing has been a continuous activity in the project area for over 100 years and is expected to continue

into the foreseeable future. Historically, however, there were larger numbers of both cattle and sheep

grazing in the project area. Pasture fences did not exist, so livestock were not rotated between pastures

and use was season long. In some instances, livestock grazing converted native riparian plant species to

bluegrass, spread noxious weeds, altered stream banks in site‐specific locations, consumed water,

reduced fine fuels, and reduced the diversity of plant species. As grazing practices have improved,

fences have controlled livestock distribution and altered the use of specific areas. Water developments

at several springs have also changed grazing patterns. These improvements in practices have generally

lessened the impacts across the project area. There would be no additional incremental impacts from

the Nautilus project. The Nautilus project area has ongoing grazing in eight allotments on NFS lands,

which are discussed in Section 3.2 above.

Historic and ongoing mining, grazing, logging, recreational and road‐related activities have influenced

stream habitat conditions within the project area. Instream structures that block fish passage have

fragmented the stream network. Barriers to fish passage, such as impassable culverts at road‐stream

crossings exist in the project area. These fish passage barriers reduce the ability of fish to colonize or

reoccupy suitable habitat especially in an upstream direction, which may limit a species’ distribution
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                109    Northern Hills Ranger District

over time without human intervention. The Nautilus Project would not cause additional incremental

increase in these barriers and most existing barriers and road‐stream crossings would be repaired.

Other recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling and cross

country skiing.  Limited dispersed camping occurs primarily during the hunting season. Approximately

nine miles of the Centennial trail traverses the project area. This portion of the trail is motorized. The

trail is accessed via the Pilot Knob and Boxelder Forks trailheads.  One campground, Boxelder Forks, is

located within the project area. There are no snowmobile trails within the project area.   

The project area has a well established road system consisting of Forest System Roads and unclassified

roads. There are approximately 209 miles of existing roads on NFS land in the Nautilus project area.

Most of these roads were built decades ago. Forty‐seven of the total miles in the project area are closed

to motorized use, either seasonally or year long, through prior decisions to protect roadbeds, soil and

water, reduce maintenance costs, provide wildlife habitat, and provide non‐motorized recreation

opportunities. Additionally, there are approximately 13 miles of known road on private land; this

number is an estimate and may be higher.  

Direct mortality from wildlife/vehicle collisions could occur in the action alternative. Direct mortality is

expected to affect individuals and is not expected to put populations at risk. In general, the more

motorized routes and motorized use in wildlife habitat, the more potential there is for wildlife/vehicle

collisions. The most effects on wildlife from motorized recreation are likely to come in the form of

disturbance as a result of route or area use. The miles of motorized routes and the amount of area open

to motorized travel is used to evaluate the level of effects to wildlife in general and was analyzed for

during the recent Forest‐wide travel management plan.

Motorized vehicles have damaged roads and riparian areas when conditions are wet or in cases where

streams were crossed. The use of some open roads, particularly during wet periods, has also contributed

to the establishment of noxious weeds, and the erosion and degradation of riparian areas due to

increasing sedimentation and changes in stream morphology. Increased use by all‐terrain vehicles

(ATVs) can be expected but would be focused on roads and trails designated by the Forest‐wide travel

management plan and are likely to continue to degrade wildlife habitat both directly and due to habitat

fragmentation.  

Snags have been reduced within harvest units due to safety concerns for loggers and development of

roads, skid trails, and other activities. The Nautilus Project would have additive impacts if some snags

are removed for safety reasons.  Fuelwood gathering has decreased the number of snags, particularly

adjacent to roads where the wood can more easily be hauled out.  Some incremental additive impacts

are to be expected from fuelwood gathering due to greater public access, however, this project does not

authorize fuelwood gathering and most new roads would be closed after project completion. Wildfires,

drought, and beetle activity have all increased the overall number of snags in and around the project

area.   

Private lands within and adjacent to the Nautilus project area contain habitat for wildlife and; therefore,

their management can have impacts on wildlife. Resource management and conservation by private

citizens and companies depends on a number of factors (e.g. desired goals, market prices, development

potential), making it difficult to predict future trends in private forest structure and diversity.

Landowners could treat forests for lumber, which could reduce habitat for some species. Fire hazard
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                110    Northern Hills Ranger District

reduction activities are likely to increase on some of these lands over the next 15 years in an effort to

prevent loss of homes from wildfire, which could result in additional loss of habitat. It is assumed that

urban development and other activities would continue on private lands. This would likely increase the

importance of habitat located on NFS land.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

No known occurrences or suitable habitat for the whooping crane, least tern, or black‐footed ferret occur within

the Nautilus project area or the Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD). The Forest Service has also conducted

additional consultation with the USFWS (Twiss 2003).  Based on past consultation and the species list, it is

determined that no currently listed species with T, E, P, C, or XN status have the potential to occur within the

NHRD on the BHNF, nor has “critical habitat” been designated for any T or E species on the Forest. Therefore, no

federally listed species are addressed further in this document and there will be “no effect” to threatened and

endangered species and no impact to critical habitat.

REGION 2 SENSITIVE SPECIES

Sensitive species are those plant and animal species identified by the regional forester for which

population viability is a concern, as evidenced by “significant current or predicted downward trends in

population numbers or density” or “significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat

capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution” (FSM 2670.5).

The most recent Region 2 sensitive species wildlife list (FSM R‐2 Supplement 2600‐2009‐1, effective June

9, 2009) was reviewed and species that may occur in or near the Black Hills were identified. Table 6 in

the Nautilus Project Wildlife and Fisheries Biological Evaluation (BE) (Goldberg 2010) describes the

Region 2 sensitive species likely to occur on the Black Hills National Forest. Although each of these

species are known to or could potentially occur in or near the Black Hills, not all of them have potential

to occur in the Nautilus project area. A pre‐field wildlife and fish review of the project area for all Region

2 sensitive species was completed using Heritage database records, district data, literature reviews,

communication with district personnel and the Forest Plan to identify which sensitive species to analyze

for.  Table 3‐30 summarizes effects on these species; in depth, full analyses for each species are found in

the Nautilus Project Wildlife and Fisheries BE, which is located in the Nautilus project file and is available

upon request.  

For further information about these species and generalized analysis of landscape scale project affects,

reference the Forest Plan and associated BA/BE (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a, 2005c).

Table 3‐27. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Region 2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

American three‐

toed

woodpecker

(Picoides

tridactylus)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would

remain and potential for

development of

additional habitat would

remain high.

A: Would add to high

potential for development

of preferred habitat (white

spruce forest).

B: Would add to effects of

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                111    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

B: Existing habitat would

remain; potential for

development of

additional habitat would

decrease. Prescribed

burns expected to

positively affect habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Continued availability of

white spruce forest in the

project area and across

the national forest.

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Bald eagle

(Haliaeetus

leucocephalus)

A: None.

B: Short term

disturbance.

A: None.

B: Short term avoidance

during project activities.

A: None.

B: None.  

A: No impact.

B: May adversely

impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Black‐backed

woodpecker

(Picoides

arcticus)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would

remain and potential for

development of

additional habitat would

remain high.

B: Existing habitat would

remain; potential for

development of

additional habitat would

decrease. Prescribed

burns expected to

positively affect habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to high

potential for development

of preferred habitat

(burned/ infested forest).

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Continued availability of

burned and infested forest

in the project area and

across the national forest.

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Flammulated owl

(Otus

flammeolus)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may

decrease over time as

stands become denser.

B: Small reduction in

preferred habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

Precommercial thinning

and prescribed burning

would benefit this

species.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

preferred habitat as a

result of fire.

B: Would add to effects of

other actions on overstory

density by producing

additional open stands.

A: No impact.

B: May adversely

impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Lewis’s

woodpecker

A: None. A: Existing habitat would

remain and potential for

A: Would add to increased

potential for development

A and B: May

adversely impact
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                112    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

(Melanerpes

lewis)

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

development of

additional habitat would

remain high.

B: Existing habitat would

remain; potential for

development of

additional habitat would

increase. Prescribed

burns expected to

positively affect habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

of preferred habitat

(burned forest, insect

outbreaks).

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Continued availability of

burned forest in the

project area and across

the national forest.

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Northern

goshawk

(Accipiter

gentilis)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Potential loss of

foraging and nesting

habitat as both become

too dense.  

B: Loss of potential

nesting habitat to timber

harvest. Expected to

enhance known nest

areas and foraging

conditions by decreasing

density of understory

vegetation.  

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

nesting habitat through

understory growth, fire, or

beetle infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities.  Additional loss

of potential nesting

habitat.

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

American marten

(Martes

americana)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality, loss

of resting or

den sites, and

habitat

disturbance.

A: Potential habitat may

increase over time with

stand density and

development of

additional near‐ground

structure.

B: No effect on preferred

habitat. Reduction of

canopy cover and woody

debris could alter prey

habitat and decrease

protection from

predators.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

preferred and dispersal

habitats as a result of fire.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities reducing risk of

loss of preferred habitat.

A: No impact.

B: May adversely

impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Fringed myotis

(Myotis

thysanodes) and

Townsend’s big‐

eared bat

(Corynorhinus

townsendii)

A: None.

B: No effects

on potential

hibernacula

(mines or

caves). Low

potential for

A: Possible decreases of

foraging habitat due to

increasing pine stand

density and

encroachment of pine

into meadows and

riparian areas. Increase in

snag habitat.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

foraging habitat as a result

of pine encroachment and

fire.

B: Would not add to any

effects on hibernacula;

A: No impact.

B: May adversely

impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                113    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

mortality of

individual bats. B: Foraging habitat

enhancement through

removal of small pine

from overgrown edges of

riparian meadows.

Incidental loss of snags.

would not reduce pine

encroachment effects.  

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Black Hills

redbelly snake

(Storeria

occipitomaculata

pahasapae)

A: None.

B: Possibility of

individual

mortality due

to

management

activities and

motorized

traffic.

A: Potential loss of

habitat due to continuing

encroachment of pine in

riparian, hardwood and

meadow habitats.

B: Would maintain or

enhance habitat through

conservation of mesic

habitats and reduction of

pine encroachment in

riparian, hardwood and

meadow areas.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

habitat as a result of pine

encroachment and fire.

B: No addition to effects

on riparian and other

mesic habitats. Would add

to negative effects of

motorized travel during

project activities.

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Northern leopard

frog (Rana

pipiens)

A: None.

B: Possibility of

individual

mortality due

to

management

activities and

motorized

traffic.

A: Potential loss of

habitat due to continuing

encroachment of pine in

riparian and meadow

habitats. Continued

negative effects on

habitat from damaged

roads.

B: Would maintain or

enhance habitat through

watershed improvement

projects, conservation of

mesic habitats, and

reduction of pine

encroachment in riparian

and meadow areas.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of

habitat as a result of pine

encroachment and fire and

continued negative effects

on habitat from damaged

roads.

B: No addition to effects

on riparian and other

mesic habitats. Would add

to negative effects of

motorized travel during

project implementation.

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

Mountain sucker

(Catostomus

platyrhynchus)

A: None.

B: Low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Existing sources of

pollution, sedimentation

and fish barriers would

continue to contribute to

habitat degradation.

B: Would maintain or

enhance habitat through

watershed improvement

projects and conservation

of mesic habitats.

A: Water quality would

continue to be

incrementally negatively

impacted by existing

sources of pollution and

sedimentation.

B: Watershed

improvement projects and

road repair would be

expected to decrease

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                114    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

negative effects of

damaged and

unauthorized roads.

Cooper’s Rocky

Mountain snail

(Oreohelix

strigosa cooperi)

A: None.

B: Known

colonies

excluded from

proposed

activities.

Potential for

mortality if

unknown

colonies exist.

A: Potential for loss of

habitat due to fire would

remain high.

B: Potential for damage

to habitat at any

unknown colonies.

Reduction of fire hazard

may protect habitat.

A: Would not add to

negative effects of habitat

disturbance but would add

to increased potential for

loss of preferred habitat as

a result of fire.

B: Would not add to

effects on known colonies.

May reduce chance of

habitat loss due to fire.

May add to effects on

unknown colonies.

A and B: May

adversely impact

individuals but

not likely to result

in a loss of

viability in the

planning area nor

cause a trend

toward Federal

listing.

MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES

Management indicator species for the Black Hills National Forest are designated in the Forest Plan

(USDA Forest Service 2005c). Although each of these species are known to or could potentially occur in

or near the Black Hills National Forest, not all of them have potential to occur in the Nautilus project

area. Table 3‐31 summarizes effects on these species. Full analyses are found in the Nautilus Project

Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2010).  If an MIS or its habitat were not found in the

project area, it was not identified for further analysis.  

Table 3‐28. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Management Indicator Species

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Black‐backed

woodpecker

(Picoides

arcticus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would remain

and potential for development

of additional habitat would

remain high.

B: Existing habitat would

remain; potential for

development of additional

habitat would decrease.

Prescribed burns expected to

positively affect habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to high

potential for development of

preferred habitat (burned/

infested forest).

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Continued availability of

burned and infested forest in

the project area and across

the national forest.

Brown creeper A: None. A: Existing habitat would A: Would add to increased
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                115    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

(Certhia

americana) B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

remain. Potential for loss of

habitat due to fire or insect

infestation would remain high.

B: Existing preferred habitat

would remain. Decrease of

potential future habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insect infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Additional loss of potential

habitat.

Golden‐

crowned

kinglet

(Regulus

satrapa)

A: None.

B: Very low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Existing preferred habitat

would remain. Potential for loss

of habitat due to fire or insects

would remain high.

B: No effect on existing

preferred habitat. Decreased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat due to fire or insects.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insects.  

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Ruffed grouse

(Bonasa

umbellus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Preferred habitat expected to

continue to decline.

B: Would enhance preferred

habitat.

A: Would add to decline in

preferred habitat.

B: Would not add to decline in

preferred habitat.

Song sparrow

(Melospiza

melodia)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Preferred habitat expected to

continue to decline.

B: Expected to enhance

preferred habitat and reduce

risk of loss to fire.

A: Would add to decline in

preferred habitat.

B: Would not add to decline in

preferred habitat.

Beaver (Castor

canadensis)

A: None.

B: Very low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Areas of disturbed soil would

continue to negatively affect

potential aquatic habitat.

Preferred aspen habitat

expected to continue to decline

with conifer encroachment and

fire hazard.

B: Would reduce disturbed soil

areas connected to potential

aquatic habitat. Expected to

enhance aspen and decrease

fire hazard.

A: Would add to decreases in

preferred aquatic, riparian

and aspen habitat.

B: Would not add to negative

effects on aquatic, riparian, or

aspen habitats.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                116    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

White‐tailed

deer

(Odocoileus

virginianus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Preferred habitats would

continue to decline in the

absence of disturbance.

B: Would enhance aspen,

foraging areas. New roads could

increase disturbance.

A: Would add to decreases in

preferred early‐seral habitat.

B: Would not add to negative

effects on habitat with the

exception of new roads.

Mountain

sucker

(Catostomus

platyrhynchus)

A: None.

B: Small

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: Existing sources of pollution,

sedimentation and fish barriers

would continue to contribute to

habitat degradation.

B: Would maintain or enhance

habitat through watershed

improvement projects and

conservation of mesic habitats.

A: Water quality would

continue to be incrementally

negatively impacted by

existing sources of pollution

and sedimentation.

B: Watershed improvement

projects and road repair

would be expected to

decrease negative effects of

damaged and unauthorized

roads.

SPECIES OF LOCAL CONCERN

For the Nautilus Project, risk analyses were completed only for those species that occur in the project

area or whose habitat occurs in the project area. Table 3‐32 summarizes effects on these species. Full

analyses are found in the Nautilus Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2010, Hirtzel

2010).

Table 3‐29. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Wildlife Species of Local Concern

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

American

dipper

(Cinclus

mexicanus)

A: None

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Existing sources of pollution,

sedimentation would continue

to contribute to habitat

degradation.

B: Would maintain or enhance

habitat through watershed

improvement projects and

conservation of mesic habitats.

A: Water quality would

continue to be incrementally

negatively impacted by

existing sources of pollution

and sedimentation.

B: Watershed improvement

projects and road repair

would be expected to

decrease negative effects of

damaged and unauthorized

roads.

Black‐and‐ A: None. A: Potential habitat may A: Would add to decreases of
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                117    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

white warbler

(Mniotilta

varia)

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

decrease over time as pine

encroachment continues.  

B: Proposed removal of conifer

from aspen stands would be

expected to enhance potential

habitat, as would prescribed

burning.

potential habitat.

B: Would not be expected to

add to negative effects on

hardwood habitats.

Broad‐winged

hawk (Buteo

platypterus)

and Cooper’s

hawk

(Accipiter

cooperi)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality and

loss of unknown

nests.

A: Potential habitat would

remain stable or increase in the

absence of disturbance.

B: No effect on preferred SS 5

habitat. Reduction of other

preferred habitat. Prescribed

burning expected to have

positive effects.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insect infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreases in

preferred dense/mature pine

habitat).

Sharp‐

shinned hawk

(Accipiter

striatus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality and

loss of unknown

nests.

A: Potential habitat would likely

decrease.

B: Would slightly decrease

preferred habitat.  

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insects.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (slight decrease in

preferred habitat).

Northern

saw‐whet owl

(Aegolius

acadicus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality and

loss of unknown

nests.

A: Potential habitat would

remain stable or increase in the

absence of disturbance.

B: No effect on preferred SS 5

habitat. Reduction of other

preferred habitat. Incidental loss

of snags.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insect infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and fore‐

seeable management

activities (overall decrease in

preferred habitat).

Pygmy

nuthatch

(Sitta

pygmaea)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality and

loss of unknown

nests.

A: Potential habitat would

remain stable in the absence of

disturbance.

B: No effect on preferred SS 5

habitat. Would decrease

preferred dense, mature stands.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insect infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and fore‐
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                118    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Would increase mature, open

stands. Incidental loss of snags.

seeable management

activities (overall decrease in

preferred habitat).

Long‐eared

myotis

(Myotis

evotis), long‐

legged myotis

(Myotis

volans),

northern

myotis

(Myotis

septen‐

trionalis),

small‐footed

myotis

(Myotis

ciliolabrum)

A: None.

B: No effects on

potential

hibernacula

(mines or caves).

Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Possible decrease of foraging

habitat due to increasing pine

stand density and

encroachment of pine into

meadows and riparian areas.

B: Habitat enhancement

through removal of small pine

from overgrown edges of

riparian meadows. Incidental

loss of snags.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of foraging

habitat as a result of pine

encroachment, fire and insect

infestation.

B: Would not add to any

effects on hibernacula; would

not add to pine encroachment

effects.  

Meadow

jumping

mouse (Zapus

hudsonius

campestris)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may

decrease over time in the

absence of disturbance.

B: Proposed removal of small

pine from meadows would be

expected to enhance potential

habitat.

A: Would add to decreases of

potential habitat.

B: Would not add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreases in

preferred meadow habitat).

Northern

flying squirrel

(Glaucomys

sabrinus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Potential habitat would

remain stable or increase in the

absence of disturbance.

B: No effect on preferred SS 5 or

white spruce habitats.

Reduction of other preferred

habitat. Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire or

insect infestation.

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and fore‐

seeable management

activities (overall decrease in

preferred habitat).

Atlantis

fritillary

(Speyeria

atlantis

pahasapa),

tawny

crescent

(Phyciodes

batesii)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may

decrease over time in the

absence of disturbance.

B: Proposed removal of small

pine from meadows would be

expected to enhance potential

habitat.

A: Would add to decreases of

potential habitat.

B: Would not add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreases in

preferred meadow habitat).
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                119    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Callused

vertigo

(Vertigo

arthuri), frigid

ambersnail

(Catinella

gelida),

mystery

vertigo

(Vertigo

paradoxa),

striate disc

(Discus

shimekii)

A: None.

B: Known

colonies

excluded from

proposed

activities.

Potential for

mortality if

unknown

colonies exist.

A: Potential for loss of habitat

due to fire would remain high.

B: Potential for damage to

habitat at any unknown

colonies. Reduction of fire

hazard may protect habitat.

A: Would not add to negative

effects of habitat disturbance

but would add to increased

potential for loss of preferred

habitat as a result of fire.

B: Would not add to effects

on known colonies. May

reduce chance of habitat loss

due to fire. May add to effects

on unknown colonies.

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Many species of migratory birds are of international concern because of naturally small ranges, loss of

habitat, population declines, and other factors. Species of concern applicable to project‐level

conservation are identified by many sources including the Endangered Species Act, the Region 2

sensitive species list, the Forest MIS list, the USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) 2008

publication (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2008), and the Wyoming Partners in Flight (PIF) Plan

(Nicholoff 2003) (note: South Dakota does not yet have a PIF plan). All of these sources and their

respective species of concern, except the BCC and Wyoming PIF, have been examined in the Nautilus

Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2010) or the Nautilus Project Wildlife and

Fisheries Biological Evaluation (Goldberg 2010). Effects on species not addressed elsewhere are

summarized in Table 3‐33 and addressed in detail in the Nautilus Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource

Report (Goldberg 2010).

Table 3‐30. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Migratory Birds

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Golden eagle

(Aquila

chrysaetos)

A: None.

B: Very low

potential for

individual

mortality.

A: None.

B: May slightly increase foraging

habitat.

A: None.

B: Would not add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreases in

preferred open foraging

habitat).

Red‐headed

woodpecker

(Melanerpes

A: None.

B: Low potential

A: Existing habitat would remain

and potential for development

of additional habitat would

A: Would add to increased

potential for development of

preferred habitat (burned
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                120    Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

erythrocephalus) for individual

mortality.

remain high.

B: Existing habitat would

remain; potential for

development of additional

habitat would increase.

Prescribed burns expected to

positively affect habitat.

Incidental loss of snags.

forest, insect outbreaks).

B: Would add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreased fire

hazard and beetle risk).

Continued availability of

burned forest in the project

area and across the national

forest.

Black‐billed

cuckoo (Coccyzus

erythropthalmus)

A: None.

B: Low potential

for individual

mortality.

A: Habitat may decrease over

time with conversion of

hardwood areas to pine.

B: Prescribed burning and

removal of small pine from

hardwoods may help perpetuate

habitat.

A: None.

B: Would not add to effects of

recent, ongoing, and

foreseeable management

activities (decreases in

preferred hardwood habitats).

3.6 Botany

3.6.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for botanical resources.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Botany Specialist Report and Biological

Evaluation (Larson 2010), which are located in the Nautilus project file.

3.6.2 Existing Conditions

Pre‐field Review and Species Considered and Evaluated

Federally Listed Plant Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provides a list of federally Threatened (T), Endangered (E),

and Proposed (P) species via their South Dakota Field Office Internet site:

http://southdakotafieldoffice.fws.gov/endsppbycounty.htm, updated September 9, 2008.  No federally

listed or proposed plant species occur in any South Dakota county in the Black Hills National Forest

(BHNF).

Region 2 Sensitive Plant Species

The BHNF received the Forest Service Region 2 (R2) sensitive species list in 1993 from the Regional

Forester.  This list is periodically updated and the current list was signed on June 9, 2009.  Table 3‐34

contains the R2 sensitive plant species that occur within the BHNF.  No R2 sensitive plant species are

known to occur within the Nautilus project area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                121    Northern Hills Ranger District

Prior to the 2007 field season, a pre‐field review of R2 sensitive plant species and high probability plant

habitat was completed using topographic maps, local knowledge, and the BHNF Plant Database (USDA‐

Forest Service 2010), which includes both survey and monitoring data.  Based on the pre‐field review, it

was determined that additional surveys were needed.  Surveys were conducted of the entire project

area in 2007.

All R2 sensitive plant species occurring in the BHNF were considered in the review.  Habitat exists in the

Nautilus project area for several R2 sensitive plant species known to occur within the Black Hills.  

Potential habitat is habitat that meets the requirements of a species.  Different species may have

different requirements and not all requirements may be understood at this time.  Habitat may be

suitable but unoccupied and it may exhibit varying degrees of quality and there is likely a spectrum of

suitability that varies in time.   

Based on the most updated available information and professional judgment, species not known to

occur within the project area and with habitat preferences differing from habitat types present are not

analyzed in the effects analysis portion of this document, since no impacts would occur.  Table 3‐34

summarizes R2 sensitive plant species known to occur in the project area, those having potential habitat

in the project area, and those species with habitat preferences differing from habitats present within the

Nautilus project area, including the rationale for their exclusion from effects analysis.   

Table 3‐31.  US Forest Service R2 Sensitive Plant Species Known from the Black Hills National Forest

Scientific Name Common Name(s) Known to Occur in

Project Area?

Potential Habitat

Present in Project

Area?

Species Addressed

in Effects

Analysis?

Botrychium

campestre

prairie moonwort,

Iowa moonwort

No Unknown;

potential habitat

not yet defined

Yes

Botrychium lineare narrowleaf

grapefern, slender

moonwort

No Unknown;

potential habitat

not yet defined

Yes

Carex alopecoidea foxtail sedge No Yes Yes

Cypripedium

parviflorum

yellow lady’s

slipper

No Yes Yes

Epipactis gigantea giant helleborine No No No

Lycopodium

complanatum

trailing clubmoss No Yes Yes

Platanthera

orbiculata

large round‐leaf

orchid

No Yes Yes

Salix candida sage willow No No No

Salix serissima autumn willow No No No

Sanguinaria

Canadensis

bloodroot No Yes Yes

Sphagnum

angustifolium

narrowleaf

peatmoss

No No No

Viburnum opulus

var. americanum

highbush

cranberry

No Yes Yes

Viola selkirkii great‐spurred No No No
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                122    Northern Hills Ranger District

violet

Species of Local Concern

SOLC are plant, fish and wildlife species (including subspecies or varieties) that do not meet the criteria

for sensitive status. These could include species with declining trends in only a portion of Region 2, or

those that are important components of diversity in a local area. The local area is defined as NFS lands

within the BHNF.  To be eligible for designation as a SOLC, the species (or subspecies, variety or stock)

must be recognized through an established scientific process, and must be known to occur on NFS lands

within the BHNF.   

All species of local concern (SOLC) plant species occurring in the BHNF were considered in this review.  

Potential habitat is habitat that meets the requirements of a species.  Different species may have

different requirements and not all requirements may be understood at this time.  Habitat may be

suitable but unoccupied and it may exhibit varying degrees of quality and there is likely a spectrum of

suitability that varies in time.   

Habitat exists in the Nautilus project area for several SOLC plants and there is one known occurrence of

Petasites sagittatus within the project area.  Habitats of R2 Sensitive and SOLC plants are similar; in

many known sites throughout the Forest populations from both conservation categories co‐occur.  

Therefore, the effects on R2 Sensitive and SOLC plants and their habitats are also similar.

Based on the most updated available information and professional judgment, species not known to

occur within the project area and with habitat preferences differing from habitat types present are not

analyzed in the effects analysis portion of this document, since no impacts would occur.  Table 3‐35

summarizes SOLC plant species known to occur in the project area, those having potential habitat in the

project area, and those considered in the effects analysis.   

Table 3‐32.  Black Hills National Forest Plant Species of Local Concern and Rationale for Further Analysis

Scientific Name Common Name Species Known to

Occur in Project

Area?

Suitable Habitat

Present in Project

Area?

Species Addressed

in Effects

Analysis?

Adiantum capillus‐

veneris

southern

maidenhair fern

No No No

Botrychium

multifidum

leathery grapefern No Yes Yes

Carex bella showy sedge No No No

Eleocharis

rostellata

beaked spikerush No No No

Gentiana affinis pleated gentian No Yes Yes

Listera

convallarioides

broadlipped

twayblade

No Yes Yes

Lycopodium

annotinum

stiff clubmoss No Yes Yes

Oxyria digyna alpine

mountainsorrel

No No No

Petasites

sagittatus

arrowleaf sweet

coltsfoot

Yes Yes Yes

Polystichum northern hollyfern No Yes Yes
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                123    Northern Hills Ranger District

lonchitis

Salix lucida ssp.

caudata

shining willow No Yes Yes

Habitat may be present in the project area for six additional SOLC plants.  The primary habitat for the

seven total SOLC plants with possible habitat in the project area can be categorized as moist forested

communities or riparian communities (Table 3‐36).  Any potentially suitable habitat that may exist

overlaps with suitable habitat for R2 sensitive plant species (moist forested and riparian areas).  

Therefore, design criteria for sensitive species and SOLC are the same (see Appendix C).   

The table below places the plant SOLC known to occur in the project area and those suspected to have

habitat in the project area into general habitat categories.  These habitat categories form the basis of

the effects analysis below.   

Table 3‐33. Assignment of Habitat Categories for Analysis

Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Category # of Known Occurrences in

the Project Area

Botrychium multifidum leathery grapefern moist forest/riparian

meadow

0

Gentiana affinis pleated gentian riparian meadow 0

Listera convallarioides broadlipped twayblade moist forest 0

Lycopodium annotinum stiff clubmoss moist forest 0

Petasites sagittatus arrowleaf sweet coltsfoot riparian 1

Polystichum lonchitis northern hollyfern moist forest 0

Salix lucida ssp. caudata shining willow riparian 0

Other Plant Species

There are several uncommon plants in the Nautilus project area that do not appear on the R2 sensitive

plant species list or the Black Hills plant SOLC list, but they merit consideration.  Plants tracked by the

South Dakota Natural Heritage Database are of particular conservation concern.  These plants and their

conservation status are listed in Table 3‐37.

Table 3‐34.  Other Plant Species of Conservation Interest Known to Occur in Nautilus Project Area

Scientific Name Target

List*

SD

Rank**

Total found

in  2007

Survey***

Botrychium minganense PI NRUR 1

Botrychium simplex II S3 3

Botrychium virginianum II NRUR 1

Carex capillaris SD S3 4

Carex granularis II NRUR 6

Carex lepalea SD S3 1

Carex pedunculata N/A S4? 2

Carex rosea II NRUR 5

Geum rivale PI NRUR 1

Lycopus uniflorus II NRUR 2

Muhlenbergia glomerata SD S4? 3

Scirpus cyperinus SD NRUR 1
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                124    Northern Hills Ranger District

*Target List:  SD=South Dakota Natural Heritage Database Ranked; R2=Region 2 sensitive species relevant to BHNF; II=

insufficient information; PI=other species of interest.

**Rank:  S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled; S3=vulnerable; S4=apparently secure; NRUR=not ranked under review (may or

may not be rare); ?=inexact rank.

***Number represents either individual sporophytes or above ground plants, or distinct clumps of rhizomatous or vegetatively

reproducing plants.

Field Reconnaisance

Survey Methods

The Nautilus project area was surveyed specifically for sensitive plant species and potential sensitive

plant habitat during the 2007 field season.  Data is also available on sensitive plant habitat and

occurrences for the project area from other surveys conducted within the project boundary for

numerous small projects from 1993‐2007.  Although some of these surveys are obsolete (i.e. surveys

conducted for a different suite of sensitive plant species or targeting different community types) they

still provide useful information on habitats and occurrences within the area.  Information from all

surveys conducted within the project area boundary along with aerial photographs, Hillshade (GIS

spatial analysis tool, described below), topographic maps, and local professional knowledge of the area

was used in the analysis of the project area.

The 2004 and 2007 surveys were conducted by a qualified contractor.  The focus of surveys was not only

on locating individual sensitive plants but also on identifying and mapping community types, associated

species, indicator species, and the probability of an area to support sensitive plant species.   

Areas to survey were stratified using a combination of Hillshade, aerial photographs, topographic maps,

local knowledge, and professional judgment during field reconnaissance.  Over the past several years,

Hillshade has been field verified and has proven to be very helpful in predicting high probability sensitive

plant habitat in the northern Black Hills.  Hillshade uses the length of time and intensity of the sun in

relation to topography to predict shade and therefore moisture content across the landscape.  It has

been observed in the northern Black Hills that moisture is one factor driving the presence of high

probability sensitive plant habitat for most sensitive plant species.  Hillshade may miss pockets of high

probability plant habitat but, more often, it overestimates high probability plant habitat and for these

reasons, is best used with other analysis tools.  Areas that appeared to be high probability habitat were

surveyed with an intuitively controlled/general survey intensity with a focus on identifying sensitive

plant habitat in addition to locating individual sensitive plants.  A sample of areas that were considered

low probability were field checked in order to test assumptions and methodologies.  

Habitat Encountered During Survey/Identification of Potential Habitat

Potential sensitive plant habitats in the Nautilus project area are moist spruce stands, paper birch and

birch/aspen stands, riparian areas, and other sites where additional water is present (e.g. springs,

seeps).  In general, high quality sites have little to no disturbance from logging (skid trails, landings),

livestock use (trailing, browsing), or recreation impacts, resulting in minimal weed infestations, soil

compaction, and other alterations of microhabitat characteristics.  Additional potential habitat in the

project area includes meadows underlain with a limestone‐derived soil which are thought to be

potential habitat for Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare.    

The Nautilus project area contains a moderate proportion of the Forest’s habitat considered suitable to

support current sensitive plant species.  It is estimated that the potential habitat (which does not
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                125    Northern Hills Ranger District

include potential Botrychium habitat) is approximately 6% of the project area.  See Figure 3‐12 for

potential plant habitat in the project area.   

The process used for identifying potential habitat in the Nautilus project area was as follows:

1. Contractors surveyed the project area and collected data on sensitive and other rare plants and

mapped plant habitats by community type.

2. The areas that the contractors identified as potential plant habitat were further refined by a

Forest Service botanist using topographic maps, aerial photos, Hillshade, known sensitive plant

sites, local knowledge, and additional field observations.

3. Potential habitat was digitized, creating a GIS shapefile.

Figure 3‐8.  Identified Potential Sensitive and SOLC Plant Habitat in the Nautilus Project Area

3.6.3 Environmental Consquences

Because R2 sensitive plants and BHNF SOLC share the same suitable habitat in the Nautilus project area,

the effects to the species that either exist or have suitable habitat in the project area are considered

together.  Determinations are made only for sensitive species as doing so is not required for SOLC.  

However, in general, the determinations made for sensitive species would apply to SOLC as well.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

No direct effects to known occurrences of Carex alopecoidea, Cypripedium parviflorum, Lycopodium

complanatum, Platanthera orbiculata, Sanguinaria canadensis, Viburnum opulus var. americanum,

Botrychium multifidum, Gentiana affinis, Listera convallarioides, Lycopodium annotinum, Petasites

sagittatus, Polystichum lonchitis, or Salix lucida ssp. caudata or potential habitat of moist forested and

riparian communities would occur under Alternative A, since no actions would occur.  Ongoing activities
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                126    Northern Hills Ranger District

such as recreation, fire suppression, and road maintenance would continue.  Management activities

analyzed under other environmental documents would continue to occur.  Alternative A would maintain

existing sensitive plant species habitat and protect biodiversity in the short‐term (next 20 years),

although over time there may be indirect effects that cause changes in potential habitat (e.g. change in

species composition due to succession, lack of disturbance, or changes from disturbance such as insect

outbreaks and wildfires).  The absence of treatments under Alternative A could contribute to indirect

negative effects for sensitive and SOLC plant species and their habitats due to continued and increased

risk of insect outbreaks and high severity wildfires.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis considers the potential cumulative effects of the past, present and future

foreseeable actions on sensitive and SOLC plant species and their habitat.  The cumulative effects area for

the six R2 sensitive plant species and seven SOLC analyzed in this section is suitable plant habitat within

the project area, defined as moist forested and riparian communities.  The indirect and cumulative effects

analysis for species persistence is bounded in time as the next 50 years, as described in the Phase II FEIS

(USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).  This temporal scale is based on: a) the planning horizon (usually 50 years for

a Forest plan); b) the biology of the species (e.g.  generation time, response time to changed conditions,

recolonization capability); and c) the time needed for the overall ecosystem to respond to proposed

management (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).

Past, present and reasonably foreseeable activities within the Nautilus project area include timber

harvest, timber stand improvement and KV activities, timber thinning, wildfire, grazing, temporary road

construction and maintenance, noxious weed control, wildlife habitat improvement projects, and

developed and dispersed recreational use on both the public land and private land in the area.  A list

documenting known past and planned future activities for this area is included in the project record.

Soil disturbance, introduction of invasive species, removal of natural disturbance cycles, and changes in

microsite moisture and hydrologic regimes can negatively affect sensitive and SOLC plant species and

their habitats.  Historical management in the Black Hills has created changes in moist forested and

riparian areas from livestock grazing, road building, fire suppression, recreation, mining activities, water

diversion, and near‐extirpation of beaver, which have likely decreased suitability of many of these

habitats for sensitive plant species.   

The absence of treatments under Alternative A could contribute to negative cumulative effects for

sensitive and SOLC plant species and their habitats.  Negative cumulative effects have been created

from suppression of fire over the past 100 years.  In the long‐term, continuing fire suppression in the

absence of other vegetation treatments would likely result in increased fuel loading and increase the

wildfire susceptibility of stands adjacent to sensitive and SOLC plant species or habitat.  This could create

more intense wildfire conditions potentially resulting in wildfire spreading into areas of sensitive or

SOLC plant habitat that would likely, under less intense conditions, act as a fuel break.  In some cases,

increased fuel loading could potentially cause a reduction in available water to sensitive and SOLC plant

species habitat

Under Alternative A, travel management would remain the same as it is now.  No new roads,

reconstructed roads, or decommissioned roads are proposed.  Therefore, negative cumulative effects

resulting from temporary or reconstructed roads included in Alternative B would not occur.  In addition,

beneficial effects from decommissioning roads would not occur.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                127    Northern Hills Ranger District

Determinations

Implementation of Alternative A would result in no direct or indirect effects on sensitive plant species or

their habitats in the short term (next 20 years).  In the long‐term there may be risks associated with the

indirect and cumulative effects noted above.  Therefore, implementation of Alternative A “May

adversely impact individuals, but [is] not likely to result in a loss of viability in the planning area, nor

cause a trend toward federal listing” for the six R2 sensitive plant species with potential habitat in the

project area analyzed in this section (Carex alopecoidea, Cypripedium parviflorum, Lycopodium

complanatum, Platanthera orbiculata, Sanguinaria canadensis, and Viburnum opulus var. americanum).

Alternative B (Proposed Action)  

Direct and Indirect Effects

Mechanical Vegetation Treatment‐Direct Effects

With design criteria in place, it is anticipated that there would be minimal direct effects from mechanical

vegetation treatments to potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat of moist forested and riparian

communities under Alternative B because the sites would be avoided.  Refer to Appendix C for specific

design criteria.

One plant SOLC is known to occur in the Nautilus project area: Petasites sagittatus (arrowleaf sweet

coltsfoot).  The single occurrence of this plant within the project area is located in a meadow proposed

to be treated for pine encroachment under Alternative B.  Smaller diameter pine would be removed by

hand, and the saturated soils in which this plant lives would be avoided, creating a buffer around the

population and its riparian habitat.

With design criteria in place, no known occurrences or potential habitat are planned for direct

mechanical vegetation treatment; however, the possibility still exists for a small amount of overlap with

potential plant habitat and adjacent mechanical treatment units, due to differences in accuracy in

mapping and human error.  Therefore, these treatments may result in direct impacts to habitat or

individuals, both known and yet undiscovered sites, such as trampling of habitat and individual plants

from machinery running through habitat and over individuals.  Ground disturbance and soil compaction

is possible to potential habitat in mechanical units that could result from heavy equipment entering and

being used in the area.   

Therefore, while direct impacts to sensitive or SOLC plant occurrences and habitat are possible from

27,347 acres of mechanical treatment in Alternative B, the risk of direct effects resulting from

mechanical treatments is expected to be low due to the following:

1. The project area has been surveyed for R2 sensitive and Forest SOLC plant species and potential

habitat.

2. Design criteria have been incorporated to reduce the risk of potential negative impacts.   

3. Potential overlap, if it occurs, would most likely be a small percentage (in ecotones between

plant communities) of the total estimated potential plant habitat in the project area.

4. Risk is further reduced to riparian areas and moist soils (where most sensitive and SOLC plants

occur) through protective measures associated with Forest Service Manual 2509.25 ‐ Watershed

Conservation Practices Handbook.   
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                128    Northern Hills Ranger District

Prescribed Fire Treatments‐Direct Effects

A total of 25,350 acres of the project area is analyzed for prescribed burning.  It is not expected that all

of this acreage will be burned.  Rather, it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 acres per year, a total

of 10,000 acres over the life of this project, would actually be implemented.  The full 25,350 acres is

being analyzed for burning to allow for flexibility in the future.  Specific burn units would be selected

after the initial vegetation treatments have been completed and resulting site conditions are observed.  

For each prescribed burn that is conducted, a site specific burn plan would be developed prior to

implementation.  There are no known occurrences of sensitive or SOLC plants within proposed

prescribed fire treatments.

The intensity and severity of a fire as it burns through vegetation is determined by three environmental

factors:  weather, topography, and fuels.  One aspect of weather that affects fire behavior is the

addition and subtraction of moisture in vegetation and down woody material through relative humidity

and precipitation.  Topography, especially the direction a slope faces, or the aspect of the slope, also

affects fire behavior; south and west facing slopes tend to be hot and dry while north and east facing

slopes tend to be cooler and moister.  Fuels (wildland vegetation and down woody material) create

different types of fire behavior based in part on fuel moisture and fuel temperature.   

The areas of potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat within the Nautilus project area are generally

found in cool, moist drainages and on northerly aspects.  The location of this habitat creates areas

where wildland fuels are exposed to more moisture (higher relative humidity, retention of snow pack)

and cooler temperatures due to shading.  Because of this, potential plant habitat will not typically carry

a fire even during summer months when other locations are susceptible to fire.  The prescribed burning

proposed in this project would be conducted in the spring (May) and fall (mid‐September‐January) to

take advantage of moderate daytime temperatures and low night time temperatures, higher relative

humidity, increased chance of precipitation, lower fuel temperatures and higher fuel moisture content.

By utilizing moderate weather conditions and taking advantage of the vegetation’s limited capacity to

carry fire, it is possible to contain a prescribed fire without constructing soil disturbing control line (i.e.

handline or dozerline).  Instead, two other control techniques, wet lining and black lining, can be used in

addition to these natural fuel breaks, to contain the prescribed fire.   

Black lining can be used where suitable and SOLC plant habitat occurs within or adjacent to a burn unit.  

During implementation the ignition crews would not ignite within the potential habitat but would ignite

adjacent to these areas. Because suitable and SOLC plant habitat typically does not carry fire, the fire

that is ignited adjacent to the habitat would move away from the habitat as it burns into fuels that are

more receptive to fire (timber litter) creating a “black” unburnable area adjacent to the habitat.  Though

suitable plant habitat does not typically carry a fire, some low intensity creeping of the fire into the

habitat can be expected prior to the fire extinguishing itself in the moist fuels.   

Wet lining can be used in conjunction with black lining to further minimize impacts to suitable plant

habitat.  In areas where fire engines or hose lays can be used, personnel would precede the ignition

team to pre‐treat vegetation in the potential habitat by wetting the vegetation with water making it

resistant to fire.  
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                129    Northern Hills Ranger District

Activities associated with prescribed fire treatments proposed in Alternative B may result in direct

impacts to habitat or to individuals, such as crushing or burning of habitat and individual plants.  Light

ground disturbance is likely in burn units due to fire and personnel entering the area.   

Mechanical Vegetation Treatments and Prescribed Fire Treatments‐Indirect Effects

There may be beneficial indirect effects to sensitive and SOLC plant species and potential sensitive and

SOLC plant habitat through implementation of Alternative B.  Reducing fuels directly adjacent to these

species through mechanical treatments and prescribed burning may decrease the risk of unnaturally

intense wildfires reaching individuals.  This would benefit the species and their habitat.  Ecotones

between potential plant habitat and pine stands and adjacent pine stands themselves may have a strong

influence on the health of potential habitat, particularly relative to fuel loads and wildfire susceptibility.  

Heavy fuel loading may lead to widespread, high severity wildfires that could negatively affect moist

forested communities and riparian communities which, under less intense conditions, may act as fuel

breaks.  Reducing fuels in the project area via mechanical treatments and prescribed burns could, in the

case of a wildfire, cause crown fires to drop to the ground before burning into potential habitat.  This

could reduce the likelihood of stand‐replacing events impacting moist forested and riparian

communities.  Management that includes prescribed burning and selective thinning of adjacent conifer

stands could maintain a mosaic of seral stages, increase available moisture and decrease the potential

for widespread crown fires (Hornbeck et al. 2003).  Resulting patches of paper birch, and other moist

communities, may act as natural fuel breaks.  As a forest type, paper birch stands are one of the least

flammable.  The canopy often has high moisture content and lush understory.  Crown fires in coniferous

stands often stop at the boundary of large paper birch stands or become slow‐moving ground fires

(Uchytil 1991).   

Another potential indirect effect that is difficult to predict and quantify and could be negative or positive

depending on magnitude and location is changes in soil moisture and hydrologic function of the area

and changes in water and nutrient uptake by vegetation resulting from a reduction of vegetation in

adjacent pine stands via silvicultural treatments and prescribed burns (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).  It is

possible that an increase in available moisture could occur and that increase would improve or expand

suitable sensitive or SOLC plant habitat.  

Indirect effects to potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat under Alternative B include the possibility

for degradation of habitat by invasion or spread of noxious weeds resulting from adjacent or immediate

disturbances (mechanical vegetation treatments or prescribed burning).  Standards and guidelines

present in the Forest Plan and the Black Hills National Forest Noxious Weed Management Plan would

help reduce indirect effects on sensitive or SOLC plant occurrences and potential habitat due to the

spread of weeds.  Noxious weeds may out‐compete desired plant species, and spray from herbicides

used to help control weeds can also have negative effects on sensitive and SOLC plants.   

There is also the risk that prescribed fire may behave differently than anticipated or result in patchy

areas of higher severity burning.  The possibility of escape of a prescribed burn, while greatly minimized

by the precautions taken, could negatively impact potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat in a manner

similar to wildfire.  Small patches of higher severity burning may also occur, and could have adverse

impacts to potential sensitive plant habitat, including removal of shading overstory, disruption of soil

micro‐organisms, invasion of noxious weeds or non‐native plant species, and destruction of the seed

bank due to consumption or high soil temperatures.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                130    Northern Hills Ranger District

Meadow Enhancement and Hardwood Enhancement Treatments‐Direct and Indirect Effects

The objective of these proposed treatments is to maintain aspen, paper birch, bur oak, and meadow

communities by reducing competition from ponderosa pine.  Commercial hardwood enhancement treatments

would involve the removal of pine trees greater than nine inches in diameter. The commercial treatments would

use heavy machinery for the removal of these larger trees. With the non‐commercial hardwood and meadow

enhancements (both non‐mechanized treatments), smaller trees would be removed from aspen and meadow

areas.   

Because design criteria do not allow for mechanical treatment within potential habitat, direct effects to sensitive

and SOLC plant species and potential habitat are likely to be minimal.  However, the possibility still exists for a

small amount of overlap with potential habitat and adjacent mechanical treatment.  Possible effects include

trampling of individual plants, ground disturbance and soil compaction resulting from use of heavy equipment.

The single occurrence of Petasites sagittatus, a SOLC, is in a meadow that is proposed to be treated for

pine encroachment.  Smaller diameter pine would be removed by hand, and the saturated soils in which

this plant lives would be avoided, creating a buffer around the population and its riparian habitat.  A

similar non‐mechanical pine removal treatment is also proposed for the small montane meadow (RIS

Stand 081704‐31).

Indirect effects to sensitive and SOLC plant occurrences and potential habitat under Alternative B

include the possibility for degradation of habitat by invasion or spread of noxious weeds resulting from

adjacent or immediate disturbances.  It is anticipated that more disturbance would result from

commercial hardwood enhancements than with non‐commercial (hand) treatments of meadow and

hardwood enhancements.  Standards and guidelines present in Forest Plan and the Black Hills National

Forest Noxious Weed Management Plan would help reduce indirect effects on sensitive and SOLC plant

occurrences and potential habitat due to the spread of weeds.  Noxious weeds may out‐compete

desired plant species, and spray from herbicides used to help control weeds can also have negative

effects on sensitive plants.   

Transportation System Changes‐Direct and Indirect Effects

The transportation system included as part of the proposed action includes segments of converted,

temporary and reconstructed roads that cross potential sensitive plant habitat (Table 3‐38).  No new

road construction would pass through potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat.  No direct impacts to

sensitive plants would occur since there are no known populations within the Nautilus project area;

likewise, none of the segments are in the vicinity of the Petasites sagittatus occurrence so no impacts to

SOLC would occur.  There are possible negative impacts from road related activity to potential sensitive

and SOLC plant habitat primarily from disturbance of native vegetation and potential for spread of

noxious weeds.  Standards and guidelines present in the Forest Plan and the Black Hills National Forest

Noxious Weed Management Plan will help reduce indirect effects on sensitive and SOLC plant

occurrences and potential habitat due to the spread of weeds.  Design criteria to limit the spread of

noxious weeds are included in Alternative B (see Appendix C).
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                131    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐35.  Alternative B transportation system changes within potential plant habitat

Alternative B Miles within potential

Sensitive Plant Habitat

Convert (non‐system to system) 0.23

Reconstruction 9.2

Temporary 0.8

Road construction or maintenance in or adjacent to potential habitat may result in direct effects to

individual sensitive or SOLC plant species and potential sensitive plant habitat under Alternative B.  

There is the potential for heavy equipment to crush or kill individual sensitive or SOLC plants, which are

currently not known to exist, or to degrade or destroy habitat.  These effects are reduced for road

reconstruction, since any potential plant habitat is likely already degraded or destroyed due to past road

construction and maintenance activities.

Road construction or maintenance in or adjacent to potential habitat may also result in indirect effects

to sensitive or SOLC plant occurrences and potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat under Alternative

B.  There is the potential for degradation of habitat by invasion or spread of noxious weeds resulting

from road building disturbances.  Roads act as corridors for the dispersal of invasive weeds and weeds

are one of the greatest risks to sensitive and SOLC plant species, particularly for those found in riparian

areas and wetlands due to the concentration of a variety of management activities and uses that occur

in these habitats (USDA‐Forest Service 1999).   

Standards and guidelines present in the Forest Plan and the Black Hills National Forest Noxious Weed

Management Plan would help reduce indirect effects on sensitive and SOLC plant occurrences and

potential habitat due to the spread of weeds.  Noxious weeds have the potential to out‐compete desired

plant species, and spray from herbicides used to help control weeds can also have negative effects on

sensitive plants.   

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects area for the six R2 sensitive plant species and seven Forest SOLC species analyzed

in this section is potential habitat within the project area, which is defined as moist forested and riparian

communities.  The cumulative effects analysis for species persistence is bounded in time as the next 50

years, as described in the Phase II FEIS.  This temporal scale is based on: a) the planning horizon (usually 50

years for a Forest plan); b) the biology of the species (e.g., generation time, response time to changed

conditions, recolonization capability); and c) the time needed for the overall ecosystem to respond to

proposed management (USDA‐Forest Service 2005a).

Past, present and reasonably foreseeable activities within the Nautilus project area include timber

harvest, timber stand improvement and KV activities, timber thinning, wildfire, grazing, temporary road

construction and maintenance, noxious weed control, wildlife habitat improvement projects, and

developed and dispersed recreational use on both the public land and private land in the area.  A list

documenting known past and planned future activities for this area is included in the project record.

Soil disturbance, introduction of invasive species, increased fuel loading, and changes in micro site

moisture and hydrologic regimes can negatively affect sensitive and SOLC plant habitat.  Historical

management in the Black Hills has created changes in potential plant habitat from livestock grazing,

road building, recreation, fire suppression, mining activities, water diversion, and near‐extirpation of
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                132    Northern Hills Ranger District

beaver, all of which have decreased suitability of many areas as habitat for sensitive and SOLC plant

species.  

Implementation of Alternative B could contribute to the spread of invasive species and noxious weeds

resulting from soil disturbing activities in the proximity of sensitive or SOLC plant species.  These

activities include mechanical treatments associated with logging, fuel reduction practices, and

commercial hardwood enhancements, prescribed burning, and road building and road reconstruction.  

Invasive species, especially noxious weeds, have the ability to out‐compete desired plants, and spray

from herbicides, used to help control weeds, can also have negative effects on sensitive and SOLC plants

and their habitats.  Adherence to standards and guidelines present in the Forest Plan and the Black Hills

National Forest Noxious Weed Management Plan would likely reduce cumulative effects of weed spread

and new establishment.   

Treatments focused on the reduction of unnaturally heavy fuel loads due to the suppression of fire over

the past 100 years have the potential to contribute beneficial effects to suitable plant habitat.  

Management that includes prescribed burning and selective thinning of adjacent conifer stands could

maintain a mosaic of seral stages, increase available moisture, and decrease the potential for

widespread crown fires.  Resulting patches of paper birch would provide firebreaks due to the low

flammability of the birch type.  Birch firebreaks can greatly alter the spread of fire across the landscape,

causing crown fires to drop to the ground or even stop.  In addition to slowing the spread of crown fires,

landscape patchiness resulting from small‐scale disturbances would provide a strategy whereby both

fire‐adapted and fire‐sensitive species are more likely to be maintained (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).   

Determinations   

A determination of “May adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability on

the Planning Area, nor cause a trend toward federal listing” is made for Carex alopecoidea (foxtail

sedge), Cypripedium parviflorum (yellow lady’s slipper), Lycopodium complanatum (trailing clubmoss),

Platanthera orbiculata (large round‐leaved orchid), Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot), and Viburnum

opulus var. americanum (highbush cranberry) for implementation of Alternative B based on the

following:

1.The Nautilus project area was surveyed specifically for sensitive plant species and

potential sensitive plant habitats.  

2.Design criteria, the majority of which is avoidance, is in place for potential habitat

under the proposed action.

3.There are no known occurrences of these plants within the Nautilus project area.

4.Viability determinations were made at the Forest level in the Phase II FEIS assuming

that conservation measures (objectives and protective standards and guidelines) are

applied and implemented as written.  Standards and guidelines are being followed for

the proposed action in the Nautilus project area.   

Summary

Minimal to no treatments would occur in the areas identified as potential plant habitat in order to

conserve habitat and biodiversity in the project area.  These habitats are naturally lower insect

infestation and fire hazard areas due to additional moisture, less flammable fuel types, and vegetation

types with dominant tree species other than ponderosa pine.  Potential habitats include moist birch,

moist birch/aspen, moist spruce, and areas with moist to saturated soils (low slopes, springs, seeps, and
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                133    Northern Hills Ranger District

riparian areas).  Potential habitat also tends to overlap with the Watershed Influence Zone (WIZ), sites

with soil stability issues, and potential wildlife conservation sites (e.g. snails and pine marten corridors),

all of which have additional management measures and design criteria associated with them.   

While no known populations of sensitive plant species occur within the Nautilus project area, potential

habitat is included in some proposed treatment units.  However, avoidance or other appropriate

conservation measures exist for occurrences and potential habitat and they are included in the design

criteria shapefile.  More specifically, for mechanical treatments (e.g. thinning to various basal areas,

seed cuts, overstory removals, commercial thins, commercial hardwood enhancements), avoidance is

incorporated as design criteria, for prescribed fire no creation of control lines is incorporated as design

criteria, and for meadow enhancements, treatments consider known plant occurrences and their needs.   

Treatments that reduce risk of insect infestation and fuel loading adjacent to potential sensitive plant

habitat are thought to aid in long‐term conservation of such habitats by reducing the risk of unnaturally

intense wildfires, which could have a greater negative impact on both unknown populations and the

future capacity to sustain sensitive plant populations.  In the Record of Decision for the Phase II

Amendment the Regional Forester is “accepting small short‐term negative effects on fish, wildlife, and

plant populations caused by vegetation treatments that reduce forest density.  However, these

treatments protect and provide habitat needed for long‐term viability by reducing susceptibility to

damaging fires and insect epidemics (36 CFR 219.19(a)(5)” (USDA‐Forest Service 2005b).

The transportation system included as part of the proposed action includes segments of temporary and

reconstructed roads that cross potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat.  No new road construction

would pass through potential sensitive and SOLC plant habitat.  No direct impacts to sensitive or SOLC

plants would occur since there are no known populations of sensitive plants within the Nautilus project

area and design criteria would protect the one known occurrence of a SOLC plant.  There are possible

negative impacts from road related activity to potential sensitive or SOLC plant habitat primarily from

disturbance of native vegetation and potential for spread of noxious weeds.  Design criteria to limit the

spread of noxious weeds are included in Alternative B (see Appendix C).   

3.7 Noxious Weeds

3.7.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for noxious weeds.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Range and Weeds Report (Jons 2010), which

is located in the Nautilus project file.

3.7.2 Existing Conditions

The most recent monitoring report prepared for the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) suggested that

there are about 180,000 acres of National Forest System (NFS) land within the boundaries of the BHNF

that have been infested by noxious weeds (USDA‐Forest Service 2009).  Weed inventories conducted in

the Nautilus project area indicate approximately 3,055 acres within the project area that contain
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                134    Northern Hills Ranger District

noxious weed infestations. Some areas contain multiple noxious weed species. Species identified in the

inventory include the following:  

Table 3‐36. Noxious Weeds in the Nautilus Project Area

Common Name Scientific Name Acres in the Nautilus

Project Area

Black henbane* Hyoscyamus niger < 1

Canada thistle Cirsium arvense 1,420

Common mullein Verbascum thapsus 329

Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare 103

Dalmation toadflax Linaria dalmatica < 1

Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale 421

Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula 2

Musk thistle Carduus nutans 39

Oxeye daisy* Chrysantheumum leucanthemum 15

Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa 1

St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum < 1

Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris 715

Bull Thistle Cirsium vulgare 9

*These species are not currently listed as either a Local or State Noxious Weeds by the State of South Dakota.

3.7.3 Environmental Consequences

Ground disturbing activities within or adjacent to areas infested by noxious weeds can encourage the

establishment and spread of noxious weeds.  Many noxious weeds out compete native and other

desirable species because:  a) they are early successional species, b) they can be allelopathic, c) they

produce abundant seeds, d) they grow rapidly, or e) they have the ability to exploit the soil profile for

nutrients and water.  Many noxious weed species have no natural enemies and are not palatable to

grazing animals (Sheley and Petroff 1999).  Left untreated, weeds can continue to spread, resulting in

establishment of new weed populations in adjacent areas.

Historically, disturbed areas such as roads, skid trails, landings and burn piles are most susceptible to

infestation.  A review of timber sales indicates that we can expect three percent of the total treated

acres in a timber sale to be infested by noxious weeds.  For each road, an area including the width of the

road and approximately five feet on either side of its running surface is capable of supporting noxious

weeds until revegetation occurs.  Of the total miles of road constructed, it is estimated that

approximately 12 percent will actually become infested with weeds.

The design criteria and mitigation measures identified for the Nautilus Project (see Appendix C) would

allow effective management of noxious weeds throughout project implementation.  These criteria

would meet amended Forest Plan objectives 230 and 231 as they relate to eradication, control and

prevention of noxious weeds.  With the exception of Practice 6 of the Black Hills National Forest Noxious

Weed Management Plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2001) the weed prevention practices are optional for use

based on an analysis of weed risks.  The effects analysis presented below assumes that relevant weed

prevention practices will be implemented.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                135    Northern Hills Ranger District

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Mature stands of timber are common in the project area; they comprise large contiguous areas of forest

that are of similar structure.  This provides the potential for wildfire and beetle infestation, both of

which could play a role in the spread of noxious weeds.  An increase in dead and down trees resulting

from beetle kill could increase the potential for wildfires to spread and burn with increased intensity.  

This would lead to large areas of bare ground on which weeds could become established and compete

with more desirable species.  As trees mature and canopy cover and needle cast increases, existing

grass/forb communities may decrease in health and vigor as light needed for photosynthesis is reduced.  

This hampers the ability of these communities to recover from intense fires.  When the canopy cover is

opened up due to wildfire or beetle kill, grass/forb communities may not be able to out compete

noxious weeds in areas where infestations already exist.  As a result, these infestations are likely to

increase.  

Under Alternative A, the inventory and treatment of noxious weeds resulting would continue.  Roads

and trails would continue to be avenues for spread of noxious weeds.  Off‐road use of recreation

vehicles would continue to promote the spread of noxious weeds by providing a means of transport.  

Seeds can collect in wheel‐wells and grills of off‐highway vehicles and may be dispersed as machines

travel.  In areas where bare soil is exposed, opportunities exist for the establishment of new

infestations.

Cumulative Effects

No disturbance creating activities would occur as a result of the Nautilus Project under Alternative A, so

there would be no accumulation of effects with past, present or reasonably foreseeable future actions.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B includes approximately 27,854 acres of commercial and non‐commercial vegetation

treatment.  It also calls for 710 acres of prescribed fire as a standalone treatment with an additional

24,640 acres possible as a post‐harvest treatment.  In addition, this alternative proposes the

construction, reconstruction and maintenance of approximately 155 miles of Forest Service roads.

Noxious weed infestations are expected to increase under this alternative.  Commercial and non‐

commercial timber harvest activities often provide mechanisms for the introduction, establishment, and

spread of noxious weeds.  Anywhere there has been some form of soil disturbance, the potential for the

establishment of noxious weeds exists.  The potential for noxious weed establishment is even greater in

disturbed areas adjacent to existing weed populations.  The movement of equipment in and out of these

areas also facilitates weed establishment.  Roads create a network of corridors through which seed

dispersal can occur.

The following formula was used to estimate potential additional infestation due to the action

alternatives (USDA‐Forest Service 1996).  A ten‐year review of timber sales estimated that between two

and three percent of the acres in a timber sale are likely to develop weed infestations.  For the purpose

of this analysis, three percent of all treatment activities with the exception of acres of prescribed fire

were used to estimate the acres of infestation that are likely to result from harvest activities.  New road
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                136    Northern Hills Ranger District

construction and reconstruction would result in approximately 0.12 acres of new weed infestation per

mile of road (USDA‐Forest Service 1996).  Alternative B would lead to approximately 854 acres of new

infestation.

Additional acres may be infested by noxious weeds as a result of prescribed fire activities.  Dozer line,

hand lines, staging areas, and areas burned so that mineral soil is exposed are susceptible to weed

infestation.  At this time, there is no formula to estimate how many acres of infestation might result

from such activities.  A number of variables including soil temperature, fire intensity, and time of year

can influence the effect that prescribed fire can have on noxious weeds.  While beneficial to forest

health, fire can also be conducive to the spread of noxious weeds.  Broadcast burning is proposed to be

low‐intensity, but there would probably be pockets of higher intensity fire that could result in exposure

of mineral soil and loss of understory herbaceous species.  The loss of existing grasses and forbs

provides an opportunity for weeds to become established.  Many noxious weed species are very

competitive and may prevent re‐establishment of desirable grasses and forbs.  Seeding of these areas

would be required.  Pre‐treatment of weed infestations prior to prescribed fire implementation is

important to reducing the risk of spread.  Again, movement of equipment needed during fire operations

can contribute to the spread of weeds.  There is a risk of new species being introduced to the area when

equipment is brought in from out of the local area.  It should be noted that fire managers plan to use

existing roads and control lines wherever possible, which should considerably reduce the need to

construct line on previously undisturbed ground.

Funding estimates for noxious weed mitigation are based on the Knutson‐Vandenburg (KV) cost guides.  

Currently, the average cost per acre to treat through conventional herbicide application is $178 per acre.  

Monitoring would be required as well, at a cost of $10 per acre.  Usually, KV plans run for three to five

years.  Tables 3‐40 and 3‐41 display the estimated costs of the weed treatment and monitoring over the

course of five years.  This analysis assumes a twenty percent reduction annually in acres of the

inventoried acres as well as the acres of new weed infestations from timber activities and does not

account for inflation.

Table 3‐37. Cost of Treatment for Alternative B

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

3,909 acres

$695,802

3,128 acres

$556,784

2,503 acres

$445,534

2,003 acres

$356,534

1,603 acres

$285,334 $2,339,988

Table 3‐38. Cost of Monitoring for Alternative B

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total

3,909 acres

$39,090

3,128 acres

$31,280

2,503 acres

$25,030

2,003 acres

$20,030

1,603 acres

$16,030 $131,460

Travel management plays a role in the spread of noxious weeds.  Roads and trails provide avenues and

corridors through which noxious weeds can spread.  Off‐road vehicle use can increase the risk and rate

of spread for many weed species.  Resource damage that sometimes results from extensive use by off‐

road vehicles can result in areas of bare ground that provide opportunities for new infestations to

become established.  Even in winter, off‐road vehicle use has the potential to spread weed seeds.  

Snowmobiles can pick up seeds if seed heads are above the snow.  Proposed actions may increase the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                137    Northern Hills Ranger District

likelihood of off‐road motorized travel due to expansion of the road system and removal of vegetation

allowing access to new areas.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis area for noxious weeds is the project area plus private land inholdings.  

The time period considered for analysis is 20 years total; from 10 years in the past through 10 years into

the future.

Previous and foreseeable activities such as timber harvest, off‐road vehicle use, road construction and

maintenance, and disturbed areas around water resources have resulted in a cumulative effect of

infestation by several noxious weed species.  Weeds appear to be scattered across the cumulative

effects analysis area, and concentrations are known to exist in certain locations, such as some log

landings, roadsides, and disturbed areas around water developments.  Activities and effects on private

land appear to be much the same as those on NFS lands.  The recently signed travel management plan

for the BHNF will potentially reduce the amount of off road travel that occurs within the project area.  

This should reduce the chances of weed infestations becoming established away from the designated

travel routes.

Noxious weeds have been and will continue to be treated under previous and ongoing projects.  An

increase in infested acres would have negative impacts both ecologically and economically.  An increase

in acres of infestation means a direct increase in cost.  Ecologically, noxious weeds indirectly affect

wildlife and livestock as they displace native vegetation and reduce the ability of ecosystems to function

properly.  This impacts mostly grass/forb communities, specifically riparian areas, upland grasslands, and

meadows.  When these areas become infested with noxious weeds, forage for wildlife and livestock is

reduced.

Alternative B is likely to add to the cumulative effects on weed infestation.  Proposed design criteria and

weed treatment would reduce the likelihood of introduction of new species and substantial spread of

existing infestations.  However, with the level of treatment proposed and probable resulting ground

disturbance, weeds are likely to appear in new areas.  The persistence of these new and existing

infestations depends in large part on availability of funding for treatment.  

3.8 Range

3.8.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus Project

Area for range management.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Range and Weeds Report (Jons 2010),

which is located in the Nautilus project file.

3.8.2 Existing Conditions

The Nautilus project area contains all or portions of nine different grazing allotments and approximately

4,905 acres of primary grazing area.  There are also approximately 20 water developments and 45 miles

of fence within the project area.  The names of the allotments, along with a brief description of each,

are provided below:  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                138    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐39. Grazing Allotments within the Nautilus Project Area

Allotment Name Total Size

(Acres)

Acres within

the Project

Area

Bear Butte 18,615 1,704

Boxelder 20,478 19,616

Cave 1,710 32

Corral Creek 6,765 1,940

East Rapid 18,590 990

Little Elk 9,478 5,133

Pasture 6,060 5,031

Runkle 10,938 59

Wolff 22,230 288

Total 114,864 34,793

Bear Butte Allotment  

The Bear Butte allotment is 18,615 acres in size. There are 1,704 acres of this allotment within the

planning area. There are seven grazing permits associated with this allotment, amounting to a total of

249 cow/calf pair and 12 yearlings. The permitted season of use is from June 10 to October 30, and the

grazing system is season‐long.  The allotment boundary is not fenced in most areas, and there is no

interior fencing.  The allotment is extremely dissected by private land, and many of these parcels are

unfenced.  Most of the permittees live on their private land within the allotment, and turn their cattle

out from their home ranches. This has resulted in small herds of stock grazing lands close to their

respective home ranches under an essentially season‐long system with all portions of the allotment

subject to livestock grazing at any time during the grazing season.

Boxelder Allotment

The Boxelder Allotment is located between the Corral Creek Allotment and Highway 385.  Currently,

three permittees run 154 cow/calf pairs. The season of use is from June 6 to September 30.  The

allotment is 20,478 acres in size, and approximately 19,616 acres are within the Nautilus boundary. The

allotment has a modified two pasture deferred rotation grazing system; each permittee tends to run in

his or her respective area of the allotment.  There is no interior fencing on the allotment.  The boundary

is fenced in most areas, although the northern boundary relies on fencing on private land.   

Cave Allotment

The Cave Allotment consists of approximately 1,710 acres. About 32 acres fall within the Nautilus

project area. The cave allotment is currently vacant; therefore, no permittees graze in this area.

Corral Creek Allotment

The Corral Creek Allotment is in the northern‐most portion of the project area. The allotment is 6,765

acres in size, but only 1,940 acres are within the Nautilus project area.  One permittee currently runs 59

cow/calf pairs with season long grazing from June 6 to September 19.   

East Rapid Allotment  

The East Rapid Allotment consists of 18,590 acres. About 990 acres fall within the Nautilus boundary.

There is one grazing permit associated with this allotment.  A total of 101 cow/calf pairs are permitted

from June 1 to October 15 in a two pasture deferred rotation grazing system.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                139    Northern Hills Ranger District

Little Elk Allotment

The Little Elk Allotment consists of 9,478 acres, 5,133 acres of which fall within the project area.  

Currently there are two permittees that graze 63 pair from June 6 through September 30 in a two

pasture deferred rotation grazing system.

Pasture Allotment

The Pasture Allotment is 6,060 acres in size. The majority of the allotment (5,031 acres) is located within

the Nautilus boundary. There is currently one grazing permit associated with this allotment; one

permittee runs 125 cow/calf pairs on a three pasture deferred rotation grazing system from June 16 to

October 15.   

Runkle Allotment

The Runkle Allotment consists of 10,938 acres, but only 59 acres fall within the Nautilus project area.  

Currently there is one permittee that grazes 128 pair from June 16 to October 15 in a two pasture

deferred rotation grazing system.

Wolff Allotment  

The Wolff Allotment consists of 22,230 acres, but only 288 acres fall within the Nautilus project area.

There are two grazing permits associated with this allotment. A total of 364 cow/calf pairs are permitted

within the allotment. The season of use is from June 1 to October 15, and the permittees are on a six‐

pasture deferred rotational grazing system.  

3.8.3 Environmental Consequences

Rangeland is defined in the Region 2 Rangeland Analysis and Management Training Guide as land

producing, or capable of producing, native forage for grazing and browsing animals, and lands that have

been revegetated naturally or artificially to provide a forage cover that is managed like native

vegetation.  It includes all grasslands, forblands, shrublands, and those forested lands which can –

continually or periodically, naturally or through management – support an understory of herbaceous or

shrubby vegetation that provides forage for grazing or browsing animals.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under the no action alternative there would be few direct or indirect effects on the range resource and

no effect on current allotment management.  Loss of primary grazing areas could result from pine

encroachment into meadows or other primary grazing areas.  As these trees mature and canopy cover

and needle cast increases, current grass/forb communities may decrease in health and vigor as available

light needed for photosynthesis is reduced.  Encroachment of ponderosa pine into grassland

communities, meadows and riparian areas increases the grazing pressure on these areas as they shrink

in size.  This would ultimately reduce their capability under the current permitted livestock numbers.  

Utilization guidelines described in the Allotment Management Plan (AMP) and Annual Operating

Instructions (AOI) may eventually be exceeded making it difficult to maintain satisfactory range

condition in some areas.  Current transitory range would also decrease due to shading from the timber

overstory, which would limit growth of forage species.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                140    Northern Hills Ranger District

Cumulative Effects

The Nautilus Project would not make any administrative changes to the grazing program.  As described

above, direct and indirect effects resulting from not taking action would be minimal. Timber harvest has

occurred in the past, opening some areas of transitory range (as described under ‘Alternative B’ effects

below).  Alternative A may lead to encroachment of pine into meadow areas, thereby reducing available

forage, but the effects of no action under Nautilus and past timber harvests would likely cancel each

other out, resulting in no appreciable net effect to the range resource.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Removal of timber through commercial and noncommercial harvest provides transitory range.  

Transitory range is an area that temporarily shows an increase in forage production as a result of

increased light and water becoming available to grass/forb plant communities.  Even though transitory

range tends to be short lived due to the rapid regeneration of pine seedlings, it can aid in livestock

distribution by pulling livestock out of primary grazing areas due to the increase in available forage.  The

impacts by livestock to the primary range usually located in meadows, upland grasslands and riparian

areas would lesson as cattle distribute throughout the transitory range.

Removal of timber and new road construction can also give livestock access to portions of the allotment

that were not previously accessible to them.  This may lead to the need for more fencing, or other

means to control livestock movement.  Any roadwork proposed should consider the access needs of

permittees and Forest Service personnel.  Permittees need access to maintain improvements such as

fences and water developments and to manage livestock grazing.  Improvements are often accessed

through unclassified roads that could be closed for all or part of the year with administrative access

given to the permittees.  Roads also have direct impacts on vegetation by removing it.  This also can aid

in the establishment of noxious weeds, which was discussed later in the ‘Noxious Weed’ section above.

Project activities such as mechanical treatment and prescribed fire could increase and improve browse

and forage.  Short‐term impacts associated with removal of a portion of the timber canopy include

increases in the availability of secondary forage available for livestock.  Prescribed fire may temporarily

change the current allotment management.  In order to avoid any conflicts with grazing and to ensure

that prescribed fire mitigation is implemented, prescribed fire activities would be coordinated in

advance with the District range management specialist.  Scheduling of prescribed burns and the rotation

and season of use by livestock would be coordinated in order to ensure that adequate re‐growth of

forage species is accomplished.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis area for the range resource is the total area of all the allotments that fall

within or overlap the project area boundary.  This includes the nine allotments identified above and

totals approximately 114,860 acres.  The timeframe considered is 20 years total; from 10 years in the

past through 10 years into the future to account for the last impacts of previous actions and the full

implementation of the Nautilus Project and other foreseeable future actions.   

Previous and foreseeable timber harvest has created and will continue to create transitory range,

improving livestock distribution and forage availability.  This reduces the time livestock spend on

primary range, helping to contribute to Forest Plan objectives 301 and 302 and meet standard 2505.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                141    Northern Hills Ranger District

Most harvested areas have, however, quickly regenerated with pine seedlings, so the value of these

areas as transitory range has been of short duration.  Fire suppression has allowed forest cover to

expand, negatively affecting forage availability.

Under Alternative B, creation of transitory range in combination with transitory range created by past

harvest activities would have a positive cumulative effect on those allotments by reducing the time

livestock spend in riparian areas.  Broadcast burning proposed under the action alternative would work

against the cumulative effect of fire suppression by killing small trees and setting back succession,

though it is expected to have limited effects on overstory canopy.

All of the effects to rangeland resources presented here would be limited in intensity and duration.  Any

negative impacts would be minimal and are directly related to livestock management in the short term

as they are impacted by treatment activities.

3.9 Hydrology and Soils

3.9.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus Project

Area for hydrology and soils.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Hydrology and Soils Reports (Dempsey

2010, Jons 2010), which is located in the Nautilus project file.

3.9.2 Existing Conditions

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Field Surveys

Limited field surveys were completed in 2008 within the Nautilus project area.  The primary objectives

of the field work were to locate any Connected Disturbed Areas (CDAs), classify streams, identify any

potential watershed problem areas, and inventory road‐stream crossings.  CDAs are “high runoff areas

like roads and other disturbed sites that have a continuous surface flow path into a stream or lake”

(USDA‐Forest Service 2006a). Stream classification consists of identifying whether a stream is perennial,

intermittent, or ephemeral.  Any watershed problems need to be identified so appropriate correction

measures are prescribed.  Road‐stream crossings were reviewed for aquatic passage.  Most of the blue

line United States Geologic Survey (USGS) streams were visited in the field.  This information was

compiled into an Excel spreadsheet and the points into a Geographic Information System (GIS) shapefile

to identify these locations. The results of the field work were used to generate this report.  Records of

the field surveys conducted to support the analysis in this document are located in the Nautilus project

file.

Watersheds

Gove (1971) defined a watershed as “the catchment area or drainage basin from which the waters of a

stream or stream system are drawn.” Others have defined a watershed as an area “where all of the

water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place” (Watershed Definition 2008).  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                142    Northern Hills Ranger District

“Watersheds are nature’s way of dividing up the landscapes.  Rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands, streams,

even the oceans can serve as catch basins for the land adjacent to them.  Ground water aquifers serve

the same purpose for the land above them” (Watershed Definition 2010).  Watersheds are made up of

different components, many of which are discussed in this report.

Watershed boundaries used in this review were developed from the USDA‐Forest Service Region 2 (R2)

watershed GIS layer based upon the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) seventh‐level watersheds.  These

watersheds are generally 5,000 to 10,000 acres in size. Seventh‐level watersheds are nested within

sixth‐level watersheds. Sixth‐level watersheds, which are generally 10,000 to 50,000 acres in size, are

the watersheds that were analyzed in the Forest Plan (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).

The review of watershed features conducted for the Nautilus project area was completed on seventh‐

level watersheds.  The smaller acreage seventh‐level watersheds are being used instead of entire sixth‐

level watersheds because large areas of the sixth‐level watersheds are outside of the Nautilus project

area.  The Nautilus project area boundary encompasses portions of four sixth‐level watersheds.  

The proportion of these watersheds that are within the project area ranges from 5% to 56%. Because a

large area of the sixth‐level watersheds is outside the project area, conducting the analysis on seventh‐

level watersheds is appropriate.  

Since the Forest Plan was issued, watershed boundaries have been revised in some instances to conform

to national standards. A crosswalk of the old sixth‐level Forest Plan watersheds, new sixth‐level HUC

watersheds, and the revised seventh‐level watersheds for the Nautilus project area are provided in the

table below.  Note that the total watershed acres are greater than the acres within the Nautilus project

area because portions of the watersheds are located outside the project area boundary.

Table 3‐40. HUC 6 and HUC 7 Watersheds in the Nautilus Project Area

HUC Sixth‐level

Watershed Name

(Code)

Forest Plan

Watershed

Name (Code)

HUC Seventh‐level Watersheds

Name (Code) Total Size

(Acres)

Percent in

Nautilus

Project Area

(Acres)

Percent in

Private within

Project Area

(Acres)

Upper Rapid Creek

(101201100103)

Middle Boxelder

Creek (9103)

Gimlet Creek

(10120110010302)

5,707 18% (999) 0

Upper Boxelder

Creek

(101201110101)

Upper Boxelder

Creek (8901)

Upper Boxelder‐Hay

(10120111010103)

8,761 100% (8,761) 21.2% (1859.9)

South Boxelder

Creek (8902)

South Boxelder

(10120111010104)

10,391 100% (10,391)   8.9% (921.5)

Middle Boxelder

Creek

(101201110102)

Jim Creek (8904) Boxelder‐Wilson

(10120111010201)

6,547 77% (5,051) 18.9% (953.9)

Estes Creek

(10120111010202)

5,213 83% (4,303) 5.7% (245.4)

Lower Boxelder

Creek (8903)

Jim Creek

(10120111010203)

8,144 82% (6,664) 10.3% (684.5)

Boxelder‐Erskine

(10120111010204)

5,427 24% (1,322) 20.7% (273.7)
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                143    Northern Hills Ranger District

Bogus Jim Creek

(8905)

Bogus Jim

(10120111010205)

6,635 9% (579) 0

Elk Creek

(101201110201)

Little Elk Creek

(8802)

Upper Little Elk

Creek

(10120111020105)

10,659 27% (2,843) 12.9% (366.6)

Existing Stream Conditions

Streams are complex and dynamic natural systems.  The physical, chemical and biological conditions

that exist between their banks and across their floodplain are the result of natural and manmade

characteristics within the watershed.  Stream system dynamics generally can be understood best by

subdividing them into five areas: streamflow regime, water quality, watershed condition class, stream

channel morphology, and stream health.  Major streams within the Nautilus project area are identified

in Table 3‐45.  There are approximately 127.5 miles of stream within the Nautilus project area.  The

streams within the project area are a mix of perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams.  

Approximately 46.7 miles (36.6% of total mileage) of stream within the project area are located on

private property.  All streams in the project area eventually flow into the Cheyenne River via Boxelder

Creek, Elk Creek, and Rapid Creek.

Table 3‐41. Streams within the Nautilus Project Area

HUC Seventh‐level

Watersheds

Stream Names Total Miles of Stream* Miles of Stream on Private

Property (percentage)

Gimlet Creek

(10120110010302)

East Gimlet Creek 2.2 mi

0 mi‐perennial

0.7 mi‐ intermittent

1.5 mi‐ ephemeral

0 mi  

Upper Boxelder‐Hay

(10120111010103)  

Boxelder Creek

Hay Creek

29.3 mi

12.2 mi‐perennial

16.1 mi‐intermittent

1.0 mi‐ephemeral

17.4 mi (59%)

South Boxelder

(10120111010104)  

South Boxelder Creek 30.2

12.9 mi‐perennial

11.6 mi‐intermittent

5.8 mi‐ephemeral

10.5 (35%)

Boxelder‐Wilson

(10120111010201)

Boxelder Creek

Wilson Draw

Roberts Draw

Richard Draw

Blue Draw

Green Draw

15.3 mi

3.0 mi‐perennial

8.9 mi‐intermittent

3.5 mi‐ephemeral

7.2 mi (47%)

Estes Creek

(10120111010202)

Boxelder Creek

Estes Creek

West Fork Boxelder Creek

North Fork Estes Creek

12.0 mi

3.4 mi‐perennial

6.3 mi‐intermittent

2.3 mi‐ephemeral

0.8 (7%)

Jim Creek Jim Creek 22.7 mi 5.7 mi (25%)
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                144    Northern Hills Ranger District

HUC Seventh‐level

Watersheds

Stream Names Total Miles of Stream* Miles of Stream on Private

Property (percentage)

(10120111010203) Gingrass Draw 9.0 mi‐perennial

10.8 mi‐intermittent

2.9 mi‐ephemeral

Boxelder‐Erskine

(10120111010204)

Boxelder Creek

Erskine Gulch

6.0 mi

2.6 mi‐perennial

1.6 mi‐intermittent

1.8 mi‐ephemeral

2.4 (40%)

Bogus Jim

(10120111010205)

North Bogus Jim Creek 0.9 miles

0 mi‐perennial

0.9 mi‐intermittent

0 mi‐ephemeral

0 mi

Upper Little Elk Creek

(10120111020105)

Little Elk Creek 8.9 mi

1.9 mi‐perennial

5.9 mi‐intermittent

1.2 mi‐ephemeral

2.7 (30%)

* Total miles of stream are within the Nautilus project area as calculated in GIS.

Streamflow Regime

Peak flows in the Black Hills result from both rainfall and snowmelt.  An examination of annual peak

flows by the USGS indicates that rainfall‐only peaks account for 90 percent of the peak flows in the Black

Hills (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  Thus, most site‐altering floods in the Black Hills are due to high‐

intensity spring and summer thunderstorms.  Approximately 50 percent of the annual precipitation

occurs in the months of April, May, and June.  According to field verification and GIS analysis,

approximately 45 miles of perennial streams, 62.8 miles of intermittent streams, and 20 miles of

ephemeral streams exist in the Nautilus project area.  Approximately 45 miles of stream are on private

lands within the project area.

Water Quality and Beneficial Uses

Water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological composition of a given streamflow and how

these components affect beneficial uses.  The existing water quality of the drainages within the project

area is a result of the natural characteristics of the watersheds along with the variety of human uses that

have occurred in the area.  Water quality parameters that may be affected by forest management

activities include sedimentation to stream channels and changes in water temperature.   

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SDDENR) assigns water quality

standards on the beneficial uses of each water body as a part of the requirements of the Clean Water

Act (CWA).  All streams within South Dakota are assigned the beneficial uses of irrigation, fish and

wildlife propagation, recreation, and stock watering (South Dakota Administrative Code 74:51:03:01).  

SDDENR has assigned additional beneficial uses to six streams located within the project area: Boxelder,

South Boxelder, Estes, Hay, Jim, and Little Elk Creeks. All of these creeks have been identified as having

“limited‐contact recreation waters” as a beneficial use. All except for Estes Creek have been identified as
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                145    Northern Hills Ranger District

“coldwater permanent fish life propagation waters.” Estes Creek has been identified as “coldwater

marginal fish propagation waters” (South Dakota Administrative Code 74:51:03:02, 74:51:03:10,

74:51:03:11, 74:51:03:12, and 74:51:03:17). Designated beneficial uses for North Bogus Jim Creek is

outside of the Nautilus project area, so it is not reflected in the below table. According to the most

recent information compiled by the State of South Dakota (SDDENR 2008), none of these streams have

been identified as having impaired water quality and all are assumed to be meeting their beneficial uses.   

Stream Health

Stream health is the combination of biological, physical, and chemical characteristics that are assessed

to judge a stream’s overall condition.  Stream health assessments were completed on streams within

the project area.  These assessments looked at bank stability, riparian vegetation, current and historical

impacts, and other factors.   

Boxelder Creek, Jim Creek, and South Boxelder Creek were assessed in the field primarily using Proper

Functioning Condition (PFC) assessments (BLM 1993).  West Fork Estes Creek and Estes Creek were just

visited in the field.  Field visits did occur on Little Elk Creek, but downstream of the Nautilus project area.   

Boxelder Creek was assessed at “Proper Functioning Condition.”  It was noted that Boxelder Creek was

bounded by an old railroad grade along the valley bottom.  This could affect the lateral stream

movement of Boxelder Creek.

Table 3‐42. Existing Stream Health Conditions

Streams Assessment and Past Factors Affecting Streams

Boxelder Creek Proper Functioning Condition ‐ The old railroad grade along the valley bottom

could affect the lateral stream movement.

Jim Creek Proper Functioning Condition ‐ Past activities affecting the creek include the old

road bed along the valley bottom and mining.  

South Boxelder Creek Proper Functioning Condition – Private lands upstream and a portion of the in‐

stream fishery structures are affecting the creek.

West  Fork Estes Creek The area at which the Centennial trail crosses the stream is actively contributing

sedimentation to the stream. A photo comparison between 2008 and 2009

indicates increase ATV use while soils are wet. This activity appears to be

damaging the stream banks.

Estes Creek Effects from the floods in the 1970s are still evident along portions of the creek.

The creek continues to establish its streambanks and riparian vegetation.

Localized areas of instability exist. Remaining fish structures need to be

maintained. The road‐stream crossing on an unclassified route has widened.

During the summers of 2008 and 2009, fish passage was looked at for 71 road‐stream crossings.  Only

road‐stream crossings on intermittent and perennial streams are assessed for fish passage.  During these

surveys, 26 crossings were found on perennial streams and 45 on intermittent streams.  The status of

fish passage is rated according to color. A red rating for fish passage means that the crossing is

impassible for fish or other aquatic life.  A grey rating means that it was indeterminable at the time of

assessment (e.g., survey completed at high flow).  A green rating means that fish or other aquatic life

could move above and below the crossing with no problem.  Out of the field surveys, 31 total stream

crossings were rated as red, 22 as grey, and 18 as green for fish passage (Table 3‐47).   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                146    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐43.  Fish Passage of Road‐Stream Crossings within the Nautilus Project Area

Crossing Type Green Fish

Passage

Evaluation

Grey Fish

Passage

Evaluation

Red Fish

Passage

Evaluation

N/A Fish Passage

Evaluation

(Ephemeral)

Low‐water

Crossings

6 9 9 46

Culvert or

Bridge

Crossings

12 13 22 12

Connected Disturbed Areas

Connected Disturbed Areas (CDAs) are a measurement of sediment sources near streams that have a

physical connection to streams (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  CDAs may include bare and compacted

soils, roads, severely burned areas, or mine spoils.  When water runoff from these disturbed areas flows

into a water body, it is connected to the water body.  CDAs can contribute sediment to streams or

wetlands that could contribute to or result in degradation of physical function, degraded water quality,

and increased peak flows that may alter physical channel processes.  Roads that cross streams can

create a CDA, however; the amount of sediment contributed by the CDA can be limited or minimized

through the use of appropriate best management practices (BMPs).  Forest Service Handbook 2509.25

Chapter 10 directs the Forest Service to “Progress toward zero connected disturbed area as much as

feasible.”

Existing CDAs were assessed using field surveys completed during the summers of 2008 and 2009 on all

existing system and unclassified routes within the project area.  A total of 129 stream crossings were

surveyed.  Of these crossings, 70 are low‐water crossings, 53 are culvert crossings, 5 are bridge

crossings, and at one crossing there is no structure and the road bed is damming the channel (Table 3‐

49).  Twenty‐six of the crossings occurred on perennial stream reaches, 45 crossings were on

intermittent stream reaches, and 58 were on ephemeral stream reaches.  From the data, it is estimated

that 44 CDAs exist in the project area (Table 3‐48).  Of the 44 CDAs in the project area, 7 were on

perennial streams, 10 were on intermittent streams, and 27 were on ephemeral streams.   

Table 3‐44.  Connected Disturbed Areas by Stream Type

Stream Type Connected Disturbed Areas

Ephemeral 27

Intermittent 10

Perennial 7

Of the 44 CDAs identified, 3 are within Condition Class II watersheds and 27 are within the Condition

Class III watersheds.  Proposed new routes were not yet identified and, therefore, not surveyed.  

Table 3‐45.  Number of CDAs and Red Fish Passage per Forest Plan Watersheds

Watershed Name Watershed

Number

CDAs Red Fish Passage

Little Elk Creek 8802 0 1

Upper Boxelder Creek   8901 3 5

South Boxelder Creek 8902 11 13
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                147    Northern Hills Ranger District

Lower Boxelder Creek 8903 17 16

Jim Creek   8904 2 2

Bogus Jim Creek   8905 0 0

Middle Rapid Creek   9103 0 1

Floodplains and Wetlands

Floodplains are defined as “the flat area adjoining a river channel constructed by the river in its present

climate and overflowed at times of high discharge” (Dunne and Leopold 1978). Periodic flooding in this

area encourages the growth of riparian vegetation, which in turn slows erosion and traps sediment.  

Floodplains within the Nautilus project area vary from very limited where streams are small and steep to

expansive where streams are larger such as Boxelder Creek.  There are six mapped 100‐year floodplains

in and bordering the Nautilus project area encompassing approximately 949 acres.  Floodplains that are

mapped under Executive Order 11988 are: Boxelder Creek, Hay Creek (at the confluence with Boxelder

Creek), South Boxelder Creek, Estes Creek, Jim Creek, and Little Elk Creek.  These floodplains are

mapped on both private and NFS lands.   

There are 83 mapped wetlands within the Nautilus project area covering approximately 75 total acres.

They range in size from less than one‐tenth of an acre to nearly 10 acres, though the average size is

about an acre. These wetlands were identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland

Inventory (NWI).  Identified wetlands have not been field verified to determine whether they actually

occur. The mapped wetlands occur primarily along streams, but are also located in other areas,

generally near springs.

SOILS

Landtype Associations

Soils within the Nautilus project area are found within three major landtype associations (USDA‐ Forest

Service 2005c): North Gently Dipping Plateau, Moderately Rolling Uplands, and Crystalline Hills and

Ridgelands.

  

Table 3‐46. Nautilus Landtype Associations

Landtype Association Acres in the

Nautilus Project

Area

Description

North Gently Dipping Plateau lands 7,265 Areas characterized by broad and narrow ridges

and valley bottoms, moderately sloping to steep

side slopes and rock outcrops. Side slopes

dominantly have slopes of 15‐30 percent.  Rock

outcrops of sandstone and limestone comprise 10‐

15 percent of this unit.   

Moderately Rolling Uplands   9,760 Areas with broad ridges, moderately sloping to

steep side slopes, narrow to broad valley bottoms

and rock outcrops.  Side slopes dominantly have 15‐

30 percent slopes.  Valley bottom widths are

variable; some are less than 300 feet.  Rock

outcrops of slate and schist comprise 10‐20 percent
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                148    Northern Hills Ranger District

of the unit.

Crystalline Hills and Ridgelands 23,887 Areas with narrow ridges, moderately steep to

steep side slopes, narrow valley bottoms and rock

outcrops.  Most side slopes range from 20‐35

percent slope.  Rock outcrops are mainly slate and

schist with some granite outcrops.  Rock outcrops

comprise 15‐25 percent of the unit.

Soil Map Units

A soil map unit is a collection of areas defined and named the same in terms of their soil components or

miscellaneous areas or both (USDA‐Soil Conservation Service 1993).  Forty‐four different soil map units

are represented within the boundary of the Nautilus project area. Information on these soil map units

was obtained from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Data Mart (USDA‐Natural

Resources Conservation Service 2009a).  Of the 44 different soil map units, 20 comprise greater than 1%

of the project area.  Together these 20 Soil Map Units comprise 97% of the project area and are shown

in Table 3‐51.  More extensive information on all 44 soil map units is found in the Nautilus Soils Report

in the project file.

Table 3‐47. Major Common Soil Map Units in the Nautilus Project Area

Soil Map

Unit Symbol Soil Map Unit Name

Acres Within

the Project

Area (%)

12E BUSKA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (10 TO 40 % SLOPES) 890 (2%)

15D BUSKA‐VIRKULA, HIGH MICA LOAMS (2 TO 15 % SLOPES) 891 (2%)

CtE CITADEL ASSOCIATION (HILLY) 896 (2%)

24C (CkC)* CITADEL‐VANOCKER COMPLEX (2 TO 12 % SLOPES) 664 (2%)

27B CORDESTON LOAM (0 TO 6 % SLOPES) 285 (1%)

40B (CwB)* CORDESTON‐MARSHBROOK LOAMS (0 TO 6 % SLOPES) 1030 (3%)

82C MAITLAND LOAM (2 TO 10 % SLOPES) 222 (1%)

149G PACTOLA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (40 TO 75 % SLOPES) 5,891 (14%)

220D PACTOLA‐VIRKULA COMPLEX (2 TO 15 % SLOPES, EXTREMELY BOULDERY) 603 (1%)

104E (PaE)* PACTOLA‐VIRKULA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (10 TO 40 % SLOPES) 13,820 (34%)

221E PACTOLA‐VIRKULA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (EXTREMELY BOULDERY,

10 TO 40 % SLOPES)

1,449 (4%)

RIG ROCK OUTCROP‐PACTOLA COMPLEX (40 TO 80 % SLOPES) 233 (1%)

158C ROCKOA‐LAKOA COMPLEX (3 TO 12 % SLOPES) 436 (1%)

159E ROCKOA‐LAKOA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (10 TO 40 % SLOPES) 867 (2%)

161F ROCKOA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (25 TO 60 % SLOPES) 772 (2%)

150G RUBBLELAND‐PACTOLA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (40 TO 75 % SLOPES) 777 (2%)

VaE VANOCKER‐CITADEL ASSOCIATION (STEEP) 284 (1%)

190E (VcE)* VANOCKER‐CITADEL COMPLEX (10 TO 40 % SLOPES) 2997 (7%)

202G (VoG)* VANOCKER‐SAWDUST‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX (40 TO 80 % SLOPES) 510 (1%)

205D (VpC)* VIRKULA‐PACTOLA COMPLEX (2 TO 15 % SLOPES) 5927 (14%)

Source: NRCS Soil Data Mart (2009)

* For these soil map units, different counties use different symbols for the same soil map unit.  These were combined for this

table.  Information for these combined soil map units was pulled from the Lawrence County Soil Survey because it is the most

current data.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                149    Northern Hills Ranger District

The slopes these soils are found on vary greatly, ranging from 0‐6% for the 27B and 40B soil map units

(primarily meadow/riparian areas) to 40‐80% for the RIG and 202G soil map units.  

Soil Health Condition Assessments

Soil health assessments were completed in 2008 and 2009 within the project area on stands where

some forest management activity took place previously (i.e. disturbed areas) and in areas where no such

activities have been documented to occur (i.e. undisturbed areas).  The objective of these assessments

was to determine whether or not the Forest Plan standards (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c) and Regional

WCP Handbook Management Measures (USDA‐Forest Service 2006b) are likely to be met if similar

activities are implemented within the Nautilus project area.  These assessments were conducted using

the Draft Northern Region Soil Quality Monitoring Protocol that the Forest Service, Region 2 was testing

(USDA‐Forest Service 2008). This assessment process has since been finalized with minor edits to the

Draft protocol used (Page‐Dumroese et al.  2009).  This method uses a 30‐point transect across the

landscape to document disturbance throughout an activity unit. The soil disturbance class is divided up

into four categories: 0‐undisturbed, 1‐lightly disturbed, 2‐moderately disturbed, and 3‐severely

disturbed (USDA‐Forest Service 2008). A total of 47 transects within the Nautilus project area were

surveyed. The majority of these sites (37 out of 47) were rated as either undisturbed or lightly disturbed

for the entire transect. Ten transects had at least one point that was rated as either moderately

disturbed or severely disturbed.  All of these points occurred on or near a skid trail, landing or road.  

Additional information regarding these assessments is contained in the project record.

Soil Compaction

Soil compaction generally occurs when moist or wet soil particles are pressed together and the pore

spaces between them are reduced. Pore space is essential for the movement of water, air, and soil

fauna through the soil. Restricted water infiltration can contribute to excessive runoff, erosion, nutrient

loss, and potential water‐quality problems. Compaction can also restrict penetration by plant roots and

thus inhibits plant growth (USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service 2004).  Compacted soils are

generally found on skid trails, log landings, or areas where logs have been dragged.  In moist soil

conditions, detrimental compaction may occur with just a few passes over the ground; however, in dry

soil conditions detrimental compaction may take many passes (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  Full

implementation of WCP management measures is expected to result in having less than 15% cumulative

detrimental soil disturbance within any individual harvest unit.  Observed skid trails, landings, and non‐

system roads were considered in estimating the extent of existing soil compaction within the Nautilus

project area.  Roads that are part of the permanent transportation system were not included (per

manual and handbook direction) (USDA‐Forest Service 1992, 2005c) in estimates of soil compaction or

detrimental disturbance.  

Fourteen of the most extensive soil map units represented in the project area (those soil map units that

make up more than 1% of the project area) have soil characteristics that contribute to the likelihood

that a soil could become compacted to a detrimental level if activities occur when soil moisture is at

levels that are conducive to compaction.  These soil map units include 15D, CtE, 24C, 27B, 40B, 82C,

220D, 104E, 221E, 158C, 159E, VaE, 190E, 205D and comprise approximately 75% of the project area.   

Forest Plan monitoring of soil compaction has occurred across the BHNF since 1999 (USDA‐Forest

Service 2009). Monitoring has indicated that Black Hills soils can compact when timber harvest occurs
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                150    Northern Hills Ranger District

on moist or wet soils, and that harvesting when soils are dry can be expected to prevent or limit

increases in bulk density.  It is unclear if soil bulk density levels will decrease or decrease as fast on every

soil within the Black Hills, but there is evidence at one location sampled that the mean soil bulk density

decreased from levels above the threshold classified as “detrimental compaction” to levels below the

threshold within one year.  It is unknown what factors may have contributed to this level of decrease,

but it may have been associated with soil moisture and temperature conditions that favored active

freezing and thawing conditions, or a flush of herbaceous growth and the associated root activity that

contributed to the decline in soil bulk density levels (USDA‐Forest Service 2008b).   

Soil Erosion

NRCS Soil Data Mart (USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service 2009a ) ratings of soil map units for

soil erosion potential are displayed below in Table 3‐52.

Table 3‐48. Soil Erosion Potential for Major Soil Map Units with a Severe or Very Severe Erosion Hazard

Soil Map Unit Name and Symbol

Acres Within

the Project

Area (%)

Hazard of Off‐Road or

Off‐Trail Erosion

Hazard of Erosion on

Roads and Trails

BUSKA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX 890 (2%) Moderate

‐Slope/erodibility 0.5

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

CITADEL ASSOCIATION 896 (2%) Moderate

‐Slope/Erodibility 0.5

Severe

‐Slope/Erodibility 0.95

PACTOLA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX 5,891 (14%) Very Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

PACTOLA‐VIRKULA‐ROCK OUTCROP

COMPLEX

13,820 (34%) Moderate

‐Slope/erodibility 0.5

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

ROCK OUTCROP‐PACTOLA COMPLEX 233 (1%) Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.75

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

ROCKOA‐ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX 772 (2%) Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.75

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

RUBBLELAND‐PACTOLA‐ROCK

OUTCROP COMPLEX

777(2%) Very Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

VANOCKER‐CITADEL ASSOCIATION 284 (1%) Severe

‐Slope/Erodibility 0.75

Severe

‐Slope/Erodibility 0.95

VANOCKER‐SAWDUST‐ROCK OUTCROP

COMPLEX

510 (1%) Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.75

Severe

‐Slope/erodibility 0.95

Source: NRCS Soil Data Mart (2009)

The ratings of “Hazard of Off‐Road or Off‐Trail Erosion” are based on slope and the soil erosion factor K.  

Soil loss is caused by sheet or rill erosion where 50‐75% of the surface has been exposed by logging,

grazing, mining, or other kinds of disturbance.  A rating of “slight” indicates that erosion is unlikely under

ordinary climatic conditions; “moderate” indicates that some erosion is likely and that erosion‐control

measures may be needed; “severe” indicates that erosion is very likely and that erosion control

measures, including revegetation of  bare areas, are advised; and “very severe” indicates that significant

erosion is expected, loss of soil productivity and off‐site damage are likely, and erosion control measures

are costly and generally impractical.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                151    Northern Hills Ranger District

Erosion potential for off‐road or off‐trail erosion is slight or moderate for 14 of the 20 major soil map

units, comprising 76% of the project area.  Four soil map units are rated as severe, making up 5% of the

area and two soil map units are rated as very severe for 16% of the project area.

The ratings for “Hazard of Erosion on Roads and Trails” is based on the soil erosion factor K, slope, and

content of rock fragments.  Ratings apply to unsurfaced roads and trails.  A rating of “slight” indicates

little or no erosion is likely; “moderate” indicates that some erosion is likely, that the roads or trails may

require occasional maintenance; and that simple erosion‐control measures are needed; and “severe”

indicates that significant erosion is expected, that the roads require frequent maintenance, and that

costly erosion‐control measures are needed.

Erosion potential for roads and trails is slight or moderate for 11 of the 20 major soil map units,

comprising 38% of the project area.  The remaining nine soil map units are rated as severe and make up

59% of the project area.

Nutrient Removal

Forest Plan standard 1102 sets requirements for soils with organic matter less than two percent and for

soils with an effective rooting depth of less than 15 inches (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c). Of the 20 soil

map units that comprise over 1% of the project area, nine have major soil components that may have an

effective rooting depth of less than 15 inches (USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service 2009a).  In

all nine of these the limitation occurs in the Rock Outcrop component of the soil map unit, which

commonly have a lithic bedrock restrictive layer at 0‐1 inches in depth (USDA‐Natural Resources

Conservation Service 2009a).  In the majority of these units, the Rock Outcrop portion comprises less

than 25% of the soil map unit.   

Additionally, four of the main soil map units have major components that may have less than two

percent organic matter in the topsoil (USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service 2009a, 2009b).

Three of these soil map units (158C, 159E and 161F) contain Rockoa soils that soil descriptions indicate

have organic matter that ranges from 1‐5% and one (202G) contains Sawdust soils that range from 1.2‐

10% organic matter.   

Regeneration Hazards

Regeneration is addressed in the Silviculturist Report for the Nautilus project area (Hass and Mott 2010).  

Problems obtaining sufficient ponderosa pine regeneration to meet requirements for suitable timber

lands have rarely been encountered in this area or in the northern and central Black Hills in general

(Haas and Mott 2010).  All but two of the major soil map units (40B and 202G) in the project area have

either a low or moderate potential for seedling mortality (USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service

2009a).  The Marshbrook soil in the soil map unit 40B is rated as high for wetness, but this soil was not

formed under trees and since it is not to be managed for timber, regeneration of ponderosa pine is not

of issue.  The Rock Outcrop component comprises only 15 percent of soil map unit 202G and is rated as

high, but Rock Outcrops are not a soil, only a component of the soil map unit and is also not expected to

meet a regeneration requirement.  These two soil map units comprise approximately 4% of the project

area.   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                152    Northern Hills Ranger District

Mass Movement

Mass movement (landslides) involves the downslope movement of soil and rock materials. Most

landslides involve earth materials with low shear strength, groundwater saturation of materials, an

interruption of the slope by natural causes or human activities, or a combination of these (USDA‐Natural

Resources Conservation Service 2004). Landslides can occur on unstable slopes if roads overload or

undercut them, vegetation is removed from them, or water runoff is directed onto them. The type and

scale of site disturbance, soil type and water content, climatic conditions, and design criteria are factors

in whether and to what extent soil mass movement may occur.  

Forest Plan guideline 1108 calls for on‐site slope‐stability examinations on slopes over 30 percent prior

to design of roads or activities that remove all or most of the timber canopy for the following soils:

Lakoa, Larkson, Citadel, Rockoa and Mathias.  It also calls for on‐site slope stability examinations on

slopes over 55 percent prior to design of roads or activities that remove all or most of the timber canopy

on all other soil types.  There are 12 soil map units within the Nautilus project area that have a potential

for mass movement according to the Forest Plan.  Soil map units having those Forest Plan characteristics

include:  (159E) Rockoa‐Lakoa‐Rock Outcrop Complex 10‐40% slopes, (161F) Rockoa‐Rock Outcrop

Complex 25‐60% slopes, (VaE) Vanocker‐Citadel Association Steep, (190E) Vanocker‐Citadel Complex 10‐

40% slopes, (193F) Vancoker Citadel Complex 20‐60% slopes, and (VkE) Vanocker‐Lakoa Complex 10‐

40% slopes (these soils for soil map unit and slope over 30%) as well as (140G) Buska‐Rock Outcrop

Complex 40‐80% slopes, (70G) Hopdraw‐Sawdust‐Rock Outcrop Complex 40‐80% slopes, (149G) Pactola‐

Rock Outcrop Complex 40‐75% slope, (RIG) Rock Outcrop‐Pactola Complex 40‐80% slopes, (RnG) Rock

Outcrop – Sawdust Complex 40‐80% slopes, (150G) Rubbleland‐Pactola‐Rock Outcrop Complex 40‐75%

slopes, (202G) Vanocker‐Sawdust‐Rock Outcrop Complex 40‐80% slopes (these soil map units for slope

over 55%).  Approximately 30% (12,502 acres) of the project area is on soil map units with the potential

for unstable slopes.

Slope stability investigations were conducted in 2008 and 2009.  Slope stability surveys were conducted

on approximately 348 acres in the Nautilus project area during the fall of 2008.  During this time, six

areas with soils that have characteristics that indicate a potentially greater likelihood for mass

movement and slopes 30% or greater were investigated.  Areas were identified as “stable” if there were

no signs of instability; “signs of instability” if there were some signs of instability; and “unstable” when

the area showed many signs of instability. Of the six areas observed, two are rated as “stable,” three

showed some signs of instability, and one was rated as “unstable.”  Similar surveys were conducted in

2009 on 18 sites covering an additional 1,207 acres of the Nautilus project area.  During the 2009

surveys, 13 sites were identified as stable; four sites showed some signs of instability and one site was

identified as unstable.

3.9.3 Environmental Consequences

AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Water Quality

The assessment of water quality focuses on activities that lead to erosion and sedimentation. Increases

in sediment yield have the capacity to affect the beneficial uses of streams. The Black Hills National
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                153    Northern Hills Ranger District

Forest has adopted the Watershed Influence Zone (WIZ) as the primary area in which erosive activities

can lead to stream sedimentation. The Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook (WCPH) (USDA‐

Forest Service 2006b) defines the WIZ as 100 feet minimum from each bank of perennial and

intermittent streams, lakes, and wetlands.  BMPs define streamside management zones as a strip of at

least 50 feet wide on each side of the stream (SDDENR 2003). For the Nautilus project, no equipment

zones would be 50 feet from the top of the stream bank, so that some harvest activities could occur

within the WIZ.  This would primarily consist of line pulling or directional felling of trees.  The width of

the WIZ for the Nautilus Project is to follow the WCPH definition of 100 feet on either side of the stream

or 200 feet total width.   

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects   

Existing timber harvest, timber stand improvement activities, use and management of the

transportation system, grazing, and mining activities would continue on National Forest System land

under this alternative.  No new activities associated with the Nautilus Project, although existing

approved projects would continue. Areas where stream beds and banks are unstable would continue to

erode, and sediment would continue to be delivered to streams. Levels of sediment entering streams

would remain at current levels and would not likely increase as the result of this alternative.  The risk of

a wildfire within the Nautilus project area would remain high and would likely increase over time

(Rafferty 2010). If a wildfire were to occur, sediment would be delivered to the streams.  Large amounts

of sediment would occur the first year after the fire and would decrease over the next three to five

years as the vegetation and ground cover becomes re‐established.  This was observed on the Jasper Fire

area in the central Black Hills (Keyser et al 2006).

Alternative A would not implement the watershed improvement projects proposed.  The majority of

these projects deal with areas where there is a direct sediment source into streams from past Forest

improvements.  Roads would continue to be a sediment source to streams at the 44 CDAs within the

project area.  Also, sediment would still be supplied to West Fork Estes Creek from the Centennial Trail

and nearby ATV routes.  Instable streambanks from eroded fish structures would continue to be a

sediment supply to Estes, Jim, Boxelder, and South Boxelder Creeks.  Sedimentation levels within

streams would either stay at current levels or increase with the selection of Alternative A.

Cumulative Effects

Sediment is naturally occurring in the environment.  The aquatic systems have adapted to and function

at different levels and ranges of sediment.  The introduction of sediment from human activity, if

excessive, can impact the aquatic resource and can have a cumulative impact over time. Alternative A

proposes no new Federal land management activities.  Previously authorized harvest and timber stand

improvement activities would continue. No roads are currently planned for decommissioning.  CDAs in

the area would not be rehabilitated. Current grazing activities would continue under existing allotment

management plans, with activities including maintenance of water development, cattle guards, and

fences, and spraying weeds with herbicides.  Private lands in the project area are likely to continue to be

developed. Development near streams could result in additional encroachment into the floodplain and

road‐stream crossing such as culverts or other crossing structures and lead to an increase in stream bed

and bank instability and additional erosion and sedimentation. There are no known concentrated

pollutant sources or chemical applications near water bodies in the Nautilus project area from the past

or expected in the future.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                154    Northern Hills Ranger District

Forty‐four CDAs were identified within the Nautilus project area and all would continue to contribute

sediment.  Stream crossings in the Nautilus project area would remain unchanged.

Cumulative impacts from sediment would occur if a large wildfire were to occur.  At first there would be

a large flush of sediment travel, and then the sediment would start tapering off over the next five years.

Watershed improvement projects would not be implemented with this alternative.  Meadows would

continue to lose ground to the encroaching pine trees and upland grasses.  Sediment would still enter

streams from the eroded out fish structures and at the Centennial Trail crossing with West Fork Estes

Creek.  FSR 706.1A would not be decommissioned and would continue to be a sediment source for Jim

Creek.  Cumulatively, not implementing these actions would maintain the Condition Class III watershed

rating and cause watersheds to move further away from desired conditions.  Water quality would

continue to decline with increased sediment into the streams until stream bank vegetation is

established or the roads are maintained.  Not implementing the watershed improvement projects could

have a more negative cumulative impact than current conditions.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The primary activities associated with the proposed action that result in erosion and sedimentation

include road construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and decommissioning; commercial and non‐

commercial vegetation and fuels management activities; prescribed fire; and other watershed

improvement projects. These ground disturbing activities can lead to erosion, which in turn produces

sediment. If sediment reaches streams, it has the potential to affect water quality. The anticipated

effects of each of these activities are discussed below.  

Roads

Roads are considered the primary contributors of sediments to streams in managed watersheds (USDA‐

Forest Service 1997). Road construction, reconstruction, pre‐use maintenance, and decommissioning

activities would occur under Alternative B and would be expected to contribute, to varying degrees,

erosion of the road itself and, to a limited extent, potential erosion of soils located near the road.  

Erosion can occur on cut and fill slopes, the surface of the road, and the ditch paralleling the road.  The

amount of erosion is affected by road surfacing, cross‐drainage off the road surface, and the soil

material of the road and the cut and fill slope material (USDA‐Forest Service 1997). It is estimated that

one‐third to one‐half of road erosion occurs during the first year after construction, dropping quickly to

near background levels within two to three years if continued use is not allowed (USDA‐Forest Service

1997).  Roads continually used would continue to produce sediment, especially when use is allowed

during wet weather (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).

Road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance within the WIZ and at road‐stream crossings have

the potential to increase sedimentation. However, the proposed action incorporates WCPs and BMPs

and will help ensure that streambed and bank stability is maintained and will minimize additional

sedimentation to area streams. Road use can also increase the potential for sedimentation. Road

construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use under Alternative B is expected to lead to a slight

increase in sedimentation but is not likely to lead to a significant impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                155    Northern Hills Ranger District

tables below display the amount of road within the WIZ and the number of stream crossings that would

be used under the alternatives.

Table 3‐49.  Miles of Roads within WIZ

Type of Road Alternative A Alternative B

Reconstruction 0 13.9

New Construction & Converted   0 0.6

Existing 26.9 13.8

Total 26.9 28.3

Table 3‐50.  Number of Road‐Stream Crossings Used

Type of Road Alternative A Alternative B

Reconstruction 0 85

New Construction 0 1

Road type conversion 0 6

Temporary roads 0 6

Total 0 98

Alternative B would include 8 miles of new road construction and the addition of 6 miles of existing

routes to the Forest’s road system. These routes would result in 10 new stream crossings. The proposed

action has been designed to minimize the likelihood that these roads would become CDAs through

application of WCPs and BMPs (Allard 2010).  

Only roads that would be used for timber harvest activities would be improved before harvest activities

start.  Road reconstruction and maintenance associated with Alternative B is expected to reduce the

number of CDAs within the project area and decrease potential for sedimentation. Thirty‐two of the 44

existing CDAs will be eliminated. Four of the CDAs that are not proposed to be fixed are associated with

unclassified routes within the project area. These routes are not proposed for use under Alternative B.

Eight of the CDAs that will not be fixed are associated with NFS roads that are not proposed for use

under this alternative. Within Class III watersheds, the number of CDAs will be reduced from 41 to 11

(approximately 73% eliminated), improving the watershed as a whole and helping it move toward a

Condition Class II.

Table 3‐51.  CDAs within the Project Area for Each Alternative

Watershed (HUC 6s) Alternative A* Alternative B

Proposed to be Fixed (Remaining)

Upper Rapid Creek 0 0 (0)

Upper Boxelder Creek 22 16 (6)

Middle Boxelder Creek 20 14 (6)

Elk Creek 2 2 (0)

Total 44 32 (12)

* Two of the CDAs surveyed are not under Forest Service jurisdiction; they are maintained by Lawrence County. Five of the

CDAs are from unclassified routes.

Thirty‐one road‐stream crossings exist on perennial and intermittent streams currently impassible for

fish. Stream crossing repair would occur over time, with those occurring on perennial streams receiving

first priority. Repairs would be implemented during low flows and outside of the fish spawning,
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                156    Northern Hills Ranger District

incubation, and emergence periods (WCP 3c, USDA‐Forest Service 2005c). Implementing other WCPs

and BMPs would decrease the amount of sediment entering streams. The short‐term increase of

sediment would be a minor negative impact that would be offset by the long‐term positive benefit for

increased fish habitat and enhanced stream health. Because the repairs would not all occur at once,

increased sediment loads would vary for each year during project implementation but would be

expected to continue to meet their beneficial uses.

The proposed road decommissioning (0.2 miles of FSR 706.1A) could also result in a short‐term increase

in erosion and potential sedimentation to Jim Creek due to ground disturbance if practices such as

ripping, placement of drainage structures, or recontouring are used. Once drainages are in place and

vegetation becomes established at disturbed locations, erosion of road surfaces would be expected to

be reduced or eliminated. By following WCPs and BMPs, the potential for sediment to enter Jim Creek

would be decreased.  This could result in a net reduction in erosion compared to the existing condition

for some of the project area roads. The potential impacts are minimal, as only 0.2 miles of road are

proposed for decommissioning. The short‐term adverse effect to Jim Creek from an increase of

sediment would be counterbalanced by the long‐term benefit to stream health.  Jim Creek would be

able to re‐establish riparian vegetation along its streambanks to help filter sediment before reaching the

stream, which would help improve stream health.

Commercial and Non‐commercial Vegetation and Fuels Management Activities

Commercial timber harvest does not lead to substantial sedimentation (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).  

Research indicates that thinning in ponderosa pine forests results in minimal to no sediment yield

(Libohova 2004). This alternative would employ both commercial and non‐commercial treatments on  

approximately 27,854 acres (78% of the NFS lands in the project area) to reduce the risk of mountain

pine beetle infestation, reduce fire hazard,  and increase structural diversity across the project area.  

Harvest methods would be dependent on the terrain and include ground based and cable logging

systems.   

The WIZ overlaps approximately 602 acres of stands in which commercial timber harvest is proposed.

Alternative B was designed to only allow limited commercial timber harvest within the WIZ. Estes Creek

near FSR 152.2G below the junction with FSR 152.2K is one area where harvest activities would occur

within the WIZ.  Estes Creek is still out of balance from past road building and flooding.  Removing some

of the ponderosa pine near the stream may help encourage riparian species upstream and downstream

become re‐established within this reach of stream.  Timber harvest would be more intensive

surrounding meadow areas to limit the seed source and help prevent pine encroachment. Minimal

sediment would be generated through the commercial activities, but by implementing the Forest Plan

standards and guidelines, which include WCPs and BMPs, very little to no sediment would be generated

and should not have an impact on the streams. The use of mechanized equipment in the WIZ is limited;

therefore, the actions are not expected to lead to stream bank instability or subsequent erosion and

sedimentation. The increase in potential sedimentation resulting from Alternative B is minor, though

greater than Alternative A. However, the treatments are intended to reduce the risk of a large crown fire

becoming established in the project area. After implementation of Alternative B, the risk of wildlife

would be considerably reduced, and any wildlife would likely be less severe than it would be if the

treatments did not occur. Thus, the level of sedimentation that would result from a wildfire would likely

be lower in Alternative B than in Alternative A.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                157    Northern Hills Ranger District

Alternative B incorporates design criteria to prevent sedimentation that could result from the non‐

commercial vegetation and fuels management activities proposed under Alternative B. These activities

are generally accomplished with limited or no mechanized equipment and result in minimal ground

disturbance. Some mechanized equipment may be used to accomplish these activities where fuel

loading is a concern. However, because of the nature of this activity and the general location of

treatments (e.g., upslope and outside of the WIZ) these actions are not likely to increase the potential

for sedimentation. Stream banks will be protected so that erosion and subsequent sedimentation do not

occur. Disturbance from these activities is expected to be minimal, and organic matter on the ground

would remain in place to protect the soil and absorb surface precipitation. For these reasons, no

sediment would be produced.

Through implementation of design criteria, WCPs and BMPs, the vegetation and fuels treatments are

not expected to result in the placement of concentrated pollutant sources near water bodies or applying

harmful chemicals near water bodies.  

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire could occur on approximately 10,000 acres within the project area over a ten year

period. There would be no sediment produced as a result of the prescribed fire because the following

design criteria (WCP 13c) would be used:  “conduct prescribed fires to minimize the residence time on

the soil while meeting the burn objectives.  This is usually done when the soil and duff are moist” (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005c). The burn mosaic created by prescribed fire may produce pockets of bare or

hydrophobic soil.  Based on the low percentage of soil map unit components with a high potential for

fire damage existing in areas where prescribed burns are planned, and the minimal amount of time that

prescribed burns would be expected to reach 115 btu’s/second/foot, these pockets would be expected

to be very limited and would be unlikely to substantially affect sediment transport. 

Other Watershed Improvement Projects

In addition to the road improvements and hardwood and meadow enhancement treatments, a number

of other activities are proposed to help improve watershed conditions in the project area and to help

move watersheds identified as Class III toward a Class II condition. They include correction (removal or

repair) of blocked fish passage structures and the repair of ATV route and Centennial Trail crossing along

West Fork Estes Creek. The effects associated with these stream crossing repairs mirrors those

associated with the road‐stream crossings described above. In summary, in the short‐term a small

amount of sedimentation may occur, though it should be minimized with application of WCPs and BMPS

to accomplish the work. Long‐term, there should be a net reduction in the amount of sediment going

into the creek.

Fish structures are in‐stream structures that create a deep plunge pool habitat for fish. These wooden

structures are anchored into the streambanks. Sediment can deposit on the upstream side of the fish

structure.  In addition, the impaired fish passage structures are causing instability and erosion along the

streambanks and contributing sediment to the streams, as water cannot pass through the structures and

tends to find pathways around the structures. Several non‐functioning fish structures in Estes, Jim,

Boxelder, and South Boxelder Creeks would be repaired under Alternative B.  The repair would cause

the built up sediment to re‐enter the stream and flow downstream, leading to a short‐term increase in

sediment in the stream and affecting water quality. However, over the long‐term, water quality and

stream health would be improved. Erosion and sedimentation resulting from impaired fish passage

structures would cease, riparian vegetation would become reestablished along the streambanks, and
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                158    Northern Hills Ranger District

active streambank erosion would stop. Stream bank stability would improve following these activities.

Through application of WCPs and BMPs, streams would continue to meet their beneficial uses.   

Summary

Overall the impacts from sediment under this alternative would be reduced over existing conditions if

no wildfires occur. There would be a slight potential increase in sediment in the short term (<5 years) in

some categories (e.g. harvesting, road use, road‐stream crossings, and watershed improvement

projects) and a potential decrease in sediment in the long term (>5 years) in other categories (CDAs) in

the project area under this alternative.  Implementation of Alternative B would result in streams within

the Nautilus project area meeting their beneficial uses.

Cumulative Effects

There has been a cumulative increase in sediment yield in the streams in the Nautilus project area from

past management activities on NFS lands and activities on private lands. The increase resulting from past

vegetation management activities on federal lands has been small. Grazing activities, including cattle

grazing, maintenance of water developments, installation and repair of cattle guards and fences, and

noxious weed spraying have and will continue to occur in the project area. Current grazing activities

would continue under existing allotment management plans, with activities including maintenance of

water developments, cattle guards, fences, and spraying noxious weeds with herbicides. All of these

activities are designed to comply with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and applicable WCPS and

BMPS. They have not and are not expected to lead to substantial sediment yield to streams in the area.

Management of private lands has also created some localized impacts and is expected to continue in the

future.  

The majority of the increase in sedimentation in the project area has been associated with roads. Lack of

maintenance at road‐stream crossing has resulted in connected disturbed areas. Installation of fish

passage structures has also lead to stream bed and bank instability in some areas. Instability can lead to

erosion and sedimentation. Alternative B is not expected to lead to a substantial increase in sediment

yield to streams or significant impact to water quality, as management activities would be implemented

in accordance with Forest Plan Standards and Guideline, WCPs and BMPs. Sediment yield would

minimally increase in the short‐term under Alternative B, but would decrease in the long‐term primarily

resulting from the elimination of the majority of CDA in the project area. Class III watersheds would be

improved over the long term through implementation of the watershed improvement projects. There

are no known concentrated pollutant sources in the project area from the past or expected in the future

and no known harmful chemical applications near water bodies in the past or expected in the future

within the project area.  

Stream  Flow Regimes

Increases in the magnitude and duration of stream flow during periods of peak flow have the greatest

potential to result in channel degradation. Vegetation and fuels management activities and roads have

the capacity to affect stream flow regimes. The reduction in tree density resulting from timber harvest

activities can lead to increases in water yield (USDA‐Forest Service 1997). While total volume increases,

the majority of the increase occurs during low‐flow periods. The peak flow changes from timber

harvesting generally occur during drier seasons where the amount of evapotranspiration exceeds

available soil moisture.  In the BHNF, this occurs during the summer and fall.  When tree density is
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                159    Northern Hills Ranger District

reduced, soil moisture remains higher and there is a greater potential for runoff from summer or fall

storms, because of the reduction in transpiration as a result of fewer trees (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).

Fire suppression activities have lead to increasingly dense forested areas in the Black Hills. This increase

in biomass has increased the amount of water used by vegetation through evapotranspiration.

Consequently, less water is available for stream flow and groundwater recharge. The increasingly dense

forest, coupled with climatic changes has also resulted in development of epidemic populations of

mountain pine beetle in certain areas across the Black Hills. Tree mortality resulting from mountain pine

beetle infestation results in a reduction of live tree biomass. This has the opposite effect of fire

suppression activities, making more water available for stream flow and groundwater recharge.   

Wildfires can increase runoff and peak flow events. This is especially a concern where watershed

features permit a high probability of flooding and debris flows (USDA‐Forest Service 1997 and Neary et

al. 2005). Increased runoff from burned areas, combined with erosion, may result in significant

sedimentation downstream.  This has been observed after the Galena Fire in 1988 and the Jasper Fire in

2000 in BHNF (Driscoll et al. 2004 and Keyser et al. 2006). Densely stocked forests have a higher

probability of supporting and carrying a crown fire and leading to large burned areas.  

Road drainage systems may alter a stream’s water yield.  These changes occur when subsurface and

surface flow is captured at road cuts and in ditches and redirected into a channel (USDA‐Forest Service

1997, 2007, and 2008b). Roads can also direct water away from a stream (USDA‐Forest Service 1997,

2007, and 2008b). The effects of road drainage can include an increase in peak discharge, changes in the

shape and timing of the hydrograph, increases in the total discharge, and potentially a decrease in water

quality (USDA‐Forest Service 1997, 2007, 2008b). However, flow regimes do not appear to be adversely

affected by the dense road networks in the Black Hills. During field reviews by Forest personnel, peak

flows of streams were not shown to increase due to road density (USDA‐Forest Service 1997). Roads are

currently occupying areas where trees or biomass would occur. This creates an opening in the forest

floor and reduces the evapotranspiration rates on these areas making more water available for ground

water recharge or streamflow. Normally roads tend to change flow regimes by delivering water more

quickly to streams, making their peak flows higher.   

Recent research indicates that effects from increased peak flows, although of concern, should be

confined to a relatively discrete portion of the network where channel gradients are less than

approximately 0.02 percent and streambeds are composed of gravel and finer material. Furthermore,

data indicates that if peak flow increases do occur they can only be detected in flows of moderate

frequency and magnitude. Beyond that, they are likely not detectable (Grant et al 2008). What this

suggests is that if increases in peak flows occur as a result of management activities, they are unlikely to

adversely affect higher gradient channels. Also, that peak flows are only detectable in smaller storm

events with return periods of 6 years or less, where channel forming processes are minor in effect.   

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

No vegetation or fuels management activities would occur under Alternative A. Water flow volumes

would remain dependent upon precipitation variability in the short term.  Forested stands would

gradually become increasingly dense unless a large wildfire or expansive mountain pine beetle epidemic

occurs. In the absence of large‐scale fire or insect events, water yield would be expected to continue to
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                160    Northern Hills Ranger District

gradually decline due to the increase of interception and higher evapotranspiration rates (Neary et al.

2005). Less water would be available for streamflow and groundwater recharge.

No roads would be decommissioned, and no CDAs would be eliminated under Alternative A. The road

system would continue to support increased water yield since the drainage network extension caused

by the current road system would persist.  Peak flows would remain at a higher level than they would

without a road network on the landscape, and the timing of those flows would continue to be

accelerated.  Regularly scheduled road maintenance on National Forest System roads would eliminate

some of the CDAs over time, but CDAs along unclassified routes that are not part of the transportation

system would persist. As private lands are developed, the drainage network from roads could be

expanded, increasing the intensity of peak flows.

Cumulative Effects

Past activities and fire suppression policies within the Nautilus project area have influenced flow

regimes.  Fire suppression has reduced water available for streamflow through increased biomass and

subsequent higher evapotranspiration.  Existing flow regimes would continue under this alternative.  

The project area also has a high risk for fire due to past suppression.  Increases in runoff and peakflow

events following wildfire can be of concern where watershed features permit a higher probability of

flooding and debris flows (Driscoll et. al 2004). If a large high‐intensity wildfire occurs in the future, flow

regimes could be impacted from reduced infiltration rates.  Alternative A would have no cumulative

impacts on flow regimes unless a high‐intensity wildfire occurs.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Minimal increases in water yield and stream flow are expected following the vegetation and fuels

management activities, road‐related activities, and watershed improvement projects proposed under

Alternative B. Commercial and non‐commercial thinning combined would occur on approximately

27,854 acres within the Nautilus project area. In addition, up to 10,000 acres of prescribed burning could

occur over the course of ten years. The removal of vegetation would positively affect stream flow by

increasing water yield and the amount of water available for groundwater recharge. However, increases

in water yield would be short‐lived, as the accelerated growth of remaining vegetation would balance

the loss of evapotranspiration from harvested trees within several years. Commercial treatments would

reduce fire hazard ratings and the likelihood that a wildfire would consume extensive acreage in the

project area. In turn, this would reduce the possibility of increased runoff and peak flow events and the

associated sedimentation that could result from a large‐scale fire event.  Prescribed burning can lead to

the removal of the duff layer that covers the forest floor.  Duff removal is not expected to be

widespread, as burn intensities are not high enough and residence times are not long enough. Burning

would also expose pockets of bare mineral soil, but these areas are generally small and dispersed across

the landscape. The level of bare mineral soil would not be of sufficient quantity to lead to detrimental

runoff and hillslope erosion.  

New road construction of 8 miles would increase road density in all watersheds in the project area.  Only

one perennial stream crossing is planned as new construction (on South Boxelder Creek). The other 12

road‐stream crossings are on intermittent and ephemeral streams and still could affect the amount of

CDAs within the project area.  Roads can convert subsurface runoff into surface runoff, which would

then flow to stream channels, increasing peak flows (USDA‐Forest Service 1997). To minimize soil and
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                161    Northern Hills Ranger District

water effects from road construction, road design and construction would follow design criteria, WCPs,

and BMPs.  Flow regimes do not appear to be adversely affected by dense road networks in the Black

Hills (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).  Therefore, road density is not a good predictor of peak flow increases

due to management actions.

Under Alternative B, the greatest increase in road density would be in the Jim Creek Watershed and

South Boxelder Creek Watershed, increasing by 0.6 and 0.5 miles/sq. mile, respectively (Table 3‐59).  

The remaining watersheds have an increase of 0.3 miles/sq. mile or less with the Upper Little Elk Creek

Watershed removing 0.1 mile/sq. mile of road density.  Construction of the new roads would occur in

South Boxelder Creek, Upper Boxelder‐Hay Creek, Boxelder Wilson, Estes Creek, Jim Creek, and Bogus

Jim Creek Watersheds.  Again the proposed new roads would be constructed following design criteria,

WCPs, and BMPs.  Alternative B would increase road density by 2.5 miles/sq. mile over Alternative A.

Table 3‐52. Road Density Alternative Comparison

Watershed (HUC7) Watershed Size

(acres)

Within Project

Area

Existing Road Density /

Alternative A

(mi/sq mi)

Alternative B New Roads  

Potential Road Density

10120110010302  

Gimlet Creek

999 (18%) 9.69 mi

6.2 mi/sq mi

9.69 mi

6.2 mi/sq mi

10120111010103  

Upper Boxelder‐Hay

8,761 (100%) 55.69 mi

4.1 mi/sq mi

57.23 mi

4.2 mi/sq mi

10120111010104  

South Boxelder Creek

10,391 (100%) 61.14 mi

3.76 mi/sq mi

69.27 mi

4.3 mi/sq mi

10120111010201‐

Boxelder‐ Wilson

5,051 (77%) 33.49 mi

4.2 mi/sq mi

34.20 mi

4.3 mi/sq mi

101201110101202  

Estes Creek

4,303 (83%) 24.60 mi

3.7 mi/sq mi

26.74 mi

4.0 mi/sq mi

101201110101203  

Jim Creek

6,664 (82%) 34.77 mi

3.3 mi/sq mi

40.96 mi

3.9 mi/sq mi

10120111010204

Boxelder‐Erskine

1,322 (24%) 8.32 mi

4.0 mi /sq mi

10.29 mi

5.0 mi/sq mi

10120111010205  

Bogus Jim

579 (9%) 2.99 mi

3.3 mi/sq mi

3.19 mi

3.5 mi/sq mi

10120111020105

Upper Little Elk

2,843 (27%) 21.18 mi

4.8 mi/sq mi

20.76 mi

4.7 mi/sq mi

Implementation of the watershed improvement projects should not change the water yield noticeably

from current conditions.  Implementation of the projects would be phased as funding allows, so the

effect would be less than if they were all implemented in one year.  Either way, there would not be a

noticeable change in water yield from these projects.

The greatest potential for increasing water yield comes from increasing soil compaction, which

decreases water movement into the soil, causing soil runoff where it did not occur previously. Impacts

to soils are addressed in the next section.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                162    Northern Hills Ranger District

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effect of Alternative B on flow regimes would be similar to that of Alternative A. The

only difference would be that while high‐intensity crown fires are still possible under either alternative,

vegetative treatments implemented in Alternative B would generally be expected to lower the severity

and extent of the effects associated with a wildfire. There would be limited short‐term cumulative

increases in water yield under Alternative B as a result of vegetation and fuels management activities;

however, biomass would continue to accumulate thus making less water available for streamflow or

groundwater recharge.  If a wildfire were to occur, this would further reduce the amount of live

biomass, and more water would be available for streamflow or groundwater recharge. Past timber

harvest activities have occurred in the project area that also removed biomass.  The cumulative impact

is less biomass, but the overall reduction would not be enough to cause a significant increase in

streamflow or groundwater recharge.

Stream Temperature and Oxygen

Stream temperatures can be affected by activities that remove shade, decrease low flows, or damage

stream banks so that streams are wider and shallower. Summer temperatures are generally increased,

and winter temperatures are decreased by such actions. Increased summer water temperatures can

reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water and impair the suitability of water bodies for aquatic biota

(USDA Forest Service, 1996).

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would not result in any new activities taking place within the Nautilus project area.

There would be no direct effect on stream temperature or water oxygen levels. There would, however,

be indirect effects associated with taking no action. Forests would grow increasingly dense, and water

yield and stream flow would be expected to gradually decline due to evapotranspiration. Less water in

streams could lead to increased summer water temperatures and decreased oxygen levels.  Densely

stocked ponderosa pine forests are at increased risk of supporting epidemic populations of mountain

pine beetle should they become established and supporting a crown fire in the event that of a wildfire.

Tree mortality caused by epidemic mountain pine beetle infestations or large‐scale wildfires could lead

to a decrease in live biomass. If less live biomass is present, less evapotranspiration would take place

and more water would be available for streamflow or ground water recharge.  

Riparian vegetation along streams would continue to provide shade for and moderate water

temperature in streams unless fire or insect and disease events occur along streams. However, the

stream bank instability resulting from blocked fish passage structures and existing CDAs could lead to

additional losses in stream bank vegetation in areas where such problems exist.  

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects of taking no action in the Nautilus project area are variable and dependent on

whether large‐scale fire or insect events actually occur. The potential cumulative impacts to stream

temperature and oxygen levels mirrors those described under indirect effects above.  

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                163    Northern Hills Ranger District

The vegetation and fuels management activities associated with Alternative B are not expected to affect

water temperature or water oxygen levels. As discussed previously, increases in stream flow resulting

from the removal of biomass are likely to be minimal and short‐lived. Riparian vegetation that provides

critical shade would continue to persist through application of WCPs and BMPs. The reduction in fire

hazard and insect risk ratings in the project area would increase the likelihood that riparian vegetation

would continue to persist.  

The elimination of CDAs at road stream crossings and repair of fish passage structures would lead to

reduced stream bank erosion and reestablishment of riparian vegetation in localized areas. Alternative B

includes establishment of 13 new crossings on 11 creeks.  One crossing is proposed for South Boxelder

Creek (a perennial stream), five crossings are proposed for intermittent streams (including Estes Creek

and tributaries to Hay Creek, Jim Creek, and South Boxelder Creek), and the remaining seven stream

crossings are proposed for ephemeral streams (including Wilson Draw, Green Draw, and tributaries to

other streams). These stream crossings are small localized areas (usually less than 20 feet long) and

would not result in enough shade loss to impact stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels.   

Cumulative Effects

There would be positive cumulative impacts to stream temperature and oxygen within the project area

under this alternative because of the reduced stand density across the planning area. In combination

with reduced stand density under past timber harvest projects, more water would be available for

streamflow, helping maintain or improve stream temperature and oxygen.

Biological:  Aquatic Life

“Aquatic life can be degraded by migration barriers, changed flow regimes, riparian damage, or big

sediment loads or chemical loads.” (USDA‐Forest Service 1996)

Flow regimes are discussed under the flow regime section, sediment loads are discussed under the

sediment section, and chemical loads are discussed under water quality section of this report.  Potential

riparian impacts are discussed within the stream bank stability section above and the riparian section

below.  Aquatic life migration barriers are discussed in the Wildlife Resource Report for this project

(Goldberg 2010).  New stream crossings would be in compliance with Forest Plan standard 1203 (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005c), WCPs and the South Dakota Best Management Practices (SDDENR 2003).  Minor

impacts are expected at the road‐stream crossings on perennial streams, especially during road

construction activities.  Implementation of the watershed improvement projects would also follow the

WCPs and BMPs.   

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

This alternative would result in no new activities within the project area, so aquatic life, related to

migration barriers and riparian damage, would not be affected. There would be no cumulative effect on

aquatic life from the implementation of Alternative A because no direct or indirect effects would occur

under this alternative.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                164    Northern Hills Ranger District

This alternative includes commercial and non‐commercial vegetation management.  Potential indirect

impacts to aquatic life relates to the amount of activity within the WIZ.  Up to 966.6 acres of activity

could occur in the WIZ for this alternative.  No effects would occur to aquatic life with the

implementation of the design criteria (see Appendix C).   

This alternative should increase the distance between migration barriers by fixing the fish impassible

road‐stream crossings within the project area.  There would be a positive benefit to aquatic life by

implementing watershed improvement projects.  WCPs and BMPs would be followed during

implementation, so that there would be minor damage to the riparian vegetation.  There would be a

short‐term effect during road construction activities, but there would be a long‐term benefit from

expanding the stream habitat accessible to aquatic life.   

There would be no cumulative impacts to aquatic life within the project area under Alternative B

because no activities would occur that would decrease flow regimes, increase riparian damage, or affect

sediment or chemical loads.  There would be a cumulative increase of stream habitat accessible for

aquatic life by reducing the numbers of road‐stream crossings that are impassible.  Reduction of

impassible structures is proposed under the Nautilus Project and could also result from maintenance

activities associated with the Forest‐wide travel management plan.

Riparian Ecosystems

“Riparian ecosystems provide shade, bank stability, fish cover, and woody debris to aquatic ecosystems.  

They also provide key wildlife habitat, migration corridors, sediment storage and release, and surface‐

ground water interactions.  Composition and structure of riparian vegetation can be changed by actions

that remove certain species age classes” (USDA‐ Forest Service 1997)

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Because no new activities are proposed under Alternative A, no direct or indirect effects to riparian

ecosystems are anticipated. Existing timber harvest, post‐harvest (KV), fuels, grazing, and mining

activities would continue under this alternative.  Road maintenance activities would continue as they

came up on the road maintenance cycle (approximately every five to seven years).  Alternative A would

result in no new proposed activities within the project area.  There would be no cumulative impacts to

riparian ecosystems within the project area under this alternative because no new activities are

planned.

Alternatives B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The vegetation and fuels management activities associated with Alternative B have been designed to

minimize impacts to riparian ecosystems. The WIZ area of 100 feet on each side of the perennial and

intermittent streams and springs would protect riparian areas. No commercial harvest would take place

within riparian areas.   

There would be some direct impacts to riparian areas as a result of six new road‐stream crossings on

intermittent and perennial streams.  These road crossings would destroy the riparian area in the

immediate area of the new road (usually less than 20 feet).  These six road‐stream crossings would
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                165    Northern Hills Ranger District

compromise a very small area compared to the riparian areas of these streams.  The direct and indirect

effects of Alternative B would result in minimal impact to riparian areas from the new road‐stream

crossings.

Prescribed burning could occur within the riparian areas.  There would be no direct ignition within

riparian areas, but prescribed fire would creep into the riparian areas.  The wet soils of the riparian areas

would act as the fire line. Arkle and Pilliod (2010) did not find any detectable changes within riparian

habitats from spring prescribed burning.  From this and past experience, there would be minimal

disturbance to riparian areas when following WCPs and BMPs to implement prescribed burning.

There would also be a direct impact on riparian areas with the implementation of the watershed

improvement projects.  All of these projects are within the WIZ and could impact some of the riparian

vegetation. WCPs and BMPs would be followed during implementation activities. However, a loss of

riparian vegetation could occur in the short term.  Riparian vegetation would usually become

reestablished within three years within the disturbed areas. This short‐term impact to the riparian areas

would be compensated by the long‐term benefit from implementing the watershed improvement

projects.

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 71 road‐stream crossings exist along intermittent and perennial streams.  Alternative B

proposes 13 new road‐stream crossings.  Combining the current and proposed stream crossing, there is

a potential for 84 road‐stream crossings in the project area under Alternative B.  Three of the proposed

new stream crossings already exist on the ground as an undefined route.   

Currently, 44 CDAs exist in the project area.  Implementation of Alternative B includes road maintenance

and decommissioning activities that would reduce the total number of CDAs to 12.  This would benefit

riparian ecosystems by reducing the total disturbance to streams across the project area.

Outside of the road‐stream crossing, there would be no cumulative impacts to riparian ecosystems

within the project area under Alternative B due to the implementation of the WIZ, which would prevent

vegetation treatments within 100 feet of streams.

Wetlands and Floodplains

Wetlands help control runoff, maintain water quality, recharge ground water, and provide special

habitats. Actions that may alter their ground cover, soil structure, water budgets, drainage patterns, and

long‐term plant composition can impair these values. Maintenance of floodplain function is important,

for floodplains act as natural escape areas for floods and may help control flood stages and velocities

(USDA‐Forest Service 1997).

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Under Alternative A, no direct effects to wetlands or floodplains are expected, as no activities would

occur. Wetlands are expected to persist, but may degrade in quality due to existing roads, off‐road

vehicle traffic, grazing, mining, and stream channel downcutting. The functional value of the four FEMA‐

designated floodplains in the project area (South Boxelder Creek, Boxelder Creek, Jim Creek, and Estes
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                166    Northern Hills Ranger District

Creek) is not expected to change as a result of no action. Existing CDAs in these floodplains may be

having some effect on the floodplains, but this effect does not appear to be impacting the functional

value of the floodplains.  

Alternative A would not result in any new proposed activities within the Nautilus project area.  Roads

that are currently affecting floodplains (via CDAs) would continue to do so.  It is expected that

floodplains would stay generally at existing conditions.  There are four FEMA‐designated floodplains

within the project area  

There would be no cumulative impacts to wetlands or floodplains within the project area under this

alternative because no activities are planned. There would be no cumulative impacts to floodplains

within the project area under this alternative because no new activities would occur.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines along with WCPs and BMPs require that long‐term ground cover,

soil structure, water budgets, and flow patterns in wetlands are maintained to sustain their ecological

function. Additional protection is afforded to riparian ecosystems surrounding wetlands through

establishment of a water influence zone surrounding them. Wetlands in the project area would be

protected by a 100 foot buffer in which no ground disturbing activities would be allowed. Therefore, no

direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to wetlands are anticipated.

Vegetation and fuels management activities are not expected to have any direct, indirect, or cumulative

effect on floodplains, as ground disturbing activities would not be allowed in the WIZ. Alternative B

proposes 13 new road‐stream crossings. Six of these would cross intermittent and perennial streams,

and seven would cross ephemeral streams.  All new road‐stream crossings would be installed to sustain

bankfull dimensions and be consistent with the WCPs and BMPs.  By following these guidelines, direct

and indirect impacts to floodplains would be minimal. The maintenance of existing roads in the project

area, especially those that cross or are located in close proximity to streams, could help improve the

functional value of floodplains by reducing flow concentrations along roads and reducing soil

compaction and displacement. The majority of the watershed improvement projects are within a FEMA‐

designated floodplain.  Improvement to road‐stream crossings that are currently a CDA or impassible to

fish could also improve the access of the stream to the floodplains during high flow. Implementing the

watershed improvement projects could also improve stream accessibility to the floodplains.   

Currently, 71 road‐stream crossings exist that fall in floodplains of perennial or intermittent streams.  

Alternative B proposes 13 new road‐stream crossings for perennial and intermittent streams (three of

which currently exist on unidentified roads which are to be converted to system roads).  Three of the

crossings could not be constructed if the road is designed to stay on one side of the creek (unidentified

routes U130037, U130110, and U130209). However, all of the existing CDAs are road‐stream crossings

and the total number of CDAs would be lower as a result of the redesign of existing CDAs.  Therefore,

there would be only minor additional cumulative impacts to floodplains within the project area from

new road‐stream crossings within floodplains.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                167    Northern Hills Ranger District

SOILS

Soil Erosion

Maintenance of soils is important because soil loss through erosion can reduce the ability of land to

support vegetation and potentially contribute sediment to water bodies. The likelihood of soil loss is

dependent on site conditions and the types of activities that occur on soils. Surface disturbing activities

can mimic or exceed natural soil erosion, but are generally expected to contribute to the removal of soil

surface cover (vegetation and litter) and various depths of upper surface layers of the soil (USDA‐Forest

Service 2005c).

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Under Alternative A, no new activities associated with this project would occur to alter existing soil

conditions in the project area, so no direct effects leading to soil erosion would occur. Existing erosion

concerns associated with use of roads would be expected to persist or could potentially increase over

time if roads are not effectively maintained, closed or decommissioned. Hazard of high‐intensity, stand‐

replacing fire events would generally be expected to increase over time. Such fires can result in

extensive erosion.  There are no cumulative effects expected from Alternative A.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Activities that have the capacity to result in soil erosion under Alternative B include vegetation and fuels

management activities and road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance activities. The level of

soil erosion that could occur is highly dependent on site conditions.  Recent soil health assessments

conducted within the project area indicate past management activities have resulted in low levels of soil

erosion. Most areas in which erosion is evident are along skid trails, at log landings, or along roads.   

Site characteristics, logging systems, seasonal timing of activities and unit design can all influence the

degree and extent of ground cover alteration, which contributes to the level of soil erosion experienced

in harvest units. Alternative B proposes thinning activities on six of the soil map units in the project area

that are rated as either Severe or Very Severe for hazard of off‐road or off‐trail erosion (149G, RIG, 161F,

150G, VaE, 202G). The following design criteria are be expected to minimize effects associated with

erosion on these soils: (1) on slopes over 30%, harvesting and skidding methods that minimize the

amount of soil displaced into piles or windrows would be used in order to leave soil intact and in place;

(2) place slash in a well‐distributed pattern across the skid trail surface and install waterbars, where

necessary following harvest activities.

Commercial treatments under Alternative B will reduce fire hazard ratings within the project area.

Consequently, wildfires and the level of soil erosion that results from them are expected to be less

severe than they would be under the no action alternative.  

Road construction, reconstruction, pre‐use maintenance, and decommissioning activities would occur

under Alternative B and would be expected to contribute to varying degrees erosion of the road itself

and to a limited extent potential of erosion of soils located near the road. Erosion can occur on cut and
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                168    Northern Hills Ranger District

fill slopes, the surface of the road, and the ditch paralleling the road. The amount of erosion is affected

by road surfacing, cross‐drainage off the road surface, and soil material of the road and cut and fills

slopes material (USDA‐Forest Service 1997). With regard to road construction, it is estimated that one‐

third to one‐half of road erosion occurs during the first year after construction, dropping quickly to near

background levels within two to three years if continued use is not allowed (EPA 1976 in USDA‐Forest

Service 1997). Roads continually used would continue to produce sediment, especially when use is

allowed during wet weather (USDA‐Forest Service 1997).

Alternative B includes road construction, reconstruction, pre‐use maintenance, and decommissioning on

soil map units that may present a potentially severe erosion hazard associated with on‐road/on‐trail

activities.  Various measures can be used to protect highly erodible soils or road surface material, such

as the placement of aggregate on the roadbed and culvert installation. Water diversion structures are

generally considered for grades steeper than 10 percent, and cut/fill slopes are to be seeded as soon as

possible following completion of the road template.  These practices would generally be expected to

keep erosion on new and reconstructed roads to a minimum in the Nautilus project area.  These

measures, along with implementation of the maximum cross‐drain spacing outlined in BMPs for South

Dakota (SDDENR 2003) and shown in Table 3‐60 below, are expected to further reduce concentration of

surface runoff on highly erodible soils, thereby limiting erosion at those sites.    

Table 3‐53. Spacing for Water Bars

Road or Trail Grade (%) Spacing Between Water Bars (feet)

2 250

5 135

10 80

15 60

20 45

Alternative B includes year‐round closure of newly constructed roads following harvest activities.  

Reclamation and revegetation would occur in accordance with Forest Plan standard 1109/WCPH

management measure 12 and Forest Plan standard 1110.  Depending upon the closure and reclamation

methods chosen, a short‐term increase in erosion may occur immediately after road reclamation due to

adjacent soil disturbance from recontouring, placement of water drainages, or scarification of the road

surface. Once drainages are in place and vegetation has become established on road surfaces, erosion

from these roads would generally be expected to be eliminated or reduced to background levels.

Road decommissioning of FSR 706.1A could be expected to result in a short‐term increase in erosion due

to ground disturbance if practices such as ripping, placement of drainage structures, or recontouring are

used.  Once drainage features are in place and vegetation becomes established at disturbed locations,

erosion of road surfaces would be expected to be reduced or eliminated. This could result in a net

reduction in erosion compared to the existing condition for some of the project area roads.

Cumulative Effects

Proposed activities may result in additional limited, site‐specific soil erosion and soil displacement.  Soil

would be moved during road construction under the action alternative.  Proposed road reconstruction

and decommissioning have the potential to result in short‐term increases in erosion, but design is

targeted at reducing existing limited erosion in some locations by stabilizing currently disturbed areas

and targeting the establishment of vegetation that would be expected to prevent or limit erosion in the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                169    Northern Hills Ranger District

long term.  Recent soil health assessments in the project area showed only one site that had greater

than 15% erosion.  Most of the erosion identified at this site occurred on or near roads, landings, or skid

trails.  Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future activities that could affect soil erosion levels in

the project area (including the Dakota Stone Gimlet Creek Proposal mining project) are also expected to

incorporate design criteria (Forest Plan standards and WCPH direction) to prevent erosion from

becoming detrimental. The recently signed travel management decision is expected to reduce the

amount of off‐road and off‐trail travel which is anticipated to reduce the amount of soil displacement

and erosion that are associated with these activities. Through application of site‐specific design criteria

intended to prevent or minimize soil erosion on soils that would be expected to be more susceptible to

detrimental erosion, WCPs, and other measures, no significant cumulative soil erosion is anticipated.

Soil Compaction

The compaction of soil can increase soil bulk density levels and can reduce large pore spaces within the

soil profile, which can lead to impairment of water absorption and root growth at those specific

locations.  Fine‐textured soils (loam soils or those with high levels of clay) can generally compact more

than sandy soils.  In addition, soils can typically compact more when soil moisture exceeds the plastic

limit1

.  Detrimental compaction may occur with a few passes of heavy equipment over moist soils, but

may not occur or may take many passes of equipment over soils that are dry (USDA‐Forest Service

2005c). To the degree that compaction contributes to vegetation growth reduction, increases in soil

erosion and water runoff may occur to varying degrees.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Under the no action alternative, no new activities associated with this project would occur to alter the

existing condition of soils within the project area. Ongoing activities may lead to additional but minimal

levels of soil compaction in the project area. In the absence of further activities on compacted soil areas,

existing levels of bulk density could be expected to decrease over time through various natural

processes, such as root development, freeze/thaw cycles, or wildlife activity (e.g.,  gopher excavation).

No significant cumulative increase in soil compaction is expected from Alternative A.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The Forest has conducted soil bulk density sampling periodically since 1998 (USDA‐Forest Service 2007).  

Various Black Hills soils can compact if heavy equipment use occurs when soils are wet or exceed the

plastic limit. In order to prevent detrimental soil compaction and comply with Regional soil quality

standards (USDA‐Forest Service 1992), the following design criteria from the Region 2 WCPH (USDA‐

Forest Service 2005c) are included in Alternative B and would be implemented in association with

project activities, including post‐sale activities:  

 

1 Soil moisture exceeds the plastic limit if the soil can be rolled into three‐millimeter threads without breaking or

crumbling (USFS 2006).
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                170    Northern Hills Ranger District

 Heavy equipment would avoid streams and swales (low‐lying or depressed and often wet

stretches of land) except to cross at designated points, build crossings, or conduct restoration,

unless protected by at least one foot of packed snow or two inches of frozen soil (WCPH

management measure 3).

 Heavy equipment will be operated for land treatments only when soil moisture is below the

plastic limit, the soil is protected by at least one foot of packed snow, or the top two inches of

the soil are frozen (WCPH management measure 13).

Alternative B proposes vegetation and fuels management activities that may result in varying amounts

of soil compaction, depending on site conditions and activity extent, due to the weight of vehicles and

equipment on the ground.  The majority of these activities would take place on soils that have been

identified as having soil map unit components that may be prone to compaction if activities occur during

wet conditions.  As stated previously, soil health assessments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 for the

project area, including looking at soil compaction.  Forty of the forty‐seven transects showed four or

fewer points with compaction.  Four of the transects that showed higher levels of compaction when

originally surveyed were reviewed again in September of 2009.  Three of these sites (2 sites in the

Rochford 4 sale and 1 site in the Gimlet 12 sale) showed signs of recovery and no or limited signs of

compaction were still evident.  The final site (in Strike 13) had not recovered from compaction when

resurveyed.  A soil health assessment was conducted in this unit again in July of 2010 as continued

monitoring of the site.  Results of the assessment indicate that the site has recovered to a level that

impacts are below the detrimental level. It is expected that activities proposed under these alternatives

may result in varying levels of soil compaction, but increases in bulk densities would not be expected to

exceed Regional soil quality standards based on recent monitoring in the project area and the

assumption that WCP design criteria specified above for the action alternative would be applied or

implemented as written for all proposed activities in the project area.

Cumulative Effects

Recent soil health assessments that were conducted both within and outside of previous harvest units

within the Nautilus project indicated that only four of the sites had greater than four points (greater

than 15%) that showed signs of compaction. These four sites were reevaluated in September 2009 and

all but one showed signs of recovery.  There are no additional treatments proposed in this unit (stand

082003 12), so no additional incremental effects would be expected to occur in this stand. Based on

Forest‐level monitoring (USDA‐Forest Service 2009), implementation  of site‐specific design criteria,

including operation on dry or frozen ground, WCPs, and other measures, total soil compaction would be

expected to be below 15 percent in all activity areas, and any increase in levels may be expected to

decrease over time depending on various site and climatic conditions.  Ongoing and future projects such

as post‐sale activities, that could compact soil in the project area would be expected to incorporate and

implement similar WCPH design criteria to result in no to low levels of compaction that are within those

specified in Regional soil quality standards and would not be considered to be detrimental.  The recently

signed travel management decision is expected to reduce the amount of off‐road and off‐trail travel

which is anticipated to reduce the amount of soil compaction that are associated with these activities.  

Because these various project activities would take place over several decades, and Forest‐level

monitoring (USDA‐Forest Service 2009) has documented bulk densities to remain below or return to

levels below those defined by Regional soil quality standards as detrimentally compacted, cumulative

soil compaction would be minimal and within the acceptable limits set by Forest Plan standard 1103.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                171    Northern Hills Ranger District

Soil Nutrients

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Under the no action alternative, soil nutrient levels may increase over time. Soil nutrients could be

impacted in the event of a stand‐replacing fire. Such a fire could occur under any alternative, but

potential for large fires with severe effects are expected to be highest under the no action alternative.

Reduction in the level or availability of soil nutrients may result from soil erosion, displacement, or

compaction, or reduction of soil organic matter.  All of these factors could be expected to contribute to

lower site productivity by reducing nutrients available for plant growth (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).  

Organic matter and nutrients may be lost when leaves, limbs, litter, and humus, are moved off‐site.

Cumulative Effects

Existing activities like timber harvest, post‐harvest (KV), mining, and grazing activities would continue

under this alternative.  A risk for a stand‐replacing wildfire is expected under all alternatives, but is

highest under Alternative A.  Cumulative effects on soil nutrients are not expected from the past

activities on the Forest and past and potential activities on private lands.   

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative B, loss of organic matter and nutrients would generally be expected to occur where

whole‐tree yarding is used.  Whole‐tree yarding is estimated to remove 75 to 85 percent of the activity‐

generated slash from the stand and put it into mechanical harvester piles, leaving approximately 15 to

25 percent of the slash in the stand (Rafferty, personal communication).  This may be desirable in areas

where reduction of fuel loading is necessary to target the reduction of high‐intensity fires that may

result in severe effects to the soil resource, but it may contradict Forest Plan guideline 1102a in

instances where specific treatments are located on soil map units 158C, 159E, 161F, and 202G.  In order

to comply with Forest Plan standard 1102 in locations where these soil map units occur (refer to Table 3‐

61), the following design criteria would be implemented:

 Conventional harvest systems that retain the slash would be used within the specified soil map

units; or

 If whole tree harvesting is used, fine slash (less than 3 inches in diameter) would be retained on

the site in quantities identified in the Forest Plan standard 1102/guideline(a).

Table 3‐54. Stands with Low Organic Matter – Alternative B

STAND  ID

081456              11 081701              25 081704               6 081710               3

081456              17 081701              29 081704               7 081710               5

081456              18 081701              30 081704               8 081710              21

081456              56 081701              32 081704              10 081802              37

081456              57 081701              33 081704              14 081802              41

081456              63 081701              34 081704              15 081802              43

081456              68 081701              37 081704              16 081802              48
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                172    Northern Hills Ranger District

081456              77 081701              38 081704              17 081802              49

081508               1 081701              40 081704              18 081802              50

081508               2 081701              44 081704              19 081802              56

081508              14 081701              45 081704              20 081803              74

081508              16 081701              47 081704              23 081902              13

081508              17 081701              50 081704              27 081902              26

081508              18 081701              53 081704              28 081902              27

081508              19 081701              54 081704              32 081902              94

081508              40 081701              55 081704              34 081903              13

081508              41 081701              58 081704              35 081903              23

081508              45 081701              59 081704              41 081903              24

081508              46 081701              63 081704              42 081903              25

081508              48 081701              64 081705              30 081903              29

081508              51 081701              70 081705              34 081903              30

081508              52 081701              72 081705              36 081903              31

081508              53 081701              73 081705              49 081903              34

081508              59 081703              14 081705              51 081903              41

081508              67 081703              15 081705              52 081903              70

081508              72 081703              16 081705              55 081903              79

081508              75 081703              17 081709               5 081903              80

081508              77 081703              20 081709               7 081903             111

081508              82 081703              21 081709              20 081903             112

081508              83 081703              24 081709              21 081903             114

081508              86 081703              36 081709              24 081903             131

081508              87 081703              39 081709              25 081904              13

081508              95 081703              46 081709              26 081904              14

081508              99 081703              47 081709              31 081904              15

081508             106 081703              49 081709              49 081904              16

081508             114 081703              51 081709              58 081904              17

081701               1 081703              59 081709              60 081904              18

081701               5 081704               1 081709              68 081904              26

081701               7 081704               2 081709              69 081904              52

081701              19 081704               3 081709              71 081904              54

081701              21 081704               4 081709              76 081904              55

081701              24 081704               5 081710               2 081904              56

Up to approximately 10,000 acres of prescribed burning could occur over a ten year period under

Alternative B. Prescribed burns of low intensity would consume some of the surface fuels, releasing

some of their associated nutrients to the soil.

Cumulative Effects

Timber harvest or fuels treatments are proposed to occur on soils with an effective rooting depth of less

than 15 inches.  These sites inherently have limited nutrient availability and water‐holding capacity,

which is generally visible in the growth of ponderosa pine at those locations or evident in site indices.  

Application of WCPH design criteria described above would retain or return residual slash material in the

stands with shallow soils (effective rooting depths of 15 inches or less), with the expectation that soil

nutrient levels would generally be maintained or potentially improve.  Ongoing and future projects that

could affect soil nutrients in the project area would also be expected to incorporate and fully implement
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                173    Northern Hills Ranger District

design criteria targeted at retaining on‐site material with the expectation that soil nutrient levels would

be retained.

Soil Heating

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

No activity is proposed under Alternative A, so no direct effects are anticipated. Fire hazard ratings

under Alternative A would continue to increase as conifer stands increase in density. Stand replacing

wildfires can lead to severe soil heating effects, such as complete consumption of ground cover

vegetation, litter, and duff, development of water repellency, extensive soil erosion, decreased soil

biological activity, and disturbance of the soil nitrogen pool. Altered soil conditions resulting from

intense fire may affect long‐term productivity of sites (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).These effects could

occur under any alternative, though the potential for large, stand‐replacing fires is expected to be

greater under Alternative A.   

All current activities would continue under this alternative which includes timber harvest, post‐harvest

(KV) activities, grazing, and mining.  High‐intensity, stand‐replacing wildfires could occur under any

alternative, but the risk is expected to be the highest under Alternative A.  Cumulative effects from a

potential wildfire may be expected to be the greatest under Alternative A due to the highest fire risk.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Up to 25,350 acres of prescribed burning could occur under Alternative B. No burning is proposed on

soils with high potential for impacts from fires of moderate intensity. To keep soil heating effects to a

minimum, prescribed burning proposed under the Alternative B would be conducted to minimize the

residence time on the soil while meeting burn objectives in accordance with WCPH management

measure 13/design criteria (c). Prescribed burning, through consumption of surface fuels, is expected to

contribute to a reduction in the potential for high‐intensity wildfires while causing only very limited

hydrophobicity (water repellency) and soil erosion.  Hydrophobic soil would be expected to break down

enough to no longer affect hydrologic processes within five years (USDA‐Forest Service 1997) and

ground cover vegetation would be expected to recover within three to five years, even in the case of a

wildfire (Driscoll et al. 2004, Keyser et al. 2006). In the event that a prescribed fire was to exceed

prescription, a site evaluation might be needed to assess the effects and determine if any rehabilitation

is required. No cumulative effects would be expected under this alternative.

Mass Movement

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Under the no action alternative, no new activities are planned on slopes with characteristics indicative

of mass movement potential. Soil mass movement may be expected to continue at existing levels or

may increase if high‐intensity fire occurs and results in extensive tree mortality on these soils. Potential
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                174    Northern Hills Ranger District

for mass movement events would generally be expected to be limited to rates similar to those typical of

the geology in the area. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

Alternative B proposes timber harvest on soil map units that are identified in the Forest Plan as being

more susceptible to mass movement. Slope stability surveys were conducted for the project area in

2008 and 2009 on soils that have been identified as more susceptible to mass movement as per Forest

Plan guideline 1108. These surveys identified 15 sites as stable, 7 sites as having signs or instability, and

2 sites as unstable. To minimize the potential for landslides resulting from timber harvest activities,

treatments in these areas have either been dropped or modified as shown in Table 3‐62 in the areas

identified as either unstable or showing signs of instability.

Table 3‐55.  Site Specific Design Criteria for Unstable Soils

Stability

Survey

Area

Stand ID Site Specific Design Criteria

A81 081704  17 Only commercially treat top portion of hill in unit and avoid slope on East end.

081508  02   Avoid commercial treatment on slopes over 30%.

A11 081709 07 Coordinate layout of units with Hydro/Soils Specialists to avoid areas of instability.

081709  20 Coordinate layout of units with Hydro/Soils Specialists to avoid areas of instability.

A13

081709  58 Coordinate layout of units with Hydro/Soils Specialists to avoid areas of instability.

081709  63 Coordinate layout of units with Hydro/Soils Specialists to avoid areas of instability.

081709  10 Coordinate layout of units with Hydro/Soils Specialists to avoid areas of instability.

Application of design criteria to road construction and reconstruction would help ensure that the

potential for mass movement is minimal. For these reasons, mass movement would generally be

expected to be limited to rates similar to those that are expected for the geology that exists within the

project area.  Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

3.10 Transportation Network

3.10.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for the transportation network.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Transportation Report (Allard

2010), which is located in the Nautilus project file.

3.10.2 Existing Conditions

The existing transportation network was inventoried and reviewed in 2009.  Currently, approximately

257 miles of road exist on NFS land.  This includes 209 miles of NFS road, 12 miles of private road and 36

miles of non‐NFS road.  When possible, timber harvest units would be accessed via the existing road

network.  Some additional system roads may be added through new construction or conversion of

existing non‐system roads.  Prior to use, existing roads may require improvements including blading
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                175    Northern Hills Ranger District

surface irregularities, establishing or re‐establishing drainage structures, clearing vegetation, or

hardening the road surface.  This work would be accomplished by reconstruction or pre‐use

maintenance to accommodate the logging traffic.

The Nautilus project area is currently considered open for travel except for areas with posted yearlong

closures (wildlife or surface‐related) or seasonal closures to protect wildlife or to prevent road damage.  

The Forest‐wide travel management plan decision was recently signed and is anticipated to go into

effect in late summer or early fall 2010.  This plan will designate specific routes that motorized vehicles

can use and other routes that are set aside specifically for non‐motorized travel.

The Forest Service does not yet have rights of way for some private roads that would be necessary to

access proposed harvest units.  If the proposed action is selected and rights of way cannot be obtained,

then some harvest units would be dropped.

3.10.3 Environmental Consequences

The geographic area considered for cumulative effects analysis for the transportation network is the

Nautilus project area.  The analysis is bounded by the time period of 10 years prior to 10 years into the

future to account for the effects of recent past actions and the effects of this project and other

foreseeable future actions.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative A would have no direct effect because no new roads would be constructed and no existing

roads would be reconstructed or decommissioned.  Existing roads that have Best Management Practice

(BMP) violations would be addressed during specified maintenance as funding becomes available.  

General road maintenance activities would continue as funding is available.   

Indirect effects are possible on routes where degraded road conditions already exist.  While general

road maintenance would continue under the no action alternative, that maintenance is most often

conducted on high‐use roads.  Other, lesser used routes in the project area would not be reconstructed

under the no action alternative and would degrade further, decrease the safety of the route to

motorized travelers and ultimately lead to increased repair costs in the future.

Cumulative Effects

The indirect effects described above would be exacerbated into the future under Alternative A, resulting

in the cumulative effect of increasing degraded road conditions.      

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Improvements that can be done only under reconstruction include installing drainage structures,

clearing and grubbing, and adding aggregate to harden the roadbed or drainage structures.  

Realignment of the road may also be done only under reconstruction.  For the Nautilus Project, it is

estimated that less than one percent of the total reconstruction miles would require realignment.
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                176    Northern Hills Ranger District

Changing road conditions make it difficult to predict how much work would be needed at the time

timber harvest activities begin.  Since both pre‐use maintenance and reconstruction would likely involve

disturbance of the surface, for the purposes of analysis there is no differentiation between

reconstruction and pre‐use maintenance in order to allow unforeseen problems to be corrected.  The

final determination of the amount of road work that is needed would be made based on input from the

District specialists and by a route verification at the time the timber sale road package is completed.

Access to the timber harvest units proposed under Alternative B would require 8 miles of new

construction, 6 miles of conversion (non‐system to system), and 147 miles of reconstruction.   All newly

constructed system roads would be closed immediately following harvest unless the Forest‐wide travel

management plan identifies specific segments of road as open for motorized travel.  Closure methods

would be determined by District specialists on a site by site basis.   

Improvement and maintenance of the existing road network would provide better, safer vehicle access

to the area.  But, the addition of system roads would increase maintenance costs and road density and

could temporarily lead to an increase in erosion because of removal of roadside vegetation.  The

roadway would be reseeded following disturbance and sediment basins would be constructed where

necessary to catch run‐off.  Erosion may be decreased through the addition of aggregate surfacing or by

placing rock in rolling dips.   

Additional measures to minimize impacts would be implemented using “Engineering Design Guidelines”

and BMP.   

Cumulative Effects

The accumulation of past, present and reasonably foreseeable impacts could have both beneficial and

negative effects in the Nautilus project area.  Maintenance of existing roads that would occur under

Alternative B would decrease the overall negative impacts (e.g. sedimentation, erosion, safety hazards)

to which these roads contribute.  However, the addition of 14 miles of new roads (new construction and

conversion combined) would increase maintenance costs in the long term.  For an analysis of the effects

of the proposed road construction activities on a specific resource (e.g. wildlife, botany,

hydrology/soils), refer to that specific resource section within this document.

3.11 Lands/Minerals/Special Uses

3.11.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences for lands, minerals and

special uses as a result of the alternatives considered for the Nautilus Project.  It summarizes the

Nautilus Project Lands and Minerals Resource Report (USDA‐Forest Service 2010k), which is located in its

entirety in the Nautilus project file.

3.11.2 Existing Conditions

The Nautilus project area has a long history of development related to the imbedded 5,699 acres of

private property.  In relation to this development, there are 126 miles of utility distribution and

transmission line corridors (electric and telephone), land survey monuments/corners, county
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                177    Northern Hills Ranger District

maintained roads, private roads and Forest System Roads.

In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act that authorized the Federal Government to sell federal

lands to settlers or land company speculators. The passage of the U.S. Mining Laws Act in May 1872

assisted the progress of miners and settlers to the west. Passage of the Organic Administration Act of

1887 established many Forest Reserves in the west.  

The Nautilus project area has several areas that have been administratively withdrawn for power lines,

highway uses, mineral entry, reclamation, administrative sites and recreation. The purpose of a

withdrawal is to withhold National Forest System (NFS) land from operation of the mining laws and

other public land laws, to either reserve the area for some future use or to maintain other public values

of the area.  Additional purposes would be to protect administrative sites and other capital

improvements and to protect designated management areas not compatible with mining activity. A

withdrawal usually prevents the land from leaving federal ownership, may prevent entry under the

mining laws but does not affect existing rights and does not invalidate existing permitted uses.   

LANDS AND SPECIAL USES  

Of the more than 1.5 million acres within the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) boundary,

approximately 289,000 acres are in private, state, or other federal ownership.  This creates a complex

landownership pattern.  Complications and inefficiencies resulting from this ownership pattern include

the need to:  1) acquire private private property or convey NFS lands out of federal ownership for

private property by land exchanges or Small Tracts Act cases and 2) acquire, grant and manage rights‐of‐

way and other special use permits across both public and private lands for roads, trails, and overhead

and underground utility lines.   This ownership pattern has provided an opportunity for the Forest

Service to acquire easements and to grant rights‐of‐ways to individuals, and local and state agencies.   

There are many private parcels of land within the Nautilus project area, a total of 5,699 acres.  These

private parcels are most often long continuous irregular‐shaped parcels of open pasture land that were

originally settled as homesteads.  Some parcels are still being actively ranched, but more and more

parcels are being subdivided for housing developments or for single family residences.  Access to private

parcels is provided through system or non‐system forest roads, state highway or county roads, for which

the state or county hold easements.   

The existing complicated land ownership pattern in this area was set in motion, in part, by the Euro‐

American settlement that came to the area partially as a result of the Custer expedition of 1874. This

settlement started as a gold rush and quickly evolved to include cattle grazing, agriculture and logging.

Associated with these settlement activities were roads and trails to provide access to markets. Lands

were removed from the Federal domain into private ownership as mining claims and homesteads. The

earliest patent was issued for a mining claim in 1903 and the last for a homestead in 1916.

Lands that now constitute the Black Hills National Forest were entrusted to Federal government for

management as a result of the Organic Administration Act of 1897, which established many Forest

reserves in the west.  Since the passage of the Small Tracts Act in 1983, the Forest has been active in

“squaring up” its boundary through land conveyances to private individuals under the provisions of this

act.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                178    Northern Hills Ranger District

Many of the roads within and adjacent to the Nautilus project area are utilized throughout the year to

access special use permitted areas such as utility lines right‐of‐ways, recreation residences, public water

systems, electronic tower installations, subdivisions and private property.  

Easements  

A number of private road easements and public road easements have been granted in the project area

for access across NFS lands. There are currently three Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA)

easements and one pending authorization within the project area. There are currently two South Dakota

Department of Transportation (DOT) easements within the project area. Conversely, the Forest Service

has obtained a number of easements from private land owners in order to cross private land. The

project file contains information related to these easements.   

Recreation Residences

Nine special use permits issued to recreation residence holders are located within the project area

boundary. The Boxelder Recreation Residence Tract has eight cabins located approximately one mile

West of Nemo in T2N R2E Section 11. One additional cabin is located within the project area at T4N,

R3E, Section 34. All cabins are privately owned structures located on NFS land under special use permit.  

Earlier in Forest Service history, people were encouraged to build recreation cabins on NFS land.  This is

no longer the practice, but existing cabins are allowed to remain under special use permits.

Other Special Use Permits

A special use permit was issued for the Nemo Cemetery on NFS land located 1⁄4 mile southwest of Nemo.

The South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) holds its annual training on the Forest each year during the

second week of June.  Coordination between the Forest Service and SDNG will ensure that the training

activities and any proposed activities under the action alternative are compatible.

The Nautilus project area contains approximately 126 miles of distribution and transmission overhead

power utility lines under special use permits to Black Hills Power, Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Qwest

and Knology.   Most notable are the electrical transmission lines (230 KV) belonging to Black Hills Power

and Black Hills Electric Cooperative.  Many distribution lines (56 KV) also exist within the project

boundary.  

MINERALS  

The mineral potential of the BHNF was evaluated by the US Geological Survey (Dewitt et al. 1985) and

the US Bureau of Mines (Gersic et al. 1990).  Dewitt et al. (1985) identified significant mineral potential

for a number of locatable and saleable mineral commodities within the Nautilus project area.  Locatable

commodities include gold, and high‐calcium limestone. Saleable commodities include sand, gravel, and

crushed stone.

The three main land types underlying the project area are Crystalline Hills and Ridges, Moderately

Rolling Uplands, and Gently Dipping Plateaus. The dominant type being Crystalline Hills and Ridges; this

land type is associated with narrow ridges, moderately steep to steep side slopes, narrow valley
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                179    Northern Hills Ranger District

bottoms and rock outcrops. These rock outcrops are mainly slate and schist. Moderately Rolling Uplands

make up almost a one‐fourth of the project area and are associated with broad ridges, moderately

sloping to steep side slopes, narrow to wide valley bottoms and rock out crops. Cover less than one‐

fourth of the project area is Gently Dipping Plateaus associated with broad and narrow ridges and valley

bottom, moderately sloping side slopes and rock outcrops. The rocky outcrops associated with these

plateaus are sandstone and limestone.

The Nautilus project area is primarily composed of Lower Permian age sandstone, limestone, and shale.

Small areas of Eocene and Paleocene quartz also occupy parts of the project area. It is these quartz

areas that have shown to be mineral producing, the principle product being gold.     

Mining played a large part in the development of this area, as evidenced by numerous historic prospect

pits, adits, shafts, and abandoned mine workings.  The project area contains numerous geological and

mineralogical resources including areas of current mineral production, prospecting, and exploration, and

areas of known mineral potential.  As used in this report, the term “minerals” is used very broadly to

include metals, industrial rocks and minerals, oil, gas, coal, and common variety rocks such as sand and

gravel.   

Current mineral production consists primarily of sand, gravel and landscape rocks such as quartz and

slate.  Favorable mineral potential has been identified within the Nautilus project area for gold, high‐

calcium limestone, sand and gravel, and crushed stone.  There are currently 46 mining claims, one

proposed mining operation for slate schist, and several reclaimed historic mines within the Nautilus

project area.

There are numerous unpatented placer and unpatented lode claims in the project area.  None of the

claimants have surface rights; therefore, management activities and access within these claim

boundaries generally are not a concern.  The placer claims along creeks are used primarily for

recreational hand panning and sluicing. A few abandoned opened portals and small open pits are in the

project area. Communication with claimants on these working claims is imperative during all phases of

the project. There are numerous inactive claims.

The abandoned mines present in the Nautilus project area present physical hazards.  Most of these

abandoned mines are unidentified but field visits have located several sites. The probability of

unevaluated cave resources is high within the Nautilus project area.   

Saleable minerals include such things as sand, gravel, and building stones. The project area contains

deposits of saleable types of minerals. There are both public gravel pits and in‐service pits located in the

project area. Most notable are Vanocker Quarry located in T4N, R5E, Section 29 and Benchmark Quarry

located in T3N, R4E, Section 22.   

Locatable Minerals

Gold mines have operated in the Nautilus project area on a small scale.  Many of these are placer mines.  

It is possible that additional gold mines might be discovered and developed. High‐calcium limestone is

currently used in the Rapid City area for the production of lime and cement.  Due to high transportation

costs, a close proximity to a processing plant is an important aspect of the economics of high‐calcium

limestone production.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                180    Northern Hills Ranger District

Saleable Minerals

Common variety rock such as landscape rock, crushed stone, sand and gravel are saleable commodities.  

The Forest Service has the discretion to sell these commodities from Forest Service land.  There are

numerous resources for landscape rock, sand, gravel and crushed rock within the Nautilus project area.  

It is possible that additional mineral collecting activities are on‐going, but have not been permitted

through a free‐use permit.

Abandoned Mines  

There are many abandoned mines within the Nautilus project area.  The abandoned heavy metal mines

are generally small open pits or small underground workings.  The primary hazards associated with

these mines are physical hazards related to open shafts, collapsing and subsiding underground workings,

and steep and unstable high walls.  The Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD) currently has an active

abandoned mine reclamation program.  Approximately two abandoned mines within the district are

reclaimed each year.

Caves  

The geology of the area suggests caves and other geologic resources could be within the Nautilus project

area, but the extent of such resources is not known at this time.  

Paleontological Resources  

The extent of paleontological (fossil) resources within the project area is currently unknown.  The

Pahasapa Limestone and the Minnelusa Formation have the potential to contain fossils.  Caves within

the project area have the potential to contain more recent vertebrate fossils from animals that lived in

the caves or fell into vertical shafts at cave entrances.  

3.11.3 Environmental Consequences 

LANDS AND SPECIAL USES

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Present Activities

Access:  Any private in‐holdings using non‐system roads require an easement or special use

authorization to cross NFS land.  The road system provides vehicular access for each of these permit and

easement holders and is a critical component for each of the special use activities.

Easements:  There are three easements issued to private individuals and two to DOT to cross NFS land.  

One authorization is pending the formation of a road district.  This affects the landowners accessing

their private property via Merritt Estes Road (FSR 208.1).   

Special Uses:  There is one water transmission line special use permit issued to for a residence in T3N

R4E Section 35.  It is 1,214 ft. in length for a total acreage of 0.92.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                181    Northern Hills Ranger District

Future Activities

Access:   Land owners with no legal access are required to obtain an easement or special use permit

from the Forest Service.  Other private parcels appear to be accessed from system roads.  However, no

snowplowing, road maintenance or improvement is allowed on these roads by the landowner without a

permit authorizing work to be done.  Lands personnel have been notified of one additional access need

for the Nautilus project area located in T2n, R5E, Section 3.  If and when others are identified, the Forest

Service will proceed with attempting to acquire right‐of‐ways to meet management objectives.   The

Forest Service will also pursue opportunities to meet Forest Plan objectives by allowing access to only

those private landowners who are authorized for such use.   

Small Tracts Act: There are numerous parcels of irregularly shaped private land.  There may be

opportunities to pursue conveying land to adjacent landowners using the Small Tracts Act authorities

should a landowner request it.   

Utility Lines:  Private landowners may request new electric and phone lines that cross NFS land.  The

power and phone companies must request this use in writing and are subject to cost recovery

processing fees.  Any new utility or phone lines requested will need to be installed underground.

Private Land Development:  It is expected that the trend of larger blocks of private land being subdivided

will continue within the Nautilus project area.  The Forest Service encourages the formation of

homeowners’ associations or road districts where roads are accessing multiple owners.   

Land Exchanges: Due to current lands acquisition funding levels and other priorities, land exchanges will

not likely take place within the Nautilus project area in the near future.   If Forest policy and direction is

changed or implemented, opportunities to exchange land for management objectives and land

consolidation may exist.   

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

All alternatives would continue existing easements and special use permits.

The no action alternative would not cause either beneficial or adverse effects to lands or special use

resources in the project area. Special uses and recreation would be expected to continue. Fire hazard

and risk of epidemic mountain pine beetle infestation would be expected to increase over time. A stand‐

replacing fire could affect special uses by threatening improvements. Damage to utility systems could

disrupt service and cost thousands of dollars to repair. In the absence of these events, Alternative A

would not be expected to affect lands or special uses.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Road system changes would have potential adverse effects if access to permitted areas, facilities and

private property is not accommodated. Certain access roads, private road easements and public road

easements must be provided for maintenance and management activities.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                182    Northern Hills Ranger District

Unclassified roads that are currently being used for private road easements need to remain unclassified

and maintained by the easement holder.  If these roads are changed to system roads there would be

increased road maintenance costs and increased time needed to convert private road easements to

public road easements.

The action alternative proposes management activities around powerlines within the project boundary.

These lines will be shown as protected improvements on the timber sale maps. Timber harvest activities

associated with the action alternatives might provide an opportunity to remove hazard trees from the

powerline corridors and reduce fire risk adjacent to utility lines.  Timber removal activities could include

timber within the powerline right of way for line maintenance. A number of electrical distribution lines

and telephone lines exist within the Nautilus area.  These lines are smaller in nature but should also be

shown on the timber sale maps as protected improvements.  

The action alternative proposes management activities around the Nemo Cemetery.  This area and its

associated improvements should be shown as protected improvements on the timber sale maps. With

implementation of design criteria requiring protection of permitted improvements such as utility lines

the action alternative would not be expected to affect special uses. Proposed activities would be

expected to reduce fire hazard and risk of beetle infestation, decreasing the risk of damage to

improvements.

Recommendations for Treatment/Developments  

Easements   

There are several roads that provide access to private property, but little to no impact is expected to the

existing easements within the Nautilus Project Area. The roads accessing the easements and special use

permits listed above will need to be kept open.  If adverse impacts occur to the roads during pre‐sale,

harvesting or post‐sale activities, the roads will be reconstructed to pre‐use conditions.

Private Parcel Access and Right‐of‐Way   

As land ownership changes and lots are subdivided there may be an increase in requests by private

landowners for easements to obtain legal access.  Maintain one access to each private lot and pursue

access across other private land before pursuing easements.  Issue easements or special use permits to

private property owners who are using NFSL for access and do not have legal access.  Acquire right‐of‐

way access where appropriate to facilitate completion of management objectives.

MINERALS

Past, Present, and Reasonable Foreseeable Actions

Production of quartz and other minerals for use as decorative stone and production of mineral

specimens have been ongoing throughout much of the 20th century (Gersic et al 1990).   

Currently there are active mining claims, but these claims are not currently being worked or are in

various stages of approval for work within the Nautilus project area.  Recreational panning and sluicing

activities and abandoned mine reclamation are expected to continue within the project area.

   

Evaluation of caves for significance and development of site specific cave management criteria in

accordance with the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 is required by the Forest Plan.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                183    Northern Hills Ranger District

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects

All alternatives would continue mining activities at present levels.

Alternative A would not cause either beneficial or adverse effects to mineral resources in the project

area.  Existing roads provide adequate access to the active mines as well as access to many of the

abandoned mines and mineral claims.   

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Unpatented Mining Claims

Alternative B proposes road closures which might affect some mineral claims, but if they do the roads

can be reopened as needed.  Access to mines and mineral claims would still be available and the

potential to respond to future access needs would be maintained.  This requirement for road access is

required under 36 CFR 228.1 subpart A and United States Mining Laws 30 U.S.C. 21‐54 which confers a

statutory right to enter upon public lands to search for minerals. If road access becomes a necessity,

then the category of road use and maintenance level of the road would be determined. BLM index to

mining claims LR 2000 lists numerous claims within the Nautilus project area. While not active, there is

always the possibility that they may become so during the life of the project. Proposed activities could

temporarily affect the owners of these claims if their need for access to their area of operation is

inhibited. Several active claims exist in the project area and communication with claimants on these

working claims is imperative during all phases of the project. There should be no negative direct,

indirect, or cumulative effects to the mineral resources or to mining claimants from any of the

alternatives.

Caves

The forest plan mandates a study of the significance of caves, a process which has not yet been

accomplished.  Caves which are determined to be significant, or which have not been evaluated for

significance, must be managed to protect their biological, cultural, ecological, hydrological, and physical

characteristics. Design criteria included with the proposed action are intended to protect cave

resources.  Standard 1401 includes specific management practices for significant caves or caves that

have not been evaluated for significance.  The practices include maintaining a 500 foot buffer around

the caves and taking measures to prevent changing the cave ecosystem, water, sediment, nutrient,

chemical, airflow, or temperature regimes.  With these mitigation measures in place, there should be no

negative direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to caves from any of the alternatives.

Recommendations for Treatment/Developments

The majority of Forest Plan standards and guidelines regarding mineral resources pertain to mitigating

impacts on the forest from mineral prospecting, exploration, development, and production.  One topic

that addresses protection of mineral resources from other activities is the cave standards, which require

prevention or mitigation of human caused changes in cave ecosystem, water, sediment, nutrient,

chemical, airflow, humidity, or temperature regimes.  A second issue to consider is that the majority of

lands within the Nautilus project area are open to mineral location under the 1872 Mining Law.  There
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                184    Northern Hills Ranger District

are 46 active mining claims as well as unidentified abandoned mines within the Nautilus project area

boundary.  Requests to actively mine for gold or collect landscape rock for personal use will continue

and will need to be documented and areas kept open for this type of use.    

Operating plans are expected for some of these claims in the future.  Under the 1872 Mining Law, as

amended, the Forest Service is required to allow reasonable access to mineral claimants.  It is probable

that more Plans of Operations will be received in coming years, and also that mineral companies will

request additional contracts for mineral materials.  Therefore, it is possible that new access roads will be

needed in the future for exploration and development of mineral deposits.

3.12 Recreation and Travel Management

3.12.1 Introduction 

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences for recreation and travel

management as a result of the alternatives considered for the Nautilus Project.  It summarizes the

Nautilus Project Recreation and Travel Management Report (Jones 2010), which is located in its entirety

in the Nautilus project file.

3.12.2 Existing Conditions

The area south and west of Nemo, South Dakota, has a very high recreation value on the Northern Hills

Ranger District (NHRD) for off highway vehicle (OHV) traffic including all terrain vehicles (ATV), utility

terrain vehicles (UTV), dirt bikes and 4x4 vehicles. The transportation system is well developed with

paved highways, gravel and native surface roads and OHV trails providing easy access for forest visitors.

The Black Hills National Forest is utilized for a variety of recreation activities and in particular the

popular activities in this project area are driving for pleasure, camping, horseback riding, day hikes,

bicycling, fishing, picnicking and rock climbing.

Peak tourism on the NHRD occurs from July to September.  Several seasonal peaks occur.  The first

occurs during the second week of August during the Sturgis motorcycle rally when approximately

500,000 visitors are present in the Black Hills.  Riding motorcycles in Vanocker Canyon (Forest Highway

26) is very popular and several thousand riders could be present at any given time during that week.  

The second peak of recreation occurs in November during deer hunting season, where a large number of

hunters could be dispersed throughout the project area. The third popular recreation period occurs

toward the end of September when many visitors drive Vanocker Canyon, Highway 385 and other roads

to view the fall colors.   

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) from the Forest Plan for the management areas within the

Nautilus project area is as follows:        
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                185    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐56. Nautilus Project Area Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

Management Area ROS

5.1 Roaded Natural

5.3A Roaded Natural

5.4 Roaded Natural

As defined in the Forest Plan, a roaded natural area is characterized by predominantly natural appearing

environments with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of people.  Such evidence usually

harmonizes with the natural environment.  Interaction between users may be moderate to high, with

evidence of other users prevalent.  Resource modification and utilization practices are evident, but

harmonize with the natural environment.  Conventional motorized use is allowed and incorporated into

the construction standards and design of facilities (USDA‐Forest Service 2005c).

Developed Recreation

Campgrounds

Boxelder campground is located approximately 1.5 miles west of Nemo and lies within the boundary of

the Nautilus Project. This campground is managed by a concessionaire, Forest Recreation Management

(FRM), and is open from one week before Memorial Day to one week after Labor Day.  Three campsites

are located outside of the gated area and are open year round. This campground is dominated by

ponderosa pine with a large white spruce component.  Boxelder Creek flows along the east edge of the

facility.

Roubaix Lake campground is located immediately outside the west boundary of the Nautilus Project and

is also managed by FRM.  The open season is the same as for Boxelder campground.  The C‐Loop and

day use areas are open year round. This campground is dominated by ponderosa pine and has a small

lake associated with it that is used for fishing, swimming and small non‐motorized watercraft such as

rafts or inner tubes.

Steamboat Rock recreation area is primarily a picnic ground but tent camping is also allowed. It is

located immediately outside the southeast boundary of the Nautilus project 2.5 miles south of Nemo on

Nemo Road.  This recreation facility is also managed by FRM during the same season as listed for

Boxelder campground.  This facility is currently open year round but receives no maintenance during the

winter and early spring. This recreation area is dominated by ponderosa pine and Boxelder Creek flows

along the north edge of the facility.

Privately‐owned Facilities  

The Nemo Guest Ranch is a private facility in the town of Nemo that offers camping and cabin rentals,

which are located entirely within the Nautilus Project boundary.   

Big Mama’s, Sugar Shack, Whispering Pines,  and Custer Crossing are all privately‐owned facilities

immediately adjacent to the project boundary that offer various visitor services such as parking,

camping and food.

Trails

The Centennial trail is a 111 mile long primarily single track trail with approximately 9 miles traversing

the Nautilus project area from north to south.  This portion of the Centennial trail is open for motorized
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                186    Northern Hills Ranger District

(ATV, UTV, dirt bike) traffic, horse riding, hiking and bicycling.  The Pilot Knob and South Boxelder

trailheads are the two Forest Service administered trailheads within the Nautilus project area. The town

of Nemo also serves as a trailhead.  The Centennial trail is open year round for public use.  Its high

season of use is from mid‐June through September with a lesser use during the late fall.  It is currently

very popular with the motorized community and until the recently signed Forest‐wide travel

management decision takes effect in late 2010, it is the only official motorized trail on the NHRD.  Areas

along the trail are also dominated by ponderosa pine with intermixed pockets of white spruce, aspen

and birch.

There are no snowmobile trails within the project boundary.

Dispersed Recreation

The total volume of dispersed recreation is difficult to quantify, but is thought to be high for the Nautilus

area and in particular south and east of Nemo toward US Highway 385 near the Experimental Forest.  

Dispersed recreation activities that are known to occur in the area include driving for pleasure and ATV,

UTV and motorcycle riding.  The area is popular for ATV, dirt bike and four wheel drive vehicles because

of its proximity to Nemo.

An area north of Nemo, locally known as the Turtle Pond, becomes an unofficial campground during the

Sturgis motorcycle rally. Approximately 50 to 100 campers are typically present there during the 1st and

2nd weeks of August.  The Forest Service places dumpsters here during that time to accommodate the

extra trash burden.  During the motorcycle rally, the most heavily used paved corridors are Vanocker

Canyon, Nemo Road and Highway 385.  

Other dispersed recreation activities that occur in the project area are horseback riding, mountain

biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, Christmas tree cutting and firewood gathering.   The

project area is also popular for big game and turkey hunting and the roads receive heavy hunter traffic

in the spring and fall.  Recreational use of the area continues to increase, as do conflicts between

motorized and non‐motorized users.   

Recreation Special Uses

Two defined outfitter and guide areas for hunting are located in the Nautilus project area: the

Whitewood area and the Roubaix area. Both have permittees with special use permits for hunting

turkey, deer and elk. These are large areas covering the majority of the project area.  Both outfitters

have relatively few clients and could be present at any time during hunting season within a relatively

large area.

Two permitted guides are established for horseback riding, one in the Nemo/Centennial trail area and

the other in the north end of the project area.  These two guides have a defined set of trails that they

are allowed to ride on with their customers.

One guide is permitted to lead adventure tours and she primarily uses the Centennial trail in the

Nautilus project area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                187    Northern Hills Ranger District

The University of Wisconsin has an institutional guide permit for conducting geology field trips within

the project boundary.

Two permitted recreation events exist for ATV/UTV/dirt bike poker runs, one in the early summer and

one over Labor Day weekend. Both events use portions of the Centennial trail and other routes as

approved.  

Travel Management

Travel management consists of all modes of motorized or non‐motorized transportation and all types of

travel surfaces.  Travel management is a function of all the resource areas involved in managing the

National Forest and involves defining where travel is acceptable or not based on resource concerns.

All recreation activities rely on a transportation system of some type, if for no other reason than to

provide access to an area.  Many of the Forest Plan goals and objectives cannot be met without a

transportation system.  It is the function of travel management to combine all of the issues and

concerns of the resources, the public, and the management emphasis into a comprehensive plan that

meets these needs in a responsible manner.

The travel management Record of Decision (ROD) was signed on March 22, 2010. The decision maker

selected a course of action that will be implemented through the development of a motor vehicle use

map (MVUM) that shows what types of vehicles are allowed on specific routes across the Forest.  This

decision still needs to go through the appeal period, which will likely end in late June or early July 2010.  

It is expected that the MVUM will be printed in late summer or early fall and will be available to the

public at that time.  Once the MVUM is printed, the travel management decision will take effect and

visitors will be expected to comply with the new ruling.  

Some routes identified as roads in the current system will be transformed to trails based on this

decision. There are also a mix of trails open to all (i.e. ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, rock crawlers and 4x4s) and

dirt bike trails within the project that are considered new system routes even though these routes have

existed on the ground and have been used for many years by the public.  The travel management

decision officially adds these routes to the Forest System and approves their use for motorized travel.   

Two special orders are currently in effect in the Nautilus project area that prohibit off road traffic. Both

are located near Boxelder campground and the Boxelder walk‐in fishery.  Once the MVUM is final, these

will no longer be necessary as visitors won’t be allowed to possess or drive motorized vehicles on the

designated route.   The new travel management decision will have a positive effect in the Nautilus

project area by reducing the number of routes that are available for visitors to drive on.  This results in

fewer unclassified stream crossings and results in less impact to sensitive wildlife, botanical and heritage

resources.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                188    Northern Hills Ranger District

3.12.3 Environmental Consequences

Effects Common to All Alternatives

Removal of hazard trees and general maintenance along designated trails and developed recreation

sites will continue under either alternative.

Under either alternative, the Forest Service will continue to repair and maintain NFS roads and trails

under its jurisdiction.  New and existing user‐created roads that are causing resource damage will be

rehabilitated or removed as funding allows.  Emergency restrictions will continue to be implemented as

needed, such as temporarily closing roads during wet conditions to prevent rutting and erosion or

closing an area to off‐road motorized use during periods of extreme fire danger.  The Forest Service will

continue to patrol and enforce regulations to protect road and trail surface resources, vegetation, and

other resources.  Neither of the alternatives will affect State, County, or private management.  Current

management would continue unless changed through the Forest‐wide travel management analysis.   

No changes in special use permits for outfitters and guides are anticipated under either alternative.

Alternative A (No Action)

Although Alternative A would not change current management or propose any new activities, changes

would still occur through human use of the area.  User‐created roads and trails would continue to be

developed and wildfires would have the potential to impact recreational opportunities or experiences in

the area.   

This alternative is responsive to those who do not want any changes made to current travel

management and recreation opportunities in the Nautilus project area.  It also serves as a reference

point from which to compare the proposed action.

Direct and Indirect Effects

No changes would be made to developed or dispersed recreation management under Alternative A.  The same

recreation activities that are available in the Nautilus project area currently would continue to be available

under this alternative.   

In the absence of other events, conifer forest in the project area would continue to crowd out other vegetation

types.  The loss of large areas of timber to a severe wildfire could reduce the quantity and quality of recreation

opportunities.  A severe wildfire could also potentially concentrate dispersed recreation use into a smaller area

as users avoid burned areas in favor of green ones.

The number of pine trees infested and killed by mountain pine beetles is likely to continue to increase while

climatic conditions and population dynamics are favorable.  This would lead to increasingly unsafe conditions in

dispersed recreation areas because of increased potential for falling trees and short‐term increased fire hazard

in beetle‐killed stands.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                189    Northern Hills Ranger District

Travel management would remain the same under Alternative A.  No new closures or openings of new

areas would occur based on Nautilus analysis. Changes to the travel management system were made

with the Travel Management ROD dated March 22, 2010 and will be implemented as such.

Roubaix Lake, Steamboat Rock, Nemo Guest Ranch, Big Mama’s, Sugar Shack, Whispering Pines and

Custer Crossing are all either Forest Service or private facilities adjacent to the project area. Cumulative

effects from activities within the project area could conceivably impact these facitilities.  Under

Alternative A, no thinning of ponderosa pine would occur, allowing likelihood of mountain pine beetle

infestation to continue to increase.  Beetle‐killed trees are less aesthetically pleasing than healthy trees

because they display red needles the year after mortality.    The presence of mountain pine beetle in the

Nautilus project area would also increase the risk of infestation of trees outside the area, including trees

around and within the listed campground.  Loss of trees immediately adjacent to or within the

campground would decrease its attractiveness to users.   

The lack of any treatment activities in Alternative A would also leave the project area, and the adjacent private

campground, at risk of high‐intensity wildfires.  A blackened landscape is less appealing to most campers than an

area with live trees.  Although the campground itself may survive a fire, the surrounding landscape would be at

risk and the loss of those areas to a high‐intensity fire would negatively impact the camping experience.  

If large areas of forest in the Nautilus project area remain untreated and are lost to a high‐intensity wildfire, the

loss of recreational opportunities could negatively affect local communities.  Hunting is a fairly common

dispersed recreation activity that occurs in both the spring and fall in the project area.  Users of the project area

help support the local economy through the purchase of food, accommodations, recreation equipment,

souvenirs, gasoline, and other items.  If a wildfire were to change the landscape of the project area, the negative

impacts could continue to be felt for decades in the nearby communities such as Nemo.

As the local population increases, use of forest roads and trails will probably continue to increase.  This

increased use may result in increased dust, ruts, damage and vandalism if the roads and trails are not

maintained at adequate levels.  No improvements or closures would take place under Alternative A,

compounding the effects of increased use.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis area for the Nautilus Project is the project area plus a two‐mile buffer

around the project area.  This extent is chosen because recreational uses in the project area are

connected to adjacent areas (trails extend beyond the project area boundary), and events within the

project area may displace use to adjacent but reasonably nearby areas.    The time frame considered for

cumulative effects is 10 years in the past until 10 years in the future.  This range accounts for recent

changes and also allows activities that will occur in the foreseeable future to be considered.

Cumulative effects could occur due to the lack of road management under Alternative A.  Under the no

action alternative, no road management as a result of the Nautilus Project would occur; any road

management activities would have to take place as part of routine maintenance, for which there is a

backlog and limited funds.  The recent travel management decision limits motorized travel to specific

routes, which would concentrate the impacts of those activities on those routes.  Lack of widespread

road maintenance, combined with concentrated use on the roads within the project area, could lead to

increased degradation of the road network and create an increased need for maintenance.   Roads that
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                190    Northern Hills Ranger District

are already unsafe for travel due to lack of maintenance could become more so due to the combination

of no maintenance and increased use.   

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

There are three developed recreation sites, Boxelder campground, Pilot Knob trailhead and South

Boxelder trailhead located in the Nautilus project area. No new developed sites are proposed.  Timber

sale activity to promote healthy forests would benefit these developed sites.  Healthier forests are safer

and provide a visually more appealing appearance for the visitor to enjoy. Timber sales and fuels

reduction projects would provide added benefit to the facilities by reducing the chance of high intensity

wildfires.

The Centennial trail would be minimally affected by the proposed action. Several proposed timber sale

activities are adjacent to the trail. The recreation staff would work with other Forest Service

administrators to provide for safety near the trail. These activities would provide the same benefits as

listed above for the developed sites: healthier forests and reduced fire danger.

Any effects to dispersed recreation would be temporary in nature.  As the name implies, dispersed

recreation can occur anywhere throughout the project area.  Campers, hunters, people gathering forest

products or driving for pleasure can choose to recreate in another location if management activities are

currently taking place in the area they frequent.

Patterns of recreational use may change while management activities are occurring, but this effect

would generally not last beyond project completion.  Those who enjoy non‐motorized activities may

choose to recreate in another area until the management activities are complete.  Dispersed recreation

would be more affected by the new travel management decision than by the decision rendered for the

Nautilus Project.  Motorists will now be expected to abide by the newly designated travel routes

identified in the travel management ROD while the Nautilus Project decision does not address travel

management.

The proposed action identifies approximately 8 miles of new road construction and 6 miles of

unclassified road conversion required to facilitate vegetation management activities.  Although the

roads would be closed when activities are completed, it is often difficult to effectively close roads in the

Black Hills.  The topography often allows vehicles such as ATVs and motorcycles to circumvent closures.  

Because the topography is fairly easy to navigate, users may find their way into areas that are

technically closed without ever seeing a sign posting it as closed.  Once a road template is in place, it is

likely that the road will receive at least occasional use even if closed.  This increased access to previously

inaccessible regions of the project area may result in greater potential for illegal activities, resource

damage, and user conflicts.  If closures are less than 100% effective, negative effects associated with the

new roads could continue.

The decommissioning of approximately 0.2 miles of NFS road would have little direct effect on the

motorized community.  This route is rarely used and is showing signs of rehabilitating itself.  

Decommissioning this route would have a positive effect on hydrological and botanical resources and

provide an opportunity for those who enjoy non‐motorized activities.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                191    Northern Hills Ranger District

The proposed 147 miles of road reconstruction and maintenance would improve safety conditions for all

users.   Roads that are currently in need of repair could present a safety hazard to motorized user due to

the presence of rutting, outsloped roadbeds, washboards and erosion damage.  Reconstruction and pre‐

use maintenance would repair these conditions, making the roads safer to travel.

Reduction of the fuel load in the project area could improve safety overall by lessening the likelihood of

a wildfire that could threaten recreationists.

Guided hunting may be displaced to other locations during the time management activities are taking

place, but this impact would be short‐term and limited to relatively small, specific areas at any given

time.

The area around Nemo and the Experimental Forest has a high density of OHV trails as defined in the

travel management ROD.  These users would temporarily be displaced by management activities as it

would be necessary to close certain routes for safety reasons while management activities take place.   

It is uncertain how long a particular trail may be closed due to logging or fuel reduction activities and it

would vary based on the size of the unit and the time of year. For public safety, OHV users would need

to use another trail system during times of activity.  In certain cases, it may be necessary to put up signs

warning the public of activities and in other cases it would be necessary to physically close the routes.

Since this would be one of the first analysis areas to coincide with the new travel management decision,

the protocol for keeping the public safe would need to be developed and refined over time.  

The recreation experience in the Roubaix Lake campground, Steamboat recreation area, Nemo Guest

Ranch, Big Mama’s, Whispering Pines, Sugar Shack and Custer Crossing campgrounds, which are

immediately adjacent to the Nautilus project area, may benefit from management activities proposed

under the action alternative. Thinning of ponderosa pine stands in the project area would decrease their

susceptibility to mountain pine beetle infestation and the likelihood that beetles would spread to other

areas.  Additionally, silvicultural treatments in the Nautilus area would decrease the crown fire hazard,

which may reduce the likelihood of a stand‐replacing fire occurring in the area.

Cumulative Effects

The road improvements proposed under Alternative B, in combination with the direction contained

within the travel management decision, would result in a more clearly defined, safer recreation

experience in the project area.  Road reconstruction and maintenance would make 147 miles of the

existing road network safer for public travel.  All of this mileage is included in some aspect of the travel

management plan.  In addition, the travel management decision would define which routes are open to

motorized travel and what types of vehicles are allowed on them.  This combination of effects could also

have a positive effect on non‐motorized recreation in that access to recreation areas would be improved

and it would be clear which routes are open to motorized vehicles and which areas are set aside for non‐

motorized use.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                192    Northern Hills Ranger District

3.13 Scenery

3.13.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for scenic resources.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Scenery Report (Keegan 2010), which is

located in the Nautilus project file.

3.13.2 Existing Conditions

Value Landscape Character Unit Development

Landscape character gives a geographic area its visual and cultural image, and consists of the

combination of physical, biological and cultural attributes that make each landscape identifiable or

unique.  Existing landscape character may range from predominantly natural landscapes to those that

are heavily culturally influenced.  The landscape character units are derived from an ecological

framework utilizing ecological land descriptions and existing landscape uses.  Ecological units are the

mapped landscape analysis units used for ecosystem planning and management.  The visual image

created by the physical, biological, and cultural factors in the ecological land unit description helps

define the landscape character for scenery management.  For descriptions of this area and landscape

character, see the following from the Revised Forest Plan FEIS (USDA‐Forest Service 1997):  

 Ecological Land Unit – Lacolith Mountains  

 Valued Landscape Character Unit (LCU) Overview

 Mountainous/Mixed Forest Landscape Character Unit  

 Moderately Dissected Terrain/Mixed Forest Landscape Character Unit  

Scenic Class

Scenic class measures the relative importance of, or value, of discrete landscape areas having similar

characteristics of scenic attractiveness and landscape visibility.  Scenic class is used to compare the value

of scenery with the value of other resources.  The components of scenic class are scenic attractiveness

(which is based upon human perceptions of the intrinsic beauty of landform, water characteristics,

vegetative pattern, and cultural land use) and landscape visibility (which is based upon the distance

zones from the observer and the concern level for scenery).      

The higher the scenic class, the more important it is to maintain the highest scenic value.  The

inventoried scenic class values on the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) are 1 through 4, with 1 being

the highest.  The scenic class values demonstrate the importance of the views in different areas.   

Approximately 25 % of the Nautilus project area is designated as a Class 1, 41% is Class 2, 31% is Class 3,

and 3% is Class 4.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                193    Northern Hills Ranger District

Scenic Attractiveness

Inherent scenic attractiveness is obtained by classifying the landscape into different degrees of variety.  

This determines which landscapes are most important and those that are of lesser value from the

standpoint of scenic quality.  The classification is based on the premise that all landscapes have some

value, but those with the most variety or diversity have the greatest potential for high scenic value.  The

combination of valued landscape elements such as landform, water characteristics, vegetation, and

cultural features are used in determining the measure of scenic attractiveness.

Scenic attractiveness classifications are: A ‐ Distinctive, B ‐ Typical and C ‐ Indistinctive. Distinctive refers

to those areas where landform, vegetative patterns, water characteristics and cultural features combine

to provide unusual, unique or outstanding scenic quality.  These landscapes have strong positive

attributes of variety, unity, order, harmony, uniqueness, pattern and balance.  Typical refers to those

landscapes where landform, vegetation patterns, water characteristics and cultural land use combine to

provide ordinary or common scenic quality.  Indistinctive refers to those landscapes where landform,

vegetation patterns, water characteristics and cultural land use have low scenic quality.  Often water

and rockform of any consequence are missing in Class C landscapes.  Approximately 15% of the Nautilus

project area is in the Distinctive classification, 66% is in the Typical and 19% is in the Indistinctive.  

Landscape visibility is the portion of the landscape visible from travel ways and use areas that are

important to constituents for their scenic quality, aesthetic values, and landscape merits.  Travel ways

and use areas are identified and classified during the Forest‐wide planning process in order to determine

which observer locations, and their importance, for use in the landscape visibility analysis.  Sensitivity

Level 1 travel ways that lead to important scenic features, residential areas, resorts, recreation areas,

unique natural phenomena, wilderness trailheads, national parks,  and state and county parks attract a

higher percentage of users having high concern for scenic quality, thus increasing the importance of

those travel ways.   

Figure 3‐9.  Landscape Distance Zones   

                  

From U.S. Highway 385, Nemo Road (FSR 414.5), and the Centennial Trail (a designated National

Recreation Trail), which are all Sensitivity Level 1 corridors, approximately 25 % of the planning area is

visible. The majority of these visible areas are in the northern portion of the planning area.  The most

dominant visible areas are along the north and east facing hills in this area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                194    Northern Hills Ranger District

From the Sensitivity Level 2 corridors, which consist of county and major NFS roads, approximately 5 %

of the planning area is visible.  This includes Vanocker Canyon Road (Forest Highway 26) and Merritt

Estes Road (FSR 208).

Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIO) are management objectives that were adopted from the scenic class

values.  Scenic integrity is a measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be

“complete”.  The highest scenic integrity ratings are given to those landscapes that have little or no

deviation from the character valued by constituents for its aesthetic appeal.   

HIGH: A scenic integrity level meaning human activities are not visually evident.  In high

scenic integrity areas, activities may only repeat attributes of form, line, color and texture

found in the existing landscape character.

MODERATE: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape

character “appears slightly altered”.  Noticeable deviations must remain visually

subordinate to the landscape character being viewed.

LOW: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character

“appears moderately altered”.  Deviations begin to dominate the valued landscape

character being viewed but they borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, effect, and

pattern of natural opening, vegetative type changes or architectural styles within or outside

the landscape being viewed.  They should not only appear as valued character outside the

landscape being viewed but compatible or complimentary to the character within.

VERY LOW: A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape

character "appears heavily altered."  Deviations may strongly dominate the valued

landscape character.  They may not borrow from valued attributes such as size, shape, edge

effect and pattern of natural openings, vegetative type changes or architectural styles within

or outside the landscape being viewed.  However, deviations must be shaped and blended

with the natural terrain so that elements such as unnatural edges, roads, landings, and

structures do not dominate the composition.

UNACCEPTABLE LOW:  A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued

landscape character being viewed appears extremely altered.  Deviations are extremely

dominant and borrow little if any line, form, color, texture, pattern or scale from the

landscape character.  Landscapes at this level of integrity need rehabilitation.  This level

should only be used to inventory existing integrity.  It must not be used as a management

objective.  

Within the Nautilus project area, approximately 25% is classified as high SIO, 31% is moderate, 35% is

low and 9% is very low.

Existing scenic integrity represents the current status of a landscape.  It is determined on the basis of

visual changes that detract from the scenic quality of the area.  Direct human alterations may be

included if they have become accepted over time as positive landscape character values.  Existing scenic

integrity is the current visual state, which is measured in degrees of deviation from the natural
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                195    Northern Hills Ranger District

appearance of the landscape character type.   These ratings give an indication of the present level of

visual quality and visual evidence of management activities. The frame of reference for measuring

achievement of scenic integrity levels is the valued attributes of the existing landscape character unit

being viewed.  In natural or natural appearing character, this is limited to natural or natural appearing

vegetative patterns, features of water and rock, and landforms.   

The area is noted for conifer stands in gently rolling terrain, meadows that follow streams and

intermittent streams, and pockets of aspen and other hardwood trees.  Forested areas are

predominantly populated by ponderosa pine communities, but spruce communities populate most

streams, wet areas, and north and east facing aspects.  Water features are limited to narrow, quiet, low‐

flow streams.   Apparent human alterations in the form of roads have generally been accepted over time

as part of the positive cultural landscape character attributes when they do not dominate the landscape

in appearance or quantity and are limited around non‐motorized areas or recreation facilities.  

Vegetation alterations in the form of fuel treatments (i.e. small trees removed), pre‐commercial

thinning, commercial thinning, seed tree cuts, and overstory removals are scattered, and readily

apparent, throughout the area.  Pine and spruce stands are expanding into meadows and hardwood

stands.  

The existing scenic integrity of the Nautilus project area is varied.  Along Sensitivity Level 1 routes, past

vegetation management road construction activities have occurred, as well as a large hidden quarry in

the north end of the planning area.  However, the landscape appears only slightly altered (moderate

SIO).   Along the Sensitivity Level 2 routes, past vegetation management and road construction activities

are readily evident; the Forest has a managed appearance (Moderate to Low SIO).    

Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions

Past activities within this area include the construction of the roads & trails, motorized trail use, other

recreation uses (i.e.  hunting, hiking, firewood gathering, picnicking), cattle grazing, and vegetation

management thru timber sales and fuel treatments.  Present actions include continuing recreation uses,

grazing, and ongoing vegetation treatments currently under contract.  Foreseeable actions include

continuing existing uses and vegetation management in, and around the area.  With the recent Travel

Management decision creating a motorized trail system, a motorized trail system may be implemented

in this area in the short term (within 5 years).  

Opportunities to Maintain or Improve the Scenic Resource

Due to the visibility of this area from US Highways & county roads, as well as homes on private land

within the planning area ‐ recommend vegetation treatments that do not include overstory removals in

the High or Moderate SIO areas, or limit them to relatively flat terrain.

3.13.3 Environmental Consequences

Analysis Methods

A scenery assessment illustrates how the features of the landscape can be inventoried and analyzed so

managers can compare and evaluate vegetation management treatments based on an understanding of

how people value their environment.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                196    Northern Hills Ranger District

Assumptions   

 Vegetation treatments that reduce the overstory tree component below 40 basal area (BA) or

remove the entire overstory often create the most negative visual effects.  These treatments

can have their greatest negative effect when viewed in the immediate foreground and

foreground distance zones.  However, they can also have strong negative effects when viewed in

the middleground and background.    

 Treatment location, in relation to terrain and elevation, can affect the visibility of management

activities.  Vegetation treatments on steep slopes, on the upper 1/3 of ridges (when other

landforms do not block the view) can dominate the landscape.    

 When the viewer is in a superior position looking down on the landscape, such as at a vista (e.g.  

Harney Peak), vegetation treatments that do not mimic natural openings (meadows) or

patterns, can be highly visible and dominate the landscape.    

 The duration of view (such as a person standing at a vista point) or speed of travel through an

area (walking or riding in a vehicle), determine how long a viewer has to study and pick out

objects, forms, lines, colors, and patterns that are in the landscape.  

 How well treatments transition from treated to un‐treated areas can also affect how evident a

treatment is in all distance zones.   

The analysis of the effects on scenery was based upon:

 Review of literature for new research on the effect of vegetation management (timber harvest,

slash and fuel treatments) on scenery.   

 Review of Forest GIS layers for the scenic resource and topographic maps.

 Validation of assumptions and GIS analysis through field reviews of past vegetation treatments

in the planning area (and the surrounding area).

 Training and experience analyzing the effect of management activities on scenery.

Indicators

Effects on scenery, specifically changing from the existing SIO, are the key concern.  This analysis

considered:

 Acres by type of treatment and by SIO keying in on treatments that remove the majority of the

forest overstory (residual BA of less than 30).

 Acres of contiguous treatments that remove the majority of the forest overstory (less than 30

BA) by SIO.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

No direct changes to scenic resources as a result of the Nautilus project would occur as no management

activities are proposed.   

Existing conditions and natural processes of trees growing and regenerating would continue.  Wildland

fire is an essential ecological process in this ecosystem, which would continue to be extinguished as

quickly as possible.  This management strategy would continue to limit the natural role of fire in the

landscape.  As a result, the forest would continue to grow, becoming thicker and reducing visible open

space.  Views into the forest would become more limited as the trees grow denser, reducing visual
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                197    Northern Hills Ranger District

diversity including wildflowers, shrubs, hardwoods, and open meadows.  Should wildfires burn into

stands of densely packed growing trees, smaller trees can act as “ladder fuels” moving the fire up into

the crowns of the trees, resulting in groups of fire killed trees.  In this planning area, hardwoods could

move in and populate these openings.    

Efforts are made to keep naturally ignited fires small.  These efforts likely would continue to limit visual

evidence of the effects of wildfires within the landscape.  Should fires spread beyond initial

containment, such as in drought or high wind conditions, and spread into hillsides of densely packed

trees, we could expect to see hillsides of fire‐killed trees.  As these trees fall, these areas would be more

visible in the landscape as large openings.  During periods when the ground is snow covered, these areas

would be highly visible in the landscape.  Burned areas may or may not be similar in shape and size

(scale) to meadows, and other existing natural open areas in the landscape.  Eventually, seeds carried by

the wind from the surrounding trees would land in the area and new trees would sprout as the process

of re‐growth begins anew.  As in previous wildfire areas, we may see the burned areas move toward

becoming aspen stands.  

In areas with a high or moderate SIO, should fires occur or insect activity levels pickup beyond natural

levels killing large areas of trees, the forested landscape would move away from the desired future

condition for more open park‐like stands.  In small areas, such as one to three acres where trees are

killed a mosaic of tree sizes and openings would be maintained that would move toward the desired

future condition.  In some areas where insect attacks dominate the landscape, large open areas

(exceeding the size of opening normally found in this area) could be created, dramatically changing the

appearance of the forest as viewed from private land interspersed throughout the planning area.  In

these areas, we can expect that a large amount of downed trees, a greater amount than natural levels,

would dominate the landscape.

Small openings interspersed with forested areas provide an opportunity to see into the forest, which in

turn increases the potential to view wildlife, wildflowers and flowering shrubs.  In addition, an ever

changing kaleidoscope of light and shadow, as well as a variety of sizes of vegetation, create an

interesting and diverse visual landscape.   

In areas where no disturbance occurs, the vegetation would grow into a dense forest, with competition

for light, water, and nutrients.  In some areas, the dense conifers are out‐competing the hardwoods for

these necessary components for plant growth.  This dense vegetation provides the greatest potential for

disturbance (fire or insect) that could greatly change the visual appearance of the vegetation across the

landscape.  The dense vegetation may shade out shrubs, wildflowers and other low growing plants,

reducing visual diversity.   

Cumulative Effects

There are no cumulative effects under the no action alternative.  There would be no change from the

existing condition.  The scenic integrity would stay the same.  Incremental changes may be evident due

to individual tree mortality until a natural change (e.g. insect, disease, or wildfire) occurs.  Where

mountain pine beetle activity is high, tree mortality would also likely be high.  Effects of this activity can

be widespread, and the effects highly visible within five years of an outbreak of activity.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                198    Northern Hills Ranger District

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Commercial vegetative treatments result in the removal of overstory trees within a stand.  Those

treatments where more large trees remain can generally blend in to the characteristic landscape the

best.  Those treatments that leave the fewest large trees can be the most visible.   

Most Overstory Trees Remaining      

(generally more natural appearing)    Individual Tree Selection  

Group Selection

Commercial Thin 40‐60 BA  

Products Other than Logs  

Seed Cut 20‐30 BA & Individual Tree Selection

Hardwood Enhancement   

Least Overstory Trees Remaining    Overstory Removal   

(generally the least natural appearing)        Meadow Enhancement  

How well commercial treatments blend into the characteristic landscape, and meet the SIO, is based

upon the slope, aspect, and vegetation remaining on the site.  Reducing soil disturbance, uneven spacing

of the trees remaining in the landscape, and cleaning up the slash (branches and tree tops left when

trees are commercially removed from the forest) to natural levels, can result in an appearance that is in

harmony with the landscape character, often resulting in a higher SIO being achieved.   

Management activities that would move forested stands to residual basal areas below 80, would reduce

the potential of mountain pine beetle populations reaching epidemic levels (Allen pers. comm. 2010)

Commercial Vegetative Treatments

Commercial treatment prescriptions result in the removal of overstory trees (9‐inch and greater DBH)

within a stand.  Commercial thinning can result in a uniform appearance of the remaining forest stand

(both in size and spacing).  The vertical lines of the remaining tree boles would be more evident.  

Thinning the understory would further increase the emphasis and visibility of the larger diameter trees

in the landscape.  Understory grasses and shrubs would be more evident offering seasonal variety of

light and color (when spring flowers are evident).  The visibility of larger diameter trees would add

variety of color (orange and black bark on the tree boles), light and texture.  When higher numbers of

larger trees remain on the landscape, the evidence of this thinning is reduced, and can have a natural

appearance.  In the foreground and middleground, textural differences would be the most evident; in

the background textural changes may be evident, but form, lighting (shadows) and color differences can

be the most evident.   

Individual Tree Selection  

Individual tree selection is a method of creating or maintaining an uneven‐aged stand structure.

Uneven‐aged stands, when completely regulated, have at least three distinct age classes present.  The

largest number of stems is in the smallest diameter class, with the number decreasing more or less

regularly with increasing size.  The fewest number of stems is in the largest diameter class. This mixture

of tree sizes has the greatest potential to mimic the natural vegetation character, though at a reduced

density.  Random spacing and clumps of remaining trees can further help maintain a natural

appearance.  This treatment method generally meets a high SIO.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                199    Northern Hills Ranger District

Group Selection  

Group selection is an uneven‐aged treatment that creates or maintains five age classes (each comprising

approximately 20% of the unit) in even‐aged groups and maintains the age classes over time.  Groups

are up to two acres in size, designed to create the youngest age class of trees, and are scattered

throughout the unit.  The rest of the unit is thinned to a variable density to achieve the other four age

classes.  This treatment method creates patches of similarly sized trees, intermixed with other patches

of larger, or smaller, trees.  The result is a natural appearance that generally meets a high SIO.

Commercial Thin   

Commercial thin treatments generally meet a moderate to high SIO.  Commercial thins with a remaining

BA of 50 or greater generally meet a moderate to high SIO.  Those with a BA between 30 and 50

generally meet a low to moderate SIO and those below 30 BA generally meet a low to very low SIO.  In

stands where there is a mixture of tree sizes, including the understory, random spacing and clumps of

remaining trees can help maintain an appearance in character with the landscape and improve the SIO

rating.

Thinning and reducing the overall density of ponderosa pine vegetation can lead to the amount of

grasses, forbs, shrubs, and hardwoods increasing in the landscape.  This could increase the variety of

colors evident now, and in the future, across the landscape.  Thinning trees to an even spacing can result

in a managed, unnatural appearance.

Products Other Than Logs  

Product other than log thinning removes 6 to 9‐inch diameter trees and opens up views into the forest.  

This treatment often leaves a moderate level of vegetation debris on the forest floor, reducing grasses

and shrubs, and dominating foreground views.  Once the slash is cleaned up, this treatment should meet

a moderate to high SIO.   In the middleground and background, large diameter trees should be more

dominant in this landscape.   In the middleground and background, this treatment should meet a

moderate to high SIO.  

Seed Cut  

The seed cut method results in an open hillside with scattered larger trees, approximately 30

commercial‐sized trees per acre (BA of 30 to 40) with little to no understory trees.  Due to the wide

spacing and no understory, this treatment results in a heavily managed appearance. A low SIO can be

met if there are a variety of tree sizes remaining throughout the treatment unit.   

Seed Cut with Individual Tree Selection  

This treatment differs from a typical seed cut treatment.  This method would harvest the overstory,

keeping a BA of 20‐30 in the overstory and keeping all trees between five and nine inches DBH in the

understory.  The overall result would be a variety of tree sizes and spacing (i.e. an uneven‐aged stand).  

These treatments are designed to maintain and foster a variety of tree ages and size with an overall goal

of moving toward a less managed and more natural appearance.  We have limited experience with this

treatment here on the BHNF.  We did review complete treatments in the Telegraph project area;

however, the large amount of snow present did not allow us to get a clear picture of the remaining

vegetation after treatment.  The stand would be more open, but the variety of tree sizes, as well as

spacing and clumping, potentially could meet a moderate SIO.    
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                200    Northern Hills Ranger District

Overstory Removals

Overstory removal results in an open area with seedlings scattered across the opening and 3‐6 large

(greater than nine inches DBS) trees remaining per acre.  In the foreground, the opening in the forest

canopy and the seedlings across the forest floor would be the most evident.  In the middleground and

background the form, or shape, of the unit would be most evident in the winter months when snow is

present on the ground, creating a strong contrast from the darker surrounding forest.  In the months

when the snow is not present, the form and color would be most evident.  During periods when snow is

on the landscape, the understory would likely appear as large white forms, with patches of dark

vegetation (and corresponding shadow) in them when larger trees remain on the landscape.  These units

have the greatest potential to appear out of scale and character with natural vegetative patterns.  

Overstory removal treatments generally meet a moderate to low SIO, depending on how closely they

appear in shape and size (scale) to mimic the natural openings in the characteristic landscape, and the

size of the remaining seedlings.  A moderate SIO can be achieved if the size of the unit does not exceed

the natural openings by more than 10%, otherwise it would likely meet a low SIO.  If the units do not

borrow from the shape and size of the natural openings, a SIO higher than very low is not expected to be

met.   

Hard wood Enhancement and Meadow Enhancement

These are both restoration treatments to remove encroaching conifers from hardwood stands or

meadows.  These treatments remove all pine trees; when the treatment is completed only the low

stumps would remain.  In a hardwood stand, it would take time for new shoots to sprout and take

advantage of the reduced competition for nutrients.  In commercial treatments, pine trees larger than

nine inches DBH are removed as well.  These remaining trees create a transition zone between open

meadows and the surrounding forest.  These treatments would restore meadows and hardwood stands,

which are ecological goals identified in the Forest Plan.  If all the slash is treated or removed these

treatments should meet a moderate to high SIO when they are completed. Hinging of aspens keeps

more slash on the site (that can remain for 10 years or more) and is not recommended for use in high

visibility locations.

The potential exists for hardwoods to increase, creating a greater amount of fall color across the

landscape, as a result of the removal of conifers in fuel breaks that traverse hardwood stands; however,

the effect would be limited to these corridors.   

Pre‐commercial Thinning  

Pre‐commercial thins result in the removal of understory trees (less than nine inches DBH) within a

stand.  Those treatments that leave an uneven spacing between remaining trees, and a variety of tree

sizes, have the greatest potential to maintain a natural appearance and, depending upon the density of

the remaining trees and the surrounding vegetation, blend into the characteristic landscape.  

Pre‐commercial thinning can result in a uniform appearance of the remaining forest stand (both in size

and spacing).  When pre‐commercial thinning occurs, screening would be reduced and views into the

forest would be increased.  This reduction in the understory would further increase the emphasis and

visibility of the larger diameter trees in the landscape.  Understory grasses and shrubs would be more

evident offering seasonal variety of light and color when spring flowers are evident.   

How well pre‐commercial treatments blend into the characteristic landscape, and subsequently meet

the SIO, is based upon the slope, aspect, soil disturbance, residual tree spacing, and slash clean‐up.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                201    Northern Hills Ranger District

Often reducing soil disturbance, uneven spacing of the remaining trees, and reducing the quantity of

slash to natural levels, will result in a higher SIO being achieved.  Evidence of vegetation management

would generally be more visible when these landscapes are snow covered, so the shape of the

treatment unit should not follow a geometric pattern (e.g.  square, rectangular, or angular shapes).   As

most of the planning area is covered with treatment units, pre‐commercial thins would extend over

most of the area in a combination of treatments.

When activities are completed, pre‐commercial thin treatment methods generally meet a moderate SIO.  

A high SIO can be achieved if the remaining trees vary both in spacing (including clumps) and height.  

Roads

Road construction creates a road template with a cut and fill slope in the landscape.  On steep slopes

this road template can be highly visible; on flat slopes the road template is not readily evident unless the

viewer is in a superior position.  No new roads were identified that could be highly visible.  Any new road

construction along the edge of private land has the potential to be highly visible.   

By‐products of Vegetation Removal  

By‐products include slash (i.e. tops and branches not utilized for commercial products that are left on

the ground, or piled, throughout the area of the vegetation removal) and stumps that would likely be

evident throughout the treatment areas.  As a result of the treatment, slash is in quantities usually well

above natural levels, creating strong contrasts (the slash reflects light) in color and texture.  On steep

slopes stumps can be highly evident, as they too will reflect light; on flat terrain grasses can grow up and

hide them.  With both byproducts, it is the quantity present that determines how natural the forest will

appear after treatment.  Additional slash treatments such as piling and burning, crushing, or moving to a

large landing for treatment can all greatly reduce the visual impact from the slash.   

Slash Burning

When slash is piled it is usually burned within one or two years.  Burning of slash is dependent upon

weather conditions (i.e. snow) that aid in containing the fire to the immediate area.  Generally, these

conditions occur within two years of the time the slash is placed on the ground.  Once the dried slash is

burned, circular burn marks are clearly evident on the ground.  Normally, these burn marks are no

longer visible once new grasses and other vegetation grow up the following spring.  Piling and burning

can meet a range from high to low SIO.  A low scenic integrity is usually only achieved when large burn

bays are used and the soil is sterilized; even with seeding it can take a number of years to re‐establish

the vegetation.   

However, due to the generally wetter snow conditions found within this project area in the winter

(when burning of piles occurs) the slash often is not fully consumed, leaving piles of blackened slash, a

visually negative element due to the concentration of material.  This residual material is visually evident

in the landscape for years.  Where burn piles are placed within the foreground of visually sensitive roads

and the piles are not completely consumed, only a low SIO is achieved.   

Should the fire from any of these piles spread into the surrounding area, a low intensity fire would likely

occur.  Black scorch marks may be evident on the boles of the trees, from less than one foot to three

feet in height; these marks will fade over time.  After three years they should blend with the bark on

trees.   Shrubs are often stimulated and begin to grow in these areas, depending upon the amount of

tree cover.  Areas that have received a low intensity fire often meet a high SIO within one or two
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                202    Northern Hills Ranger District

growing seasons.  An underburn, if burned in a cool manner (i.e. with a slow moving backing fire) will

usually have the same effects.

Prescribed Burning  

Sending fire across the landscape, within a designated boundary, controlled in a manner to keep the fire

getting into the tree tops is beneficial to the scenic resource by removing dead plant material and slash

and stimulating plants, shrubs and hardwoods that increase visual diversity and fall color in the

landscape.  Once the area is burned, ash and blackened tree bark are clearly evident across the

landscape.  Normally, these burn marks are no longer visible once new grasses and other vegetation

grow up the following spring.  Underburning can meet a range from high to low SIO, depending upon

burn intensity.  Most burns conducted on this Forest meet a high SIO within one year after the burn is

completed.  

Logging Systems

Skidding logs on, or across, steep slopes can remove vegetation and displace soil, leaving trails that can

be quite visible and creating lines or unusual color contrasts in the landscape.  These skid trails will be

evident until clean‐up activities (e.g. slash treatment and germination of seeded areas) are completed.  

On gently rolling terrain, disturbance is generally kept to a minimum; however, it is dependent upon the

quantity of logs moved along the skid trails.   

Skidding logs on, or across, steep slopes can remove vegetation and displace soil creating opportunities

for noxious weeds to become established in treated areas.  These weeds have shapes that are not

common in the natural landscape, drawing attention to them.  Noxious weeds are generally recognized

as non‐natives and out‐of‐place in the landscape by the general public.  As the quantity of these weeds

increase in the landscape, they out‐compete native plants, resulting in the visual quality decreasing.  

Efforts are made to minimize this potential, so it is difficult to predict where and how wide spread this

effect will be on the scenery.

Log Landings  

Landings are locations where logs are brought, piled, and then loaded onto trucks and removed from

the site.  The size of these landings and amount of disturbance (amount of vegetation removed and soil

displaced) will vary by location, depending upon the type of logging system employed and the volume of

logs being brought to that landing.  Once logging is completed, these landing sites are cleared of debris

and re‐seeded.   The length of time before the site appears as a natural opening is generally one to four

years, depending upon the level of disturbance, the level of remaining debris (slash), and how quickly

grasses take over the site.   

Summary

Almost the entire planning area is treated under this alternative through commercial and pre‐

commercial vegetation treatments, meadow and hardwood enhancements, and fuel reduction

treatments.  Of the commercial treatments, overstory removals are the most evident (by creating large

open areas) and have the greatest potential to negatively affect the scenery within the project area;

these treatments would occur on approximately 33% of the project area.  The majority of the areas

proposed for overstory removal are heavily managed, have been thinned in the past, and have young

trees well established in the understory.  These units would be the most visible in the middleground

distance zone.  Seed cuts, which retain 20‐30 overstory trees per acre and can also be readily apparent,

are proposed on approximately 10% of the project area.   
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                203    Northern Hills Ranger District

The rolling nature of the terrain in this planning area limits views to the foreground and near

middleground.  Alternative B includes a variety of treatments and treats entire landforms.  Areas that

would experience the heaviest level of treatment (i.e. the greatest number of trees removed) are

scattered around the area so no single viewshed area is significantly impacted.   The majority of the

project area would be treated, reducing the density of the tree stems within the forest, creating an

overall more open appearing forest.  

Along private lands, overstory removal treatments are adjacent to private land in various locations.  The

overstory removal prescription was adjusted in these areas by tapering the density of trees, for a

distance of approximately 125 feet, from private land into the unit to maintain a natural opening edge

effect (see Appendix C).   

Along the Centennial Trail, overstory removal treatments extend along both sides of the trail in various

locations.  The overstory removal prescription was adjusted to maintain a natural level of large trees

within the viewshed of the trail.    This includes units 081703‐17, 081705‐45, 081801‐40, 081801‐62,

081801‐138, and 081902‐13 (see Appendix C).  These units should meet the high SIO guideline when

viewed from the trail.

Along Vanocker Canyon, one overstory removal treatment, unit 081704‐42, would average 200 feet in

depth from the roadway.  This treatment should blend with the meadow directly to the south of the

unit, along the roadway.  This unit should meet the high SIO guideline when viewed in conjunction with

the adjacent meadow.

Along Nemo Road, overstory removal treatments are adjacent to private land in various locations.  The

prescription was adjusted by tapering the density of trees, for a distance of approximately 125 feet from

private land into the unit to maintain a natural opening edge effect (see Appendix C).  Units where

homes are approximately 200 feet or less away from units include:  081456‐33, 081456‐42, and 081456‐

59.  In most cases, only a small portion of the ground within these units would be visible from these

homes.  In other portions of the units, where the upper portions of the trees are visible from private

lands, the lack of trees in these areas would be evident.  Due to the proximity of the homes, even with

tapering tree densities, only a moderate SIO can be achieved.

Along US Highway 385, there are a number of overstory removal treatments in the immediate

foreground of the highway:  

 Unit 081801‐26 is approximately 150 feet deep, and extends approximately 3,000 feet along the

highway.  The remaining vegetation, after treatment, would be in patches and transition from

the road edge to the larger trees beyond the unit.   

 Unit 081903‐40 would cover the entire landform evident, visible for over a mile to south‐bound

traffic.  This treatment would extend the open appearance of the large adjacent meadow to the

top of the unit.

 Unit 081903‐35 has a buffer strip between the roadway and the treated area.

Overstory removal treatments often create a heavily managed appearance.  Of the overstory removals

with the following types of treatments total approximately 5,000 acres:  overstory removal, overstory

removal/pre‐commercial thin, and overstory removal/pre‐commercial thin/prescribed burn.  
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                204    Northern Hills Ranger District

Approximately 1/5th (1,000 acres) of the units proposed for these treatments have a high SIO guideline

and likely would only meet a moderate SIO.  The remaining types of overstory removals total

approximately 800 acres and approximately 1/4th (200 acres) of those units have a high SIO guideline.  

The mix of treatments within these prescriptions should create a variety of vegetation sizes and spacing

within the natural range of vegetative patterns, resulting in the potential to meet the high SIO guideline.   

Many of these overstory removal units that include a high SIO are in locations away from or in the

middleground of Sensitivity Level 1 and 2 routes.   Due to the rolling nature of the landscape, most

would not be readily apparent from these locations, or would be apparent only for short durations.  

When people leave the main roads and trails, hiking or driving at low speed through the area, these

treatments would dominate the immediate landscape.

Cumulative Effects

Understanding past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions is necessary in order to evaluate

potential cumulative effects of the various alternatives.   

Methodology includes:  

1) Review activities that are known to have occurred, or planned, within the planning area.

2) Review aerial photos of the area to compare areas where activities have occurred, with

areas that activities are not known to have occurred.

3) Review past activities in the field and determine their effect on scenery.

4) Review planned activities, location both on aerial photos and in the field, then determine

the potential cumulative effects.

The boundary on the ground for analyzing cumulative effects is primarily that of the planning area.  This

identified area is the landscape that is primarily evident in the foreground and middle ground from the

main travel routes (Sensitivity Level 1 and 2 corridors), approximately 30% of the planning area.   

The time boundary for this analysis extends from 1980 to 2017, including known management activities

and activities that are planned but have yet to be accomplished.  Fire suppression over the past century

has played a role in the increased density of the vegetation on the forest.  Likewise, much of the Forest

was pre‐commercially thinned by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s and 1940s; however, we

do not know if that effort included any or all of this planning area.  From approximately 1980 to 1989,

vegetation treatments were conducted including: patch clearcuts, shelterwood prep cut, shelterwood

seed cut, overstory removal and commercial thinning.  The areas where these treatments occurred are

evident locally but do not stand out in a drainage or landscape scale due to the limited viewing

opportunities caused by the rolling terrain.  

Under the action alternatives, trees of all sizes would be removed.  As an example, the removal of 12‐

inch diameter trees would take approximately 120 years to replace from seed (Cook pers. comm. 2006).

The resulting appearance of vegetation treatments would change little for the first 10 years after the

treatments are completed.  Any treatments would result in fewer trees across the landscape, reducing

the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and fire risk.  However, after 10 years, the understory in

commercial treatments would be more evident in the landscape and would move the landscape toward

a less managed appearance.

Alternative B treats approximately 59% of the planning area through commercial vegetation treatments,

approximately 19% through pre‐commercial vegetation treatments, and approximately 78% of the
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                205    Northern Hills Ranger District

planning area through prescribed fire treatments (Note:  Some stands have all three treatments

proposed).  

Of the commercial treatments in this alternative, the overstory removal and seed cut treatments would

result in a more open condition on approximately 9,318 acres, or 26% of the planning area.  Due to the

rolling nature of this topography, these treatments would not be very visible from Sensitivity Level 1 or 2

roads outside the planning area.  These treatments would be highly visible to those hiking or driving

away from Sensitivity Level 1 and 2 roads and trails within the planning area.  Panoramic views are not

evident within this planning area.  As a result, most treatments are viewed in a close‐up foreground

view, or limited middleground view.  Roads are generally not evident in the landscape except in the

immediate foreground view.  

The remaining commercial and pre‐commercial treatments should produce a natural appearing forest

but one that has fewer trees, as if fire had continued to play its natural role all along.

As long as the beetle infestations, and the corresponding treatments, stay small and scattered and the

beetle activity can be reduced (as a product of these treatments), a less dense but forested landscape

could be maintained across the landscape where large trees would be highly evident.  Roads and other

activities that change the natural contours may be more evident with the thinning of the vegetation on

the landscape.  A forested backdrop to private land could be maintained with a moderate level of scenic

integrity being maintained in the planning area.   

Summary   

Alternative B would modify the vegetation across the landscape so that management activities would be

more evident.  The variety of treatments would also create a variety of textural patterns and improve

opportunities to view hardwoods and wildlife.  Overstory removal treatments generally do not meet the

high or moderate SIO; however, the low, rolling ridges would reduce their visibility making them less

evident in the landscape.   Other treatments to increase hardwoods and decrease potential for

mountain pine beetle activity should meet the assigned SIO.  In addition, the prescribed fire, pile

burning, and other fuel treatments should meet a moderate to high SIO one year after being completed.   

3.14 Heritage Resources

3.14.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Nautilus project

area for heritage resources.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Heritage Report (Karchut 2010), which is

located in the Nautilus project file.

3.14.2 Existing Conditions

Inventories

The Steamboat West Analysis Area (Report Number R2007020300205) was contracted to Niwot

Archeological Consultants to complete a Level III Heritage Resource Inventory of 4,049 acres in

Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington Counties, South Dakota.  A Level I and III heritage resource inventory
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Black Hills National Forest                                                                206    Northern Hills Ranger District

was conducted to identify, record, and evaluate the National Register eligibility of all cultural resources

within the Nautilus project area and reported in a “Level III Heritage Resource Inventory: Steamboat

West Analysis Area, Black Hills National Forest, Northern Hills Ranger District.”   

A Level I inventory of the area was performed on July 9, 2007 (Noisat 2008).  Information including

previous surveys and recorded sites were supplied by the Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD).  In

addition, GLO plat information was researched from original plat books on file at the Black Hills National

Forest (BHNF), Supervisor’s Office in Custer, South Dakota and land status entries were searched for all

applicable federal agencies within the analysis area through an online database (Noisat 2008).  Niwot

Consultants found a total of 56 previous inventories and 28 previously recorded sites within the Nautilus

analysis area.  In addition, during the summer of 2007, Niwot located, recorded, and evaluated 13 new

sites.  The boundary of one previously recorded site was expanded, and a new section of the narrow

gauge Black Hills and Ft. Pierre Railroad was recorded (Noisat 2008).  Of the 13 new sites, one is

considered eligible and 12 are considered not eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).   

The Nautilus analysis area has been inventoried to current Level III standards.  A complete literature

review of all Level III heritage surveys conducted within the Nautilus project area was completed by

Niwot Archeological Consultants in the Steamboat West Analysis Area report.  The report was submitted

to the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Tribal Historic Preservation Officers

(THPO), and those tribal groups that have requested to review compliance reports from the BHNF for

review.   

In addition, the NHRD Heritage Staff will monitor previously recorded sites that are considered eligible

to the NRHP and evaluate all sites that have not been evaluated within the Nautilus area in a separate

report that will be submitted to the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and all

appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officers at a later date.

A concurrence of “No Historic Properties” was received from the South Dakota State Historic

Preservation Officer on March 10, 2008.  This letter concurred with the site eligibility determination and

management recommendations provided by the BHNF for heritage resources given that appropriate

mitigations listed in the letter are followed and that all NRHP eligible and unevaluated cultural resource

sites discovered during these and subsequent inventories will be protected from effects related to

management activities.  Any additional activities would need further consultation with the appropriate

parties according to 36 CFR 800.   

The NHRD also submitted scoping letters to the appropriate Native American tribal representatives in

November 2009 to detail the project, solicit any comments, and assess any effects from the Nautilus

project area on Traditional Cultural Properties (TCP) or other culturally sensitive areas within the

analysis area.

Mandatory Legislation

The legal framework that mandates the Forest to consider the effects of its actions on heritage

resources is wide‐ranging.  In this case, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of

1966 (as amended) is the foremost legislation that governs the treatment of heritage resources during

project planning and implementation.  Implementing regulations that clarify and expand upon the NHPA

include 36 CFR 800 (Protection of Historic Properties), and 36 CFR 296 (Protection of Archeological
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                207    Northern Hills Ranger District

Resources).  The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) calls for agencies to analyze the effects of

their actions on socio‐cultural elements of the environment.  Laws such as the National Forest

Management Act (NFMA) of 1976, the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979, the

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990, and Executive Order 13007

(Indian Sacred Sites) also guide Forest Service decision making as it relates to heritage resources.  

Heritage resources are fragile and irreplaceable resources that chronicle the history of people utilizing

the forested environment.  Heritage resources for the purposes of this report include:

 Historic properties, places which are eligible for inclusion to the NRHP by virtue of their

historic, archeological, architectural, engineering, or cultural significance. Buildings,

structures, sites, and non‐portable objects (e.g. signs, permanent features) may be

considered historic properties. TCP localities that are considered significant in light of

the role they play in a community’s historically rooted beliefs, customs, and practices

(Parker and King 1998) are also considered historic properties. Historic properties are

subject to the NHPA Section 106 review process.

 American Indian sacred sites located on federal lands. These may or may not be historic

properties.

 Cultural uses of the natural environment (e.g. subsistence use of plants or animals),

which must be considered under NEPA.

Resource Protection Measures

The BHNF manages and protects heritage resources on public land for the purpose of public

interpretation, cultural importance to Native American Indians or other cultural groups, and for

scientific research. Under Section 106 of the NHPA, heritage properties are evaluated for their

significance or “eligibility” for nomination to the NRHP.  Potential effects to sites evaluated as eligible,

potentially eligible, and TCP must be considered.  Protection or mitigation treatments are used to avoid

or reduce adverse effects.

A standard measure for the protection of heritage resources is intensive field inventory and site

identification prior to the implementation of land management projects.  Mitigation or protection

measures such as, site avoidance, capping or plating site surfaces, and altering adverse effects, are

possible in consultation with the SHPO, appropriate THPO, interested Native American Tribes, and other

applicable interested parties.  Effects to sites can also be reduced or eliminated through archaeological

recordation, structure recordation, interpretation, increased monitoring, and restrictive covenants.

Affected Environment

The Nautilus analysis area contains numerous cultural resource sites that relate to the prehistoric and

historic time periods representing various aspects of occupation and utilization of resources in the

northwest Black Hills.  Cultural resource sites that are associated with the historic period outnumber

those that have been previously documented as relating to the prehistoric period.  The geology of this

area appears to have been a focal point of people during prehistoric times for chert and quartzite

material quarrying activities.  These local material types were favored for stone tool manufacture.  

Based on a limited amount of water sources in this area in the form of natural springs and prominent

streams, these resources typically display evidence of prehistoric occupation.  Historic period sites also
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                208    Northern Hills Ranger District

tend to have a high distribution of habitations at water resource locations and along main

transportation routes.  The highest percentage of sites in this analysis area relate to historic period

transportation systems, homestead, farmstead, and cabins, and depression era water development

projects.  Remnants of historic period industrial exploitations are generally related to timber harvest,

mining, and water diversion.

Specific areas of concern for heritage resources include the protection of cultural resource sites that are

considered eligible or unevaluated to the NRHP.  In addition, in consultation with local American Indian

groups, culturally significant areas, TCPs, and burial sites will also be considered and protected as

appropriate.  

Heritage resource effects were qualitatively assessed through a presence/absence determination of

significant cultural resources and mitigation measures were developed to be employed during

commercial and non‐commercial timber harvest, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and travel

management activities.

A review of heritage reports for the Nautilus analysis area indicates there are 16 cultural resource

properties that have been evaluated as eligible for nomination to the NRHP and one that is a listed

property that are located on National Forest System(NFS) lands within the Nautilus project area.  An

additional 10 sites have been recommended as needing further research and remain unevaluated.  A

total of fourteen eligible and unevaluated sites were recorded on private property and will not be

managed by the Forest Service for the Nautilus project area.  One hundred and seventeen sites located

within the Nautilus Project boundary have been evaluated as not eligible for nomination to the NRHP.  

Those sites that are located on NFS lands will be protected with a 100 ft. (35m) buffer.  Of these sites, 5

are related to the prehistoric time period, 23 are associated with historic times, and 2 contain both

prehistoric and historic deposits.  

3.14.3 Environmental Consequences

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects   

There would be no direct effects to heritage resources from the no action alternative.

Alternative A would not provide further mitigation measures for resource protection or stabilization for

currently affected sites other than what has already been approved.

Cumulative Effects   

There would be no immediate adverse effects to heritage resources.  However, the long‐term effects of

forest deterioration would lead to increased soil erosion from weathering, vandalism, and the potential

for intense wildland fires from excessive fuel loading.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Potential direct effects to historic properties are road construction, road reconstruction, timber harvest

with heavy equipment, skidding logs, timber landing, loading, and hauling.  Fuels reduction activities can
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                209    Northern Hills Ranger District

affect these resources in the form of tree, brush and grass removal with heavy equipment,

piling/burning, and mulching/chipping.  Low, moderate and high intensity burns have the potential to

affect cultural deposits.  All direct effects mentioned have the potential to expose or disturb buried

archaeological deposits.  Archeological resources once disturbed are no longer of value scientifically or

for interpretive use.

The Nautilus project area literature review revealed the existence of 16 culturally significant properties,

10 unevaluated cultural resources, and 4 burials in the analysis area.  Of these, 26 of the 30 previously

documented properties cited for protection are located within or adjacent to potential harvest units,

fuel reduction areas, and planned road activities proposed under this alternative.  Each site was

analyzed according to the proposed effects under Alternative B.  Specific mitigation measures for each

site would be implemented prior to potentially impactful activities.

Indirect effects from road construction and reconstruction include potential erosion in areas of exposed

native road surfaces.  Additional measures include vehicular access to the historic properties, which

could promote future artifact hunting or disturbance to contributing features and artifacts by vandals.  

Indirect effects from timber harvest and fuels reduction activities are exposure of contributing cultural

features and artifacts with the removal of vegetation cover.  Exposing these areas could promote access

by recreational vehicles and increase potential for possible vandalism.  Additionally, removal of

vegetation and cover within these areas may promote a change in conditions that could lead to

additional erosion from natural elements.  Adequate intensive heritage inventories have been

performed for all analysis acres in Alternative B.  There would be no direct or indirect effects to heritage

resources within the analysis area for Alternative B provided that all eligible and unevaluated properties,

TCP, and culturally significant areas are avoided or have mitigations developed in consultation with the

SHPO, Native American Tribes and other applicable interested parties.

Cumulative Effects  

The area analyzed for cumulative effects are the 7th‐level watersheds that comprise the Nautilus project

area.  The timeframe considered was 10 years, the expected duration of management activities

proposed by the Nautilus alternatives.  Adequate intensive heritage inventories have been performed

for all analysis acres in Alternative B.  There would be no effect on to heritage resources within this

analysis area provided that all eligible and unevaluated properties, TCP, and culturally significant areas

including burials are avoided and specific mitigation measures developed in consultation with the SHPO,

THPO and other interested parties are followed.  The site specific mitigation measures that would be

submitted for official consultation are provided in Appendix C.  As a result, it is expected that no

potential direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to cultural resources would occur during the

implementation of Alternative B.

EFFECTS CONCLUSION

Alternative A (No Action)

In considering the no action alternative, current Forest Service budgets are such that most heritage site

surveys and documentation is funded as part of other management undertakings, and budgeted by

other resource areas such as timber, fuels, range, lands, and recreation.  The level of heritage work

completed under the no action alternative would be significantly reduced, and would have an impact on

other heritage management activities.  The decrease in heritage site management can intensify
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                210    Northern Hills Ranger District

cumulative effects in the form of increased soil erosion from weathering, vandalism, and intense

wildland fires from neglected fuels loading.  

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Effects on Heritage Resources from Timber Harvest

Timber management will result in various degrees of soil disturbance. Timber harvesting, skid trails,

temporary road use, landings, “yarding” of equipment, and piling and disposal of slash piles can

adversely affect heritage resources.  

Under Alternative B, disturbance to heritage resources would be minimized through identification and

avoidance or mitigation measures.  The Forest would be in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA

under each alternative, provided the protection mitigations outlined for the known significant historic

properties are implemented and concurred upon by SHPO/THPOs.

Effects on Heritage Resources from Fuel Reduction

Fire management treatments would result in various degrees of soil disturbance.  Timber and

underbrush removal, mulching, skid trails, temporary road use, landing, yarding of equipment, and piling

and disposal of slash piles can adversely affect heritage resources.  Additional effects to heritage

resources occur with low, moderate and high intensity burn activities.  This includes the construction of

both hand and mechanical fire lines and breaks.  As the amount of potential ground disturbance

increases the potential for disturbance and adverse effect to heritage resources also increases.  

However, the decrease in heritage site management can intensify cumulative effects in the form of

increased soil erosion from weathering, vandalism, and intense wildland fires from neglected fuels

loading.  

Under Alternative B, disturbance to heritage resources would be minimized through identification and

avoidance or mitigation measures.  The Forest would be in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA

under this alternative, provided the protection mitigations outlined for the known significant historic

properties are implemented.

Effects on Heritage Resources from Roads

Heritage resources can be adversely affected by road construction and reconstruction activities.  

Adverse effects also occur under certain conditions through use of temporary roads, road maintenance,

closures, and road decommissioning activities.  Effects to heritage resources are of particular concern

where two‐track roads are subject to maintenance and use as temporary roads. In most cases,

mitigation measures which use barrier cloth and additional fill material can reduce damage to heritage

resources.

Alternative B has areas planned for road construction or road reconstruction, which have the potential

to adversely affect significant historic properties.  Specific mitigations were designed and addressed for

these proposed road areas.  The Forest would be in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA under this

alternative, provided the appropriate avoidance or mitigation measures are implemented.

It is recognized that heritage resources may be present in the subsurface with no surface manifestation.  

Therefore, if additional heritage resources are discovered during ground disturbing activities, all

operations must cease within a 300 ft. (100 m) radius of the site and a an Forest Service archaeologist
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                211    Northern Hills Ranger District

must be notified immediately.  Any additional heritage resources located during project implementation

would be protected based on recommendations of the North Zone Heritage Archaeologist in

consultation with the SHPO.  All sites would be evaluated under the terms specified in 36 CFR 60.4, 36

CFR 800, and applicable guidelines according to the Forest Plan.  If a heritage site is damaged during

project implementation, work at and within the immediate vicinity of the site would cease until a Forest

Service archaeologist evaluates the damage, makes stabilization recommendations, and determines

what additional protective measures are needed to protect the sites.  Project work would not restart

until authorized by a Forest Service archaeologist.

3.15 Socio‐Economics

3.15.1 Introduction

This section discusses the pertinent existing social and economic conditions and potential consequences

resulting from the Nautilus Project.  It summarizes the Nautilus Project Socio‐Economic Report (Stores

2010), which is located in the Nautilus project file.

Forest resources provide economic components of community sustainability by providing for a wide

variety of uses, values, products, and services.  The resources within the Black Hills National Forest have

provided an economic array of benefits to the residents of the Black Hills area. These resources range

from sustenance for American Indian tribes, logs used to construct early mining camps, towns and

mines, ties used for railroad construction, and the lumber harvested by the timber industry, which

remains active today.   

The Black Hills National Forest is annually one of the top timber‐producing forests in the National Forest

System.  The Black Hills have exhibited an extraordinary ability to produce ponderosa pine through

natural regeneration (i.e., without tree planting), which allows sustainable timber harvest to continue at

a relatively high rate.  Consequently, many of the communities in and around the Black Hills are at least

partially dependent on jobs and revenue generated by the local timber industry.

3.15.2 Existing Conditions 

All data presented in this section was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau website at

www.census.gov.

Population

The Nautilus project area is located in Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties in western South

Dakota.  All three counties are primarily rural, although Pennington County includes Rapid City, which is

the second largest metropolitan area in South Dakota.  The 2000 Census found that 59,607 (67%) of

Pennington County’s residents lived in Rapid City.  Other population centers are Spearfish, Lead and

Deadwood in Lawrence County and Sturgis in Meade County.

Table 3‐60 displays the population of Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties using data from the

2000 Census and the estimated 2008 population of each county.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                212    Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3‐57. Area Population (Based on 2000 Census data and 2008 estimate)

Location 2000 Census

Population

2008 Population

Estimate

Net Population

Change

Percent Change

Lawrence County 21,802 23,524 +1,722 +7.9%

Meade County 24,253 23,989 ‐264 ‐1%

Pennington County 88,565 98,533 +9,968 +11.3%

South Dakota 754,837 804,194 +49,357 +6.5%

Based on the 2000 Census data and 2008 estimated data, the population of Lawrence and Pennington

counties is growing at a faster rate than the state of South Dakota’s total population.  Conversely,

Meade County experienced a small drop in population over the same time span.   

Table 3‐61 displays the ethnic background of the counties in the project area as compared to South

Dakota as a whole.

Table 3‐58. Population by Ethnicity (Based on 2006‐2008 3‐year estimates)

Origin or Race Lawrence County Meade County Pennington

County

South Dakota

Caucasian 95.1% 91.3% 84.8% 87.1%

African American 0% 0.8% 1.3% 1%

Native American 1.9% 2% 8% 8.4%

Hispanic 2.2% 3.5% 3.9% 2.2%

Asian 0.4% 1.2% 1.2% 0.8%

Pacific Islander 0% 0% 0% 0%

Other 0.4% 1.6% 0.7% 0.8%

Pennington County closely mirrors the state of South Dakota’s ethnic breakdown, with Lawrence and

Meade Counties mirroring each other and each having a higher proportion of Caucasian residents than

Pennington County or South Dakota as a whole.

Widespread settlement of the Black Hills by Euro‐American settlers began in the 1870s after gold was

confirmed in the Black Hills by the Custer Expedition.  Initially, settlement of the Black Hills was illegal as

the area had been set aside for the indigenous Sioux tribes.  However, the draw of gold lured

prospectors into the area and eventually led to the development of communities within the Black Hills.  

Following the initial gold rush, logging and ranching became the primary building blocks of the local

economy in the early 20th century.  Today, the economy is much more diversified and recreation and

tourism have emerged as large factors in drawing people into the area.  Sub‐development of private

land within the Black Hills has led to an increasing population dispersed across the area rather than

localized around the established population centers.

Economic Well Being

Personal income, unemployment rate and poverty level are useful measures of economic well being, or

how well individuals and families are able to meet their basic needs for housing and subsistence as well

as higher‐level needs such as long‐term financial stability and the ability to procure and enjoy luxury

items.  Economic ties to forest resources are integral to the economic well being of many residents in

the Black Hills.  Some are engaged in the performance of vegetation management activities, such as
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                213    Northern Hills Ranger District

timber harvest or grazing as a source of income.  Others benefit economically from the recreation

activities that occur on the forest as visitors to the area purchase gas, groceries, or recreational

equipment from local retailers.  Forest management proposals have the potential to impact economic

prospects for these groups in varying ways.  Table 3‐62 displays per capita income, unemployment rate,

and poverty level for the three counties in the project area and South Dakota.

Table 3‐59. Economic Well Being (Based on 2006‐2008 3‐year estimates)

Measure Lawrence County Meade County Pennington

County

South Dakota

Per Capita Income

(in 2008 dollars)

$23,658 $22,234 $25,036 $23,798

Unemployment 3.1% 5% 5.2% 4.2%

Individuals Below

Poverty Level

14.6% 9.5% 14.4% 13.2%

Per capita income is relatively similar across all three counties and South Dakota as a whole, while

unemployment is lowest in Lawrence County and the poverty level is lowest in Meade County.  Based on

the 2006‐2008 3‐year estimates, the national per capita income was slightly higher ($27,466), the

unemployment rate was higher (6.4%) and the poverty level was within the range of the three counties

and identical to South Dakota’s (13.2%).

Timber harvest has contributed greatly to the area’s economy.  Early settlers used timber harvested

from the Black Hills to construct buildings, railroads, and mining facilities.  The very first timber sale on a

national forest took place in 1898 near Nemo, South Dakota, which is now part of the Northern Hills

Ranger District.  A portion of this sale, called Case 1, is within the Nautilus Project Area.  Today, the Black

Hills National Forest is one of the top timber‐producing forests in the National Forest System.  This

timber supply is a significant component of the support of local and regional communities, as well as

contributing to the area’s supply of goods and services.  Overall, the Black Hills National Forest’s

practices have had a positive influence on the economy of the Black Hills area.

Three communities in the Black Hills region, Spearfish and Hill City, South Dakota and Hulett, Wyoming,

are home to large lumber mills, all operated by a single owner, that provide a significant number of jobs

and are an important component of the local economy.  Several smaller independent milling operations

are scattered throughout the area. These mills rely on timber from the Black Hills National Forest to

continue operations.

Environmental Justice

Executive Order (EO) 12898 (February 11, 1994) directs Federal agencies to focus attention on the

human health and environmental conditions in minority and low‐income communities. The purpose of

EO 12898 is to identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health

or environmental effects on minority and low‐income populations.  The Council on Environmental

Quality (CEQ) defines a minority as “Individuals who are members of the following population groups:

American Indian or Alaska native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black, not of Hispanic origin; or Hispanic.”  

CEQ further directs:
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                214    Northern Hills Ranger District

“Minority populations should be identified where either (a) the minority population of the

affected area exceeds 50 percent or (b) the minority population percentage of the affected area

is meaningfully greater than the minority population percentage in the general population or

other appropriate unit of geographic analysis...a minority population also exists if there is more

than one minority group present and the minority percentage, as calculated by aggregating all

minority persons, meets one of the above stated thresholds (CEQ 1997).”

Table 3‐61 displays a breakdown of the analysis area population by ethnicity.  The minority population

as a percentage of the analysis area (i.e. Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties) is not meaningfully

different than that of the state of South Dakota and is in fact lower for Lawrence and Meade Counties.  

Therefore, a minority population as defined by EO 12898 does not exist in the analysis area.  

CEQ defines “low‐income population” as:

“Low‐income populations in an affected area should be identified with the annual statistical

poverty thresholds from the Bureau of the Census’ Current Population Reports, Series P‐60 on

Income and Poverty.  In identifying low‐income populations, agencies may consider as a

community either a group of individuals living in geographic proximity to one another, or a set

of individuals (such as migrant workers or Native Americans), where either type of group

experiences common conditions or environmental exposure or effect (CEQ 1997).”

Table 3‐62 displays the estimated poverty levels within each county in the analysis area between 2006

and 2008 (the most recent data available from the Census Bureau).  Poverty levels are not significantly

different in these counties from the state as a whole with the exception of Meade County, which has a

poverty level that is lower than the state level.  

Because no minority or low‐income populations as defined by EO 12898 were identified in the analysis

area, no further analysis of environmental justice was conducted.

Social Concerns

Several social concerns were raised during scoping:

 There was some concern about the risk of wildfire to private property as well as the risk of an

escaped prescribed burn to private property.

 There were concerns about the impacts of both closing and opening roads, with some favoring

fewer roads to allow for non‐motorized recreation and others favoring more open roads for

motorized recreation and access to the area for fire suppression resources.

 Concern was expressed that the proposed management actions may affect the scenic integrity

of the project area.  

 Concerns were raised regarding the level of timber harvest, with some commenters favoring less

active management and some favoring more management.

 There were several commenters who expressed concern regarding the spread of noxious weeds

as the result of management activities.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                215    Northern Hills Ranger District

3.15.3 Environmental Consequences

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under this alternative there would be no reduction to current insect or fire hazards or changes to the

road network relative to implementing any actions in the Nautilus project area.

Mountain pine beetles are rapidly expanding within and adjacent to the Nautilus project area.  This

epidemic is killing large numbers of mature pine trees and changing vegetation structure on a landscape

scale.  As trees are killed they fall to the ground, adding dead, dry fuels within an area already rated as

having high fire hazard.  The rate of infestation is increasing and the epidemic is likely to spread over a

large area over the next three to five years.   

A great deal of attention has been focused on the increasing size and severity of wildfires occurring on

forested lands, particularly pine forests of the west.  Recent wildfires on the Black Hills National Forest

have demonstrated that these fires are larger, hotter and more lethal to vegetation and soils than

historic fires in ponderosa pine ecosystems.  Additionally, these wildfires are more dangerous or

damaging to human settlements, property and values because of settlement patterns of humans within

these environments.

A large, uncontrolled fire could threaten the numerous subdivisions and homes previously described

within the surrounding wildland‐urban interface.  These homes typically have dense and continuous

vegetation surrounding them, inadequate space between flammable fuels, lack of fire‐resistant

landscaping, and woodpiles or other flammable debris near structures.  Although not noted for loss of

life, fires in the WUI are responsible for extremely large property losses.  For example, the Grizzly Gulch

fire of 2002 claimed 7 homes, the Eastridge fire of 2006 burned 7 homes and the Alabaugh fire of 2007

destroyed 33 homes.

If a large, high intensity wildfire were to occur, aesthetics, privacy, and economic property values in the

burned area would likely be considerably diminished in the short‐term.  As vegetation grows back and

burned dead timber falls and deteriorates, the long‐term (beyond 10‐15 years) effects of the wildfire on

property values would be lessened.  Sense of loss of amenities and property values gradually fades.  

People become accustomed over time to changes in scenery and other impacts like loss or damage to

structures.  Large amounts of smoke could affect local communities during a fire event.  Smoke from

such a wildfire would present health problems to elderly and persons with respiratory problems.

Under the no action alternative, no timber would be harvested as a result of the Nautilus Project, which

would result in less timber offered to local mills.  Because timber would still be offered from other

project areas across the Forest, it is difficult to quantify the economic impact this would have on the

area.

There would be no effect to access and travel beyond current impacts, as management activities would

not change.  If there were a large fire, an area closure may be placed on National Forest System lands

for safety reasons from falling dead trees along roads and to allow time to repair damaged roads and

rehabilitate the area.  Also, temporary closure to off‐road motorized use could be implemented to
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                216    Northern Hills Ranger District

protect sensitive soils and reduce weed infestations.  Travel management restrictions in the project area

will be governed by the Forest‐wide travel management plan.

Cumulative Effects

The geographic area used for the analysis of cumulative social effects is the land area within the Nautilus

project area boundary.   The analysis examines effects over a 15 year period, the maximum amount of

time it is expected for activities resulting from the proposed action to be completed.

Under Alternative A, no indirect effects would occur, so accumulation of effects would only result from

the associated indirect effects described above.  For those concerned about the threat of wildfire to

private property, the no action alternative has the potential to increase this threat cumulatively.  Fire

hazard ratings are currently high for much of the project area and the additional effect of not taking

action to reduce those ratings would increase or maintain the threat to private property.

There would be no accumulation of effects concerning the size of the road network since no new roads

would be added to the system under Alternative A.  Roads that are currently in need of repair could

continue to degrade under the no action alternative due to lack of management.  Regardless of the

decision rendered as a result of the Nautilus analysis, travel management would be governed by the

Forest‐wide plan.

The cumulative effect of not conducting timber harvest in the area would be increased risk to forest

stands from mountain pine beetles (and wildfires, as discussed above).  Forest stands that are already

dense would become more so under Alternative A, increasing their risk of pine beetle infestation.  Large

pockets of pine beetle activity, resulting in large areas of red‐needled or needleless trees, would have a

negative effect on forest aesthetics and economic values in the project area.

No accumulation of effects concerning noxious weeds is expected under the no action alternative.  

Existing weed infestations would remain but would also be treated to some degree as a result of

ongoing management.  Since no management actions would be taken as a result of the Nautilus Project,

it is not expected that any new infestations of noxious weeds would become established.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative B, forest vegetation would be treated on a broad landscape scale to reduce the

rapidly expanding pine beetle epidemic and fire and fuel hazards within the Nautilus project area.

Prescribed burning would occur under Alternative B.  The potential social effects from prescribed

burning include the risk of fire escape, smoke impacts to health and safety, and associated costs.  These

risks are minimized by design criteria such as construction of fire lines, the presence of suppression

engines and crews, and adherence to prescribed burn plans.

The reduced fire hazard in the treatment areas would reduce the potential for high intensity wildfire and

would increase the likelihood that firefighters would be suppressing, from defensible positions, low to

moderate intensity fires that may start in the area.
Nautilus Project                                                               Final Environmental Impact Statement

    

Black Hills National Forest                                                                217    Northern Hills Ranger District

Reduction in mountain pine beetle risk would not eliminate infestations from the project area, but

would minimize the potential for infestations to reach epidemic levels.   Smaller scale infestations have a

lesser impact on scenic values, habitat for certain wildlife, economic values of timber and overall forest

health.

Alternative B would close newly constructed roads as well as decommission one segment of currently

existing system road.  Reconstruction and pre‐use maintenance of existing routes would improve road

conditions, making them safer for travel and less impactful to hydrological resources.  Allowable uses of

routes currently existing on the ground would be determined by the Forest‐wide travel management

plan.

  

Cumulative Effects

The geographic and temporal scale used for cumulative effects is described under Alternative A above.

Treatments conducted under the Nautilus Project would act cumulatively with past treatments to

reduce the fire hazard and risk of pine beetle infestation on a larger scale within the project area.  This

could have differing impacts on social concerns.  One positive impact is that reduction of fire hazard

would help alleviate concerns of those who live within the project area.  Reducing pine beetle risk would

also help maintain scenic integrity in some stands, which would be desirable to forest visitors.  On the

other hand, those who prefer the forest to maintain an unmanaged appearance would be negatively

impacted in areas where treatments remove more overstory trees (e.g. seed cuts and overstory

removals) resulting in a more managed appearance.  Also, non‐motorized recreation enthusiasts could

be impacted, at least in the short term, by the addition of new roads to the system and the potential for

increased motorized access.  Implementation of the Forest‐wide travel management plan would help to

minimize this impact by defining areas where motorized travel is and is not allowed.

Jobs and income supported by Alternative B would coincide with employment and income contributions

from other projects occurring on the Black Hills National Forest.  While estimates of employment and

income impacts from these projects are not available, they would accrue alongside potential

employment and income impacts from the proposed action.

The Black Hills area economy was dominated by mining, timber harvest, and agriculture for many years.  

The region’s economy is now well‐diversified.  The proposed action would contribute to the local

economy by producing forest products and employment and through procurement of services and

products associated with project implementation.

3.15.4 Economic Analysis

The following is a summary of the analysis used to calculate a variety of financial measures describing

the alternatives in this EIS.  The Quick Silver program was used to perform the analysis (QS Version

6.00.0001, USDA‐Forest Service, Tessa Systems, July 2008).  

The objective of the analysis is to provide a relative comparison of the costs and revenues associated

with implementing the two alternatives being analyzed.  This economic analysis is for comparison

purposes only and is not the key factor in choosing an alternative.  The decision maker will use this

information while also weighing the non‐monetary costs and benefits (e.g. positive and negative effects

to natural resources) associated with the project. There are costs and benefits associated with activities
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occurring in the Nautilus project area that are not included in this analysis (e.g. recreation management,

Christmas tree cutting, fuel wood gathering, special use permits). This analysis does not include these

activities because they occur across the District and Forest and they are not directly related to the

proposed action. The alternatives presented in this EIS would not significantly change these other

activities.

This EIS discusses a no action alternative and the proposed action for managing the Nautilus project area

for the next ten to fifteen years. The financial analysis includes those actions connected to the

vegetation treatments for fire and fuels reduction needs and related actions that are planned over this

management timeframe. The only benefits included in the analysis were the revenues generated from

the volume of timber harvested per alternative. This analysis does not include revenues generated in

the local and regional economies related to wages, equipment and supplies purchased, and taxes paid.

No values are presented for Alternative A because no actions are proposed, so no costs or benefits

related to this project would be generated.

The proposed action described in this EIS is consistent with national initiatives and policy such as the

National Forest Management Act, National Fire Plan, Healthy Forests Restoration Act, and direction

provided by the Forest Plan and associated economic assumptions. Any future project proposals will

receive a separate environmental analysis, including an economic analysis, as appropriate. Table 3‐67

displays the financial measures summarized by alternative.

The only economic benefit calculated for the alternatives was the sale of softwood timber.  Costs

include road construction, prescribed burning, sale prep and administration, non‐commercial thinning,

and post‐sale activities.  A complete list of the costs and benefits for each alternative and the value

associated with each is located in the Nautilus project file.

Costs

Sale preparation/administration costs are based upon a 3‐year average of costs for the Forest.  

Normally, all of the administration portions of costs are spread out over the contract period.  Rather

than trying to develop specific assumptions on what costs occur in what year, all the costs are lumped in

year 1. This assumption results in a lower economic value than if the costs were spread out.  Road costs

are based upon the estimated costs given the amount of work that needs to be done.  Costs for pre‐

commercial thinning, fuels treatments, and weed control are all based on the recent planning costs used

in recent timber sales. The costs include district administration and overhead.

Benefits

The stumpage values are the average experienced on the forest as documented by the Forest Service

Region 2 office. The revenues are assumed to occur all at once. This assumption simplifies the situation

that would normally occur with the revenues occurring throughout the life of the sale. This assumption

by itself would tend to raise the economic value of the project, but it is consistent with the assumption

on sale administration costs, which tend to lower the economic value of the project.  

The results of the Quick Silver analysis are displayed in Table 3‐63 below. The values shown are intended

to show relative efficiency of each alternative and serve as a means of comparing alternatives. The
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values will fluctuate with changes in costs and stumpage values and do not reflect actual costs and

revenues.     

Table 3‐60. Costs and Benefits by Alternative

Measure Alt. A Alt. B

Present Net Value 0 ‐$15,078,616

Benefit/Cost Ratio 0 0.1

Benefits   0 $1,647,283

Costs   0 $16,725,899

Alternative A (No Action)

Although costs associated with Alternative A are not integrated into this financial analysis, the actual

cost of not taking action could potentially be high in both economic and environmental terms. Recent

wildfires on the Black Hills and elsewhere in the western United States have incurred costs in the

millions of dollars for suppression alone. In the Black Hills, suppression costs for the recent Battle Creek

Fire were estimated at $6.5 million and the Jasper Fire around $11.5 million.  Costs of rehabilitation,

economic loss of resources, and lost property values are significant additional costs of these wildfires.  

Likewise, widespread areas of beetle killed trees would represent a loss of potential economic gain

through loss of timber value and could potentially impact the tourism industry and private home values

through the decline in aesthetics, as has been seen in areas of Colorado that have been heavily

impacted by mountain pine beetle epidemics.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

The cost of fully implementing Alternative B exceeds the revenues generated by approximately $15.1

million.  Revenues, generated solely from the sale of commercial timber, would be approximately $1.6

million based on current market prices.  Implementation costs of Alternative B would be approximately

$16.7 million.   To fully implement the proposed action, additional funding, such as appropriated fuels

dollars or other sources, would be necessary.  As discussed under Alternative A above, implementation

of Alternative B would reduce the fire hazard in the project area and potentially reduce the costs of

suppressing large wildfires in the future, but no method exists for predicting how much those savings

would be or if the savings would occur.

3.16 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources

NEPA requires consideration of “any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources” (40 CFR

1502.16).  Irreversible commitments of resources are those that cannot be regained, such as the

extinction of a species or the removal of mined ore.  Irretrievable commitments are those that are lost

for a period of time, such as the temporary loss of timber productivity in forested areas that are kept

clear for use as a road.

No irreversible commitments of resources would be associated with any of the alternatives.

Irretrievable commitments of resources include the following:
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 Soil productivity and timber productivity would be lost where construction of new roads occurs.  

New road construction is proposed under Alternative B.

 There would be a short‐term irretrievable loss of habitat for some wildlife species due to direct

disturbance during project implementation under Alternative B.  See the Wildlife section above

for details.

 Noxious weed infestations may cause an irretrievable commitment of resources if allowed to

persist.  Weeds can negatively affect native plant communities, leading to losses of wildlife

habitat, forage and vegetation diversity.

3.17 Short‐term Uses and Long‐term Productivity

NEPA requires consideration of “the relationship between short‐term uses of man’s environment and

the maintenance and enhancement of long‐term productivity” (40 CFR 1502.16).   

Alternative B would result in a short‐term reduction in the amount of standing timber volume in the

area.  Proposed commercial timber harvest would remove trees that could grow larger and provide

timber in the future if left uncut.  Proposed regeneration harvests would be expected to improve long‐

term timber yields by creating young stands where there are currently few and improving the

distribution of pine age classes.  Increasing young stands would be expected to produce more

sustainable yields in the future.  Proposed commercial and pre‐commercial thinning would reduce

stocking in treated stands to levels optimal for growth.  The decrease in stocking would also improve the

vigor of the remaining trees, reducing susceptibility to attack by insects and disease.   

Proposed activities are designed to decrease the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and crown fire

hazard in treated stands and potential for development of large insect epidemics and stand‐replacing

fires across the landscape.  Short‐term adverse effects on resources such as soils and wildlife could

occur, but these would be expected to be less severe and persistent than effects of a widespread

epidemic or high intensity wildfire.

3.18 Unavoidable Adverse Impacts

NEPA requires consideration of “any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided” (40 CFR

1502.16).   

Prescribed burning would result in air quality decreases in some locations due to smoke, which would be

expected to last from a few hours to several days.

Individuals of various wildlife and fish species could be adversely affected.  Habitat for some species

would increase while habitat for others would decrease.  None of the alternatives would be expected to

result in a loss of viability of any species across the Black Hills National Forest.

Proposed activities could negatively affect unknown rare plant occurrences in the project area.  Habitat

would generally be protected.  None of the alternatives would be expected to result in a loss of viability

of any species across the Forest.
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Adverse effects on soils and hydrology could include localized, short‐term erosion, sedimentation,

compaction and creation of hydrophobic soils.

Previously unknown or unrecorded heritage resources could be disturbed or destroyed if not recognized

as a potential heritage resource by those implementing the project.  If previously unknown heritage

resources are discovered during project implementation, ground‐disturbing actions at the site would

stop and the district or forest archeologist would be notified.

Scenic quality would be adversely affected in some locations during and up to several years after the

project.

Recreational opportunities may be adversely affected if implementation of project activities results in

temporary closure of roads or areas for public safety.

3.19 Consistency with the Forest Plan

Alternative B is consistent with the applicable Forest Plan goals and objectives and would comply with

standards and guidelines.  Details are contained in the Nautilus Project Forest Plan Consistency

document in the project file.

3.20 Other Required Disclosures

3.20.1 Wildlife

No waters would be impounded or diverted as part of the project so coordination with the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act is not required.   

No coordination with the USFWS is required under the Endangered Species Act, as no Threatened or

Endangered species, nor any habitat for such species, occurs in the project area.

3.20.2 Botany

No coordination with the USFWS is required under the Endangered Species Act, as no Threatened or

Endangered species, nor any habitat for such species, occurs in the project area.

3.20.3 Hydrology and Soils

E.O. 11988 – Floodplain Management

The Nautilus Project would be in compliance with and meets the requirements of the Executive Order

for Floodplain Management.  The functional value of floodplains in the project area would not be

impaired as a result of project activities.

E.O. 19990 – Protection of Wetlands
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The Nautilus Project would be in compliance with and meets the requirements of the Executive Order

for Protection of Wetlands.  Design criteria would ensure adequate protection of wetlands located in the

project area.

Clean Water Act of 1977

None of the alternatives for the Nautilus Project would degrade water quality and all alternatives would

be in compliance with and meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA).  Application of

watershed conservation practices will ensure compliance with the CWA.

Section 402

Discharge Permits – This permit applies to point sources.  There would not be any point sources of

pollutants as a result of this project; silvicultural activities are exempt from this permit.  Any potential

source of pollutants as a result of this project would be labeled as non‐point and this project would

meet and comply with the Forest Plan standards, which incorporate WCP that are designed to meet

water quality standards through control of non‐point sources of pollutants.   

Storm Water Associated with Construction Activities – Silvicultural activities, including road construction

to access treatment areas, are exempt from this permit.  As mentioned above, Forest Plan standards

would be implemented to prevent and minimize pollution.

Section 404

Silvicultural activities and roads associated with these activities are exempt from this permit as long as the 15

mandatory BMP are implemented as listed in 33 CFR 323.4.  Those BMP are listed below:

(i) Permanent roads (for farming or forestry activities), temporary access roads (for mining, forestry, or

farm purposes) and skid trails (for logging) in waters of the U.S. shall be held to the minimum feasible

number, width, and total length consistent with the purpose of specific farming, silvicultural or mining

operations, and local topographic and climatic conditions;

(ii) All roads, temporary or permanent, shall be located sufficiently far from streams or other water bodies

(except for portions of such roads which must cross water bodies) to minimize discharges of dredged or

fill material into waters of the U.S.;

(iii) The road fill shall be bridged, culverted, or otherwise designed to prevent the restriction of expected

flood flows;

(iv) The fill shall be properly stabilized and maintained during and following construction to prevent erosion;

(v) Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States to construct a road fill shall be

made in a manner that minimizes the encroachment of trucks, tractors, bulldozers, or other heavy

equipment within waters of the United States (including adjacent wetlands) that lie outside the lateral

boundaries of the fill itself;

(vi) In designing, constructing, and maintaining roads, vegetative disturbance in the waters of the U.S. shall

be kept to a minimum;

(vii) The design, construction and maintenance of the road crossing shall not disrupt the migration or other

movement of those species of aquatic life inhabiting the water body;  

(viii)     Borrow material shall be taken from upland sources whenever feasible;

(ix) The discharge shall not take, or jeopardize the continued existence of, a threatened or endangered

species as defined under the Endangered Species Act, or adversely modify or destroy the critical habitat

of such species;

(x) Discharges into breeding and nesting areas for migratory waterfowl, spawning areas, and wetlands shall

be avoided if practical alternatives exist;
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(xi)    The discharge shall not be located in the proximity of a public water supply intake;

(xii)    The discharge shall not occur in areas of concentrated shellfish production;

(xiii) The discharge shall not occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System;

(xiv) The discharge of material shall consist of suitable material free from toxic pollutants in toxic amounts;

and

(xv) All temporary fills shall be removed in their entirety and the area restored to its original

elevation.
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4 INDEX

5 A

Abstract, 2

Alternatives, 31

B

Best Management Practices, 1, 339, 340, 342, 345

Biological Evaluation, 48, 345

C

Condition Class, 345, 347

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment, 41

E

Economics, 320

F

Forest Plan

goals, 14

G

Grassland communities, 16

H

Hardwood communities, 15

Healthy Forest Initiative, 320

I

Interdisciplinary Team, 1, 3, 348

Issues, 28

M

Management Area, 1, 13, 21, 22, 23, 348

Management Indicator Species, 19

Monitoring, 18, 19, 41, 328, 333, 335, 340, 342, 343

Mountain pine beetle, 22, 327, 337

N

National Environmental Policy Act, 1, 2, 3, 8, 349

National Fire Plan, 320

National Forest System, 1, 3, 9, 15, 20, 314, 316, 350, 351

NEPA, 1, 2, 3, 8, 31, 345, 347, 349

Notice of Availability, 1

Notice of Intent, 1, 3, 13, 28

Noxious weeds, 18, 22, 31, 41, 51, 343

O

Oak, bur, 15

Off‐Highway Vehicle, 1

P

Prescribed fire, 3, 17, 18, 22, 336, 345, 352

Proposed action, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32,

48, 320, 345, 346, 347, 349, 350

Purpose and need, 4, 8, 13, 14, 26, 48

R

Record of Decision, 1, 9

Recreation, 9, 12, 20, 26, 51, 52, 320, 346, 348, 350

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum, 1, 350

Riparian areas, 17

Roads, 3, 9, 12, 15, 17, 20, 26, 27, 40, 42, 49, 50, 51, 278,

279, 324, 325, 346, 350, 351

S

Scenic Integrity Objective, 1

Scoping, 3, 12, 26, 28, 31, 349, 355

Sensitive species, 18, 345

Snags, 16

Soils, 279, 343, 346

Species of Local Concern, 1, 16

Structural Stage, 1, 42, 43, 351

Summary, 3

T

Threatened and Endangered Species, 1

Timber, commercial, 20

W

Watershed, 328, 331, 333, 334, 335, 336, 342, 351

Watershed Conservation Practices, 340, 342

Weeds, noxious, 18

Wildland Urban Interface, 1, 17, 21, 336
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USDA‐Forest Service. 2010c. Black Hills National Forest travel management plan record of decision.  

Black Hills National Forest, Supervisors Office, Custer, SD.

USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2004.  Understanding soil risks and hazards‐using soil

survey to identify areas with risks and hazards to human life and property.  Gary B. Muckel,

editor.  National Soil Survey Center.  Lincoln, NE. 96pp.

USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service.  2008.  Soil Data Mart. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/.

USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2010. The PLANTS database. National Plant Data Center,

Baton Rouge, LA.

USDA‐Soil Conservation Service.  1979. Soil survey of Lawrence County, South Dakota.  

USDI‐BLM. 2000. LR 2000 internet database for unpatented mining claims.

USFWS. 2002. Birds of conservation concern (BCC). United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of

Migratory Bird Management. Arlington, Virginia.

USFWS.  2008.  Endangered species by county list, updated 8 September 2008.  

http://www.fws.gov/southdakotafieldoffice/endsppbycounty.htm.   

Vandendriesche, D. 2004. Black Hills National Forest phase II amendment, description of analysis

process regarding the construction of vegetative yield profiles. Black Hills National Forest,

Custer, SD.

Vierling, K. 2004. Report on woodpecker breeding in the Jasper fire. Submitted to the U.S. Forest

Service, February 19, 2004. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South

Dakota. 11 pp.
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Watershed Definition. 2008. What is a watershed? http://www.epa.gov/adopt/defn.html and

http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/whatis.html.

Weaver, F. W., T. Anderson and R. Guralnick.  2006.  Combining phylogenetic and ecological niche

modeling approaches to determine distribution and historical biogeography of Black Hills

mountain snails (Oreohelicidae). Diversity and Distributions (2006) 12, 756‐766.

Webb, C., Rahn, P., and Davis, A. 1998. Abandoned and inactive mine inventory in the Black Hills

National Forest of South Dakota. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Wells, C.G., R.E. Campbell, L.F. DeBano, C.E. Lewis, R.L. Fredriksen, E.C. Franklin, R.C. Froelich, and P.H.

Dunn. 1979. Effects of fire on soil, a state‐of‐knowledge review. General Technical Report WO‐7.

USDA‐Forest Service. Washington, DC.  

Wells‐Gosling, N, and L. R. Heaney. 1984. Glaucomys sabrinus, mammalian species no. 229. The

American Society of Mammalogists.  

Western Regional Climate Center. 2008. Climate data for Spearfish, South Dakota at

http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi‐bin/cliMAIN.pl?sd7882

Whitaker, J. O. Jr. 1980. National Audubon Society field guide to North American mammals. Alfred A.

Knopf, Inc.  

White, C. and G. Giroir. 2009. Monitoring the birds of the Black Hills, 2008 field season report. Tech. Rep.

M‐MBBH‐USFS08, SDDGF08. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Brighton, CO.

Wiggins, D.A. 2004. American three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis): a technical conservation

assessment. [Online]. USDA‐Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available:

http://www.fs.fed.usr2/projects/scp/assesments/americanthrethoedwoodpecker.pdf

Wiggins, D.A. 2005. Brown creeper (Certhia americana): a technical conservation assessment. USDA‐

Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region.

Wiggins, D.A. 2006. Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus): a technical conservation assessment. USDA‐Forest

Service, Rocky Mountain Region.

Wortmann, C.S. and P.J. Jasa.  2003.  Management to minimize and reduce soil compaction.  Nebraska

Cooperative Extension G89‐896.  8 pp.

Wrede, J. 2004. Grouse management surveys. E‐mail message from John Wrede, SDGF&P, Regional

Wildlife Manager to Kerry Burns, Black Hills NF, Wildlife Biologist.
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6 GLOSSARY

A

Alternative—A mix of management prescriptions applied to specific land areas to achieve a set of goals

and objectives. The alternative provides management direction for the proposed project that

reflects identified public and management concerns for the Project Area.

B

Best Management Practices (BMP)—Practices determined by the state to be the most effective and

practical means of preventing or reducing the amount of water pollution generated by nonpoint

sources to meet water quality goals.

Big Game—Those species of large mammals normally managed as a sport hunting resource.  In the Black

Hills, the term generally refers to white‐tailed deer, mule deer and elk.

Biological Diversity (Biodiversity)—The relative distribution and abundance of different plant and

animal communities and species within an area.

Biological Evaluation—A documented USFS review of activities in sufficient detail to determine how an

action or proposed action may affect any threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive

species.

Board Foot (bf)—The amount of wood equivalent to 1 foot by 1‐inch thick.

Broadcast Burn—Allowing a prescribed fire to burn over a designated area within well‐defined

boundaries for reduction of a fuel hazard or as a silvicultural treatment or both.

Browse—Twigs, leaves, and young shoots of trees and shrubs on which animals feed.

C

Canopy—The more‐or‐less continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by the crown of

adjacent trees.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)—The listing of various regulations pertaining to management and

administration of the National Forests.

Compaction—The packing together of soil particles by forces exerted at the soil surface, resulting in

increased soil density.

Condition Class—A grouping of timber stands into size‐age‐stocking classes for Forest planning.

Conifer—Any of a group of needle and cone‐bearing evergreen trees.

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)—An advisory council to the President, established by NEPA. It

reviews federal programs for their effect on the environment, conducts environmental studies,

and advises the President on environmental matters.

Cover—Vegetation used by wildlife for protection from predators or to escape the adverse effects of

weather.

Cultural Resources—The remains of sites, structures, or objects used by humans in the past‐historic or

prehistoric.
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Cumulative Effect—The impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the

action when added to other actions. Cumulative impacts can also result from individually minor,

but collectively significant, actions taking place over a period of time.

D

Decision Area—The geographic area defining the scope of this document and the alternatives proposed

by it.

Decommissioning—This term is used to refer to a specific type of road closure. On a decommissioned

road, access would be controlled by means of a moderately sized berm or “tank trap”

impassable to vehicles but capable of being easily bulldozed to permit vehicle passage if the

road is recommissioned in the future. For all decommissioned roads, water bars are installed,

the road bed is seeded, all culverts are removed, and self‐maintaining cross‐road drainage is

provided.

Developed Recreation—Recreation dependent on facilities provided to enhance recreation

opportunities in concentrated use areas. Examples are ski areas, resorts, and campgrounds.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)—The diameter of a tree measured 4 ft, 6 inches above the ground.

Dispersed Recreation—Recreation that occurs outside of developed recreation sites requiring few, if

any, facilities or other improvements and includes such activities as hunting, hiking, viewing

scenery, and cross‐country skiing.

Displacement of Soil—The movement of the forest floor (litter, duff, and humus layers) and surface soils

from one place to another by mechanical forces such as a blade used in piling and windrowing.

Mixing of surface soil layers by disking, chopping, or bedding operation is not considered

displacement.

E

Ecosystem—Any community of organisms along with its environment, forming an interacting system.

Effects (or Impacts)—Environmental consequences (the scientific and analytical basis for comparison of

alternatives) as a result of a proposed action. Effects may be either direct, which are caused by

the action and occur at the same time and place, or indirect, which are caused by the action and

are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable or

cumulative.

Endangered Species—Any plant or animal species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a

significant portion of its range (Endangered Species Act of 1973).

Endemic—Native to or confined to a certain region.

Environment—The aggregate of physical, biological, economic, and social factors affecting organisms in

an area.

Environmental Assessment (EA)—A concise public document which serves to (a) briefly provide

sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an EIS or a finding of No

Significant Impact, (b) aid an agency’s compliance with NEPA when no EIS is necessary, or (c)

facilitate preparation of an EIS when necessary.
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Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)—A detailed summary prepared by the responsible official in

which a major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the human environment is

described, alternatives to the proposed action provided, and the effects analyzed.

Epidemic—The populations of plants, animals and diseases that build‐up, often rapidly, to highly

abnormal and generally injurious levels.

Erosion—The detachment and transport of individual soil particles by wind, water, or gravity.

F

Fauna—Animals, including lesser forms such as insects, mites, etc.

Fire Regime Condition Class—A natural fire regime is a general classification of the role fire would play

across a landscape in the absence of modern human mechanical intervention, but including the

influence of aboriginal burning. The five natural (historical) fire regimes are classified based on

average number of years between fires (fire frequency) combined with the severity (amount of

replacement) of the fire on the dominant overstory vegetation.

Floodplain—The lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters, including, at a

minimum, that area subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

Flora—Plants

Forage—All browse and non‐woody plants that are available to livestock or game animals and used for

grazing or harvested for feeding.

Forb—An herbaceous plant that is not a graminod.

Foreground—That part of a scene, landscape, etc., that is nearest to the viewer, and in which detail is

evident, usually 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 mile from the observer.

Fuel Treatment—Manipulation or reduction of natural or activity fuels (generated by a management

activity such as slash left from logging) to reduce fire hazard.

Fuels—Combustible materials present in the forest that potentially contribute a significant fire hazard.

H

Habitat—The sum total of environmental conditions of a specific place occupied by a wildlife species or

a population of such species.

Habitat Type—An aggregation of all land areas potentially capable of producing similar plant

communities at climax stage.

I

Immediate Foreground—The part of the foreground that is extremely critical for visual detail, usually

within 400 feet of the observer.

Indicator Species—See Management Indicator Species.

Indirect Effects—Secondary effects that occur in locations other than the initial action or significantly

later in time.

Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)—A group of professional specialists with expertise in different resources

that collaborate to develop and evaluate management alternatives.
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Interdisciplinary Approach—Utilization of one or more individuals representing areas of knowledge and

skills focusing on the same task, problem, or subject. Team member interaction provides needed

insight to all stages of the process.

Intermittent Stream—A stream that runs water in most months, but does not run water during the dry

season of most years.

Invertebrates—Animals having no backbone such as earthworms, insects, and lesser animals.

Irretrievable—Applies to losses of production, harvest, or a commitment of renewable natural

resources. For example, some or all of the timber production from an area is irretrievably lost

during the time an area is used as a winter sports (recreation) site. If the use is changed, timber

production can be resumed. The production lost is irretrievable, but the action is not

irreversible.

Irreversible—Applies primarily to the use of nonrenewable resources, such as minerals or cultural

resources, or to those factors that are renewable only over long time spans, such as soil

productivity. Irreversible also includes loss of future options.

Issue—A subject or question of public discussion or interest to be addressed or discussed in the planning

process.

L

Landtype—A unit of land with similar designated soil, vegetation, geology, topography, climate, and

drainage. The basis for mapping units in the land systems inventory.

Limiting Factor—The environmental influence that exceeds the tolerance limit of an animal to restrict it

in its activities, functions, or geographic range.

Litter—An organic surface soil layer usually composed of identifiable leaves, branches, or other

vegetative material, and animal remains.

M

Management Area (MA)—Geographic areas, not necessarily contiguous, that have common

management direction, consistent with the Forest Plan allocations.

Management Direction—A statement of multiple use and other goals and objectives, along with the

associated management prescriptions and standards and guidelines to direct resource

management.

Management Indicator Species (MIS)—A species selected because its welfare is presumed to be an

indicator of the welfare of other species sharing similar habitat requirements. A species of fish,

wildlife, or plants that reflect ecological changes caused by land management activities.

Middleground—The part of a scene or landscape that hits between the foreground and background

zones.

Mitigation—Actions to avoid, minimize, reduce, eliminate, replace, or rectify the impacts of a

management practice.

Monitoring—The periodic evaluation on a sample basis, of management practices to determine how

well objectives have been met and how closely management standards have been applied.
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Mortality—In forestry, trees in a stand that die of natural causes.

N

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process—An interdisciplinary process that concentrates

decisionmaking around issues, concerns, alternatives, and the effects of alternatives on the

environment.

National Forest Management Act (NFMA)—Law passed in 1976 as an amendment to the Forest and

Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act, requiring preparation of Regional Guides and

Forest Plans, and the preparation of regulations to guide that development.

Natural Regeneration—Reforestation of a site by natural seeding from the surrounding trees. Natural

regeneration may or may not be preceded by site preparation.

Noxious Weed—A plant species that is highly injurious or destructive and has a great potential for

economic impact.

O

Obliteration—Obliteration of an existing road would involve removal of all culverts, establishing

permanent drainages, and recontouring of the road surface.

P

Pathogen—A specific causative agent of disease, such as a virus.

Peak Flow—The greatest flow attained during the melting of the winter snowpack.

Perennial Streams—Streams that flow continuously throughout the year.

Pioneer Species—A plant capable of invading a bare site (newly exposed soil surface) and persisting

there until replaced by another species or community as succession progresses.

Plant Community—An assembly of plants living together.

Preferred Alternative—The alternative recommended for implementation in the EIS .

Prescribed Burning—The application of fire to fuels in either a natural or modified state under such

conditions as to allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and at the same time to

produce the intensity of heat and rate of spread required to further certain planned objectives

(i.e., silviculture, wildlife management, reduction of fuel hazard, etc.).

Prescription—Management practices selected and scheduled for application on a designated area to

attain specific goals and objectives.

Project Area— The land area being considered for the proposed activities.  

Proposed Action—The alternative that was presented to the public during the scoping period.  

Comments on this alternative are used to identify significant issues and to develop additional

alternatives that address those issues.  The proposed action may not be the preferred

alternative in the EIS, nor is it necessarily the alternative that is most likely to be chosen.
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R

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)—A system for defining the types of outdoor recreation

opportunities the public might desire and identifies that portion of the spectrum a given area

might be able to provide. It is used for planning and managing the recreation resource and

recognizes recreation activity, setting, and experience opportunities.  

Restricted Road—A National Forest road or segment that is restricted from a certain type of use or all

uses during certain seasons of the year or yearlong. The use being restricted and the time period

must be specified. The closure is legal when the Forest Supervisor has issued and posted an

order in accordance with 36 CFR 261.

Riparian—Pertaining to areas of land directly influenced by water. Riparian areas usually have visible

vegetative or physical characteristics reflecting this water influence. Stream sides, lake borders,

or marshes are typical riparian areas. Riparian vegetation borders watercourses, lakes, or

swamps; it requires a high water table.

Road—A vehicle travel way of over 50 inches wide.  

Road Maintenance—The upkeep of the entire Forest Development Transportation Facility including

surface and shoulders, parking and side areas, structures, and any traffic control devices as are

necessary for its safe and efficient utilization.

Roadless Area—A National Forest System area that is larger than 5,000 acres or, if smaller than 5,000

acres, is contiguous to a designated wilderness or primitive area; contains no roads, and has

been inventoried by the Forest Service for possible inclusion into the wilderness preservation

system.

S

Scoping—The procedures by which the Forest Service determines the extent of analysis necessary for a

proposed action, i.e., the range of actions, alternatives, and impacts to be addressed,

identification of significant issues related to a proposed action, and establishing the depth of

environmental analysis, data, and task assignment.

Sediment—Any material carried in suspension by water that will ultimately settle to the bottom.

Sediment has two main sources—from the channel itself and from upslope areas.

Seedlings and Saplings—Non‐commercial size young trees.

Sensitive Species—Those species identified by the Regional Forester for which population viability is a

concern as evidenced by significant current or predicted downward trends in population

numbers or density or habitat capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution.

Site Productivity—Production capability of specific areas of land.

Slash—The residue left on the ground after felling and other silvicultural operations and/or

accumulating there as a result of storm, fire, girdling, or poisoning of trees.

Snag—A standing dead tree usually without merchantable value for timber products, but may have

characteristics of benefit to some cavity nesting wildlife species.

Special Use Permit—A permit issued under established laws and regulations to an individual,

organization, or company for occupancy or use of National Forest land for some special purpose.
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Stand—A community of trees or other vegetation uniform in composition, constitution, spatial

arrangement, or condition to be distinguishable from other adjacent communities.

Stand Replacing Fire—A fire that consumes an entire stand of trees. These fires are generally quite hot

and can burn hundreds of acres.

Structural Stage – A classification based upon tree sizes and canopy closure. It is used for management

purposes, habitat classification and fire hazard determinations.

Succession—The progressive changes in plant communities toward climax habitat.

Successional Stage—A stage or recognizable condition of a plant community which occurs during its

development from the bare ground to climax habitat.

T

Thermal Cover—Vegetative cover used by animals to modify the adverse affects of weather.

Thinning—Cutting in even‐aged stands to redistribute growth potential or benefit the quality of the

residual stand.

Threatened Species—Any species of plant or animal that is likely to become endangered within the

foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Tiering—Refers to the coverage of general matters in broader EISs or EAs with subsequent other related

statements in the EAs incorporated, by reference. The discussions contained in the previous

document are incorporated, solely for issues specific to the statement subsequently prepared.

U

Unclassified Road—A road that is not constructed, maintained, or intended for long‐term highway use,

such as roads constructed for temporary access and other remnants of short‐term use roads

associated with fire suppression, timber harvest, and oil, gas, or mineral activities, as well as

travel ways resulting from off‐road vehicle use.  These roads are not part of the National Forest

System.  Also referred to as “non‐system roads”.

Understory—Vegetation (trees or shrubs) growing under the canopy formed by taller trees.

V

Vertebrates—Animals having a backbone, or a spinal column, including mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles,

and amphibians.

Viewshed—Subunits of the landscape where the scene is contained by topography similar to a

watershed.

Visual Quality Objective (VQO)— A US Forest Service system of indicating the potential expectations of

the visual resource by considering the frequency an area is viewed and the type of landscape.

Visual Resource—The composite of landforms, water features, vegetative patterns, and cultural

features which create the visual environment.

W

Water Yield—The measured output of the forest’s streams.
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Watershed—Entire area that contributes water to a drainage system or stream.

Wetlands—Areas that are inundated by surface or ground water with a frequency sufficient to support a

prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that requires saturated or seasonally saturated soil

conditions for growth and reproduction. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs,

wet meadows, river overflows, mud flats, and natural ponds.

Wilderness—All lands included in the National Wilderness Preservation System by public law; generally

defined as undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence without

permanent improvements or human habitation.

Wildfire—Any wildfire not designated and managed as a prescribed fire with an approved prescription.

Wildland Fire Use—Naturally caused wildfires that are allowed to burn within controlled areas to

achieve natural resource objectives.

Wildlife Diversity—The relative degree of abundance of wildlife species, plant species, communities,

habitats, or habitat features.
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7 LIST OF PREPARERS

Name Education/Experience Role

Sharon Allard Civil Engineering Technician

20 years experience

Engineer

Transportation Specialist  

Brenda Bowen B.S. Resource Recreation and Tourism

University of Idaho

14 years experience

GIS Specialist

Database Management

Melissa Dempsey M.S. Geology

Northern Arizona University

6 years experience

Hydrologist

Jeff Goldberg B.S. Wildlife Management and Conservation

Humboldt State University

7 years experience

Wildlife Biologist

Jackie Groce B.S. Sociology

Southern Illinois University

7 years experience

Planning Staff

Writer/Editor

Amy Haas B.S. Botany

North Dakota State University

5 years experience

Vegetation Management

Specialist

Hillarie Jackson B.S. Agricultural Sciences

South Dakota State University

8 years experience

Lands/Minerals/Special

Uses  

Bonnie Jones B.S. Forest Biology

Colorado State University

24 years experience

Recreation Specialist  

Darrin Jons B.S. Rangeland Ecology and Watershed

Management

University of Wyoming

6 years experience

Soils

Range/Weeds  

Marissa Karchut M.A. Anthropology

Northern Arizona University

8 years experience

Archeologist  

Stephen Keegan B.S. Landscape Architecture and Environmental

Studies

State University of New York

26 years experience

Landscape Architect

Jill Larson M.S. Botany

University of Wyoming

Botanist
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1 year experience

Steve Mott B.S. Forest Management

Iowa State University

39 years experience

Silviculturist

Rhonda O’Byrne B.S. Rangeland Ecology

Arizona State University

17 years experience

District Ranger

Responsible Official

Brian Rafferty B.S. Applied Science

Black Hills State University

10 years experience

Fuels Specialist

Chris Stores B.S. Wildlife Biology

The University of Montana

10 years experience

ID Team Leader

Writer/Editor
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8 RECIPIENTS OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS

8.1   Recipients of DEIS

Hardcopies of the Nautilus DEIS were sent to local, state and federal government agencies, tribes,

organizations, businesses and individuals who either requested to receive the document, are required to

receive it by law, or who submitted comments during the scoping period.  In addition, cover letters

announcing the availability of the DEIS were mailed to other individuals and organizations.  A full mailing

list of cover letter recipients is located in the Nautilus Project file.

Government

Lawrence County

Meade County

Pennington County

South Dakota Department of Agriculture

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

United States Department of Agriculture

United States Department of the Interior

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Office

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, South Dakota Field Office

Organizations

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance

Black Hills Flyfishers

Black Hills Forest Resource Association

Norbeck Society

Prairie Hills Audubon Society

Businesses

Black Hills Power

Neiman Timber Company

Individuals

Mike Alley

Richard Artley

Roger Bamsey

Allen Bennett

Marvin Bouska

Susan Campo

Charles Dodd

John Erickson  

Eric Hehner

Bill Hickman

Nancy Hilding
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Steve and Jeanne Hoier

Leland Hosemann

Roger Kehm

Dave Kelley

Chuck King

Norma Kraemer

Tammy Leidig

Doug Lindgren

Steve Massopust

Marion Matt

Myrle McLaughlin

Mark Nelson

Gregory Overturf

Jean Public

Cindy Solaas

Donley Townsend

Mike Whalen

Lee Willhite

Mark and Mary Zimmerman

8.2 Recipients of FEIS

Hardcopies of the Nautilus FEIS were sent to local, state and federal government agencies, tribes,

organizations, business and individuals who either requested to receive the document, are required to

receive it by law, or who submitted comments during the DEIS comment period.  In addition, cover

letters announcing the availability of the FEIS were mailed to other individuals and organizations who

had expressed interest in the project previously, but did not submit comments on the DEIS.  A full

mailing list of cover letter recipients is located in the Nautilus project file.

The Nautilus FEIS and other documents associated with the project can be accessed online at:

http://go.usa.gov/iAw

Government

Lawrence County

Meade County

Pennington County

South Dakota Department of Agriculture

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

United States Department of Agriculture

United States Department of the Interior

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Office

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, South Dakota Field Office

Organizations

Biodiversity Conservation Alliance
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Black Hills Forest Resource Association

Norbeck Society

Prairie Hills Audubon Society

Western Watersheds Project

Businesses

Neiman Timber Company

Individuals

Roger Bamsey

Richard Artley

Norma Kraemer

Mark and Mary Zimmerman

Jean‐Claire Hamblin

Erika Schoen

Donna Watson

Les Heiserman

Dave Miller

Donley Townsend

Wendy Roth
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