Steamboat Project

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Black Hills National Forest

Northern Hills Ranger District

Spearfish, South Dakota

August 2011
 

i

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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Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Steamboat Project

Draft 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 Draft 

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

(NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. The Northern Hills Ranger District 

proposes to implement multiple resource management actions within the Steamboat 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 improve structural 

diversity in big game winter range, reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and reduce the 

fire hazard. Actions used to achieve these goals include prescribed burning, non-commercial thinning, 

and commercial timber harvest. The District also proposes to additions and improvements to the 

Forest’s transportation system to facilitate vegetation management activities. Four alternatives are 

considered in detail. Alternative A is the no action alternative; under this alternative, no management 

actions associated with this project would occur. Alternative B is the modified proposed action and 

includes silvicultural treatments designed to increase structural diversity, limit the potential of mountain 

pine beetle infestations, and reduce fire hazard. Alternative C expands upon the treatments proposed 

under Alternative B to treat a higher percentage of the project area, affecting a greater change to 

mountain pine beetle risk and fire hazard. Alternative D limits the treatments to stands that are 

accessible from the existing road network, removing the potential impact of new road construction on 

wildlife, soil and water resources. This DEIS discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental 

impacts expected from each of the four alternatives.
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Summary

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

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

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

The Steamboat project area covers a total of 24,596 acres including approximately 21,833 acres of 

National Forest System (NFS) land and approximately 2,713 acres of interspersed private land 

immediately east of Nemo, South Dakota, and immediately west of Piedmont, 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 modified proposed action (Alternative B) is to modify stand structure across the project 

area to increase structural diversity in big game winter range, reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle 

infestation and reduce the fire hazard. Alternative B would treat a total of 12,336 acres through 

commercial and non-commercial timber harvest. This alternative could include a maximum of 10,608

acres of prescribed fire. Alternative C was developed in response to the issue of mountain pine beetle 

risk. This alternative expands on the treatments in Alternative B to treat a high percentage of stands at 

medium or high risk of mountain pine beetle infestation. Under Alternative C, a total of 18,049 acres 

would experience commercial or non-commercial harvest. Alternative C would also include 10,608 

acres of potential prescribed burns. Alternative D was developed in response to the issue of new road 

construction. The treatments in this alternative were limited to the existing road network, eliminating 

the impact that new road construction could have on wildlife, soil and water resources in the project 

area. Alternative D includes 9,394 acres of commercial and non-commercial harvest and up to 10,608 

acres of prescribed burning. The alternatives are described in detail in Chapter 2. 

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

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 December 15, 2010. A scoping letter was mailed on 

December 10, 2010 to approximately 423 interested parties. A public open house was held on January 

12, 2011, at the Fire Hall in Piedmont, South Dakota. 

Comments received during the scoping process were used to help define issues and to develop 

alternatives and design criteria. Through review and analysis of the scoping comments and input, the 

Responsible Official identified three significant issues related to the proposed activities. These issues led 

to the development of two action alternatives.

The alternatives analyzed in detail in this EIS are summarized below:

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 
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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 (Proposed Action) – 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 increase structural diversity in big game winter range, reduce the potential of mountain pine beetle 

infestations and reduce fire hazard. A variety of vegetation management tools, including uneven-aged 

and even-aged timber harvest, would be used to modify stand structure in big game winter range. 

These treatments, along with aspen/birch and meadow enhancements, would create a mosaic of 

vegetative structure, providing both thermal cover and browsing areas. In addition, thinning of densely 

stocked ponderosa pine stands would 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. A total of 12,336 acres of the project area would 

receive vegetation treatments under Alternative B with up to 10,608 acres of prescribed burning 

possible.

Implementation of Alternative B would require 20 miles of new road construction and 5 miles of new 

road conversion. Newly created roads do not currently exist on the ground; an entirely new route 

would be constructed. Converted roads already exist in some form, but are not part of the NFS road 

system. 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, unless identified for inclusion on the motorized vehicle use map (MVUM). In addition, 

approximately 75 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 maintenance is 

conducted would be available for public use depending on the direction provided by the MVUM.

Alternative C – Alternative C was developed in response to the issue of mountain pine beetle 

infestation. Some comments raised concerns that the proposed action left too many stands untreated 

that have a medium or high mountain pine beetle risk. Alternative C responds to this issue by adding 

treatments to those stands where possible. This alternative would apply vegetative treatments to 

approximately 18,049 acres. The area analyzed for prescribed burning would remain the same as 

Alternative B at 10,608 acres. 

Implementation of Alternative C would require 41 miles of new road construction and 10 miles of new 

road conversion. In addition, the alternative would require 81 miles of pre-use maintenance of existing 

NFS roads.

Alternative C would also require a project-specific amendment to the Forest Plan exempting the 

Steamboat Project from Forest Plan standard 3108 concerning vegetation management activities within 

goshawk nest areas.

Alternative D – Alternative D was developed in response to the issue of new road construction. 

Concerns were raised that construction of 20 miles of new roads, as proposed under Alternative B, 

would unnecessarily impact natural resources in the project area, such as wildlife, soil and water 
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resources, in an area that already contains a relatively high density of roads. Alternative D does not

include any new road construction; however, the new road conversion would remain since those routes 

already exist on the ground and would only require addition to the NFS for use. The treatments 

proposed under Alternative D are identical to those in Alternative B except that any commercial 

treatments requiring new road construction were dropped from Alternative D. Alternative D includes a 

total of 9,394 acres of vegetation treatment. The level of prescribed burning would be identical to 

Alternatives B and C at 10,608 acres.

Implementation of Alternative D would not require any new road construction. Four miles of road 

conversion would be required along with 70 miles of pre-use maintenance.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 PROPOSED ACTION AND PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION...................................................... 9

1.1 DOCUMENT STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................................................9

1.2 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................10

1.2.1 The Project Area...................................................................................................................................10

1.3 BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................................................................11

1.3.1 Agency Direction..................................................................................................................................11

1.3.2 Historical Perspective...........................................................................................................................11

1.4 MANAGEMENT DIRECTION...................................................................................................................................14

1.4.1 Forest Plan Direction............................................................................................................................14

1.4.2 Forest Plan Objectives..........................................................................................................................15

1.4.3 Management Area-specific Goals and Objectives ...............................................................................23

1.5 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION......................................................................................................................24

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

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

1.6.2 Summary of Proposed Action...............................................................................................................26

1.7 DECISION FRAMEWORK .......................................................................................................................................27

1.8 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND SCOPING .....................................................................................................................27

1.9 ISSUES..............................................................................................................................................................28

1.9.1 Risk of Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation.............................................................................................28

1.9.2 New Road Construction .......................................................................................................................29

1.9.3 Uneven-aged Management.................................................................................................................29

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 – Modified Proposed Action...........................................................................................31

2.2.3 Alternative C ........................................................................................................................................39

2.2.4 Alternative D........................................................................................................................................40

2.2.5 Activities Common to All Action Alternatives.......................................................................................41

2.2.6 Treatment Timing (All Action Alternatives)..........................................................................................44

2.3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY..........................................................................45

2.3.1 Uneven-aged Management.................................................................................................................45

2.3.2 Wildlife Viability and Recreation..........................................................................................................45

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

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

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

3.2 FOREST RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................................49

3.2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................49

3.2.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................49

3.2.3 Environmental Consequences..............................................................................................................55

3.3 FIRE AND FUELS .................................................................................................................................................74

3.3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................74

3.3.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................74

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences..............................................................................................................79

3.4 WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES .....................................................................................................................................86
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3.4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................86

3.4.2 Existing Conditions...............................................................................................................................87

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences..............................................................................................................93

3.5 BOTANY .........................................................................................................................................................115

3.5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................115

3.5.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................115

3.5.3 Environmental Consquences..............................................................................................................117

3.6 NOXIOUS WEEDS .............................................................................................................................................130

3.6.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................130

3.6.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................130

3.6.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................130

3.7 RANGE ...........................................................................................................................................................134

3.7.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................134

3.7.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................134

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

3.8 HYDROLOGY AND SOILS .....................................................................................................................................134

3.8.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................134

3.8.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................135

3.8.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................149

3.9 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK..............................................................................................................................212

3.9.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................212

3.9.2 Existing Conditions.............................................................................................................................213

3.9.3 Environmental Consequences............................................................................................................213

3.10 LANDS/MINERALS/SPECIAL USES ...................................................................................................................215

3.10.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................215

3.10.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................215

3.10.3 Environmental Consequences.......................................................................................................217

3.11 RECREATION AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................220

3.11.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................220

3.11.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................220

3.11.3 Environmental Consequences.......................................................................................................223

3.12 SCENERY ....................................................................................................................................................226

3.12.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................226

3.12.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................226

3.12.3 Environmental Consequences.......................................................................................................230

3.13 HERITAGE RESOURCES ..................................................................................................................................244

3.13.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................244

3.13.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................244

3.13.3 Environmental Consequences.......................................................................................................245

3.14 SOCIO-ECONOMICS......................................................................................................................................248

3.14.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................248

3.14.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................................................248

3.14.3 Environmental Consequences.......................................................................................................252

3.14.4 Economic Analysis.........................................................................................................................255

3.15 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES ........................................................................257

3.16 SHORT-TERM USES AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY ..........................................................................................258

3.17 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS...................................................................................................................258

3.18 CONSISTENCY WITH THE FOREST PLAN.............................................................................................................259

3.19 OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES .....................................................................................................................259

3.19.1 Wildlife ..........................................................................................................................................259

3.19.2 Botany ...........................................................................................................................................259
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3.19.3 Hydrology and Soils.......................................................................................................................260

4 INDEX ......................................................................................................................................... 263

5 BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................ 265

6 GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................... 287

7 LIST OF PREPARERS..................................................................................................................... 295

8 RECIPIENTS OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS..................................................................................... 297

8.1 RECIPIENTS OF DEIS ....................................................................................................................................297

APPENDICES

Appendix A MAPS

Map 1 – Project Area Vicinity

Map 2 – Watersheds

Map 3 – Management Areas

Map 4 – Cover Type

Map 5 – Alternative B Vegetation Treatments

Map 6 – Alternative B Transportation Network

Map 7 – Alternative C Vegetation Treatments

Map 8 – Alternative C Transportation Network

Map 9 – Alternative D Vegetation Treatments

Map 10 – Alternative D Transportation Network

Map 11 – Existing Fire Hazard

Map 12 – Alternative B Post-treatment Fire Hazard

Map 13 – Alternative C Post-treatment Fire Hazard

Map 14 – Alternative D Post-treatment Fire Hazard

Map 15 – Existing Insect Risk

Map 16 – Alternative B Post-treatment Insect Risk

Map 17 – Alternative C Post-treatment Insect Risk

Map 18 – Alternative D Post-treatment Insect Risk

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

Appendix C DESIGN CRITERIA AND MONITORING

Appendix D PAST, PRESENT AND REASONABLY FORESEEABLE FUTURE ACTIONS
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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 

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

(NEPA) and other relevant federal and state laws and regulations. This DEIS 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 DEIS.

Chapter 7 - List of Preparers: This chapter provides information on those who conducted the analysis 

documented in this DEIS.

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 DEIS.

Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project area resources, is located in the 

project file at the NHRD office in Spearfish, South Dakota. These documents are available upon request.
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1.2 Introduction

This DEIS discloses the environmental effects of vegetation management activities and associated 

additions to and maintenance of the transportation system proposed in the Steamboat project area. 

These activities are proposed by the NHRD of the BHNF to improve project area forest conditions to 

increase structural diversity in big game winter range, reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle 

infestation and reduce the fire hazard across the project area. This DEIS will be subject to a 45-day 

review and comment period. All comments received on the DEIS will be reviewed and addressed in a

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

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).

1.2.1 The Project Area

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

the northern Black Hills. The project area covers a total of 24,596 acres including approximately 21,833 

acres of National Forest System (NFS) land and approximately 2,713 acres of interspersed private land 

immediately east of Nemo, South Dakota and west of Piedmont, South Dakota and the Interstate 90 

corridor. Landmarks within the project area include Steamboat Rock, Dalton Lake and Stagebarn 

Canyon. Ponderosa pine is the dominant cover type in the project area, covering 21,060 acres. Other 

cover types include aspen (320 acres), grassland (229 acres), white spruce (138 acres), and bur oak (136 

acres). 

Approximately 121 miles of existing NFS roads are located in the Steamboat project area. Forest 

Highway 26 (Vanocker Canyon Road) and Forest System Road (FSR) 144 (Nemo Road) are the primary 

travel routes that access the project area. Approximately 9.5 miles of the Centennial trail crosses the 

project area. Recreation features located in the project area include the Steamboat Rock picnic area 

and the Dalton Lake campground and adjacent trailhead, which provide access to the Centennial trail. 

The project area includes all or portions of the legal descriptions shown in Table 1-1.
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Table 1-1. Steamboat Project Area Legal Description

Township Range Section

4 North 5 East 33-36

3 North 5 East 1-4, 9-16, 22-27, 34-46

2 North 5 East 1, 2, 12

3 North 6 East 5-9, 16-22, 27-33

2 North 6 East 5-8, 17, 18

Black Hills Meridian

1.3 Background

1.3.1 Agency Direction

The Forest Plan was revised in 1997 and amended in 2001 by the Phase I Amendment, which provided 

interim direction until the Phase II Amendment was completed and took 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 Steamboat project area boundary.

As a result of the gold rush-era settlement, the BHNF contains a significant number of private inholdings, 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). 

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. Beetle infestations are currently 

widespread across the BHNF with epidemic populations located in several areas of the Black Hills. The 
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highest levels of beetle activity are near Deerfield Lake in the central Hills, the Black Elk Wilderness in 

the southern Hills, and near Custer Peak in the northern Hills. The Steamboat project area lies directly 

east of the Custer Peak area.

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 restricts 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 create an accumulation of fuels on the forest floor when they 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 Euro-American 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 they suggest 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 highintensity 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 

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 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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

all wildfires as quickly as possible following a particularly severe fire season, known as the “Big Burn”, 

which burned approximately three million acres over a two day period in Washington, 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, threatening or destroying multiple homes and other structures before they were 

brought under control. The Little Elk fire of 2002 burned approximately 600 acres of the Steamboat 

project area and the Ricco fire of 2005 burned approximately 4,000 acres within the project boundary. 

Human Use of the Forest

The Steamboat project area is located near the cities of Sturgis and Rapid City, South Dakota and is 

immediately adjacent to the Interstate 90 corridor. Because of its location and the recreation

opportunities present, it receives a significant amount of recreational use throughout the year. The 

Dalton Lake campground and trailhead receives heavy use during the summer, especially during holidays 

or on weekends. The Centennial Trail is a popular destination, primarily for non-motorized recreation. 

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 nonmotorized 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 are Vanocker Canyon Road and Nemo Road. Numerous unpaved 

roads provide access to a majority of the project area. 

Approximately 2,713 acres of private land is scattered across the Steamboat project area. Much of this 

land remains undeveloped and is occupied by working ranches. An increasing amount of private land is 

being sub-divided and individual residences, as well as small sub-developments, are being constructed 

within the project area. 

Project History

The Steamboat Project was originally set to be analyzed in 2009/2010 as a much larger project area of 

the same name encompassing over 60,000 acres. After reviewing the available data, considering 

timelines, and assessing conditions on the ground, the NHRD determined that it would be more efficient 

to split the Steamboat project area in two using Nemo Road and Vanocker Canyon Road as the dividing 

line. This division created the Nautilus project area to the west of the dividing line while the eastern half 
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retained the Steamboat name. The Nautilus Project was analyzed in 2009/2010 with a Record of 

Decision (ROD) signed on November 9, 2010. 

The scoping period for the Steamboat Project began on December 10, 2010, 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 Piedmont, South Dakota on 

January 12, 2011. The Notice of Intent (NOI) to produce an EIS appeared in the Federal Register on 

December 15, 2010. 

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 and Phase II Amendment establish 11 goals, each with associated objectives, for 

multiple-use management of the BHNF. Goals 1, 2, 4, and 10 address natural resource objectives for 

multiple-use management of the forest. Goal 3 and Goals 5 through 9 provide socio-economic emphasis 

for 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 through 4, 7 and 10 provide management emphasis and direction applicable to the 

Steamboat 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 3. Provide for sustained commodity uses in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Goal 4. Provide for scenic quality, a range of recreational opportunities, and protection of heritage 

resources in response to the needs of the Black Hills National Forest visitors and local 

communities.

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

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

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 Steamboat project area is comprised of 

the following MA:

Table 1-2. Management Areas in the Steamboat Project Area

Management 

Area

Emphasis Acres in 

Project 

Area*

Percent of 

Project Area

Management Theme

5.4 Big Game Winter Range 21,833 100 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.

*Reflects NFS acres only.

MA 5.4 is managed according to its own set 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 Steamboat Project has chosen to propose resource management actions 

that respond to amended Forest Plan goals 1, 2, 3, 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).

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.
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Eight out the nine Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 7th level watersheds in the Steamboat 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).

Objective 105: Prohibit motorized vehicle use in wetlands, wet meadows, and riparian areas, except at 

specified locations and times of the year.

Wetlands, wet meadows, and riparian areas represent valuable areas for a variety of plant and animal 

species in the Black Hills. In a region where water is relatively scarce, the areas of water that do exist 

are particularly important to the ecosystem. The Steamboat project area contains numerous riparian 

areas, all of which eventually drain eventually into the Missouri River via the Cheyenne River. Several of 

these riparian areas are crossed by roads, both NFS and non-NFS.

The opportunity exists to meet this objective by minimizing the number of new roads that cross riparian 

areas, closing new roads after timber harvest, and repairing existing CDA.

Objective 108: Manage for sustained or improved water flows.

Sustained water flows are important to the cycling of nutrients through a stream and the preservation of 

habitat for certain aquatic plant and animal species. Many streams in the Steamboat project area are

ephemeral or intermittent and have been impacted by an increase in compacted area and loss of 

floodplain areas.

Opportunities exist to sustain water flows through management of upland vegetation and mitigation of 

the impacts of roads and off-road motorized vehicles, as mentioned for Objective 105 above. 

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 Steamboat project area include approximately 320 acres of 

aspen/birch and 136 acres of 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 and birch 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. 
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Objective 203: Manage 30 to 50 percent of each bur oak stand for 100-plus year old trees. 

Bur oak is located on approximately 136 acres in the 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.

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 Steamboat project area includes scattered pockets of birch, often associated with aspen. 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 Steamboat 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 229 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. 

Objective 211: Within a management area in conifer forested portions of the Forest, provide an average 

of 3 hard snags greater than 9-inch dbh and 25 feet high per acre, well dispersed across the forest, 25 

percent of which are greater than 14” dbh.

Snags provide important nesting and foraging habitat for several bird and mammals species, including 

several SOLC and Management Indicator Species (MIS), in the Black Hills (USDA-Forest Service 2005a). 

Woodpeckers, especially, are highly dependent on snags. Snags take many years to develop so are not 

quickly replaced once they are lost. Field visits suggest numerous snags of various sizes are distributed 

across the project area. 
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The opportunity exists to leave some existing snags and manage for a range of forest structures, which 

would allow for future snag development. 

Objective 212: In conifer forested portions of a planning unit, provide at least once during a rotation 

(approximately 100 years) an average of 5 to 10 tons per acre of down, dead woody material at least 3 

inches in diameter, provided there is no conflict with fire or pest management objectives. In the 

shelterwood silvicultural system, accomplish this through commercial and precommercial treatments. 

Provide this tonnage no later than the removal cut (overstory removal) or a combination of removal cut 

and precommercial thinning of the established stand (thinning to be accomplished within 10 years of the 

removal cut).

Dead and down woody material represents an important habitat component for several plant and 

animal species in the Black Hills. Woody material on the forest floor is also an important feature of the 

forest nutrient cycle. Like snags, dead and down woody material is slowly replaced once it is lost.

Visual reconnaissance indicates the majority of the project area’s stands are contributing towards this 

objective. The opportunity exists to provide dead and down woody material by leaving some stands 

untreated and through careful silvicultural techniques in treated stands. This opportunity will be limited 

in areas where fuel reduction or pest management is the priority (i.e. Wildland Urban Interface zones). 

Objective 213: Maintain or enhance existing riparian area biodiversity, physical structure and size.

As described above under Objective 105, riparian areas are a critical aspect of the Black Hills ecosystem. 

Maintaining or enhancing existing riparian areas will provide for a diversity of plant and animal habitat 

and healthy water sources.

Riparian areas in the project area are associated with several drainages in the project area. Some 

riparian areas have become overgrown with pine. The opportunity exists to enhance riparian vegetation 

conditions by removing encroaching pine. Enhanced hardwood vegetation could encourage beaver 

occupation, which would improve riparian conditions by raising the water table.

Objective 214: Restore riparian shrub communities across the forest by 500 acres during the Plan period 

on sites capable of supporting this community.

See Objective 213 above.

Objective 217: Maintain habitat for game and fish populations in each planning unit at the state 

objectives in effect in 1996.

The project area provides habitat for game species such as deer, elk, and wild turkey. Fish-bearing 

streams in the project area include the forks of Boxelder Creek and several of its tributaries. 

Management practices that can adversely affect fish include livestock overgrazing in riparian zones, 

channelization, and sedimentation from roads or other ground disturbing activities. Lack of forage in 

forested areas currently compromises habitat values in the project area for deer and elk. Wild turkeys 

are affected by a lack of variety in forest structure necessary for roosting and feeding habitat. 
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The opportunity exists to increase habitat values by closing roads, preserving open meadows, managing 

some forest stands in an uneven-aged condition, encouraging growth of browse species through timber 

cutting and prescribed fire, and other vegetative management actions. 

Objective 218: Conserve or enhance habitat for resident and migratory non-game wildlife.

This objective refers to a wide variety of wildlife species with a wide variety of habitat needs. Several 

species of resident and migratory non-game wildlife are found at different times of the year within the 

Steamboat project area.

The opportunity exists to conserve or enhance a variety of habitats by conducting a range of vegetative 

management treatments that will promote structural diversity across the project area.

Objective 221: Conserve or enhance habitat for R2 sensitive species and species of local concern (SOLC).

Sensitive species and species of local concern are identified based on their population status. These 

species typically are not common, have limited available habitat, or have populations or habitat that are 

very sensitive to change. Conservation of these species and their habitat is important in preserving the 

Black Hills ecosystem.

Several plant and animal species listed by the Rocky Mountain Region (R2) of the Forest Service as 

Sensitive are documented in the project area. Habitats for other sensitive species, species of local 

concern, and management indicator species exist in the project area. The opportunity exists to 

conserve or enhance habitat for these species through vegetative treatments, prescribed fire, avoidance 

and changes to the transportation system (limiting motorized access to critical areas).

Objective 230: Eradicate or limit spread (acres) of new introductions of non-native pests (insects, 

diseases, plants) to minimize ecosystem disruption.

Non-native pests can have a variety of negative impacts upon an ecosystem by outcompeting native 

species, degrading native habitat, or by directly killing native plants or animals. It is vital to ecosystem 

health that new infestations be controlled as soon as possible to minimize the negative impact to the 

ecosystem.

The opportunity exists to monitor for new infestations and eradicate them quickly when detected. Also, 

measures such as ensuring that only weed-free seed is used to re-seed disturbed areas and that weedfree gravel is used during road construction or improvement activities can limit the introduction and 

spread of non-native plants. 

Objective 231: Prevent new infestations and manage to reduce established noxious weed infestations. 

Treat at least 8,000 acres per year during the next ten years to limit noxious weed infestations.

Noxious weeds are typically able to establish themselves in disturbed areas more quickly than native 

vegetation or are able to outcompete native plants in undisturbed sites. By outcompeting native flora, 

noxious weeds negatively impact habitat for species that depend on a particular native plant.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Several invasive weeds species are known to exist in the Steamboat project area. Ground-disturbing 

activities associated with the proposed activities may increase susceptibility to invasion and spread of 

noxious weeds. The opportunity exists to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of noxious weeds 

through application of standard resource protection, mitigation, and monitoring measures designed to 

prevent, detect, and eliminate noxious weed infestations.

Objective 234: Create or maintain a moderate-to-low crown-fire hazard adjacent to occurrences of R2 

sensitive and species of local concern plants and botanical areas bordered by continuous, dense conifer 

stands where long-term persistence is at risk from a single high-intensity fire. 

The Steamboat project area contains suitable habitat for plants identified as sensitive or species of local

concern. Severe wildfires originating near these occurrences and burning across them have the 

potential to negatively impact these unique botanical resources. Likewise, management activities 

conducted directly within the habitat areas have the potential to make those areas unsuitable.

Where dense stands of pine border suitable plant habitat, the opportunity and need exists to reduce 

crown density and overall fuel loading to reduce the risk of a severe wildfire negatively impacting 

sensitive and species of local concern plants. Additionally, the opportunity exists to design and conduct 

treatments in a way that does not negatively impact suitable plant habitat.

Objective 238: The following are objectives for management indicator species (MIS). MIS will be 

monitored using trends in habitat; however, when available, population trends may be used as a strong 

indicator of management response. Monitoring will be conducted at a Forest scale and not at the 

project level. Population monitoring will be discretionary as provided by 36 CFR 219.14(f).

a. Maintain or enhance habitat for ruffed grouse, beaver, song sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, 

white-tailed deer and brown creeper; as outlined in specific direction pertaining to aspen, other 

hardwoods, riparian areas, grasslands, spruce and ponderosa pine (e.g., Objectives 201, 205, 

211, 239-LVD, 5.1-204).

b. Maintain habitat opportunities for black-backed woodpeckers across the Forest, as outlined in 

specific direction pertaining to conifer habitat, snags and recently burned habitat (e.g., 

Objectives 211, 11-03, 5.1-204, Standard 2301)

c. Maintain habitat for golden-crowned kinglets, as outlined in specific direction pertaining to 

spruce habitat (e.g., Objective 239-LVD).

d. Maintain or enhance habitat quality and connectivity for mountain suckers, as outlined in 

specific direction pertaining to aquatic resources (e.g., Objectives 103, 104, 215, Standards 1201, 

1203, 1205, Guideline 1115).

MIS serve as a yardstick to determine whether management actions are effective. If a certain species 

shows a decline in population, or if the amount of habitat available to them declines, then the 

management actions (or lack of) used to regulate their habitat are possibly ineffective.

Habitat for ruffed grouse, beaver, song sparrow, white-tailed deer, brown creeper, black-backed 

woodpecker, mountain sucker, and golden-crowned kinglet exists in the project area. The opportunity 

exists to maintain or enhance habitat for these species as described elsewhere in this section for the 

objectives listed above.
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Objective 239-LVD: Manage for 20,000 acres of spruce across the Forest using active management to 

achieve multiple-use objectives. Treat spruce within 200 feet of buildings, where spruce has encroached 

into hardwoods, and for emphasis species management.

The Black Hills National Forest is dominated by ponderosa pine. Approximately 92% of the forested area 

of the Black Hills is ponderosa pine, with only 2% white spruce (USDA- Forest Service 2005a). Given the 

relative rarity of white spruce in the Black Hills, it is an important aspect of habitat diversity. 

The Steamboat project area includes 138 acres of white spruce. Given the relative scarcity of spruce, it 

is unlikely that it would be treated, but treatment of spruce may occur in WUI areas.

Goal 3. Provide for sustained commodity uses in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Objective 303: Offer 838 million board feet (MMBF) of sawtimber and 21 million cubic feet (MMCF) of 

roundwood per decade [across the National Forest].

The timber industry is an important component of the economies of communities in and around the 

Black Hills. Local mills depend on lumber harvested from the Black Hills to maintain production levels. 

The presence of the timber industry also provides the Forest a tool for removing pine in an effort to 

reduce fire hazard and mountain pine beetle risk.

This objective applies to the entire Forest and has not been met for the current decade. The 

opportunity exists to provide sawtimber and roundwood through commercial timber harvest on the 

Steamboat project area.

Objective 309: Provide the following changes to the National Forest System Roads (NFSRs) and two-track 

roads in support of long-term sustainable production of commodities [across the National Forest]: 

Road Construction 280 miles/decade

Road Reconstruction 870 miles/decade

Road Obliteration 140 miles/decade

Two-track Obliteration 270 miles/decade

The Steamboat project area currently includes approximately 134 miles of roads including county, NFS, 

non-NFS and private roads. Open road density for the project area is approximately 3.5 miles of road 

per square mile of land. Many of the roads in the Steamboat area are unclassified (non-National Forest 

System). Unclassified roads negatively impact wildlife habitat by allowing motorized users to access 

areas that they are not intended to enter. They are often in poor condition because they are not 

maintained which leads to erosion and siltation of nearby waterways. The overall poor condition of 

these unclassified roads can also pose a threat to individuals who use them.

The roads analysis process for the project area showed that the need exists for access to conduct 

management activities and allow motorized recreation, but a need also exists to reduce maintenance 

costs, sedimentation, disturbance of wildlife, and negative effects on non-motorized recreational 

opportunities. The opportunity exists to construct new roads or improve existing roads necessary to 

conduct proposed management activities.
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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 Steamboat project area contains approximately 2,713 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.

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 

Steamboat project area to reduce fire hazard, especially in the wildland urban interface.

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.

The Steamboat project area covers portions of four different Fire Protection Assessment compartments, 

each of which have a high rating for risk, hazard, or value. Based on these ratings, the opportunity exists 

to reduce fire risk and hazard 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 

negatively impact 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. 
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Aerial surveys conducted in 2009 and 2010 indicated small, scattered pockets of mountain pine beetle 

activity in the project area, with additional larger outbreaks located immediately west of 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 by reducing the density of ponderosa pine.

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 in the Steamboat 

project area.

Management Area 5.4 – Big Game Winter Range

5.4-201: Manage tree stands for wildlife habitat and vegetative diversity. (Goal)

Management Area 5.4 is managed with an emphasis on providing big game winter range. Cover and 

grazing areas are most important for big game during the winter because their availability is limited by 

weather conditions. 

The opportunity exists to achieve this goal by using a variety of silvicultural treatments to maintain and 

enhance big game winter range in the Steamboat project area by creating open areas for grazing and 

retaining or promoting development of denser areas for thermal and hiding cover. 

5.4-204: Improve forage on range areas. (Goal)

Ponderosa pine encroachment represents the most serious threat to open meadow areas in the 

Steamboat project area. Nearly 100 years of active fire suppression has allowed pine regeneration, 

which historically would have been removed from open meadows by fire, to become established on 

meadow edges, reducing the size of meadow areas. These meadows represent important grazing 

habitat for big game.

The opportunity exists to increase the amount of available forage on open meadows through removal of 

encroaching ponderosa pine regeneration. 

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%
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*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 5.4 across the Forest. An opportunity exists in the Steamboat project area

to contribute to this objective on a Forest-wide basis by altering the structural stage distribution within 

the project area. This objective is not meant to be achieved at the project level.

5.4-207: Manage for an open-road density of 1 mile of road per square mile or less for general public 

travel from December 15 through May 15. (Objective)

Overall, the Steamboat project area has an open-road density of approximately 3.4 miles of road per 

square mile. Reducing open-road density from December 15-May 15 reduces the stress on big game 

animals during critical wintering and calving/fawning times. 

The open-road density for MA 5.4 within Steamboat is also 3.4 miles of road per square mile since no 

other management areas are present. Forest Highway 26 and Forest System Road (FSR) 414.5 (Nemo 

Road) are the primary routes and remain open year round. Many non-system roads exist in MA 5.4 and 

provide potential travel routes during the closure period. The opportunity exists to achieve this 

objective through closure of non-system roads.

1.5 Purpose of and Need for Action

The primary purpose of and need for action in the Steamboat project area is to provide for structural 

diversity in big game winter range, reduce the risk of high intensity wildfire, and reduce the risk of 

mountain pine beetle infestation across the project area.

Provide for Structural Diversity in Big Game Winter Range

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 MA 5.4 in the Steamboat project area (Objective 5.1-204). Other MA-specific 

goals, objectives, standards and guidelines are in place to enhance big game habitat in MA 5.4.

The entirety of the Steamboat project area is in 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. The 

opportunity exists to improve big game winter range conditions while also increasing structural diversity 

for other wildlife species.
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Reduce the 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 Steamboat project area includes 2,713 acres of interspersed 

private land. The project area is also immediately adjacent to the communities of Nemo and Piedmont 

and other populated areas along the Interstate 90 corridor. The Lawrence, Meade and Pennington 

County Community Wildfire Protection Plans establish a 1⁄2 mile WUI buffer around all structures.

Currently, there are approximately 490 known private structures located either within the Steamboat 

project area or within 1⁄2 mile of the project area boundary. Approximately 75% of the forested land in 

the project area is rated as high or very high fire hazard and only about 25% is rated low or moderate. 

In 2002, over 600 acres within the project area were burned by the Little Elk fire and in 2005 

approximately 4,000 acres were burned in the Ricco fire. The opportunity exists to reduce fire hazard 

across the project area.

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. 

Currently, approximately 85% of the ponderosa pine stands on NFS land in the project area are rated as 

being at a high or medium risk of mountain pine beetle infestation. Mountain pine beetle activity is 

currently at low levels in the Steamboat project area compared to other areas of the Black Hills National 

Forest. However, existing forest conditions within the project area are conducive to the rapid spread of 

pine beetles if they become established in the future. Heavier concentrations of pine beetle activity are 

located immediately west of Steamboat with the potential for infestations to move into the project 

area. The opportunity exists to reduce the impact of mountain pine beetles should they become better 

established in the project area by reducing stand density in ponderosa pine. 

1.6 Proposed Action

1.6.1 Development of the Proposed Action

An interdisciplinary team of Forest Service resource specialists developed the proposed action to 

respond to the purpose and need for the project (as described in the previous section) and to ensure 

that the project was consistent with Forest Plan direction. A baseline proposed action was included in 

the public scoping letter distributed on December 10, 2010. Input on this initial proposed action was 

also collected at a public meeting held on January 12, 2011. Comments received during the comment 

period and at the public meeting were used to refine the proposed action and to develop alternatives to 

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

proposal. The public voiced a wide range of concerns ranging from the proposed action containing too 

much timber harvest and associated road construction to the proposed action not including enough 

timber harvest and subsequent reduction of mountain pine beetle risk and fire hazard. Concerns were 

also voiced regarding the type of timber harvest prescribed (e.g. even-aged versus uneven-aged) and the 

specific placement of treatments to best achieve the purpose and need.

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

Support was voiced for expanding thinning and fuel treatments and conducting vegetation treatments 

that would help reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and reduce the impacts of wildfire

to private land. Strong local government and industry support was received 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 motorized use. Some commenters were concerned 

with increased motorized vehicle access in big game winter range. Addition or subtraction of routes on 

the Forest-wide Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) is considered at the Forest level, but the 

environmental impact of any new roads constructed under the Steamboat Project are analyzed in this 

DEIS. 

A discussion of the issues identified from the scoping comments appears in Section 1.9.

1.6.2 Summary of Proposed Action

Below is a brief summary of Alternative B, the proposed action. All of the alternatives are presented in 

more detail in Chapter 2.

Proposed activities include:

• Non-commercial thinning of 1,372 acres to reduce the amount of standing fuels and to release 

overgrown and stagnant stands.

• Pine removal from 630 acres of aspen/birch stands to maintain aspen or birch as the cover type.

• Commercial harvest of 10,048 acres. Treatments include overstory removal, shelterwood cut, 

individual tree selection, group selection, patch clearcut, and commercial thinning to varying 

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

hazard, improve overall stand vigor, and enhance structural diversity. 

• Reducing slash and dead fuel buildup through prescribed burning. A total of 10,608 acres could 

be burned under Alternative B. 

• Pine removal from meadow areas would occur on 206 acres across the project area to curb pine 

encroachment into open grassy areas.

• Products other than logs (POL) would be harvested from 1,116 acres. These products include 

posts and poles. The treatment would harvest pine trees 5-9” diameter at breast height (DBH) 

(trees too small for inclusion in other commercial harvests, which require trees 9” or greater 

DBH).
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• Understory thinning of 460 acres to maintain or improve habitat conditions in structural stage 5 

stands and goshawk nest areas.

• Construction of 20 miles of new road and conversion of 5 miles of non-system road to system 

road. Maintenance of approximately 75 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 unless specified for motorized use in the MVUM. Travel management 

opportunities on existing roads are determined by the Forest-wide travel management plan.

Routes open to motorized travel are displayed on the MVUM.

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 Steamboat

project area.

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

The responsible official for the Steamboat Project decision is the Northern Hills District Ranger, unless 

Alternative C is chosen. In that case, the responsible official is the Forest Supervisor due to the necessity 

of a Forest Plan amendment to implement Alternative C. If the proposed action is selected, project 

implementation could begin as early as spring 2012. 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, potential concerns, and 

opportunities for managing the Steamboat project area 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 Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on December 

15, 2010. The NOI asked for public comment on the proposal through January 14, 2011.

• A news release was submitted to the local news media on January 7, 2011. This release invited 

the public to the open house and included a brief description of the proposed action.

• A scoping letter was mailed to approximately 423 interested parties, including property owners, 

tribal members, state and federal agencies, and other organizations on December 10, 2010. 

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 Fire Hall in Piedmont, South Dakota, on January 

12, 2011. The meeting was attended by six 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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• 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 DEIS.

1.9 Issues

Comments received during the scoping process are used to help define issues, develop alternatives and 

mitigation measures, and analyze effects. A total of 14 parties provided feedback via letters or 

electronic mail during the formal scoping process. Many concerns were raised in relation to 

management activities in the Steamboat project area. Most of these concerns were relatively minor 

issues that are addressed through mitigation measures and design criteria. Issues such as these are not 

at large enough of a scale to warrant development of an alternative to the proposed action. Other 

concerns brought forth during scoping, such as greater emphasis on reducing risk of mountain pine 

beetle infestation or reducing the impact of new road construction, were considered more closely. 

A total of 99 individual comments were identified from the 14 letters and emails received. From the 

comments, three significant issues were identified. Issues are points of disagreement, debate, or 

dispute over a proposed action based on environmental effects. Several issues were identified from the 

scoping comments. However, only significant issues were used to develop alternatives. 

Issues were deemed non-significant if they were:

• beyond the scope of the proposed action,

• irrelevant to the decision being made,

• already decided by law, regulation, the Forest Plan or other higher authority,

• conjectural in nature and not supported by scientific evidence, or

• limited in the magnitude, extent, speed, or direction of effects relating to the issue

All other issues were determined to be significant.

A discussion of the three significant issues identified from the Steamboat scoping comments follows. 

These three issues were used to develop two additional alternatives for achieving the purpose and need 

in the Steamboat project area. These alternatives, along with the no-action (Alternative A) and modified 

proposed action (Alternative B) are described in detail in Chapter 2. The impacts of implementing each 

of the four alternatives are described in Chapter 3.

1.9.1 Risk of Mountain Pine Beetle Infestation

Multiple comments brought forward the issue that the treatments included in the Steamboat proposed 

action do not go far enough in reducing the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation across the project 

area. The proposed action (as presented in the scoping letter) included approximately 12,380 acres of 

vegetation treatment across the 21,833 acres of NFS land in the Steamboat project area. Approximately 

6,755 acres of ponderosa pine on NFS land with a mountain pine beetle risk rating of moderate or high 

were not included in the proposed action. Commenters concerned with the ongoing mountain pine 

beetle infestation across the Black Hills suggested that the proposed action should have included more 
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treatments focused on reducing risk in these moderate to high risk stands. Alternative C was developed 

in response to this issue.

Issue Indicators:

• Untreated acres with moderate or high risk of mountain pine beetle infestation.

• Acres of ponderosa pine at moderate or high risk of mountain pine beetle infestation (pre and 

post-treatment).

1.9.2 New Road Construction

Comments were received that raised concerns over the inclusion of 18 miles of new road construction 

and 4 miles of new road conversion in the proposed action (as presented in the scoping letter). The 

commenters assert that the Steamboat project area is already heavily roaded and that because the 

entire project area is classified as MA 5.4 (Big Game Winter Range), additional roads would negatively 

impact wildlife. A concern was also raised that the addition of new roads to the system could have a 

negative impact on watersheds, which are classified as highly sensitive in the Steamboat project area. 

Commenters suggested that the miles of new road construction could be reduced or eliminated entirely

to protect these resources. Alternative D was developed in response to this issue.

Issue Indicators:

• Miles of new road construction.

• Open road density (summer and winter).

1.9.3 Uneven-aged Management

Comments were received that supported a greater amount of uneven-aged management than what was 

included in the proposed action. The comments asserted that uneven-aged treatments (e.g. individual 

tree selection and group selection) will create greater structural diversity in big game winter range than 

even-aged treatments (e.g. commercial thin, overstory removal, shelterwood cut). Uneven-aged 

management creates stands with trees from multiple age classes, whereas even-aged management 

results in a stand with most of the trees in one or two age classes that are typically situated in distinct 

layers (e.g. overstory and understory). The original proposed action included approximately 7,014 acres 

of even-aged management compared to 1,441 acres of uneven-aged management. Commenters 

suggested that increasing the proportion of uneven-aged treatments will increase structural diversity 

and benefit wildlife habitat conditions while also reducing mountain pine beetle risk and fire hazard. 

Based on this issue, the IDT attempted to identify additional areas where uneven-aged management

could be applied. In order for uneven-aged management to be appropriate, certain stand conditions 

must already exist on the ground. The IDT review indicated that opportunities for identifying unevenaged management were rigorously explored in the development of the proposed action and that few, if 

any, additional uneven-aged management opportunities exist in the Steamboat project area.
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It was determined that the issue of uneven-aged management, while significant, is not strong enough to 

drive an additional action alternative because of the limited opportunities for conducting additional 

uneven-aged management. Any alternative resulting from this issue would not differ appreciably from 

the proposed action. However, the issue is partly addressed through the action alternatives. Under each 

action alternative developed, non-commercial thinning is proposed as a potential follow-up treatment

for any unit receiving a commercial timber harvest prescription. Doing so allows for flexibility in altering 

the stand structure following the initial commercial entry and provides a tool for creating varied stand 

structure in the future.
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2 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

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

proposed action (Alternative B) and two additional action alternatives (Alternatives C and D). Maps of 

the three action alternatives (Alternatives B, C and D) 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 decision maker a basis for a choice among management options when 

considering the environmental consequences of implementing each alternative, as disclosed in Chapter 

3 of this DEIS. In addition, a brief overview is provided of the 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 the management actions proposed under each alternative and the 

response of the alternatives to the issue indicators identified in Section 1.9.

2.2 Alternatives Considered in Detail

 

This section describes activities that are planned to occur during implementation of the alternatives. All 

figures are approximate and may vary due to irregular stand structure, small inclusions of inoperable 

ground, or other factors not immediately evident upon initial analysis. Actual figures may increase or 

decrease during on-the-ground preparation of the project. 

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 and other action 

alternatives would take place in the Steamboat project area in the next 10 to 15 years. 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. Vegetation structure would change over time through natural growth and mortality and 

events such as wildfires, storms, and insect and disease outbreaks. Ongoing activities authorized under 

previous NEPA analyses such as scheduled road maintenance, motorized recreation, treatment of 

noxious weeds, livestock grazing, and prescribed burning would continue.

2.2.2 Alternative B – Modified Proposed Action

The modified proposed action is intended to be responsive to the purpose of and need for action 

specified for the Steamboat project area. It should also move conditions within the project area toward 

desired future conditions as described in the Forest Plan. The original proposed action was developed 

and released for public review and comment in December 2010. The proposed action was modified 
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slightly after the scoping period ended. These modifications involved correcting errors in the data and 

updating the silvicultural prescriptions for some stands. Most errors were identified based on field 

reconnaissance efforts and review of spatial data. These modifications do not significantly alter the 

proposed action or create the need for an entirely separate alternative. Changes made to the proposed 

action between scoping and development of this DEIS are detailed below:

Table 2-1. Changes to Proposed Action between Scoping and DEIS

Treatment Original Proposed 

Action (Acres)

Alternative B—

Modified Proposed 

Action (Acres)

Commercial Thin 4,655 4,617

Overstory Removal 970 874

Shelterwood Cut 1,379 1,392

Group Selection 255 293

Non-commercial Thin 1,408 1,372

Product-other-than-log 1,031 1,116

Commercial Aspen/Birch Enhancement 636 630

Commercial Meadow Enhancement 200 206

Transportation System Activities Original Proposed 

Action (Miles)

Alternative B—

Modified Proposed 

Action (Miles)

New Road Construction 18 20

Non-system to System Road Conversion 4 5

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre-Use Maintenance 76 75

All other treatment types not listed in the above table were unchanged between scoping and 

development of the DEIS.

The modified proposed action includes a variety of commercial and non-commercial vegetation 

treatments on approximately 12,336 acres. Commercial treatments are proposed for approximately 

10,048 acres. Stewardship opportunities through which the Forest Service exchanges goods for services 

may be allowed under this alternative. Some treatments would stand alone, while others include initial 

treatments as well as follow-up treatments such as non-commercial thinning or prescribed burning.

Alternative B also includes approximately 10,692 acres of fuels treatments. These treatments include 

10,608 acres of prescribed burns that would be conducted following commercial or non-commercial 

harvest and 84 acres of hand or mechanical fuels reduction treatments. It is not expected that the 

entire 10,608 acres 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 acreage is 

being analyzed to allow for flexibility in future management. Specific burn units will 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 will be developed prior to 

implementation. 

Full implementation of the treatments proposed under Alternative B would require an estimated 20

miles of new NFS road (i.e., a brand new road template built) and 5 miles of non-system road conversion

(i.e., a non-system road or template already exists and will be added to the system). The proposed 
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action would also require the use of approximately 75 miles of existing NFS road that would some level 

of maintenance prior to use. Preparation activities could range from minimal maintenance activities

(pre-use maintenance) to reconstruction of the road template, depending on the condition of the road

at the time of implementation. All newly constructed or converted roads would be closed following the 

completion of management activities unless specified as open for motorized use in the MVUM. Existing 

NFS roads that undergo maintenance would remain a part of the NFS. Closure status and allowable uses 

of all NFS roads is determined by the MVUM.

Treatments proposed under Alternative B are summarized in Table 2-2 and described in detail below. 

Proposed post-sale treatments would take place as funding allows. Figures are approximate.

Table 2-2. Proposed Activities - Alternative B

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 302

Meadow Enhancement 78

Overstory Removal 874

Commercial Thin 4,617

Shelterwood Cut 1,392

Patch Clearcut 190

Individual Tree Selection 1,186

Group Selection 293

Product-other-than-log 1,116

Total Commercial Treatments 10,048

Non-commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 328

Meadow Enhancement 128

Non-commercial Thin 1,372

Understory Thin 460

Total Non-commercial Treatments 2,288

Fuels Treatments Acres

Fuel Reduction 84

Prescribed Burning 10,608

Total Fuels Treatments 10,692

Timber Volume Removed

Sawtimber (MMBF) 48.3

Roundtimber (CCF) 40,253

Transportation System Miles

New Road Construction 20

Non-system to System Road Conversion 5

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre-use Maintenance 75

Total Road Maintenance Activities 100

Proposed Vegetation Treatments 

The harvest system (e.g. whole tree yarding or cut to length) utilized will depend on individual site 

characteristics. Depending on the system used, this could result in slash piles at log landings. Slash piles 
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would generally be burned, but may also be chipped. Timber harvest would use both ground-based and 

cable yarding systems.

Aspen/Birch Enhancement

Aspen/birch enhancement is intended to maintain or encourage growth in aspen or birch stands. This 

treatment may be applied to stands with a pine, aspen or birch cover type. 

• Stands with a pine 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 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 or birch cover type—When applied to stands with an aspen or birch 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 or birch may be thinned or clearcut 

to regenerate the aspen or birch.

Aspen/birch enhancement can be either commercial or non-commercial in nature, depending on the 

size of ponderosa pine being removed from the stand. If pine with a DBH greater than nine inches is 

present, then the treatment would be commercial; less than nine inches DBH and the treatment would 

be non-commercial.

Meadow Enhancement

This treatment involves removal of pine in historical meadow areas to increase vegetative diversity and 

grass production in meadow communities. As with aspen/birch enhancement, the treatment can be 

either commercial or non-commercial in nature depending on the size of the encroaching pine.

Overstory Removal

The objective of removing overstory trees is to liberate the established understory regeneration. 

Residual trees would 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 proposed. 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. Non-commercial thinning may occur 

following commercial treatment to maintain the stand and achieve desired conditions (see the 

description of non-commercial thinning below).

Commercial Thin

This treatment involves removing commercial-sized pine (greater than nine inches DBH). Unlike 

overstory removal, not the entire overstory would be removed; rather, overstory trees would be 

thinned to a prescribed density allowing the remaining overstory greater availability of sunlight and 

nutrients while reducing the density of the stand. Retention densities would vary from 40 to 80 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 acre. Non-commercial thinning may occur following 
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commercial treatment to maintain the stand and achieve desired conditions (see the description of noncommercial thinning below).

Shelterwood Cut

The shelterwood 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). The remaining overstory trees provide a seed source for 

regenerating the stand in the future. Site preparation for seedling establishment may be accomplished 

with prescribed burning. Non-commercial thinning may occur following commercial treatment to 

maintain the stand and achieve desired conditions (see the description of non-commercial thinning 

below).

Patch Clearcut

Patch clearcut involves the removal of all conifers from patches not to exceed 10 acres in size. The size 

and number of patches harvested in any given stand would vary depending on site characteristics. 

Patches would be irregularly shaped to blend into the landscape, creating a more natural appearance. 

The intent of this treatment is to create open browsing areas with adjacent thermal cover for big game. 

The open areas created by patch clearcuts can also provide fuel breaks that can slow down an advancing 

wildfire. Non-commercial thinning may occur following commercial treatment to maintain the stand and 

achieve desired conditions (see the description of non-commercial thinning below).

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. Non-commercial thinning may occur following commercial treatment to maintain 

the stand and achieve desired conditions (see the description of non-commercial thinning below).

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 with each age class occupying approximately 20% of the 

site. Non-commercial thinning may occur following commercial treatment to maintain the stand and 

achieve desired conditions (see the description of non-commercial thinning below).

Product-other-than-log

Products other than logs, generally posts and poles, are made from trees between five and nine inches

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 noncommercial, depending on the pulp and pole markets. Dominance is a desirable characteristic and is 

taken into account during tree retention selection. Non-commercial thinning may occur following 
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commercial treatment to maintain the stand and achieve desired conditions (see the description of noncommercial thinning below).

Non-commercial Thin

Non-commercial thinning would involve the reduction of standing stems less than nine inches DBH, 

retaining 200-400 stems per acre (approximately 12 foot spacing between trees). 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. Piling and burning of residual material may be 

conducted in place of lop and scatter in stands that are adjacent to private property to reduce the 

amount of ground fuels in WUI areas. The purpose of non-commercial thinning is to a) remove excess 

regeneration from the understory, providing the remaining trees greater access to nutrients, b) remove 

fuels from the understory, and/or c) retain appropriate growing stock levels.

Understory Thin

Understory thins are proposed to maintain or enhance habitat conditions in certain stands, such as 

goshawk nesting areas and late successional forest (structural stage 5). Non-commercial sized (less than 

nine inches DBH) trees would be removed to reduce understory density and competition for resources. 

Doing so also creates a diversity of vegetative structure in the understory. Understory thinning also 

reduces the amount of surface fuels available to a wildfire.

Fuel Reduction

Fuel reduction involves the removal of vegetative material from the understory through the use of hand 

tools (e.g. chainsaws) or machinery (e.g. chippers or masticators). The intent is to reduce the amount of 

fuel available to wildfires, particularly in WUI areas.

Prescribed Fire

A total of 10,608 acres of the project area will be analyzed for prescribed burning as a follow-up to 

harvest treatments. 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 10,608 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 will be developed prior to implementation.

Objectives of Prescribed Fire

The primary objectives of prescribed burning 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 Steamboat project area. 
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Procedures for Implementing Prescribed Fire

Prior to any prescribed burn taking place on the ground, a burn plan will 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 will take place, the objectives of applying fire to the 

ground, the conditions under which a burn will 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 Steamboat project area, the following items will be considered 

when determining the boundaries of prescribed burn units:

(1) Prescribed burning will 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 will not generally be 

included as part of a prescribed burn 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 shelterwood cut) or are proposed 

for such a treatment under the Steamboat Project will not generally be included as part of a 

prescribed burn unit if the following apply:

(a) Non-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 three to five inches. 

Where there is a specified objective to retain trees smaller than three to five inches, surface fuel 

loadings will be such that the fireline intensity will 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.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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 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 Steamboat 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, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and project-specific design criteria. 

All new roads constructed under the Steamboat Project would be closed following the completion of 

management activities unless specified as open to motorized use in the MVUM. The method of closure 

would be determined based on site conditions. 

Non-system to System Road Conversion

Conversion refers to the addition of non-system roads to the National Forest System (NFS). The routes 

proposed for conversion are typically unclassified routes. The road template already exists on the 

ground. Under the Steamboat 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, BMPs and project-specific design criteria. These routes 

would also be closed following management activities unless they are specifically identified as being 

open in the MVUM. 

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.

Temporary Roads

Temporary roads may also be required to facilitate vegetation management activities. These are 

generally short spurs off of other routes that are not intended to become part of the Forest’s 

transportation system but are only intended to facilitate the management actions associated with this 

decision. These roads are closed to motor vehicle access following harvest activities, and closure 

includes any actions necessary (e.g. slashing in the route, seeding to promote revegetation, etc.) to 

stabilize the route surface and reduce erosion.
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2.2.3 Alternative C

Alternative C was developed in response to the issue of mountain pine beetle infestation. Specifically, 

the comments received during scoping questioned why approximately 6,755 acres of pine stands at 

moderate or high risk of pine beetle infestation were left untreated by the proposed action. Alternative 

C addresses that issue by incorporating the treatments included in Alternative B and assigning a 

silvicultural prescription to the majority of the stands with a moderate or high beetle risk that were not 

treated under Alternative B. 

Alternative C includes a total of 18,049 acres of commercial and non-commercial treatment. 

Approximately 16,588 acres would be treated through commercial timber harvest with an additional 

1,461 acres receiving non-commercial treatment. The level of fuel treatment under Alternative C would 

be identical to Alternative B, with approximately 84 acres of fuel reduction treatments and up to 10,608 

acres of prescribed burning.

Full implementation of Alternative C would require 41 miles of new road construction and 10 miles of 

new road conversion. In addition, 81 miles of existing NFS roads would require some level of 

maintenance. Temporary roads may also be required to facilitate vegetation management activities.

Implementation of Alternative C would require modification at the decision stage or a project-specific 

amendment to the Forest Plan. Standard 3108 defines the size of goshawk nest areas and the structural 

stages representing the most desirable habitat in those nest areas. Treatments proposed in Alternative 

C would alter the structural stage in nest areas to the degree that the alternative would not be in 

compliance with standard 3108. To implement Alternative C without amending the Forest Plan, the 

decision maker could elect to drop the treatments in question from the alternative. If modification is 

not done, a project-specific amendment to the Forest Plan would be required that exempts Alternative 

C from standard 3108. This amendment would apply only to the Steamboat Project and not to any past 

or future projects elsewhere on the Forest. Such an amendment would require that the Record of 

Decision (ROD) for the Steamboat Project be signed by the Forest Supervisor rather than the District 

Ranger. See the ‘Wildlife and Fisheries’ section in Chapter 3 for a summary of the goshawk analysis or 

the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Biological Evaluation, available upon request, for the full 

analysis of the impacts to goshawks and their habitat.

Table 2-3. Proposed Activities - Alternative C

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 302

Meadow Enhancement 78

Overstory Removal 3,740

Commercial Thin 6,556

Shelterwood Cut 2,644

Patch Clearcut 190

Individual Tree Selection 1,186

Group Selection 293

Product-other-than-log 1,599

Total Commercial Treatments 16,588
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Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Non-commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 328

Meadow Enhancement 128

Non-commercial Thin 638

Understory Thin 288

Planting 79

Total Non-commercial Treatments 1,461

Fuels Treatments Acres

Fuel Reduction 84

Prescribed Burning 10,608

Total Fuels Treatments 10,692

Timber Volume Removed

Sawtimber (MMBF) 72.5

Roundtimber (CCF) 60,398

Transportation System Miles

New Road Construction 41

Non-system to System Road Conversion 10

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre-use Maintenance 81

Total Road Maintenance Activities 132

The description of individual treatments appearing under Alternative B also applies to Alternative C, 

with the following exception:

Planting

Planting would involve the hand planting of ponderosa pine in stands where sufficient natural 

regeneration is not present. Planting would occur in select overstory removal stands that do not yet 

meet the minimum regeneration level based on monitoring data.

2.2.4 Alternative D

Alternative D was developed in response to the issue of new road construction. Concerns were raised 

during the scoping period that 18 miles of new road construction, as was included in the original 

proposed action, would have a negative impact on soil and water resources and could potentially affect 

the quality of big game winter range. Alternative D responds to this issue by eliminating all new road 

construction. The treatments proposed under Alternative D represent those treatments from 

Alternative B that are accessible from the existing road network. This network includes four miles of 

new road conversion; although those roads are not currently part of the NFS system, the templates 

already exist on the ground and use of those roads would not require creation of an entirely new route.

Alternative D includes 9,394 acres of commercial and non-commercial vegetation treatments. 

Approximately 7,106 acres of commercial timber harvest are proposed along with approximately 1,905 

acres of non-commercial treatments. The level of fuel treatment proposed under Alternative D is 

identical to Alternatives B and C with 84 acres of fuel reduction and up to 10,608 acres of prescribed 

burning.
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As discussed above, Alternative D would not require new road construction. Four miles of new road 

conversion are included along with 70 miles of maintenance of existing NFS roads. Temporary roads may 

also be required to facilitate vegetation management activities.

Table 2-4. Proposed Activities - Alternative D

Vegetation and Fuels Treatments

Commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 302

Meadow Enhancement 78

Overstory Removal 775

Commercial Thin 2,661

Shelterwood Cut 970

Patch Clearcut 190

Individual Tree Selection 905

Group Selection 181

Product-other-than-log 1,044

Total Commercial Treatments 7,106

Non-commercial Vegetation Treatments Acres

Aspen/Birch Enhancement 328

Meadow Enhancement 128

Non-commercial Thin 1,372

Understory Thin 460

Total Non-commercial Treatments 2,288

Fuels Treatments Acres

Fuel Reduction 84

Prescribed Burning 10,608

Total Fuels Treatments 10,692

Timber Volume Removed

Sawtimber (MMBF) 34.2

Roundtimber (CCF) 28,471

Transportation System Miles

New Road Construction 0

Non-system to System Road Conversion 4

Existing Road Reconstruction/Pre-use Maintenance 70

Total Road Maintenance Activities 74

The description of individual treatments appearing under Alternative B also applies to Alternative D.

2.2.5 Activities Common to All Action Alternatives

Watershed Improvement Projects

Per Forest Plan direction, watershed improvement projects or other activities that will improve the 

health of the watershed must be a part of project planning for projects planned in Class 3 watersheds. 

Class 3 watersheds were identified during the Forest Plan development process as being of high concern 

and in which management activities must be done with great care (further explanation of Class 3 

watersheds is provided in the Hydrology and Soils section in Chapter 3 of this document). All of the 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 7th-level watersheds that comprise the Steamboat project area are 

identified as Class 3. Therefore, a variety of watershed improvement projects have been incorporated 

into the modified proposed action and alternatives, including:

• meadow and hardwood enhancement along streams across the project area, and

• reduction in the number of connected disturbed areas (CDAs) through road 

maintenance/improvement across the project area.

Sanitation Harvest Provision

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. 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.

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 could 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 

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. If the 

scale of management actions required to address the epidemic goes beyond the scope of this sanitation 

harvest provision, additional NEPA analysis would be required to treat larger areas of tree mortality 

from beetle infestations.
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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 

Steamboat project area.

Commercial Treatments

Commercial treatments entail cutting commercial-sized trees (greater than nine inches DBH) 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.

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

Non-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 non-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 went into effect in 

December 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. Routes open to motorized travel are displayed 

in the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is updated on an annual basis. Any newly 

constructed or converted roads authorized under the Steamboat project would be closed following 
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treatment activities unless specified as open to motorized travel in the MVUM. Allowable uses of 

existing NFS roads within the Steamboat project area are identified in the MVUM. 

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 Steamboat project area are listed below:

• Non-commercial thinning, release and weed cleaning, and product-other-than-log (POL) 

thinning: Thinning of stems less than nine 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 treatments on acres identified for treatment.

• 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 patch 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.

• 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 shelterwood 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 Steamboat 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. 

2.2.6 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)].
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Alternatives B, C and D 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: 

 Non-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 range of alternatives were considered by the Steamboat IDT, but not all of those alternatives were 

analyzed in detail. Following are brief descriptions of alternatives the IDT considered but eliminated 

from detailed analysis.

2.3.1 Uneven-aged Management

Based on the issues discussed in Section 1.9, an alternative addressing the issue of uneven-aged 

management was considered by the IDT but ultimately eliminated from detailed analysis. It was 

determined that opportunities for uneven-aged management beyond what is included in the proposed 

action were limited and that an alternative based on this issue would not represent a significant 

departure from the proposed action. Opportunities for uneven-aged management were rigorously 

explored during development of the proposed action and applied to those stands where uneven-aged 

treatment was appropriate. Because certain stand conditions must be present to implement unevenaged management, it cannot simply be applied to any stand.

2.3.2 Wildlife Viability and Recreation

One commenter suggested an alternative that responds to the impacts of the proposed action on 

wildlife viability and recreation. This suggestion did not specifically state how the proposed action 

would fail to address these issues nor suggest how these issues relate to the purpose and need for the 

Steamboat Project. 

The issue of wildlife viability is beyond the scope of the Steamboat Project as population viability was 

analyzed during the Forest Plan revision and subsequent Phase II Amendment. The current planning 

rule (2000) does not require analysis of wildlife viability at the project level. The impacts of the 

Steamboat Project on federally listed threatened or endangered species, Region 2 sensitive species, and 

Forest species of local concern and management indicator species are fully analyzed in this DEIS. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Likewise, the effects of the project on recreation opportunities are also in this DEIS. Existing recreation 

opportunities would be maintained under each of the action alternatives. The only potential change 

would occur if a new road constructed under the Steamboat Project were added to the MVUM. The 

Steamboat Project does not in itself add routes to the MVUM, but any routes added to the NFS under 

Steamboat could eventually be added to the MVUM in the future. Any such decision would be 

documented in a separate analysis.

2.4 Comparison of Alternatives

The public and decision maker can compare the alternatives based on their environmental effects and 

whether or not they achieve the purpose and need for action. Tables 2-5 and 2-6 below provide a 

comparison of the alternatives by level of activity and response to the purpose and need. Analysis of 

environmental effects is presented in Chapter 3.

Table 2-5. Comparison of Activities by Alternative

Vegetation Treatment (Acres) Alternative

A

No Action

B

Modified 

Proposed 

Action

C D

Commercial Hardwood Enhancement 0 302 302 302

Commercial Meadow Enhancement 0 78 78 78

Non-commercial Hardwood Enhancement 0 328 328 328

Non-commercial Meadow Enhancement 0 128 128 128

Overstory Removal 0 874 3,740 775

Commercial Thin 0 4,617 6,556 2,661

Shelterwood Cut 0 1,392 2,644 970

Patch Clearcut 0 190 190 190

Individual Tree Selection 0 1,186 1,186 905

Group Selection 0 293 293 181

Product-other-than-log 0 1,116 1,599 1,044

Non-commercial Thin 0 1,372 638 1,372

Understory Thin 0 460 288 460

Planting 0 0 79 0

Total Acres 0 12,336 18,049 9,394

Total Sawtimber Volume (MMBF) 0 48.3 72.5 34.2

Total Roundtimber Volume (CCF) 0 40,253 60,398 28,471

Fuels Treatment (Acres) Alternative

A B C D

Fuels Reduction 0 84 84 84

Prescribed Burning Following Vegetation 

Treatments 0 10,608 10,608 10,608

Total Acres 0 10,692 10,692 10,692

Road Construction (Miles) Alternative

A B C D

New Road Construction 0 20 41 0

Non-system to System Road Conversion 0 5 10 4

Maintenance 0 75 81 70
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Table 2-6. Comparison of Alternatives by Issue Indicators

Alternative

A B C D

Issue: Reduce Pine Beetle Risk Acres Acres Acres Acres

Pine Beetle Risk Rating

High 12,265 4,250 1,691 6,273

Moderate 6,287 6,314 3,201 6,271

Low 2,508 10,496 16,168 8,516

Moderate or High Risk Stands Left Untreated

Area of Untreated Pine with Moderate or High

Insect Risk Rating

18,552 6,799 250 9,725

Issue: New Road Construction Miles Miles Miles Miles

Miles of New Construction 0 20 41 0

Open Road Density (Miles/Square Mile) 3.4 4.3 4.9 3.7

Table 2-7. Comparison of Alternatives by Purpose and Need Elements

Purpose and Need Element* Alternative

A B C D

Acres Acres Acres Acres

Fire Hazard

Very High 11,873 4,816 2,142 6,505

High 4,512 2,150 1,743 2,117

Moderate 3,255 6,473 7,229 6,682

Low 2,243 8,444 10,769 6,579

Structural Diversity in Winter Range

Uneven-aged Harvest 0 1,479 1,479 1,086

Meadow Enhancement (Commercial + Noncommercial)0 206 206 206

Aspen/Birch Enhancement (Commercial + Noncommercial)0 630 630 630

Understory Thin 0 460 288 460

Structural Stage 5 (Late Succession) 82 567 235 567

*A comparison of the effects of each alternative on mountain pine beetle risk rating, which is a purpose and need element, 

appears in Table 2-6 above.

Table 2-8. Summary of Effects by Alternative and Selected Resources

Resource Alternative

A B C D

Fire/Fuels No fuels treatments 

would occur; 75% of 

project area would 

have high or very 

high fire hazard

Fuels treatments would 

occur on up to 10,362 

acres; 32% of the 

project area would 

have high or very high 

fire hazard

Fuels treatments would 

occur on up to 10,362 

acres; 18% of the 

project area would 

have high or very high 

fire hazard

Fuels treatments 

would occur on up 

to 10,362 acres; 

39% of the project 

area would have 

high or very high

fire hazard

Forest 

Resources

No timber harvest 

would occur; 88% of 

the project area 

would have high or 

moderate bug risk

Vegetation treatment 

would occur on up to 

12,366 acres; 50% of 

the project are would 

have high or moderate 

Vegetation treatment 

would occur on up to 

18,049 acres; 23% of 

the project area would 

have high or moderate 

Vegetation 

treatment would 

occur on up to 

9,394 acres, 60% of 

the project area 
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Resource Alternative

A B C D

bug risk bug risk would have high or 

moderate bug risk

Hydrology/ 

Soils

No existing 

Connected Disturbed 

Areas (CDA) would 

be mitigated; no new 

road-stream 

crossings would be 

constructed

28 of the existing 35

CDA would be repaired; 

new road-stream 

crossings would be 

designed so that they 

do not become CDA; 10

new road-stream 

crossings proposed; 

moderate risk of 

sedimentation, erosion 

or mass movement as a 

result of proposed 

activities

31 of the existing 35

CDA would be repaired; 

new road-stream 

crossings would be 

designed so that they 

do not become CDA; 20

new road-stream 

crossings proposed; 

highest risk of 

sedimentation, erosion 

or mass movement as a 

result of proposed 

activities

27 of the existing 35

CDA would be 

repaired; new roadstream crossings 

would be designed 

so that they do not 

become CDA; 6 new 

road-stream 

crossings proposed; 

lowest risk of 

sedimentation, 

erosion or mass 

movement as a 

result of proposed 

activities

Wildlife No direct impacts to 

habitat from 

management 

activities; highest risk 

of fire and bugs 

impacting wildlife 

habitat; 82 acres 

would be managed 

for structural stage 5 

into the future

Moderate risk of fire 

and bugs compared to 

other alternatives; for 

all analyzed species,

finding is “may impact 

individuals, but no loss 

of viability”; treatments 

within goshawk nest 

areas would maintain 

or enhance habitat; 567 

acres would be 

managed for structural 

stage 5 into the future

Low risk of fire and 

bugs compared to 

other alternatives; for 

all analyzed species 

finding is “may impact 

individuals, but no loss 

of viability”; some 

treatments would not 

improve or maintain 

identified goshawk 

nesting habitat, 

requiring a Forest Plan 

amendment; 235 acres 

would be managed for 

structural stage 5 into 

the future

Risk of fire and bugs 

would be highest of 

action alternatives, 

but lower than Alt. 

A; for all analyzed 

species finding is 

“may impact 

individuals, but no 

loss of viability”; 

treatments within 

goshawk nest areas 

would maintain or 

enhance habitat; 

567 acres would be 

managed for 

structural stage 5 

into the future

*For more detailed effects analysis, refer to Chapter 3 of this document and the associated resource reports in the Steamboat

project file.
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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 Steamboat Project EIS 

tiers to the Revised Forest Plan FEIS (USDA-Forest Service 1997), the Phase II Amendment FEIS (USDAForest 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 Forest Resources

3.2.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat Project 

Area for forest resources. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Silviculture Report (Haas 2011), which is 

located in the Steamboat project file.

3.2.2 Existing Conditions

Structural Stage

Structural stage (SS) is an important forest attribute, categorizing stands based on tree size and density. The 

Forest Plan identifies distribution objectives for management areas where structural stage could be altered 

through management. It is not expected, or required, that the areas meet these objectives in the first rotation. 

However, management is designed as a step to move the areas toward a condition that will meet the 

distribution objectives in the future. The Steamboat project area is comprised entirely MA 5.4 (Big Game Winter 

Range). 

Structural stages are defined by the following characteristics in the Forest Plan:

• Structural Stage 1 – Grass/Forb

• Structural Stage 2 – Shrub/Seedling
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

• Structural Stage 3 – Sapling/Pole

o 3A – Canopy closure less than 40 percent

o 3B – Canopy closure greater than 40 percent but less than 70 percent

o 3C – Canopy closure greater than 70 percent

• Structural Stage 4 – Mature

o 4A – Canopy closure less than 40 percent 

o 4B – Canopy closure greater than 40 percent but less than 70 percent

o 4C – Canopy closure greater than 70 percent

• Structural Stage 5 – Late Succession

Table 3-1: Estimated Acres of Pine by Structural Stage and Alternative for Management Area 5.4 in the Steamboat 

Project Area

Structural Stage Forest-wide 

Objective

Alternative A

No Action

Alternative B

Modified 

Proposed 

Action

Alternative C Alternative D

1 5% 1,682 (8%) 1,724 (8.2%) 1,724 (8.2%) 1,724 (8.2%)

2 5% 153 (0.7%) 137 (0.7%) 137 (0.7%) 137 (0.7%)

3A 10% 626 (3%) 3,582 (17%) 6,124 (29%) 3,427 (16.3%)

3B 15% 1,480 (7%) 1,300 (6.2%) 1,245 (5.9%) 1,196 (5.7%)

3C 5% 1,840 (8.7%) 482 (2.3%) 390 (1.9%) 658 (3.1%)

4A 25% 4,813 (22.9%) 9,744(46.4%) 9,663 (46.2%) 8,245 (39.2%)

4B 25% 5,168 (24.5%) 1,927 (9.9%) 973 (4.6%) 2,452(12.4%)

4C 5% 5,216 (24.8%) 1,597 (9%) 569 (3.2%) 2,654 (14.2%)

5 5% 82 (0.4%) 567 (0.4%) 235 (0.2%) 567(0.4%)

The existing condition shows a large majority of the project area in 4B and 4C structural stages. 

Fortunately, these structural stages provide economical opportunities for adjustment. Using the 

shelterwood system in 4B and 4C stands results in those stands transitioning to structural stages 1, 2, or 

4A. In addition to even age management systems, the use of uneven age management systems can 

result in changes in structure across the landscape as well as intra stand diversity. Structural stage 5 was 

identified and designated through the analysis and evaluation process.

The Forest Plan calls for providing 10 percent of structural stage 4 with an average tree size of “very 

large” where the average size pine is greater than 16 inches DBH. Currently, nine percent of the 

ponderosa pine in MA 5.4 within the Steamboat project area have a tree size of ‘very large.’

Plant Species Composition 

The vast majority of the NFS land in this project area is dominated by ponderosa pine (21,060 acres, 98%). 

Other cover types include 320 acres (<1%) of aspen/birch/other hardwoods, and 138 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 229 acres (<1%) of grassland and non-forested land. 

Some of these areas have pine encroaching on them. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Figure 3-1. Cover Types

Age Class Distribution

Approximately 11,165 acres (53%) of the pine cover type are greater then 100 years of age. 5,996 acres (29%) of 

the pine acres are between 60 and 100 years old, with 3,890 acres (18%) being 60 years or less. 

Figure 3-2: Age Class Distribution by Suitable and Unsuitable Sites

Grass

1%

Aspen

1%

Oak

1%

Pine

96%

Spruce

1%

Cover Types

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

0 50 100 150 200 250

Acres

Age Class

Age Class Distribution

Suitable and Unsuitable Pine Sites

Suitable Pine Acreage

Unsuitable Pine 

Acreage

Total Pine Acreage
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

The distribution of age classes ranges from 0 to 250 years with the majority of stands in the 80 to 140 year age 

classes. The age class curve is bell shaped with the greatest acreage in the 100-year class as illustrated in Figure 

3-2. Most stands in the project area 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 140 years, which indicates that many of the stands were regenerated 

over a 40 year period from approximately 1890 until 1930. This corresponds with historical accounts of heavy 

logging activity in that time period. Also the low percentage of structural stages 1, 2, and 3 are apparent as SS 

and age are correlated. 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 a reduction in mineral soil exposure from fire. Within the past 30 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 of the area 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 that level of regeneration 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-2 of the Forest Plan (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). Although they are within the zone, 

many of these stands are at a high hazard for 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 MPB could present risks to management objectives, reduce acreage of ponderosa pine stands that are in 

medium or high risk for infestation”, management activities will 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 (less than six inches DBH) nor 

large diameter stands (greater than 16 inches DBH) well. Figure 3-3 below displays the existing condition and 

the estimated results of proposed treatments in the action alternatives on basal area distribution. The effects of 

these proposed changes are described under the alternatives; however, this chart shows them together for 

comparison.

Figure 3-3. Acres per Basal Area Class

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

0

102030405060708090

100110120130140150160170180190200210220

Acres

Basal Area Class

Acres of Pine Basal Area by Class

Alt_A_Acres

Alt_B_Acres

Alt_C_Acres

Alt_D_Acres
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

In the existing condition (Alternative A), 8,335 acres have a BA less than 40, 2,566 acres are between 40 and 79 

BA, 6,708 acres are between 80 and 120 BA, and 6,987 acres are over 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

Current losses from insect and disease are at endemic levels within the project area. 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 there is little evidence of 

armillaria centers and can be 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 increases and merchantable volume decreases 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 project area has undergone previous harvesting and non-commercial thinning activities. Slash 

buildup from these activities has the potential to favor an increase of insects, especially the pine engraver or ips 

beetle (Ips pini). Where non-commercial 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 endemic levels within the project area. However, areas throughout the Black Hills, and adjacent to 

the Steamboat project area, are experiencing widespread epidemic infestations of mountain pine beetle. The 

table below displays the current insect risk rating scheme. This scheme is based on tree size and canopy closure 

percent. As observed in the existing condition, much of the project area is at a high or moderate susceptibility to 

mountain pine beetle infestation.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Figure 3-4: Existing Mountain Pine Beetle Risk 

The risk of mountain pine beetle infestation (calculated from stand exam data processed through FVS) is a 

concern as 88% 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 occurring. 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 Phase II FEIS 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 (USDAForest Service 2005a). 

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 Steamboat 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) 

are both found in the Black Hills. Both moths attack small trees (less than 10 feet in height) and are not 

considered serious pests in the Steamboat project area. The activity level of both species is currently low and 

not expected to increase. 

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 are expected to have a low impact in the future. 

Low

Medium

High

Alternative A 

(Existing)
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Growth and Yield

Volume estimates for the entire 21,060 acres of ponderosa pine in the Steamboat project area indicate a 

calculated volume of 3.9 million board feet. Volume per acre in these stands range from 1,000-35,000 board feet 

per acre.

The growth and yield potential for pine stands in the project area is average for ponderosa pine. Site Index (SI), 

which is height growth potential at a base age and an indicator of site quality, shows that 11,178 acres have a SI 

greater than or equal to 60 at a base age of 100. This indicates above average production on the Black Hills 

National Forest. Also, timber productivity, which is the potential cubic foot volume (CF) growth per year at 

CMAI, shows that 13,330 acres have an SI greater than 35, which is the average for the Black Hills National 

Forest. These stand growth indicators, combined with volume estimates, indicate that stands within the project 

area are capable of timber production.

3.2.3 Environmental Consequences

Summary of Effects

Table 3-2. Effects Summary

Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Cover Type/Species Composition 0 830 830 830

Mountain Pine Beetle Risk (Acres)

Low 

Moderate

High

2,508

6,287

12,265

10,496

6,314

4,250

16,168

3,201

1,691

8,516

6,271

6,273

Stocking Level

Acres > 100 BA treated

Acres 60-100 BA treated

0

0

8,733

1,618

11,063

2,908

6,427

1,379

Age Class Distribution

Immediate impact on age class distribution None

Moderate 

number of 

acres; high 

diversity of 

treatments.

High number 

of acres; 

moderate 

diversity of 

treatments.

Low number of 

acres; high 

diversity of 

treatments.

Regeneration

Non-commercial Thin acres

Stocking

0

Not 

applicable

1,372

Adequate

638

Planting 

required

1,372

Adequate

Growth and Yield

MBF produced 0 48,304 72,478 34,166
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Analysis of Effects

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, Special Forest Product (SFP) collections and other activities approved under prior 

environmental analyses. Alternative A is used as a baseline for comparison with the other alternatives. No 

commercial volume would be removed, insect and wildfire risk would not be reduced, structural stage diversity 

and timber productivity would not be improved.

Insects and Disease

Based on current stand conditions, the overstocked stands of pine pose a high hazard for mountain pine 

beetle infestation. This hazard would likely increase over time as stands grow and stocking levels 

increase. There are 18,576 acres (88%) of NFS conifer stands in the project area that currently have a 

high or moderate risk rating. Coupling with the high beetle populations in the area, the likelihood of a 

continuous, widespread, epidemic-level infestation of mountain pine beetle is high. Significant changes 

are taking place near the Steamboat project area due to mountain pine beetle mortality. If no action is 

taken, many currently forested areas, eventually including those within the Steamboat project area, 

could lose most or all of their mature pine overstory. This loss of mature pine trees would add greatly to 

fuel loads and wildfire hazard on a long-term basis and cause substantial changes to wildlife habitat. 

If pine stands are left untreated, the mountain pine beetle hazard would remain high in the majority of the 

project area until stocking levels decrease due to mortality from insect activity or wildfire. It is not possible to 

determine the exact stands that 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 pine beetle

brood populations available to infest new trees, and the large volume and wide distribution of moderate to high 

hazard stands in the project area. Considerable changes could occur across the landscape of the Steamboat 

project area.

Initially, the highest levels of pine tree mortality would be expected in the southern and western parts of the 

project area; however, pockets of infested trees are currently occurring throughout the project area (USDAForest Service 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 stage 3B, 3C and 4A; 3B and 3C because of the tree density and 4A 

because of the larger tree size. Stands in high mortality areas would revert to younger age 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 would significantly increase fuel loads and 

wildfire hazard in the WUI. 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. In these areas, structural stage 4B, 4C and 5 stands are expected to have substantial 

beetle-caused mortality, with a high percentage being changed to structural stage 4A, and lesser 

amounts to younger structural stages 2 and 3.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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 insects is very 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. On many sites, forbs and grasses in the under story would be shaded out, reducing quality 

of other resources such as wildlife, range, recreation and aesthetics.

Other Effects

Other effects of no action in the project area would include increased mortality and the resulting 

decrease in growth and yield due to the continuation of the pine beetle epidemic, reduction of diameter 

growth due to age and overstocking in stands not impacted by pine beetle activity, and an increase in 

the risk of high intensity wildfire. Without treatment, the 12,558 acres of pine type with a high risk for 

infestation 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 wildfire. Long-term effects in stands not heavily 

impacted by pine beetle infestation would be an increase in mortality due to competition between pine, 

an increase in merchantable defect 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 pine beetle and relatively few acres are currently young and available to grow into the next 

generation of mature forest.

Periodic annual increment is declining in some stands and is less than desired conditions due to 

overstocking and age. The effect of not taking action would be a further decline in the periodic annual 

increment. The National Fire Management Act (NFMA) requires that even-aged stands scheduled to be 

harvested during the planning period would generally have reached the culmination of mean annual 

increment (CMAI) of growth. During the diagnosis phase of the analysis, 175 stands were identified that 

had reached CMAI. Net growth would remain positive under Alternative A, but would be below its 

potential. 

As the stands of pine become increasingly dense, 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, increased snow damage would likely occur.

The potential for a stand replacing wildfire would be higher without treatment. Crown fires would cause 

many of the stands to be completely consumed. 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 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

sterilization would reduce productivity for many years, as the process of rebuilding soil horizons in this 

relatively dry climate is slow.

Cumulative Effects

The area considered for cumulative effects analysis is the Steamboat project area. The time period considered is 

a total of 50 years; 25 years into the past and future.

Past Activities

The Black Hills has a long history of natural and human disturbance on this landscape, the most significant 

occurring in the last 25 years, which includes large wildfires, the most recent mountain pine beetle infestation

and commercial and non-commercial vegetative treatment. 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 and 

large wildfires. Approximately 3,859 acres of pine forest burned in the Ricco fire of 2005. This fire consumed 

mature pine stands resulting in the loss of commercial volume and disturbance of wood fiber production. Other 

effects included and increase in SS1 and a reduction of acres at risk for future wildfire and insect infestation.

Levels of pine beetle activity have increased over the past 10 years in the project area. Large scale outbreaks are 

occurring in close proximity of the project area. Changes in forest structure, loss of commercial volume and 

productivity are impacts associated with pine beetle activity. Small areas within the project area are 

experiencing pine beetle activity. 

The effect of past commercial and non-commercial treatments has been an increase of merchantable volume 

growth rates and increase in the quality of timber. 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 high 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.

Present Activities 

No major activities are presently occurring on NFS lands within the project area and none are proposed under 

Alternative A. Post-sale (KV) activities will continue in the Cavern, Kirk, and Windy 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 on parcels of land in the project area. Areas that were once 

open meadows are increasingly being converted into sub-developments. Since private land comprises 12

percent of the project area (2,713 acres) and approximately half of that is timberland, the effects of timber 

harvesting practices on private land could affect the project area. The amount of timber harvesting on private 

land during any one decade has been small and its effects on NFS timberland have been minimal.

Proposed or Reasonably Foreseeable Activities

Anticipated future silviculture activities, not connected to this analysis, that will occur within the area are as 

follows: fuel breaks adjacent to developed private land may be created for protection of these improvements. 

Within the planning area several closed timber sales, as noted above, will have ongoing KV activities. This 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

analysis incorporated and considered the KV treatments and associated effects. Firewood gathering and 

Christmas tree cutting by permit will continue to occur within the area. Other silvicultural treatments such as 

small salvage sales for the removal of storm damage, road right-of-way clearing, pine encroachment removal, 

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 any measurable significance. 

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 silviculture activities, not 

connected to this analysis are minor in scope. The size of these projects would generally be small and 

cumulative effects of these projects should be very minor. 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. 

Alternative A, by not taking any action to address the purpose and need outlined for the Steamboat 

Project, would result in significant changes on the landscape and adverse cumulative effects to the 

timber resource. These effects would include further movement away from Forest Plan goals and 

objectives for vegetative diversity, wildfire hazard, mountain pine beetle risk, and timber production. 

Past and present forest improvements would be negatively affected by ongoing pine beetle infestations 

and could be completely eliminated where wildfires occur.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

The intention of this alternative is to move the timber resources within the project area toward the 

desired future condition identified in the Forest Plan. 

Under this alternative, 12,336 acres of forestland would be treated using a variety of commercial and 

non-commercial prescriptions. 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 percent or more of the stand. As 

these stands are laid out and marked for treatment, 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 (i.e., 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, shelterwood cut, commercial thinning, group selection, 

individual tree selection, hardwood enhancement, meadow enhancement, patch clearcut and POL. Noncommercial treatments include prescribed burning and non-commercial thinning of trees less than nine inches 

DBH. Removal of pine from meadows (meadow enhancement) and hardwood enhancement can be commercial 

or non-commercial depending on the size of the pine trees being removed. The following describes treatment 

types and their effect:

Removal Cuts

Overstory removal cuts would occur on 874 acres and would generally be followed with non-commercial 

thinning. The overmature overstory stands have reached CMAI and are no longer needed for seed and shade. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

The removal of the pine overstory would liberate 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. In areas where regeneration is less than 300 trees per acre at least two feet 

tall, or where prescribed burning is planned, residual trees may be retained for seed tree purposes. Prescribed 

burning following treatment is generally not proposed in order to protect regeneration, but select stands may 

be included to maintain road to road containment perimeters of prescribed burn blocks. The preferred logging 

method would be whole tree yarding within 300 feet of private property to reduce the amount of residual fuels 

left on the ground. The effect overstory removal 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 foot private land buffer, a decrease in vertical diversity (i.e., 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 non-commercial thinning to manage the 

growing stock levels. 

Shelterwood Cut

Shelterwood cuts would begin the regeneration process on 1,392 acres of pine. Pine would be left at an 

approximate basal area 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 square feet per acre. 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. Proposed treatment stands may have immature inclusions or stories within them. Treatment of these 

inclusions would be appropriate to their condition, for example thinning a pole timber inclusion rather than 

implementing a shelterwood cut. Mortality due to age in the retained overstory 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 non-commercial thinning treatment type) 

and prescribed burning would be allowed in these stands post-harvest prior to adequate 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 4,617 acres of the area. Commercial thinning would generally consist of 

retaining the best formed, most dominant and vigorous trees. Residual densities would generally be 50-60 BA 

with some stands treated to lower or higher basal areas based on proximity to structures on private land, 

communities, and the need to achieve the structural stage goals for the management emphasis areas. Thinning 

would reduce the stocking levels of the overstory 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. The trade off is total yield would not be maximized because the trees would not fully occupy

the stand. This treatment also includes non-commercial thinning of trees less than nine inches DBH, and possible 

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.

 
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Individual Tree Selection

Individual tree selection on 1,186 acres would create an uneven-age stand structure. Individual trees in all 

diameter classes would be removed to create an uneven canopy. The largest number of stems would be in the 

smallest diameter class, with the number in each diameter class decreasing with increasing size. Uneven-aged 

stands, when regulated, have at least three age classes. Residual densities would range from 50-60 BA in trees 

with a DBH greater than nine inches. Trees smaller than nine inches DBH would be thinned according to a 

variable density or uneven-age distribution based on height classes or variable spacing. Multiple age classes 

distributed throughout a stand creates diversity for wildlife habitat, enhances scenic values, increases forage 

availability and maintains regulation of timber products.

Group Selection

Group selection is an uneven-aged treatment that would occur on 293 acres of the project area. This treatment 

creates or maintains multiple age classes in even-age groups. The age classes are maintained in perpetuity 

through stand regulation. Groups are up to two acres in size and are scattered throughout a site. Groups are 

openings designed to create the youngest age classes (SS 1 or SS2). The area between the groups would be 

thinned to a residual 50-60 BA in trees greater than nine inches DBH. Group selection creates an uneven-aged 

stand that contains intra-stand diversity, increasing habitat diversity for plants and animals. 

Product-other-than-log (POL)

Product-other-than-logs are made from trees generally between five and nine inches DBH. The primary 

objective of this treatment is to concentrate growth and vigor on residual trees. Suppressed, defective, and 

excess trees are removed. This treatment may be commercial or non-commercial and is proposed on 1,116 

acres of the project area in Alternative B. 

Hardwood Retention and Restoration

The enhancement of 630 acres of hardwoods (aspen/birch) from pine competition by the commercial 

and non-commercial removal of conifers is proposed in this alternative. Aspen/birch enhancement is 

intended to maintain or encourage growth. This treatment may be applied to stands with either a pine 

or aspen/birch cover type.

• Stands with a pine 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 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/birch cover type—When applied to stands with an aspen or birch cover 

type, all commercial and non-commercial pine may be removed across the stand. 

This treatment would move toward the Forest Plan goal of increasing the aspen component, but does 

not reach the goal of doubling aspen acres across the forest. The effects of this treatment would be an 

increase in vegetative diversity, vertical and horizontal diversity, and increased vigor of hardwood 

communities by release from pine competition. Indirectly, hardwood dependent wildlife species would 

have increased availability of habitat. An additional indirect benefit would be the value of hardwood 

stands as fuel breaks. If pine trees with a DBH greater than nine inches are present, the treatment 

would be commercial; if pine trees are less than nine inches DBH, the treatment would be noncommercial.
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Patch Clearcut

Patch clearcuts are proposed on 190 acres of the project area. This commercial and non-commercial 

treatment would include the removal of all conifers from patches not to exceed 10 acres in size. The size 

and number of patches harvested in a site would vary depending on site characterizes. Patches would be 

at a minimum of two per site and irregularly shaped to blend into the landscape. Sites were preferably 

identified on south aspects where grass forming soils were present. The intent of this treatment is to 

open browsing areas for various resource needs. Prescribed burning would help facilitate revegetation 

of grasses and forbs.

Non-commercial Thinning

Non-commercial thinning would occur as the primary treatment on approximately 1,372 acres of the area. At 

the time of implementation an adaptive management approach would be conducted in regards to noncommercial activities. Following commercial harvests, an assessment would be conducted to determine if the 

appropriate follow-up treatment is non-commercial thinning, prescribed burning or both. Thus, noncommercial thinning could occur on up to 10,048 acres as a complimentary treatment following commercial 

treatments. Non-commercial thinning would occur in pine stands and consists of cutting pine at least one foot in 

height and up to nine inches in diameter, leaving the largest pine at a rate of at least 150 trees per acre. Site 

specific non-commercial treatments would be determined after the commercial units are completed. Thinning 

would reduce the stocking levels in overstocked stands and move those stands toward the Forest Plan desired 

condition. The improved distribution of the residual understory would increase the quality of the timber 

through the removal of damaged, diseased, and poorly formed trees, would lower the vertical fuel loading and 

would decrease the cost of future weeding and cleaning activities. 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 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 non-commercial thinning, if not treated properly, could 

encourage Ips beetle (Ips pini) 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 they facilitate the rapid drying of fuels, which reduces 

conditions favorable for Ips buildup.

Prescribed Burning 

Broadcast prescribed burning could occur on up to 10,000 acres, out of a possible 10,608 proposed for burning, 

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. 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. Some tree mortality may occur associated with prescribed burning that would 

decrease the number of live stems per acre; this mortality may be beneficial (reducing competition) or 

detrimental (exceeding mortality rate limits and long term yield). The level of mortality allowed or desired for 

each prescribed burn unit would be determined by the silviculturist and fuels specialist, based on site-specific 

conditions, during development of the prescribed burn plan for that unit. 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 compete with pine regeneration. 
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Structural Stage 

Within the project area, stand structure would generally change from a closed canopy structure to an 

open canopy structure. More than 7,800 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 the goal of fire hazard reduction within the WUI. This was done also 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). Implementing Alternative B 

would result in some immediate changes of structural stage distribution across the project.

Table 3-3: Steamboat Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. B

MA 5.4 Existing (Alt. A) Alt. B 

SS Acres Acres Change

1 1,682 1,724 42

2 153 137 -16

3A 626 3,582 2,956

3B 1,480 1,300 -180

3C 1,840 482 -1,358

4A 4,813 9,744 4,931

4B 5,168 1,927 -3,241

4C 5,216 1,597 -6,919

5 82 567 485

Total 21,060 21,060

Changes in structural stage are generally from the following for Alternative B:

• Small increase in SS1 due to meadow enhancement. 

• Small decease in SS2 due to removal cuts having sapling (1-9” DBH) size regeneration.

• Moderate increase in SS3A due to removal cuts and pre-commercial thinning.

• Small decrease in SS3B due to non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.

• Decrease in SS3C due to commercial and non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.

• Large increase in SS4A due to shelterwood establishment cut, uneven age management and 

commercial thinning.

o Large decrease in SS4B due to commercial and regeneration treatments opening the 

canopy.

o Large decrease in SS4C due to commercial and regeneration treatments opening the 

canopy.

• Increase in SS5 due to under thinning.

Past experience indicates the forest is not lacking in trees between one and nine inches DBH; however, the data 

does show that there are relatively few pure stands of this structural stage. It was assumed that all overstory 

removal treatments resulted in SS3. 

Other assumptions made to determine post-treatment structural stage:

• Only primary treatments were used for post SS conversion.

• Whole tree yarding used as the primary activity fuel method. 
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• Commercial thinning was evenly spaced unless specifically noted in a stand.

• All shelterwood establishment cuts were between 20-40 BA.

This alternative is intermediate in its effect on moving the area towards the desired condition for structural 

stage; it makes more progress than Alternatives A or D but less progress than Alternative C. Reductions in tree 

size are due to commercial thin treatments that remove larger sized trees and removal cuts.

Changes to Forest-wide structural stages as a result of Alternative B are displayed in the table below. 

Generally, structural stages change only slightly, less than one percent. Changes of a higher magnitude 

are difficult to effect when treating a relatively low proportion of the forest as a whole. Therefore, the 

goal is to move toward the Forest-wide objectives with each entry.

Table 3-4: Forest-wide Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. B 

MA 5.4 Objective Existing * Alt. B

SS % Acres % Acres %

1 5% 45,616 13% 45,658 13%

2 5% 10,152 3% 10,136 3%

3A 10% 17,454 5% 20,410 6%

3B 15% 22,227 7% 22,047 6%

3C 5% 15,763 5% 14,405 4%

4A 25% 86,487 25% 91,418 27%

4B 25% 87,864 26% 84,623 25%

4C 5% 52,865 16% 49,246 15%

5 5% 1,066 0.3% 1,551 0%

Total 100% 339,494 100% 339,494 100%

Plant Species Composition

Plant species composition and diversity would increase under this alternative. The amount of hardwood and 

meadow acreage would increase a minor amount with the largest increase in plant species composition 

increasing in the understory of the pine stands. Pine regeneration in the understory after harvest would be

abundant and may be a limiting factor in their establishment. Understory species establishment and diversity 

would be much greater than the existing condition (Alternative A) 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 874 acres. 

In addition, the shelterwood cuts on 1,392 acres should establish regeneration under the reserve trees, 

providing future young stands. A correlation exists between tree age and diameter; generally, cutting larger 

trees reduces stand age and cutting smaller trees (i.e., thinning from below) would increase stand age. In this 

alternative, there would be an increase in the amount of mature open forest due to shelterwood cuts and 

commercial thinning. This would help increase vigor for resistance to insect infestation and help promote fiber 

production for large tree growth objectives. There would also be a small increase in the sapling and pole age 

classes due to removal of larger and older pine. Uneven-age treatments such as group selection and individual 

tree selection would create multiple age classes mixed throughout a site, providing intra-stand diversity. 
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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. Whole tree 

yarding, which is the preferred method for activity fuels created by management, would have the effect 

of site preparation by scarification of 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. Non-commercial thinning would be necessary to reduce the vertical fuel loading, 

as well as release the residual trees from competing vegetation. Where prescribed burning occurs, 

regeneration would be reduced due to the rapid establishment of competitive grasses and forbs. Long 

term effects would be increasing acreage of healthy pine regeneration and the establishment of a new 

age class. Short term effects could include the need for tree planting and the associated labor and cost.

Insects and Disease

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 best effective long-range 

strategy to minimize beetle-caused mortality is controlling stand conditions through silvicultural means over 

large landscapes and sanitation for areas of beetle buildup (Schmidt et al 2007). These are forest management 

actions that increase tree vigor and reduce stand susceptibility to beetle attack through reducing stocking levels. 

They are preventive treatments that should be completed prior to stands experiencing beetle outbreaks. 

Sanitation harvest (removal of infested trees) can also provide protection to surrounding uninfested trees and 

stands by removing sources of attacking beetles. Creating diverse stand conditions across the landscape results

in an overall forest that is less susceptible to beetles in the future. Treatments proposed in Alternative B would 

reduce the mountain pine beetle risk across the project area, as displayed in Table 3-5.

Table 3-5: Pine Beetle Risk: Alternative A vs. Alternative B

Risk Rating Alternative A 

(Existing Condition)

Alternative B

High 12,265 4,250

Moderate 6,287 6,314

Low 2,508 10,496

Long term effects to the landscape would be a smaller proportion of the pine forest transitioning to a high risk 

rating and a less chance that a large scale insect infestation will affect the landscape. Alternative B significantly 

reduces the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation in the project area; the overall effect is less than Alternative 

C but greater than Alternative D.
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Figure 3-5. Pine Beetle Risk Rating by Alternative.

Slash buildup from treatments could encourage Ips beetle (Ips pini) buildup and mortality in residual 

stands of pine. Past practices such as lop and scatter logging systems have helped 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 are having minimal impact on the area 

and would probably continue to have a low impact under this alternative. 

Growth and Yield

Growth and yield for stands within the project area would improve as a result of Alternative B. Approximately

48.3 million board feet (MMBF) of commercial timber would be removed in this alternative. Treatments 

implemented under this alternative would capture a portion of the current commercial potential and provide 

sustained commercial timber opportunities for the future. Improved and sustainable growth volume yield over 

time would be addressed by increasing growth rates in overstocked stands through the reallocation of 

resources, diversifying stand structure, and reducing stand susceptibility to insects and wildfire. Alternative B 

improves current and future growth rates while providing volume at this entry and in the future.

Cumulative Effects

The area considered for cumulative effects analysis is the Steamboat project area. The time period considered is 

a total of 50 years; 25 years into the past and future.

Past Activities

Past activities are listed under Alternative A above. Cumulative effects of past treatments and 

treatments proposed in this alternative would generally be positive. Thinning of stands created with 

regeneration harvests would bring those stands into desired condition. Fire hazard reduction and 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.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D

Acres

High

Medium

Low
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Present and Future Activities

In addition to the present and future activities identified in Alternative A, implementation of any of the 

action alternatives would result in a decreased mountain pine beetle risk, reduced risk to high intensity 

wildfire, increased growth rates, improved overall quality of retained trees in treated areas, increased 

forage and shrub presence and growth, and improvement in the structural stage and age class balances. 

The difference in cumulative effects between the action alternatives is directly related to the quantity 

and type of treatments. Alternative C would have the highest associated cumulative effect due to 

having the highest level of treatment. Alternative D would have the least effect and Alternative B would 

be intermediate in its impact. The effects of any of the three action alternatives would generally be 

positive and move this area toward Forest Plan goals and objectives.

Volume removed under any of the action alternatives would not be available at future entries. Volume 

removed under the action alternatives would be offset by short term increases in merchantable 

productivity and long term increases in productivity due to regenerated stands. Thinning would result in 

reallocation of resources to residual trees; thus, in the long term, increasing volume production. 

Regeneration treatments initiate or release vigorous growing stands that can fully utilize available 

resources and provide future commercial opportunities. Alternative C would contribute the most 

volume removed and Alternative D the least with Alternative B intermediate. 

Non-commercial activities are also identified in each action alternative. These activities would generally 

be a secondary treatment and enhance or maintain the conditions created by the primary vegetation 

treatment. 

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative was developed to address comments requesting a more aggressive approach with 

regards to reducing mountain pine beetle risk. 

Under this alternative, 18,049 acres of forestland would be treated, including commercial and noncommercial treatments. The range of silvicultural activities proposed under this alternative is aggressive 

in comparison of the other action alternatives. The treatments in the proposed action (Alternative B) 

were expanded upon to effect a greater reduction to mountain pine beetle risk across the project area.

The direct and indirect effects of individual treatment types (e.g. removal cuts, shelterwood cuts, etc.) 

would be the same as described above under Alternative B, albeit the effects would be more 

widespread due to the increased acreage treated under Alternative C. The description of those effects is 

not repeated here.

Structural Stage 

Within the project area, stand structure would generally change from a closed canopy structure to an 

open canopy structure. More than 7,800 acres would move from the more closed 3B, 3C, 4B and 4C 

structures to the open structures of 3A and 4A. This is intended to reduce mountain pine beetle risk and 

to accomplish fire hazard reduction within the WUI. This was also done to achieve Forest Plan objective 
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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 3-6. Steamboat Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. C

MA 5.4 Existing (Alt. A) Alt. C 

SS Acres Acres Change

1 1,682 1,724 42

2 153 137 -16

3A 626 6,124 5,498

3B 1,480 1,245 -235

3C 1,840 390 -1,450

4A 4,813 9,663 4,850

4B 5,168 973 -4,195

4C 5,216 569 -4,647

5 82 235 153

Total 21,060 21,060

Changes in structural stage are generally from the following for Alternative C:

• Small increase in SS1 due to meadow enhancement. 

• Small decrease in SS2 due to removal cuts having sapling (1-9” DBH) size regeneration.

• Large increase in SS3A due to extensive removal cuts and pre-commercial thinning.

• Small decrease in SS3B due to non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.

• Decrease in SS3C due to commercial and non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.

• Large increase in SS4A due to shelterwood establishment cut, uneven-age management and 

commercial thinning.

o Large decrease in SS4B due to commercial and regeneration treatments opening the 

canopy.

o Large decrease in SS4C due to commercial and regeneration treatments opening the 

canopy.

• Increase in SS5 due to under thinning.

Table 3-6 displays the effect of Alternative C on the Forest-wide structural stage distribution. Generally, 

structural stages change only slightly, less than one percent. Changes of a higher magnitude are difficult 

to effect when treating a relatively low proportion of the forest as a whole. Therefore, the goal is to 

move toward the Forest-wide objectives with each entry.

Table 3-7: Forest-wide Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. C

MA 5.4 Objective Existing * Alt. C

SS % Acres % Acres %

1 5% 45,616 13% 45,658 13%

2 5% 10,152 3% 10,136 3%

3A 10% 17,454 5% 22,952 7%

3B 15% 22,227 7% 21,992 6%

3C 5% 15,763 5% 14,313 4%

4A 25% 86,487 25% 91,337 27%
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MA 5.4 Objective Existing * Alt. C

SS % Acres % Acres %

4B 25% 87,864 26% 83,669 25%

4C 5% 52,865 16% 48,218 14%

5 5% 1,066 0.3% 1,219 0%

Total 100% 339,494 100% 339,494 100%

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 

occurring in the understory of the pine stands. The increased amount of removal cuts proposed in this 

alternative would increase the amount of understory vegetation, but would also result in a lack of vegetative 

diversity due to the abundance of ponderosa pine regeneration. Actively addressing meadow encroachment by 

removing pine trees and the enhancement of hardwood stands would help maintain and improve species and 

cover type diversity.

Age Class Distribution

Age class distribution would improve in this alternative by removing the overstory on approximately 874 acres. 

In addition, shelterwood cuts on 1,392 acres should establish regeneration under the reserve trees, providing 

future young stands. In this alternative, there would be an increase in the amount of mature open forest, 

helping to increase vigor for resistance to insect infestation and promoting fiber production for large tree 

growth objectives. There would also be a small increase in the sapling and pole age classes due to removal of 

larger and older pine. Uneven-age treatments such as group selection and individual tree selection would create 

multiple age classes mixed throughout a site, providing intra-stand diversity. Age class distribution would be 

significantly affected in the short term by this alternative. Large concentrations of new pine regeneration under 

shelterwood cuts would increase the age class distribution. In addition, treatments such as group selection and 

individual tree selection would create multiple age classes mixed throughout the site, providing intra-stand 

diversity.

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 when a 

shelterwood cut is the proposed treatment. However, under this alternative, removal cuts were 

proposed regardless of adequate regeneration stocking, but the site was required to have reached 

CMAI. To fulfill the standard set forth by the Forest Plan in regards to adequate stocking, planting is 

proposed on 1,131 acres under Alternative C. Whole tree yarding, which is the preferred method for 

removing activity fuels created by harvest activities, would have the side effect of scarification of 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. Noncommercial thinning would be necessary to lower the vertical fuel loading as well as to release the 

residual trees from competing vegetation. Where prescribed burning occurs, regeneration would be 

reduced due to the rapid establishment of competitive grasses and forbs. Long term effects would be 

increasing acreage of healthy pine regeneration and the establishment of a new age class.
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Insects and Disease

The most effective long-range strategy to minimize beetle-caused mortality is controlling stand conditions 

through silvicultural means over large landscapes and conducting sanitation harvest in areas of beetle buildup 

(Schmidt et al 2007). These are forest management actions that increase tree vigor and reduce stand 

susceptibility to beetle attack through reducing stocking levels. They are preventive treatments 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 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. Treatments proposed in Alternative C would reduce the mountain pine beetle risk across 

the project area, as displayed in Table 3-7.

Table 3-8. Pine Beetle Risk: Alternative A vs. Alternative C

Risk Rating Alternative A 

(Existing Condition)

Alternative C

High 12,265 1,691

Moderate 6,287 3,201

Low 2,508 16,168

The chart indicates a substantial decrease in the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation. The long term 

effect on the landscape would be a decreased percentage of pine forest transitioning to a high risk 

rating and a lower chance that a large-scale pine beetle infestation would affect the landscape. This 

alternative would provide the largest reduction in risk of pine beetle infestation of any action 

alternative.

Growth and Yield

Growth and yield for ponderosa pine stands within the project area would generally be improved as a 

result of implementing Alternative C. Approximately 72.5 MMBF of commercial timber would be 

removed in this alternative. Extensive thinning of the project area would open up many of the stands 

where full crown closure has occurred and stand growth is stagnating due to competition for resources. 

All stands scheduled for a removal cut have met CMAI; however, in this alternative the site was not 

required to be adequately regenerated at the time of the removal. To meet the Forest Plan 

requirement, post overstory removal planting has been proposed to bring the site to full stocking level, 

defined as 150-300 trees per acre. Thus growth and yield would be compromised for a period of time 

until the regeneration can be established. In addition, the risk of low seedling survival coupled with risk 

of insect and disease, would inhibit potential growth in the future. 

Cumulative Effects

See the discussion of cumulative effects under Alternative B above.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

The intention of this alternative is to move the timber resources towards the desired conditions outlined 

in the Forest Plan. In this alternative, all new road construction was eliminated to address the concern 

that new road construction would have a negative impact on other resources. 
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Under this alternative, 9,394 acres of forestland would be treated, including commercial noncommercial treatments. The range of silvicultural activities proposed under this alternative is minimal 

in comparison of the other proposed alternatives. Alternative D includes all of the non-commercial 

treatments proposed under Alternative B along with the commercial treatments from Alternative B that 

would not require construction of a new road to accomplish.

The direct and indirect effects of individual treatment types (e.g. removal cuts, shelterwood cuts, etc.) 

would be the same as described above under Alternative B, albeit the effects would be less widespread 

due to the decreased acreage treated under Alternative D. The description of those effects is not 

repeated here.

Structural Stage 

The effects to structural stage distribution resulting from implementation of Alternative D are similar to 

those of Alternative B. SS4 would continue to dominate the landscape. 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 6,700 acres would move from the more closed 3B, 3C, 4B and 4C

structures to the open structures of 3A and 4A. This is intended to reduce mountain pine beetle risk and 

to reduce fire hazard within the WUI. This also achieves Forest Plan objective 10-01 to manage for 50 to 

75 percent moderate-to-low fire hazard in the WUI and to reduce fire hazard within proximity of 

structures. 

Table 3-9. Steamboat Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. D

MA 5.4 Alt. A (Existing) Alt. D

SS Acres Acres Change

1 1,682 1,724 42

2 153 137 -16

3A 626 3,427 2,801

3B 1,480 1,196 -284

3C 1,840 658 -1,182

4A 4,813 8,245 3,432

4B 5,168 2,452 -2,716

4C 5,216 2,654 -2,562

5 82 567 485

Total 21,060 21,060

Changes in structural stage (SS) are generally from the following for Alternative D:

• Small increase in SS1 due to meadow enhancement. 

• Small decrease in SS2 due to removal cuts having sapling (1-9” DBH) size regeneration.

• Moderate increase in SS3A due to removal cuts and non-commercial thinning.

• Small decrease in SS3B due to non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.
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• Decrease in SS3C due to commercial and non-commercial thinning in sapling/pole size stems.

• Moderate increase in SS4A due to shelterwood cuts, uneven age management and commercial 

thinning.

• Moderate decrease in SS4B due to all commercial treatments opening the canopy.

• Moderate decrease in SS4C due to all commercial treatments opening the canopy.

• Increase in SS5 due to under thinning or ground observation.

Past experience indicates the forest is not lacking in trees between one and nine inches DBH; however, the data 

does show that there are relatively few pure stands of this structural stage. It was assumed that all overstory 

removal treatments resulted in SS3. 

Other assumptions made to determine post structure stage:

• Only primary treatments were used for post structural stage conversion.

• Use of whole tree yarding as the primary activity fuel method. 

• Commercial thinning was even spaced unless specifically noted in a stand.

• All shelterwood cuts retained a residual 20-40 BA.

This alternative is intermediate in its effect on moving the area towards the desired condition for structural 

stage; it moves more closely than Alternative A (No Action), but less closely than Alternatives B or C.

The effect of Alternative D on Forest-wide structural stages is displayed in Table 3-10. Generally, 

structural stages change only slightly, less than one percent.

Table 3-10. Forest-wide Structural Stages: Existing vs. Alt. D

MA 5.4 Objective Alt. A (Existing) Alt. D

SS % Acres % Acres %

1 5% 45,616 13% 45,658 13%

2 5% 10,152 3% 10,136 3%

3A 10% 17,454 5% 20,255 6%

3B 15% 22,227 7% 21,943 6%

3C 5% 15,763 5% 14,581 4%

4A 25% 86,487 25% 89,919 26%

4B 25% 87,864 26% 85,148 25%

4C 5% 52,865 16% 50,303 15%

5 5% 1,066 0.3% 1,551 0%

Total 100% 339,494 100% 339,494 100%

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 

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 in the short term and encourage grass, shrub and forb establishment. 
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Ponderosa pine would still continue to dominate the landscape but would not increase its extent in the short 

term.

Age Class Distribution

Age class distribution would improve in this alternative by removing the overstory on approximately 775 acres. 

In addition, the shelterwood cuts on 970 acres should establish regeneration under the reserve trees, providing 

future young stands. In this alternative, there would be an increase in the amount of mature open forest, which 

would help increase vigor for resistance to insect infestation and help promote fiber production for large tree 

growth objectives. There would also be a small increase in the sapling and pole age classes due to removal of 

larger and older pine to move toward Forest Plan structural stage objectives. Uneven age treatments, such as 

group selection and individual tree selection, would create multiple age classes mixed throughout a site 

providing intra-stand diversity. 

Regeneration

The natural regeneration of pine and other native species of trees within the project should be adequate 

to meet stocking standards outlined in the Forest Monitoring Plan with the treatments in this 

alternative. Whole tree skidding, which is the preferred method for activity fuels created by 

management, would have the effect of site preparation by scarification of 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. Non-commercial thinning would be 

necessary to reduce the vertical fuel loading as well as release the residual trees from competing 

vegetation. Where prescribed burning occurs, regeneration would be reduced in the short term due to 

the rapid establishment of competitive grasses and forbs. 

Insects and Disease

The most effective long-range strategy to minimize beetle-caused mortality is controlling stand conditions 

through silvicultural means over large landscapes and conducting sanitation harvest in areas of beetle buildup 

(Schmidt et al 2007). These are forest management actions that increase tree vigor and reduce stand 

susceptibility to beetle attack by reducing stocking levels. They are preventive treatments 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 and stands by removing sources of attacking beetles. 

Creating diverse stand conditions across the landscape would result in a forest that is less susceptible to beetles 

in the future. 

Table 3-11. Pine Beetle Risk: Alternative A vs. Alternative D

Risk Rating Alternative A 

(Existing Condition)

Alternative D

High 12,265 6,273

Moderate 6,287 6,271

Low 2,508 8,516

Slash buildup from treatments could encourage Ips beetle (Ips pini) 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. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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 are having a minimal impact at this 

time and would probably continue to have a low impact under Alternative D. 

Growth and Yield

Growth and yield for stands within the project area would improve as a result of Alternative D. Approximately

34.2 MMBF of commercial timber would be removed in this alternative. Treatments implemented under this 

alternative would capture a portion of the current commercial potential and provide sustained commercial 

timber opportunities for the future. Improved and sustainable growth volume yield over time would be 

addressed by increasing growth rates in overstocked stands through the reallocation of resources, diversifying

stand structure, and reducing stand susceptibility to insects and wildfire. Alternative D improves current and 

future growth rates while providing volume at this entry and for future commercial opportunities.

Cumulative Effects

See the discussion of cumulative effects under Alternative B above.

3.3 Fire and Fuels

3.3.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for fire and fuels. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Fuels Specialist Report (Rafferty and Gies 

2011), which is located in the Steamboat project file.

3.3.2 Existing Conditions

Past and Present Vegetation Management

Over the past 14 years 6,246 acres of timber harvest has been completed under seven different timber 

sales in the Steamboat project area. Many of the treatments within these sale areas have reduced the 

canopy fuels and ladder fuels that contribute to high intensity fires and crown fires. Fuels treatment 

activities have also followed in many of the sale areas, with treatments to remove surface fuel loading, 

removal of ladder fuels, burning of slash piles, and construction of fuel breaks in areas adjacent to 

homes. The Picnic Cavern Kine prescribed fire, four miles southeast of Nemo, was completed in 

September 2011, totaling 1,046 acres.

Fire Hazard on NFS Lands

The intensity and severity of fire is a function of three environmental parameters – weather, topography 

and fuels. Weather affects fire behavior by adding or removing moisture from the fuels, preheating 

fuels, and creating wind that increases combustion and can produce erratic fire movement. 

Topography also affects fire behavior. Steep slopes allow a fire to travel faster than on flat ground 

because the flaming front preheats the fuels above the fire making them available for combustion 

quicker. Steep slopes also allow for burning material to roll downhill and ignite fuels below the main 
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fire. Fuel is the third environmental factor that influences fire behavior. Fuels in the wildland are 

defined as all of the live and dead forest and rangeland vegetation that is available to a wildfire. Of the 

three components that affect fire behavior, fuel is the only one that can be effectively manipulated by 

managers to change fire behavior.

As weather, topography and fuels align, fire behavior increases and the likelihood that a crown fire will

initiate increases. Crown fires pose the greatest threat to human values and generate higher fire 

severity effects, which can negatively impact ecological values. Accordingly, crown fires are of greatest 

concern to fire managers because of the risk to the public and fire suppression personnel. Crown fires 

are difficult to control because of the limited number of suppression tactics and strategies that can be 

utilized.

Weather

Fuel managers use 90th percentile weather conditions for fire behavior predictions to simulate how a fire 

will behave under severe weather conditions when wildfires pose greater control problems and have

greater impact on land resources. Ninetieth percentile weather conditions represent the hottest, driest 

weather conditions that occur 10 percent of the time in the project area based on historic weather data.

Ninetieth percentile weather conditions for the Steamboat project area were compiled from weather 

data taken between 1995 and 2005 at the Nemo Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) located in 

the southeastern portion of the project area. Table 3-12 summarizes the 90th percentile weather and 

fuel conditions from the Nemo RAWS:

Table 3-12. 90th Percentile Weather Conditions

90th Percentile Weather Nemo RAWS

Temperature (oF) 89 1 hr fuel moisture (%) 3 1,000 hour fuel moisture (%) 14

Relative Humidity (%) 21 10 hour fuel moisture (%) 5 Live woody moisture (%) 108

20 foot wind (mph) 11 100 hour fuel moisture (%) 11 Live herbaceous moisture (%) 118

Topography

The Steamboat project area includes landmarks such as Little Elk Creek, Boxelder Creek, North Boxelder 

Creek, Stagebarn Canyon, South Stagebarn Canyon, Steamboat Rock, and Dalton Lake. The majority of 

the project area drains east into the prairie when seasonal flows are high, but major creeks and 

drainages generally disappear underground into the aquifer recharge areas before they exit the Black 

Hills. 

Elevations vary from 3,600 feet along the eastern foothills near Piedmont to approximately 5,300 feet 

on the ridge top east of Nemo. The slopes in the project area range from generally flat terrain up to 70 

percent with an average slope of 17 percent. The eastern side of the project area accounts for the 

highest percentage of slopes over 35%. South, southwest, and westerly aspects, which are generally 

hotter and drier and, subsequently, more fire-prone, are represented on approximately 7,871 acres or 

about 36% of the project area.

Fuels

Fuel conditions that lead to higher probability of crown fire initiation (i.e., torching) and crown fire 

spread are higher surface fuel loading, sufficient ladder fuels to carry a surface fire to the crowns of 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

trees, and dense canopy closure to propagate the spread of fires through the crowns. Within the 

Steamboat project area, wildland fuels can be categorized into three vertical strata:

Surface Fuels

In 2005 and 2006, photo series data collected during common stand exams for the Steamboat project 

area indicated that the surface fuel loadings of less than three inch material ranges from less than one

ton per acre to over 15 tons per acre. Surface fuel loadings are higher in stands that have had previous 

commercial and non-commercial treatments without whole tree yarding, mechanical mastication or 

prescribed burning. 

Surface fuel loading is a critical component in determining the intensity and severity of fire. Stands that have 

higher surface loadings generate more intensity that pre-heats the canopies of surrounding vegetation. This 

preheating of canopy fuel drives the moisture from and raises the temperature of the needles. This allows the 

canopy of the tree to more readily ignite when an ember or fire transitioning from the surface fuels into the 

ladder fuels occur. 

Surface fuel loading can also be used to determine the fireline intensity of a fire if one were to occur in a 

particular area. Fireline intensity is a specific measurement of the amount of heat released per second 

by a one foot wide portion of the flaming front of a fire and is a function of fuel type, fuel load, fuel 

moisture, slope, temperature, and wind. Fireline intensity is indicative of the amount of heat that would 

be experienced by a person working near the fire and can be used to determine the appropriate 

suppression response.

Ladder Fuels

Typically, the smaller sapling and post-pole sized conifer trees make up the majority of ladder fuels in 

conifer stands. Seedlings/saplings between zero and five inches DBH and small trees between five 

inches and nine inches DBH typically serve as ladder fuels allowing a ground fire to reach the overstory. 

The number of trees per acre for these size classes are a good indicator of a surface fire’s potential of 

torching and reaching the crowns of the surrounding overstory. High densities (over 1,000 trees per 

acre) of trees less than five inches DBH are located in the project area between Forest Highway 26 and 

the Lawrence/Meade county line.

Aerial/Canopy Fuels

Ponderosa pine covers approximately 96 percent of the project area. This cover type is considered the 

most at risk for high intensity and severity wildfire because of its distribution on southeasterly to westerly 

aspects. These aspects are drier, have lower fuel and foliar moisture contents and, therefore, have more 

surface area available to burn. The remaining cover types in the project area could be expected to reduce 

potential fire behavior, especially on northerly and easterly aspects. A wildfire burning in an adjacent 

conifer stand would likely decrease in rate of spread and fire line intensity upon entering deciduous 

vegetation and in some instances spruce, mainly due to higher fuel moisture contents and shading of 

available fuels. However, this is unlikely to occur in the Steamboat project area due to the lack of forest 

cover types other than pine. 

Structural stages are used throughout the Forest Plan to correlate crown fire hazard with the structural 

stage of conifer forests. 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. For example, a structural 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

stage 4C stand consists of older and larger trees and a crown closure of 70% to 100%. As a result, the 

crown closure in a 4C stand enables a fire to spread more readily through the crown of trees in that 

stand. Outlined in Table 3-13 is the link between forest structural stage and crown fire hazard.

Table 3-13. Structural Stage as it Relates to Fire Hazard

SS FIRE_HAZ TOTAL ACRES WUI ACRES NON-WUI

1 Low 1,739 1,027 712

2 Medium 381 181 200

3A Medium 626 252 374

3B High 1,660 843 817

3C Very High 1,840 821 1,019

4A High 4,850 2,951 1,899

4B Very High 5,222 3,409 1,813

4C Very High 5,292 3,486 1,806

5 Very High 82 23 59

Non SS 

(Rock, 

Meadow)

Low 191 124 67

 21,883 13,117 8,766

The Phase II Amendment of the Forest Plan focuses on fire hazard and insect risk reduction of forested 

stands. The primary emphasis for fire hazard in the Forest Plan is to manage for 50-75% moderate-tolow fire hazard rating. 

Analysis in the Phase II FEIS correlated crown fire hazard with structure stage of pine forests (as 

displayed in Table 3-13) (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). Structural stage was defined for all stands within 

the Steamboat project area. Correlating this information to the fire hazard rating revealed the following 

assessment of stands in the project area: 
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Figure 3-6. Existing Fire Hazard

Fire History

Numerous wildfires less than five acres in size were reported in the project area from 1970 through the 

present. Lightning was the predominate cause for fires. Documented large fire history includes the 

Johnson Fire (1936 – 700 acres), the Big Elk Fire (1949 – 5,000 acres), the Little Elk Fire (2002 – 700 

acres), the Ricco Fire (2005 – 4,000 acres), and the Box Elder Fire (2007 – 225 acres). Other fires in the 

vicinity, but outside of the project boundary on the hogback ridge that lies east of Interstate 90 were the 

Blair Ranch Fire (1988 – 200 acres) and the East Ridge Fire (2006 – 3,200 acres). 

Need for Action

The majority of the Steamboat project area is uninhabited except for select portions of developed 

private land. Within the project area, approximately 572 inhabited structures exist, creating wildland 

urban interface (WUI) conditions. There are several clusters of homes within the project area, many 

along the Interstate 90 corridor. The remaining homes are scattered amongst the private land inholdings. The at-risk communities (ARC) of Nemo and Piedmont, as identified by the National Fire Plan 

and local Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), are either located within the Steamboat project 

area or within three miles of the boundary. 

Nearly 75 percent of the Steamboat project area is rated high or very high for crown fire hazard. The 

Forest Plan emphasis is to manage for 50%-75% moderate-to-low fire hazard rating. The emphasis in 

reducing the crown fire hazard is to protect values-at-risk in the WUI. Forest resources would also 

realize benefits from the treatments by reducing the threat of stand replacing crown fire.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

Project 

Area Total

Non WUI WUI

Very High 11873 4429 7444

High 4512 1848 2664

Medium 3255 1485 1770

Low 2243 1004 1239

Project Acres
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences

The primary gauge for measuring the improvement in effects is based on objective 10-01 of the Forest 

Plan, which calls for reduction of the fire hazard within the WUI. The standard is to manage for 50%-75% 

moderate-to-low fire hazard in the WUI and to 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.

Change in structural stage is the guiding measure for management of stands in the project area. 

Structural stage was used in 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 and

Fuels Extension Model (FVS-FFE), and torching and crowning indices to each of the five structural stages 

and their sub-stages (USDA-Forest Service 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. Changes toward the desired future 

conditions as outlined in the Forest Plan would not occur. Management direction outlined in the 

National Fire Plan, Healthy Forests Restoration Act, and the Lawrence County Wildfire Protection Plan 

would not be met. 

Under the Alternative A, the issue of altering wildland fuels in the WUI would not be addressed; no lands 

near or adjacent to WUI or ARC would be treated. There would be no attempt to move the Steamboat 

project area toward Forest Plan objective 10-01 by improving the current fire hazard ratings within the 

project area. Fire hazard ratings within the WUI and outside of the WUI would most likely continue to 

move towards high and very high as vegetative biomass increases and stand structures become more 

complex through forest growth. As the 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. Regardless of the management actions 

chosen for the Steamboat project area, fire suppression activities will continue, but could be more 

difficult and dangerous as the complexity of the forest structure increases under the No Action 

Alternative. 

Using structural stage as an indicator of crown fire hazard in the Steamboat project area, 17 percent of 

the NFS lands within the WUI have a low to moderate hazard rating and 18 percent of the NFS lands 

outside of the WUI have a low to moderate rating. Currently 83 percent of the stands within the WUI 

and 82 percent of the stands outside of the WUI are rated at high and very high (see Table 3-14). 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Table 3-14. Alternative A Fire Hazard

Alternative A Fire 

Hazard Rating

Total 

Acres

% of NFS 

Lands WUI % of NFS Lands Non-WUI

% of 

NFS 

Lands

Low 2,243 10% 1,239 9% 1,004 11%

Medium 3,255 15% 1,770 14% 1,485 17%

High 4,512 21% 2,664 20% 1,848 21%

Very High 11,873 54% 7,444 57% 4,429 51%

21,883 13,117 8,766

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,

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 firetolerant 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

The area to be analyzed for determining cumulative effects of proposed fuel treatments is all lands 

located within and adjacent to the Steamboat project area. The time period for analysis is a total of 30 

years, from 15 years in the past through 15 years in to the future.

Overall, the effects of no management 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 using 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. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

In conclusion, the Alternative A 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 substantial effects to people and the 

environment from wildfire and suppression activities in the long-term.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B would address the need to alter wildland fuels in the WUI and non-WUI areas. 

Additionally, the treatments proposed under this alternative would address reducing wildfire risk for 

some lands near or adjacent to ARC. Vegetative treatments would affect changes in crown fire hazard 

ratings on approximately 7,167 acres in the WUI and 5,169 acres outside the WUI. Sixty-three percent 

of the NFS lands within the WUI would have a low to moderate hazard rating and 75 percent 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. Thirty-seven percent of the stands within the WUI would remain at high and very 

high ratings and 25 percent of the stands outside of the WUI would remain rated at high and very high 

(See Table 3-16). 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 3-15. Alternative B Fire Hazard Rating Changes in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas.

Hazard 

Rating

WUI Existing 

(acres)

WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres) 

WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Non-WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Low 1,239 4,579 +2336 1,004 3,865 +2,861

Moderate 1,770 3,730 +1,960 1,485 2,743 +1,258

High 2,664 1,528 -1,136 1,848 622 -1,226

Very High 7,444 3,280 -4,164 4,429 1,536 -2,893

Total Acres 13,117 13,117 8,766 8,766

Table 3-16. Alternative B Changes in Crown Fire Hazard Categories in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas.

Hazard 

Rating 

Category

WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent

Low to 

Moderate

3,009 22% 8,309 63% 2,489 28% 6,608 75%

High to 

Very High

10,108 78% 4,808 37% 6,277 72% 2,158 25%

Total Acres 13,177 100% 13,177 100% 8,766 100% 8,766 100%

Cumulative Effects

The effects of the treatment actions taken under Alternative B could combine with the effects of 

approximately 27,850 acres of other management activities that have occurred in the project area over 

the last 15 years. Other activities in the project area that contribute to cumulative effects include 

firewood cutting, timber harvest on private lands, and continued brush disposal and sale area 

improvement (KV) activities associated with several recently closed timber sales within and adjacent to 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

the project area. Fuels reduction work and timber harvest on private lands within the project area and 

on other agency and private lands adjacent to the project area can have an additive effect on reducing 

fire hazard. 

All of the previous, ongoing, and proposed treatments would change the structural stage of the forested 

stands in the project area. Because these treatments alter the overstory canopy, the understory ladder 

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 meet Forest Plan objective 10-01 and would address direction set forth by 

the National Fire Plan, Healthy Forest Restoration Act, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plans. 

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.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

From a hazardous fuels reduction standpoint, this alternative is very similar to Alternative B, but is more 

aggressive—treating a total of 5,713 more acres than Alternative B.

The treatments proposed under this alternative would also address reducing wildfire risk for lands near 

or adjacent to ARC. Vegetative treatments would affect changes in crown fire hazard ratings on 

approximately 10,856 acres in the WUI, and 7,193 acres outside the WUI. Eighty-six percent of the NFS 

lands within the WUI would have a low to moderate hazard rating and 75 percent 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. Fourteen percent of the stands within the WUI would remain at high and very high 

ratings and 25 percent of the stands outside of the WUI would remain rated at high and very high (see 

Table 3-18).

 

Table 3-17. Alternative C Fire Hazard Rating Changes in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas

Hazard 

Rating

WUI Existing 

(acres)

WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres) 

WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Non-WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Low 1,239 6,904 +5,665 1,004 3,865 +2,861

Moderate 1,770 4,486 +2,716 1,485 2,743 +1,258

High 2,664 1,121 -1,543 1,848 622 -1,226

Very High 7,444 606 -6,838 4,429 1,536 -2,893

Total Acres 13,117 13,117 8,766 8,766
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Table 3-18. Alternative C Changes in Crown Fire Hazard Categories in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas.

Hazard 

Rating 

Category

WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent

Low to 

Moderate

3,009 22% 11,390 86% 2,489 28% 6,608 75%

High to 

Very High

10,108 78% 1,727 14% 6,277 72% 2,158 25%

Total Acres 13,177 100% 27,325 100% 8,766 100% 8,766 100%

Because the vegetative treatments proposed under Alternative C are so similar to those described under 

Alternative B, the direct and indirect effects, cumulative effects, treatment methodologies, and results 

would also be similar to those described under Alternative B. Alternative C moves 23 percent more 

stands to low or moderate fire hazard ratings than Alternative B. Alternative C would also meet Forest 

Plan objective 10-01 and would address direction set forth by the National Fire Plan, Healthy Forest 

Restoration Act, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plans. 

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D is very similar to the treatments prescribed under both Alternatives B and C, with the total 

treated acreages being reduced by approximately 3,000 acres from Alternative B and over 8,500 acres 

from Alternative C. 

The treatments proposed under Alternative D would address reducing wildfire risk for lands near or 

adjacent to ARC. Vegetative treatments would affect changes in crown fire hazard ratings on 

approximately 5,440 acres in the WUI, and 3,954 acres outside the WUI. Fifty-seven percent of the NFS 

lands within the WUI would have a low to moderate hazard rating and 60 percent 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. Fourty-three percent of the stands within the WUI would remain at high and very high 

ratings and 40 percent of the stands outside of the WUI would remain rated at high and very high (see 

Table 3-20). 

Table 3-19. Alternative D Fire Hazard Rating Changes in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas

Hazard 

Rating

WUI Existing 

(acres)

WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres) 

WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Non-WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Non-WUI 

Change 

(acres)

Low 1,239 3,521 +2,282 1,004 3,058 +2,054

Moderate 1,770 3,997 +2,227 1,485 2,685 +1,200

High 2,664 1,227 -1,437 1,848 890 -958

Very High 7,444 4,372 -3,072 4,429 2,133 -2,296

Total Acres 13,117 13,117 8,766 8,766
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Table 2-20. Alternative D Changes in Crown Fire Hazard Categories in WUI and Non-WUI Treatment Areas.

Hazard 

Rating 

Category

WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent WUI Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Existing 

(acres)

Percent Non-WUI 

Post 

Treatment 

(acres)

Percent

Low to 

Moderate

3,009 22% 7,518 57% 2,489 28% 5,743 60%

High to 

Very High

10,108 78% 5,599 43% 6,277 72% 3,023 40%

Total Acres 13,117 100% 13,117 100% 8,766 100% 8,766 100%

The improvement in fire hazard rating under Alternative D is similar to those described previously for 

Alternatives B and C, although the reduction in fire hazard would be less widespread under Alternative 

D. The direct and indirect effects, cumulative effects, treatment methodologies, and results are very 

similar to those described under Alternatives B and C, although Alternative D treats a comparatively 

lower amount of the project area and would, therefore, reduce fire hazard across a smaller area. 

Alternative D would also meet Forest Plan objective 10-01 and would address direction set forth by the 

National Fire Plan, Healthy Forest Restoration Act, and the Community Wildfire Protection Plans. 

Effects to Air Quality

Air quality in the Black Hills area is generally excellent (USDA-Forest Service 2005a). The nearest area 

listed by the Environmental Protection Agency for non-attainment of particulate matter less than 10 

microns in size (PM10) is Sheridan, Wyoming, approximately 200 miles west (i.e., upwind) of the project 

area (EPA 2011). South Dakota does not have any identified PM10 non-attainment areas nor are any 

PM2.5 non-attainment areas identified in Wyoming or South Dakota (EPA 2011).

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Alternative A would have no immediate effects on air quality. Fire hazard would remain high across 

much of the project area. These conditions increase the potential for a large, stand-replacing fire, which 

would be expected to generate more smoke, possibly when smoke dispersal conditions are poor, and 

greater negative effects on air quality than a prescribed burn.

Alternatives B, C and D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Each of the three action alternatives include identical amounts of prescribed burning. Smoke from these 

burns could affect air quality and human health. Effects would not be expected to extend more than 

about 20 miles from the burn site based on experience with previous prescribed burns in the area. 

Although prescribed fires would increase emissions for a few days at a time, they would be expected to 

decrease the potential for large, uncontrolled fires for up to 20 years. Proposed burns would be 

conducted when smoke dispersal conditions are favorable to minimize negative effects on the 

immediate area. Design measures intended to minimize the impacts of prescribed burning on air quality 

are included in Appendix C of this document.
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Prescribed burning would release carbon dioxide and other compounds into the atmosphere. Emissions

of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, are the main anthropogenic cause of current climate 

change (Seppälä et al. 2009). Forest management can enhance the capacity of forests to act as a carbon 

sink but can also contribute carbon to the atmosphere (Hurteau et al. 2008). The scale of individual 

project contributions and effects may be negligible and impossible to measure. Changing climate could 

affect resources in the project area over time, especially at lower-elevation sites along the edge of the 

prairie. Current Forest Plan direction generally would provide increased resilience to such changes.

Cumulative Effects

The spatial boundary for analysis of cumulative effects on air quality is all lands in the project area plus 

possible downwind populated areas such as the cities of Black Hawk, Rapid City, and Piedmont in South 

Dakota. This area is selected because these population centers are within five miles of the proposed 

burn blocks, where experience shows direct and indirect effects of smoke are generally discernible. In 

addition, these areas are likely to be in the path of smoke due to topography and prevailing winds. The 

temporal boundary extends from the initiation of each prescribed burn to the end of active burning, 

usually from a day to a week.

Other actions and events relevant to air quality include burning of slash at log landings (including large 

piles resulting from whole-tree yarding) in timber sales near the project area and on non-NFS lands, and 

prescribed broadcast burning elsewhere on the national forest or other ownerships. Burning of slash 

piles usually occurs in winter; in dry winters with little snow burning may occur in many areas at once 

during the limited time when snow cover is available. Under these conditions, the action alternatives 

could add to smoke effects of burning in adjacent areas. If burning conditions remain favorable for an 

extended period of time, it would be possible for proposed burns to occur around the same time as 

burns elsewhere on the Forest, which could result in the presence of smoke for a longer than usual 

period. Favorable conditions, however, generally last only a few weeks each season.

Comparison of Alternatives and Summary

Alternatives B, C and D are very similar in their post treatment effects, and are in stark contrast to no

action being taken under Alternative A. Alternative A would not bring improvement towards the 

degradation of forest and fire hazard conditions, and conditions would continue to deteriorate over time 

without treatment. Vegetative biomass would continue to increase and stand structures would become 

more complex. This would create more erratic fire behavior, which also increases the complexity and 

hazard for fire suppression forces. These factors, in turn, increase the potential for loss of human life, 

loss of improved property, and reduction in property values due to timber loss and aesthetics. 

Seventeen percent of the NFS lands would continue to be in the low to moderate hazard rating in the 

WUI areas and 18 percent 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 10-01 (USDA-Forest Service 2005c).
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Table 3-21. Percentage of Area in Fire Hazard Ratings by Alternative

Current Post-Treatment

Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Fire Hazard Rating WUI Non 

WUI

WUI Non 

WUI

WUI Non 

WUI

WUI Non 

WUI

Low and Moderate 23% 28% 63% 75% 86% 75% 57% 60%

High and Very High 77% 72% 37% 25% 14% 25% 43% 40%

All three action alternatives would move the project area into compliance with Forest Plan objective 10-

01. Alternative C moves more stands (23 percent) to low and moderate ratings than Alternatives B or D. 

Alternative D would have the least overall effect on lowering fire hazard with Alternative B having a 

moderate effect when compared to the other two action alternatives. One consideration to factor 

when examining Alternative C is the importance of completing secondary treatments following 

regeneration cuts. If left incomplete, regeneration would proliferate, which can in time lead to stand 

conditions that would be difficult to control. Fire may readily carry in crowns of densely populated 

saplings and trees between five inches and nine inches DBH.

The action alternatives 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.

Private land within and near the project area will likely continue to be developed over time, making

forest management increasingly complex. Landowners may be new to issues relating to forest 

management and may not understand the need for management on their own land or on adjacent 

public forest land. With the increase in the area of the WUI come more values at risk and more fire 

management and fire suppression issues. The use of prescribed fire and prescribed natural fire to meet 

management objectives would meet increasing challenges due to the patchwork of private land 

amongst the NFS lands.

3.4 Wildlife and Fisheries

3.4.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for wildlife and fisheries. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Specialist 

Report and Biological Evaluation (Goldberg 2011), which are located in the Steamboat project file.
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3.4.2 Existing Conditions

Habitat Conditions

The 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. Analysis of effects to habitats can be found in the Wildlife, Botany, Hydrology and 

Silviculture specialist reports prepared in conjunction with this project.

Ponderosa pine forest is the dominant habitat, covering about 96 percent of NFS land within the 

Steamboat project area. Other habitat types include white spruce, hardwoods (primarily aspen), 

grasslands and meadows, and riparian habitats (Table 3-22). All of these habitats are discussed below.

Table 3-22. Acres by Cover Type on National Forest System Lands in the

Steamboat Project Area

NFS Land Characteristics

21,883 acres

Forested

21,654 ac

Conifer

21,198 ac

Ponderosa Pine

(TPP)

21,060 ac

White Spruce

(TWS)

138 ac

Hardwood

456 ac

Quaking Aspen

(TAA)

320 ac

Other Hardwoods

136 ac

Non-Forested

229 ac

Vegetated

229 ac

Grass

(GRA)

229 ac

Ponderosa Pine Habitat 

Ponderosa pine forest covers 21,060 acres of NFS land in the Steamboat project area. The structural 

stage of ponderosa pine is an important component for forest health; therefore, the Forest Plan 

established objectives for vegetative diversity within ponderosa pine stands. Structural stages are 

defined in the Forest Resources section of this chapter. Tables 3-1 and 3-4 in the Forest Resources 

section display the objective and current condition of the Forest-wide and project area structural stages 

in ponderosa pine cover type in MA 5.4. According to the Black Hills FY 2009 Monitoring and Evaluation 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Report (USDA-Forest Service 2010), early to mid-succession structural stages ( 2, 3A, 3B) and late 

succession structural stage (5) are below the structural stage objective for MA 5.4 across the Forest. 

Structural stages 1 and 4C are above objectives for MA 5.4. While the structural stages are tracked on a 

Forest-wide basis, the Steamboat project area can be summarized in a similar fashion. 

White Spruce Habitat

The white spruce cover type is found on 25,749 acres Forest-wide, approximately 2 percent of the 

Forest (USDA-Forest Service 2010). This is an increase of 25 acres from the amount reported in 2008. 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. 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. 

The Steamboat project area contains a very limited amount of spruce compared to the Forest as a 

whole. Within the project area, white spruce currently occurs on only 138 acres, which is less than one 

percent of NFS land. Spruce is an ecologically important habitat for a variety of species with sensitive 

(SS), species of local concern (SOLC), or management indicator species (MIS) status.

Hardwood Communities 

The Steamboat project area includes 320 acres cover typed as aspen, and 136 identified acres of other 

hardwoods, primarily birch and bur oak. Additional acres of hardwoods exist in the Steamboat project 

area in small inclusions within ponderosa pine stands. 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 and birch within the project area.

Grasslands and Meadow Habitat

NFS land within the Steamboat project area includes 229 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 

within the project area.

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 2009 and 2010 compared to the previous 

7-8 years of drought. There are approximately 17 miles of perennial stream and 33 miles of intermittent 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

stream within the Steamboat project area. Suitable fish habitat, as defined by perennial streams and 

past fisheries surveys, includes parts of Boxelder and Little Elk Creeks. Much of the perennial stream 

within the project area occurs on private in-holdings. There is currently one road crossing of perennial 

stream and three road crossings of intermittent stream 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 no barriers to fish on perennial streams and ten barriers 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 and abundance. No 

natural lakes exist in the Black Hills (Stewart and Thilenius 1964). One small man-made lake and several 

small impoundments exist within the project area that provides recreational fishing opportunities. 

Dalton Lake is a two-acre Forest Service impoundment on Little Elk Creek. Fish habitat has been reduced 

over time due to sedimentation. The dam is also a barrier to upstream fish passage.

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 for additional information on assigned beneficial uses.

The structure and composition of the riparian areas throughout the Black Hills and in the Steamboat 

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 in-holdings typically result in fragmented 

landownership pattern along Black Hills streams. Much of the perennial creek mileage within the project 

area is within or adjacent to private land. Fire suppression may have had impacts (USDA-Forest Service 

2005) 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 

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 as specified in 

the Forest Plan. Additional information on watershed, riparian and aquatic resources can be found in 

the Wildlife, Botany, and Hydrology/Soils Specialist Reports.

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 2008, most recent update 21 December 2010). The only listed species that occurs in 

Lawrence County is the whooping crane (Grus americana) (E). Some portions of the Steamboat 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. No known occurrences or suitable habitat for the 

whooping crane, least tern, or black-footed ferret occurs within the Steamboat project area or the Northern Hills 

Ranger District. 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 Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest, 

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 as a result of implementing any of the alternatives considered.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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 IDT Wildlife Biologist reviewed the most recent Region 2 SS wildlife list (FSM R-2 Supplement 2600-2009-1, 

effective June 9, 2009) and identified species that may occur in or near the Black Hills. 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 Steamboat project area. The IDT Wildlife Biologist conducted a pre-field wildlife and fish review of the 

project area for all Region 2 SS using Heritage database records, district data, literature reviews, communication 

with district personnel and the Forest Plan. This review was used to determine which SS would be included in 

the Steamboat analysis. Table 3-23 lists the sensitive species that are known to occur or have potential habitat in 

the Steamboat project area and are therefore included in this analysis. For all R2 SS not included in this table, it 

is assumed that the Steamboat Project would have “no impact” due to the lack of a known population or 

suitable habitat. No further analysis is provided for these species. Some of these species are also designated as 

MIS in the Forest Plan. Evaluations for the remaining non-Sensitive MIS and SOLC can be found in the Wildlife 

Specialist’s Report.

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).

Table 3-23. R2 Sensitive Species Analyzed for the Steamboat Project

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known 

Species 

Presence? 

(X = yes)

Habitat 

Present? 

(X = yes)

Habitat and/or Occurrence Information

Birds

American Three-toed Woodpecker 

(Picoides tridactylus)

SS X Restricted to high elevation conifer (primarily 

spruce) forests in the Black Hills (Wiggins 2004). 

Bald Eagle 

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

SS 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. 

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). 

Flammulated Owl 

(Otus flammeolus)

SS X Open ponderosa pine forests (Hayward and 

Verner 1994). 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known 

Species 

Presence? 

(X = yes)

Habitat 

Present? 

(X = yes)

Habitat and/or Occurrence Information

Lewis’s Woodpecker 

(Melanerpes lewis)

SS X Open burned areas with large snags; oak and 

cottonwood forests, and open, park-like 

ponderosa pine forests (Anderson 2003, Panjabi 

2003). 

Northern Goshawk 

(Accipiter gentilis)

SS 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. 

Mammals

American Marten 

(Martes americana)

SS X Spruce forests with complex near-ground 

structure, extending into adjacent ponderosa 

pine stands (Buskirk 2002). 

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). Known occurrences 

in the project area. 

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat 

(Plecotus townsendii)

SS 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). Known occurrences 

in the project area. 

Reptiles

Black Hills Redbelly Snake 

(Storeria occipitomaculata 

pahasapae)

SS X X Moist habitats with well-developed ground 

litter (Smith and Stephens 2003). 

Amphibians

Northern Leopard Frog 

(Rana pipiens)

SS X X Riparian and wetland areas for tadpoles, subadults, and breeding adults; adults forage in 

upland habitats (Smith 2003). 

Fish

Finescale Dace 

(Phoxinus neogaeus)

SS X X 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 (Isaak et al. 

2003). New occurrence in Dalton Lake and 

Little Elk Creek in 2010 (Hirtzel 2010). 

Mountain Sucker 

(Catostomus platyrhynchus)

SS, 

MIS

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). 

Invertebrates

Cooper’s Mountain Snail 

(Orechelix strigosa cooperi) 

SS 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). 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

R2 Sensitive Species Status

Known 

Species 

Presence? 

(X = yes)

Habitat 

Present? 

(X = yes)

Habitat and/or Occurrence Information

Regal Fritillary 

(Speyeria idalia)

SS 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). 

Management Indicator Species

The Forest Service Manual defines 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" (FSM 2620.5). 

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 Black Hills National 

Forest, not all of them have potential to occur in the Steamboat project area. Table 3-24 lists each 

species that does occur, or has potential habitat within, the Steamboat project area and is therefore 

included in this analysis. If an MIS or its habitat were not found in the project area, it was not identified 

for further analysis.

Table 3-24. Evaluation and Description of Black Hills National Forest MIS and Habitat

Management Indicator 

Species Status

Species 

Present? 

X=yes 

Habitat 

Present?

X=yes 

Habitat and/or Occurrence Information

Birds

Black-backed Woodpecker 

(Picoides arcticus)

MIS, SS X X Burned areas with a high density of preburn snags; dense and/or mature forests 

with a high snag density (Anderson 2003). 

Species rare outside of burned areas 

(Beason et al. 2006). 
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Management Indicator 

Species Status

Species 

Present? 

X=yes 

Habitat 

Present?

X=yes 

Habitat and/or Occurrence Information

Brown Creeper 

(Certhia americana)

MIS X Late successional ponderosa pine and 

white spruce (Beason et al. 2006). 

Golden-crowned Kinglet 

(Regulus satrapa)

MIS X X Breeds almost exclusively in white spruce 

habitat (Beason et al. 2006). 

Ruffed Grouse 

(Bonasa umbellus)

MIS X

Occur widely throughout Black Hills in 

hardwood communities; may require 

variety of aspen structural stages (Wiggins 

2006). 

Song Sparrow 

(Melospiza melodia)

MIS X X Found mostly in dense, riparian 

vegetation in the Black Hills (Beason et al. 

2006). 

Mammals

Beaver 

(Castor canadensis) 

MIS X X Riparian habitat dominated by stands of 

willow, aspen and cottonwood; do not use 

areas lacking permanent water and 

suitable woody vegetation (Higgins et al. 

2000. The project area contains little 

surface water and the project is not likely 

to increase measurable amounts of water. 

White-tailed Deer 

(Odocoileus virginianus)

MIS 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 and open stands with 

abundant shrubs are important for 

foraging. 

Fish

Mountain Sucker 

(Catostomus 

platyrhynchus)

SS, MIS 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). 

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences

Habitat Conditions

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. Longterm, 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 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

term, the proportion of ponderosa pine cover type in the Steamboat 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 

stages. Currently, late successional habitat (structural stage 5) is below management objectives within 

the project area and Forest-wide. Over the next 10 to 20 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 3-25. 

Table 3-25. Alternative A (No Action) - Direct and Indirect Effects to Habitat

Habitat Type

Direct effects 

for no action 

Alternative A

Indirect effects for no action 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, birch and oak.

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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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 create structural diversity in big game winter range and to reduce the fire 

hazard and risk of mountain pine beetle infestation 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 630 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. Fifty-two percent (11,420 

acres) of the treatments on NFS land within the project area would have a pre-commercial thinning 

component under this alternative. Prescribed fire is proposed on forty-eight percent (10,608 acres) of 

NFS land within the project area. There are 1,479 acres of individual tree selection and group selection 

treatments, which would create a more uneven aged structure across the landscape. 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. 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. Implementation of Alternative B would not immediately result in 

the desired distribution of structural stages for MA5.4. 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 dense mature structural stages and 

increase the amount of area within a more open mature stage and the sapling-pole stages. 

The area in structural stages 4C and 4B would drop, bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide structural 

stage objectives. There would be a corresponding increase in the amount of area of structural stage 4A 

and 3A also bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide structural stage objectives. 
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Alternative B would also result in an increase in late successional pine forest, moving MA5.4 closer to 

Forest-wide structural stage objectives. Current and future structural stage 5 stands totaling 567 acres 

were identified and would be managed for structural stage 5 characteristics into the future. 

Alternative B would include an estimated 20 miles of new NFS road construction and 5 miles of nonsystem road would be converted). Alternative B would also require the use of approximately 75 miles of 

existing NFS road that would need to be prepared for use; preparation could range from minimal 

maintenance activities (pre-use maintenance) 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 Forestwide 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. 

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 will meet 

applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including State 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 3-26 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 (Proposed Action) - 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 12,336 acres which includes 

4,617 acres of commercial thin treatments as 

well as 1,479 acres of uneven management 

treatments. Extensive non-commercial 

thinning and prescribed burning.

Treatments include the removal of 3,619 acres 

of mature, dense forest (4C).

Reduction of pine in structural stage 4C, 4B 

and 3C and increase in structural stages 4A 

and 3A moving towards forest wide structural 

stage objectives. 

Long term movement towards all structural 

stage objectives, including structural stage 5.
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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 will 

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 630 acres of primary treatments in aspen 

stands with commercial and non-commercial 

treatments (conifer removal) and prescribed 

burn. Additional acres of secondary and 

inclusion treatments.

Increase in quantity and quality of hardwood 

habitat due to reduced conifer competition.

Birch stands have been identified and will be 

protected.

Grassland/ Meadows 206 acres treated with commercial and noncommercial 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 alternatives 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 2005). 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 alternatives are 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 alternatives are expected to 

have a positive cumulative effect on hardwood habitat which would offset some conversion to pine that 

has 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. 
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The project area has been logged intermittently for the last 130 years. Part of the very first timber sale 

authorized by the Forest Service, Case #1, occurred within the project area. Timber sales competed in 

the recent past are described in Appendix D. The only foreseeable future sales would be a result of the 

Steamboat Project. 

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 Steamboat Project would

continue this condition, however, with an increase of individual tree selection and group selection 

treatments aimed at increasing multi-level pine stands on the District. Mixed pine-hardwood stands 

have also developed due to a proliferation of aspen in the understory as the mature pine canopy is 

removed. The Steamboat Project is expected to expand the area of hardwoods through implementation 

of aspen and birch enhancement treatments.

Several timber sales are planned or ongoing on the Northern Hills District. They include sales associated 

with the Nautilus, Cold Springs, Telegraph, Citadel, West Rim, Mineral and Geranium planning areas, 

none of which overlap with the Steamboat project area, although the Nautilus project area borders 

Steamboat to the west. Treatments in these areas will 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, will be decreased, forested habitat will be fragmented, and hardwood stand 

development, as well as grass, forbs and shrub habitat will be encouraged and increased. These effects 

should be long-term (greater than 30 years). The Steamboat Project is expected to have similar impacts 

within the Steamboat project area, 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 Steamboat project. The Steamboat project area has ongoing grazing in two allotments on NFS lands.

Historic and ongoing mining, grazing, logging, recreational and road-related activities have influenced 

stream habitat conditions within the project area. In-stream structures that block fish passage have 

fragmented the stream network. Barriers to fish passage, such as impassable culverts at road-stream 

crossings and dams 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 over time without human intervention. The Steamboat Project would not cause additional 

incremental increase in these barriers and most existing barriers and road-stream crossings would be 

repaired.
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Direct mortality from wildlife/vehicle collisions could occur in the action alternatives. 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 will be focused on roads and trails designated by the MVUM 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 Steamboat 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 Steamboat 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 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. 

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Alternative C was developed in response to the issue of mountain pine beetle infestation. Specifically, 

the comments received during scoping questioned why approximately 6,755 acres of pine stands at 

moderate or high risk of pine beetle infestation were left untreated by the proposed action. Alternative 

C addresses that issue by incorporating the treatments included in Alternative B and assigning a 

silvicultural prescription to the majority of the stands with a moderate or high beetle risk that were not 

treated under Alternative B. 

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 some habitats, and improved quality 
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of most habitats. Structural diversity would be less compared to Alternative B due to the increased 

amount of treatments within mature dense stands, mostly in the form of overstory removal treatment. 

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 630 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. Seventy-eight percent 

(17,226 acres) of the treatments on NFS land within the project area would have a pre-commercial 

thinning component under this alternative. Prescribed fire is proposed on forty-eight percent (10,608 

acres) of NFS land within the project area. There are 1,479 acres of individual tree selection and group 

selection treatments which will create a more uneven aged structure across the landscape. 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. 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. Implementation of Alternative C would not immediately result in 

the desired distribution of structural stages for MA5.4. The treatments proposed under Alternative C 

would, however, help to achieve the desired distribution of structural stages in the long term. This 

alternative would greatly reduce the amount of area in the dense mature structural stages and increase 

the amount of area within a more open mature stage and the sapling-pole stages. 

The area in structural stages 4C and 4B would drop greatly, bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide 

structural stage objectives. There would be a corresponding increase in the amount of area of structural 

stage 4A and 3A also bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide structural stage objectives. However, within 

the project area, structural diversity would be greatly reduced.

Alternative B would also result in a slight increase in late successional pine forest moving MA5.4 closer 

to Forest-wide structural stage objectives. Current and future structural stage 5 stands totaling 235 

acres were identified and would be managed for structural stage 5 characteristics into the future. 

Full implementation of Alternative C would require 41 miles of new NFS road construction and 10 miles 

of non-system road would be converted. Alternative C would also require the use of approximately 81 

miles of existing NFS road that would need to be prepared for use; preparation could range from 

minimal maintenance activities (pre-use maintenance) 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). This would equate to 
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approximately 205 acres of habitat lost to new road construction under Alternative C. There would 

likely be some effects from disturbance during project implementation. System roads that undergo preuse 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. 

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 will meet 

applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including State BMPs. A summary of the relevant 

WCPH direction is in the Hydrology Specialist Report.

Effects to habitats due to the treatments proposed in Alternative C are provided in Table 3-27 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 3-27. Alternative C - Direct and Indirect Effects to Habitat

Habitat Type Direct Effects for Alternative C Indirect Effects for Alternative C

Ponderosa Pine Commercial and non-commercial treatments 

to approximately 18,049 acres which includes 

6,489 acres of commercial thin treatments as 

well as 3,740 acres of overstory removal 

treatment. It would also include 1,479 acres of 

uneven management treatments. Extensive 

non-commercial thinning and prescribed 

burning.

Treatments include the removal of 4,647 acres 

of mature, dense forest (4C).

Reduction of pine in structural stage 4C, 4B 

and 3C and increase in structural stages 4A 

and 3A moving towards forest wide structural 

stage objectives. 

Long term movement towards all structural 

stage objectives Forest-wide, however, 

reduced structural diversity within the project 

area.

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 will 

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 630 acres of primary treatments in aspen 

stands with commercial and non-commercial 

treatments (conifer removal) and prescribed 

burn. Additional acres of secondary and 

inclusion treatments.

Increase in quantity and quality of hardwood 

habitat due to reduced conifer competition.

Birch stands have been identified and will be 

protected (see botany specialist report).
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Habitat Type Direct Effects for Alternative C Indirect Effects for Alternative C

Grassland/ Meadows 206 acres treated with commercial and noncommercial 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 associated with Alternative C would generally be similar to those described under 

Alternative B. Because the level of treatment proposed under Alternative C is higher than Alternative B, 

the magnitude of the associated cumulative effects would be higher, particularly for those cumulative 

effects associated with road construction and timber harvest.

Alternative D 

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D was developed in response to the issue of new road construction. Concerns were raised 

during the scoping period that new road construction would have a negative impact on soil and water 

resources and could potentially affect the quality of big game winter range. Alternative D responds to 

this issue by eliminating all new road construction. The treatments proposed under Alternative D 

represent those treatments from Alternative B that are accessible using the existing road network. 

To a lesser extent than Alternative B, Alternative D is designed to create structural diversity in big game 

winter range and to reduce the fire hazard and risk of mountain pine beetle infestation by moving 

towards the Forest Plan objectives for structural stage management. In general, there would be shortterm 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 

630 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. Thirty-nine percent (8,478 

acres) of the treatments on NFS land within the project area would have a pre-commercial thinning 

component under this alternative. Prescribed fire is proposed on forty-eight percent (10,608 acres) of 

NFS land within the project area. There are 1,086 acres of individual tree selection and group selection 

treatments, which would create a more uneven aged structure across the landscape. 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. Sanitation harvest provisions would be 
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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. Implementation of Alternative D would not immediately result in 

the desired distribution of structural stages for MA5.4. The treatments proposed under Alternative D 

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 dense mature structural stages and 

increase the amount of area within a more open mature stage and the sapling-pole stages to a lesser 

extent than Alternative B. 

The area in structural stages 4C and 4B would drop, bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide structural 

stage objectives. There would be a corresponding increase in the amount of area of structural stage 4A 

and 3A also bringing MA5.4 closer to Forest-wide structural stage objectives. 

Alternative D would also result in an increase in late successional pine forest moving MA5.4 closer to 

Forest-wide structural stage objectives. Current and future structural stage 5 stands totaling 567 acres 

were identified and will be managed for structural stage 5 characteristics into the future. 

Under Alternative D, there would be no new NFS road construction. There would be four miles of new 

road conversion; although those roads are not currently part of the NFS system, the templates already 

exist on the ground and use of those roads would not require creation of an entirely new route. 

Alternative D would also require the use of approximately 70 miles of existing NFS road that would need 

to be prepared for use; preparation could range from minimal maintenance activities (pre-use 

maintenance) 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. 

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 will meet 

applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including State BMPs. A summary of the relevant 

WCPH direction is in the Hydrology Specialist Report.

Effects to habitats due to the treatments proposed in Alternative D are provided in Table 3-28 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.
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Table 3-28. Alternative D - Direct and Indirect Effects to Habitat

Habitat Type Direct Effects for Alternative D Indirect Effects for Alternative D

Ponderosa Pine Commercial and non-commercial treatments 

to approximately 9,394 acres which includes 

2,661 acres of commercial thin treatments as 

well as 1,086acres of uneven management 

treatments. Extensive non-commercial 

thinning and prescribed burning.

Treatments include the removal of 2,562 acres 

of mature, dense forest (4C).

Reduction of pine in structural stage 4C, 4B 

and 3C and increase in structural stages 4A 

and 3A moving towards forest wide structural 

stage objectives. 

Long term movement towards all structural 

stage objectives, including structural stage 5.

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 will 

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 630 acres of primary treatments in aspen 

stands with commercial and non-commercial 

treatments (conifer removal) and prescribed 

burn. Additional acres of secondary and 

inclusion treatments.

Increase in quantity and quality of hardwood 

habitat due to reduced conifer competition.

Birch stands have been identified and will be 

protected (see botany specialist report).

Grassland/ Meadows 206 acres treated with commercial and noncommercial 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 associated with Alternative D would generally be similar to those described under 

Alternative B. Because the level of treatment proposed under Alternative D is lower than Alternative B, 

the magnitude of the associated cumulative effects would be lower. Alternative D does not include any 

new road construction, so cumulative effects of road construction would not occur under this 

alternative.

Threatened and Endangered Species

No known occurrences or suitable habitat for the whooping crane, least tern, or black-footed ferret occur within 

the Steamboat project area or the Northern Hills Ranger District (NHRD). The Forest Service has also conducted 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

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 would be “no effect” to threatened 

and endangered species and no impact to critical habitat.

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 “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 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 7 in the Steamboat 

Project Wildlife and Fisheries Biological Evaluation (Goldberg 2011) describes the Region 2 SS 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 Steamboat 

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 include in this analysis. Table 3-29 below summarizes effects 

on these species; full analyses for each species are found in the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries 

BE (Goldberg 2011), which is available upon request. 

Table 3-29. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Region 2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

American threetoed woodpecker 

(Picoides 

tridactylus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would 

remain and potential for 

development of additional 

habitat would remain high.

B, C, D: 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 (white 

spruce forest).

B, C, D: Would add to effects 

of 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 

Forest.

A, B, C, D: 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.

Bald eagle 

(Haliaeetus 

leucocephalus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Short 

term 

disturbance.

A: None.

B, C, D: Short term 

avoidance during project 

activities.

A: None.

B, C, D: None. 

A: No impact.

B, C, D: May adversely 

impact individuals but 

not likely to result in a 

loss of viability in the 

planning area nor 
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cause a trend toward 

Federal listing.

Black-backed 

woodpecker 

(Picoides arcticus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would 

remain and potential for 

development of additional 

habitat would remain high.

B, C, D: Potential for 

development of additional 

habitat would decrease and 

current habitat would be 

reduced. 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, C, D: 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 Forest.

A: No impact.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may 

decrease over time as stands 

become denser.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Would add to effects 

of other actions on 

overstory density by 

producing additional open 

stands.

A: No impact.

B, C, D: 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 

(Melanerpes 

lewis)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would 

remain and potential for 

development of additional 

habitat would remain high.

B, C, D: Potential for 

development of additional 

habitat would increase. 

Prescribed burns expected 

to positively affect habitat. 

Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to increased 

potential for development 

of preferred habitat (burned 

forest, insect outbreaks).

B, C, D: 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 Forest.

A, B, C, D: 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 

goshawk 

(Accipiter gentilis)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential loss of foraging 

and nesting habitat as both 

become too dense. Potential 

loss of nest areas to 

mountain pine beetle or 

wildfire.

B, D: Loss of potential 

nesting habitat to timber 

harvest. Expected to 

enhance known nest areas 

A: Would add to increased 

potential for loss of nesting 

habitat through understory 

growth, fire, or beetle 

infestation.

B, C, D: Would add to effects 

of recent, ongoing, and 

foreseeable management 

activities. Additional loss of 

potential nesting habitat.

A, B, C, D: 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.
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

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Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

and foraging conditions by 

decreasing density of 

understory vegetation. 

C: Includes additional 

treatments within known 

nest areas that would not 

maintain or enhance

goshawk nesting habitat.

These treatments are not 

consistent with Forest Plan 

Standard 3108; 

implementation of 

Alternative C would require 

a site specific Forest Plan 

amendment.

American marten 

(Martes 

americana)

A: None.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: 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, C, D: Would add to effects 

of recent, ongoing, and 

foreseeable management 

activities reducing risk of 

loss of preferred habitat.

A: No impact.

B, C, D: 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 bigeared bat 

(Corynorhinus 

townsendii)

A: None.

B, C, D: No 

effects on 

potential 

hibernacula 

(mines or caves). 

Low potential 

for mortality of 

individual bats.

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.

B, C, D: Foraging 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 and fire.

B, C, D: Would not add to 

any effects on hibernacula; 

would not reduce pine 

encroachment effects. 

A: No impact.

B, C, D: 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 Hills 

redbelly snake 

(Storeria 

occipitomaculata 

pahasapae)

A: None.

B, C, D:

Possibility of 

individual 

mortality due to 

management 

activities and 

A: Potential loss of habitat 

due to continuing 

encroachment of pine in 

riparian, hardwood and 

meadow habitats.

B, C, D: Would maintain or 

enhance habitat through 

A: Would add to increased 

potential for loss of habitat 

as a result of pine 

encroachment and fire.

B, C, D: No addition to 

effects on riparian and other 

mesic habitats. Would add 

A, B, C, D: 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.
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Species Direct Indirect Cumulative Determination

motorized 

traffic.

conservation of mesic 

habitats and reduction of 

pine encroachment in 

riparian, hardwood and 

meadow areas.

to negative effects of 

motorized travel during 

project activities.

Northern leopard 

frog (Rana 

pipiens)

A: None.

B, C, D:

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, C, D: 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, C, D: No addition to 

effects on riparian and other 

mesic habitats. Would add 

to negative effects of 

motorized travel during 

project implementation.

A, B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing sources of 

pollution, sedimentation and 

fish barriers would continue 

to contribute to habitat 

degradation.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Watershed 

improvement projects and 

road repair would be 

expected to decrease 

negative effects of damaged 

and unauthorized roads.

A, B, C, D: 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.

Finescale Dace 

(Phoxinus 

neogaeus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing sources of 

pollution, sedimentation and 

fish barriers would continue 

to contribute to habitat 

degradation.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Watershed 

improvement projects and 

road repair would be 

expected to decrease 

negative effects of damaged 

and unauthorized roads.

A, B, C, D: 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.

Cooper’s Rocky 

Mountain snail 

(Oreohelix 

strigosa cooperi)

A: None.

B, C, D: Known 

colonies 

excluded from 

A: Potential for loss of 

habitat due to fire would 

remain high.

B, C, D: Potential for damage 

A: Would not add to 

negative effects of habitat 

disturbance but would add 

to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a 

A, B, C, D: May 

adversely impact 

individuals but not 

likely to result in a 

loss of viability in the 
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proposed 

activities. 

Potential for 

mortality if 

unknown 

colonies exist.

to habitat at any unknown 

colonies. Reduction of fire 

hazard may protect habitat.

result of fire.

B, C, D: Would not add to 

effects on known colonies. 

May reduce chance of 

habitat loss due to fire. May 

add to effects on unknown 

colonies.

planning area nor 

cause a trend toward 

Federal listing.

Regal Fritillary 

(Speyeria idalia)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential loss of habitat 

due to continuing 

encroachment of pine in 

riparian and meadow 

habitats. 

B, C, D: Proposed removal of 

small pine from meadows 

would be expected to 

enhance potential habitat.

A: Would add to decreases 

of potential habitat through 

pine encroachment.

B, C, D: Would not add to 

effects of recent, ongoing, 

and foreseeable 

management activities 

(decreases in preferred 

meadow habitat).

A, B, C, D: 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

The FSM 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" (FSM 2620.5). 

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 the potential to occur in the Steamboat 

project area. Table 3-30 below summarizes effects on these species. Full analyses are found in the 

Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2011), which is available upon 

request. If an MIS or its habitat were not found in the project area, it was not identified for further 

analysis. 

Table 3-30. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Management Indicator Species

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Black-backed 

woodpecker 

(Picoides 

arcticus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would remain and 

potential for development of additional 

habitat would remain high.

B, C, D: Potential for development of 

additional habitat would decrease and 

current habitat would be reduced. 

Prescribed burns expected to positively 

A: Would add to high potential for 

development of preferred habitat 

(burned/ infested forest).

B, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and foreseeable management 

activities (decreased fire hazard and 

beetle risk). Continued availability of 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

affect habitat. Incidental loss of snags. burned and infested forest in the project 

area and across Forest.

Brown creeper 

(Certhia 

americana)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would remain. 

Potential for loss of habitat due to fire or 

insect infestation would remain high.

B, C, D: Existing preferred habitat would 

remain. Decrease of potential future 

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, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and foreseeable management 

activities (decreased fire hazard and 

beetle risk). Additional loss of potential 

habitat.

Goldencrowned kinglet 

(Regulus 

satrapa)

A: None.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: 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, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and foreseeable management 

activities (decreased fire hazard and 

beetle risk).

Ruffed grouse 

(Bonasa 

umbellus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Preferred habitat expected to 

continue to decline with pine 

encroachment.

B, C, D: Would enhance preferred aspen 

habitat.

A: Would add to decline in preferred 

habitat.

B, C, D: Would not add to decline in 

preferred habitat.

Song sparrow 

(Melospiza 

melodia)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Preferred riparian habitat expected to 

continue to decline.

B, C, D: Expected to maintain or enhance 

preferred habitat and reduce risk of loss 

to fire.

A: Would add to decline in preferred 

riparian habitat.

B, C, D: Would not add to decline in 

preferred habitat.

Beaver (Castor 

canadensis)

A: None.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: 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, C, D: Would not add to negative effects 

on aquatic, riparian, or aspen habitats. 

White-tailed 

deer 

(Odocoileus 

virginianus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Preferred habitats would continue to 

decline in the absence of disturbance.

B, C, D: Would enhance aspen, foraging 

areas. New roads could increase 

disturbance (no new roads with Alt.D).

A: Would add to decreases in preferred 

early-seral habitat.

B, C, D: Would not add to negative effects 

on habitat with the exception of new 

roads (no new roads with Alt.D).

Mountain 

sucker 

A: None. A: Existing sources of pollution, 

sedimentation and fish barriers would 

A: Water quality would continue to be 

incrementally negatively impacted by 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

(Catostomus

platyrhynchus) B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

continue to contribute to habitat 

degradation.

B, C, D: Would maintain or enhance 

habitat through watershed improvement 

projects and conservation of mesic 

habitats.

existing sources of pollution and 

sedimentation.

B, C, D: Watershed improvement projects 

and road repair would be expected to 

decrease negative effects of damaged and 

unauthorized roads.

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 Forest Service 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).

For the Steamboat project area, risk analyses were completed only for those species that occur in the 

project area or whose habitat occurs in the project area. Table 3-31 below summarizes effects on these 

species. Full analyses are found in the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report 

(Goldberg 2011), which is available upon request.

Table 3-31. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Wildlife Species of Local Concern

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

American dipper 

(Cinclus 

mexicanus)

A: None

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing sources of pollution, 

sedimentation would continue to 

contribute to habitat degradation.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Watershed improvement projects 

and road repair would be expected to 

decrease negative effects of damaged and 

unauthorized roads.

Black-and-white 

warbler 

(Mniotilta varia)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may decrease over 

time as pine encroachment continues. 

B, C, D: Proposed removal of conifer 

from aspen stands would be expected to 

enhance potential habitat, as would 

prescribed burning.

A: Would add to decreases of potential 

habitat with continued pine 

encroachment.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

A: Potential nesting habitat would likely 

increase and foraging habitat would 

decrease in the absence of disturbance.

A: Would add to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a result of fire 

or insect infestation.
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Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

individual 

mortality and loss 

of unknown 

nests.

B, C, D: Reduction of preferred nesting 

habitat and an increase in foraging 

habitat. Prescribed burning expected to 

have positive effects.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality and loss 

of unknown 

nests.

A: Potential habitat would likely 

decrease.

B, C, D: Would decrease preferred 

nesting habitat. Foraging habitat would 

remain stable or increase. 

A: Would add to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a result of fire 

or insect infestation.

B, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and foreseeable management 

activities (slight decrease in preferred 

habitat).

Northern sawwhet owl 

(Aegolius 

acadicus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality and loss 

of unknown 

nests.

A: Potential habitat would remain stable 

or increase in the absence of 

disturbance.

B, C, D: Would decrease preferred 

nesting habitat. Foraging habitat would 

remain stable or increase. Incidental loss 

of snags.

A: Would add to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a result of fire 

or insect infestation.

B, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and fore-seeable management 

activities (overall decrease in preferred 

habitat).

Pygmy nuthatch 

(Sitta pygmaea)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality and loss 

of unknown 

nests.

A: Potential habitat would remain stable 

in the absence of disturbance.

B, C, D: Would decrease preferred dense, 

mature stands. Would increase mature, 

open stands. Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a result of fire 

or insect infestation.

B, C, D: Would add to effects of recent, 

ongoing, and fore-seeable management 

activities (overall decrease in preferred 

habitat).

Long-eared 

myotis (Myotis 

evotis), longlegged myotis 

(Myotis volans), 

northern myotis 

(Myotis septentrionalis), smallfooted myotis 

(Myotis 

ciliolabrum)

A: None.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: 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, C, D: Would not add to any effects on 

hibernacula; would not add to pine 

encroachment effects. 

Meadow jumping 

mouse (Zapus 

hudsonius 

campestris)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may decrease over 

time in the absence of disturbance.

B, C, D: Proposed removal of small pine 

from meadows would be expected to 

enhance potential habitat.

A: Would add to decreases of potential 

habitat.

B, C, D: Would not add to effects of 

recent, ongoing, and foreseeable 

management activities (decreases in 

preferred meadow habitat).

Northern flying 

squirrel 

(Glaucomys 

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

A: Potential habitat would remain stable 

or increase in the absence of 

disturbance.

A: Would add to increased potential for 

loss of preferred habitat as a result of fire 

or insect infestation.
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Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

sabrinus) potential for 

individual 

mortality. B, C, D: No effect on preferred white 

spruce habitats. Reduction of other 

preferred habitat. Incidental loss of 

snags.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Potential habitat may decrease over 

time in the absence of disturbance.

B, C, D: Proposed removal of small pine 

from meadows would be expected to 

enhance potential habitat.

A: Would add to decreases of potential 

habitat.

B, C, D: Would not add to effects of 

recent, ongoing, and foreseeable 

management activities (decreases in 

preferred meadow habitat).

Callused vertigo 

(Vertigo arthuri), 

frigid ambersnail 

(Catinella gelida), 

mystery vertigo 

(Vertigo 

paradoxa), striate disc (Discus 

shimekii)

A: None.

B, C, D: 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, C, D: 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, C, D: Would not add to effects on 

known colonies. May reduce chance of 

habitat loss due to fire. May add to effects 

on unknown colonies.

Demand Species

Species that are important local game animals but are not MIS, SOLC or sensitive species are classified as 

demand species. These are species that are of particular interest to the public because they are hunted 

or fished. In addition, the Steamboat project area is entirely within MA 5.4 - Big Game Winter Range. 

This analysis includes one demand species, Rocky Mountain elk, and is summarized below. Full analysis 

can be found in the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2011), which is 

available upon request.

Table 3-32. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Demand Species

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Rocky Mountain 

Elk (Cervus 

elaphus nelsoni)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Preferred habitats would continue to 

decline in the absence of disturbance.

B, C: Would enhance aspen, foraging 

areas. New roads could increase 

disturbance.

D: Enhanced aspen, foraging areas. No 

impacts from new road construction.

A: Would add to decreases in preferred 

early-seral habitat.

B, C: Would not add to negative effects on 

habitat with the exception of new roads.

D: Would not add to negative effects on 

habitat.
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Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

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 (USFWS 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 Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries 

Resource Report (Goldberg 2011) or the Steamboat Project Wildlife and Fisheries Biological Evaluation 

(Goldberg 2011), both of which are available upon request. Effects on species not addressed elsewhere 

are summarized below in Table 3-33 and addressed in detail in the Steamboat Project Wildlife and 

Fisheries Resource Report (Goldberg 2011).

Table 3-33. Summary of Effects by Alternative on Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

Species Direct Indirect Cumulative

Golden eagle 

(Aquila 

chrysaetos)

A: None.

B, C, D: Very low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: None.

B, C, D: May slightly increase 

foraging habitat.

A: None.

B, C, D: Would not add to effects 

of recent, ongoing, and 

foreseeable management 

activities (decreases in preferred 

open foraging habitat).

Red-headed 

woodpecker 

(Melanerpes 

erythrocephalus)

A: None.

B, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Existing habitat would remain 

and potential for development of 

additional habitat would remain 

high.

B, C, D: Existing habitat would 

remain; potential for development 

of additional habitat would 

increase. Prescribed burns expected 

to positively affect habitat. 

Incidental loss of snags.

A: Would add to increased 

potential for development of 

preferred habitat (burned forest, 

insect outbreaks).

B, C, D: 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, C, D: Low 

potential for 

individual 

mortality.

A: Habitat may decrease over time 

with conversion of hardwood areas 

to pine.

B, C, D: Prescribed burning and 

removal of small pine from 

hardwoods may help perpetuate 

habitat.

A: None.

B, C, D: Would not add to effects 

of recent, ongoing, and 

foreseeable management 

activities (decreases in preferred 

hardwood habitats).
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3.5 Botany

3.5.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for botanical resources. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Botany Specialist Report and the 

Steamboat Project Botany Biological Evaluation (Larson 2011a, 2011b), which are located in the 

Steamboat project file.

3.5.2 Existing Conditions

Affected Environment

The Steamboat project area is dominated by ponderosa pine forest. Conifer-deciduous communities of 

ponderosa pine and aspen or birch are scattered throughout the project area, particularly along northfacing slopes and other relatively mesic microhabitats. The project area does not encompass extensive 

areas of sensitive plant habitat compared to areas that contain more white spruce-dominated forest 

habitat or more developed mixed hardwood communities. However, several major drainages within the 

project area harbor distinctive native plant communities and sensitive plant habitat, including the South 

and Middle forks of Boxelder Creek, Jim Creek and its tributaries, Estes Creek, and the upper reaches of 

Little Elk Creek.

Dry ponderosa pine stands are common throughout. White spruce communities are concentrated in the 

Dalton Lake area and along the upper portions of some of the major drainages. Mixed stands of paper 

birch and aspen with ironwood are found along drainages and lower north-facing slopes throughout the 

project area. Open meadows are relatively rare within the project area and are found mainly along 

perennial streams. Burned ponderosa pine forest (from wildfires in 2002 and 2005) is found along the 

eastern slopes of the project area.

Field Surveys

The Steamboat project area was surveyed specifically for target plant species (including sensitive plant 

species, plant species of local concern, state heritage program tracked species, and other plants of 

interest) and plant habitats associated with target plant species 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 1994-2007. Although some of 

these surveys are obsolete, (i.e., some surveys conducted for a different suite of sensitive plant species) 

they still provide useful information. Information from all surveys conducted within the project area 

boundary along with aerial photographs, hillshade results (GIS spatial analysis tool), topographic maps, 

field investigation of areas of interest, and local professional knowledge of the area were used in the 

analysis of the project area. 

Habitat Encountered During Survey/Identification of Sensitive Plant Habitat

Sensitive plant habitats in the Steamboat project area are paper birch and birch/aspen stands, spruce 

stands, riparian areas, and other sites where additional water is present (e.g. springs, seeps). In general, 
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high quality sites have little to no disturbance from logging (e.g. skid trails, landings), livestock use (e.g. 

trailing, trampling, areas of concentrated use), 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 Steamboat project area contains a relatively moderate proportion of the Forest’s habitat considered 

capable of supporting sensitive plant species. It is estimated that sensitive plant habitat is 

approximately four percent of the project area. See Figure 3-7 for identified potential plant habitat in 

the project area.

Figure 3-7. Sensitive and SOLC Plant Habitat in the Steamboat Project Area

The process used for identifying potential plant habitat in the Steamboat project area was as follows:

1. Contractors surveyed the project area and collected data on target plants and mapped plant 

habitats by community type.
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2. The areas that the contractors identified as high potential plant habitat were further refined by 

a Forest Service botanist using topographic maps, aerial photos, known sensitive plant sites, and 

additional field reconnaisance.

3. Potential habitat was digitized, creating a GIS shapefile.

4. The botanist and District silviculturalist worked together to identify areas likely to be affected by 

proposed treatments in the vicinity of identified potential plant habitat. These areas were 

revisited by the botanist during the summer of 2010 and habitat delineations were further 

refined in the GIS shapefile.

Target Plant Occurrences Documented During Survey

Two R2 sensitive plant species are known to occur in the project area: Cypripedium parviflorum (lesser 

yellow lady’s slipper) and Viburnum opulus var. americanum (highbush cranberry). Cypripedium

parviflorum has approximately 19 populations in the project area and is found in numerous shady 

drainages in the northern half of the project area and along lower South Stagebarn and Stagebarn 

Canyons. Viburnum opulus var. americanum is known from one occurrence located at a spring. Habitat 

exists for six other R2 sensitive plant species that were not found during surveys. All R2 sensitive species 

with potential habitat within the project boundary will be addressed in the effects analysis.

No plant species of local concern (SOLC) were found during the 2007 survey, and no populations of 

these species are known to exist in the project area.

A total of 43 target plant occurrences were found during the 2007 survey. Cypripedium parviflorum was 

the most frequently found target plant with 19 occurrences (some occurrences were recorded 

separately but are close enough together to consider them as part of the same population). Populations 

of Polygonatum biflorum and Carex granularis were also found relatively frequently for the survey area, 

with ten and four populations located, respectively. Botrychium species were relatively infrequent 

compared to other survey areas on the District, with one B. minganense site found in the western part 

of the project area (three B. virginianum occurrences were also found, but this taxon should soon be 

transferred to a separate genus.) In general, the number of target plants documented was relatively low 

for the northern Black Hills, an area usually rich in rare plant occurrences and habitat. Occurrences of 

other target plants were documented in prior surveys.

3.5.3 Environmental Consquences

Rare Plants Considered During Analysis

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 SOLC and sensitive species known to occur in the project area and those having potential 

habitat in the project area. All of these species were considered during analysis of the Steamboat 

Project alternatives. 
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Table 3-34. Black Hills National Forest Plant Species of Local Concern (SOLC) and Region 2 Sensitive Species 

Included in Steamboat Analysis

Scientific Name/Common 

Name

Status Known to Occur in Project 

Area?

Suitable Habitat in Project 

Area?

Botrychium multifidum

leathery grapefern

SOLC No Yes

Gentiana affinis

pleated gentian

SOLC No Yes

Listera convallarioides

broadlipped twayblade

SOLC No Yes

Lycopodium annotinum

stiff clubmoss

SOLC No Yes

Petasites frigidus var. 

sagittatus

arrowleaf sweet coltsfoot

SOLC No Yes

Polystichum lonchitis

northern hollyfern

SOLC No Yes

Salix lasiandra var.

caudata

greenleaf willow, tail-leaf 

willow

SOLC No Yes

Botrychium campestre

prairie moonwort, Iowa 

moonwort

Sensitive No Unknown because 

potential habitat is not yet 

defined.

Botrychium lineare

narrowleaf grapefern, 

slender moonwort

Sensitive No Unknown because 

potential habitat is not yet 

defined.

Carex alopecoidea

foxtail sedge

Sensitive No Yes

Cypripedium parviflorum

yellow lady’s slipper

Sensitive Yes Yes

Lycopodium complanatum

trailing clubmoss

Sensitive No Yes

Platanthera orbiculata

large round-leaf orchid

Sensitive No Yes

Sanguinaria canadensis

bloodroot

Sensitive No Yes

Viburnum opulus var. 

americanum

highbush cranberry

Sensitive Yes Yes

There are no known SOLC plant occurrences in the project area. Habitat may be present in the project 

area for seven SOLC plants. The primary habitat for SOLC plants with possible habitat in the project area 

can be categorized as moist forested communities or riparian communities (Table 3-35). Any potentially 

suitable habitat that may exist overlaps with suitable habitat for R2 sensitive plant species (moist 

forested and riparian areas). Two R2 sensitive species are known to occur in the project area with 

another six having suitable habitat present. The primary habitat for these sensitive species is generally 

similar to that described for SOLC and is also displayed in Table 3-35.
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The table below places the plant SOLC and sensitive species known to occur or have suitable habitat in 

the project area into general habitat categories. These habitat categories form the basis of the effects 

analysis below. 

Table 3-35. SOLC and R2 Sensitive Species Habitat Categories

Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat Category

Botrychium multifidum leathery grapefern SOLC moist forest/riparian 

meadow

Gentiana affinis pleated gentian SOLC riparian meadow

Listera convallarioides broadlipped twayblade SOLC moist forest

Lycopodium annotinum stiff clubmoss SOLC moist forest

Petasites frigidus var.

sagittatus

arrowleaf sweet coltsfoot SOLC riparian 

Polystichum lonchitis northern hollyfern SOLC moist forest

Salix lasiandra var. 

caudata

shining willow SOLC riparian 

Botrychium campestre prairie moonwort, Iowa 

moonwort

Sensitive Unknown

Botrychium lineare narrowleaf grapefern, 

slender moonwort

Sensitive Unknown

Carex alopecoidea foxtail sedge Sensitive riparian meadow

Cypripedium parviflorum yellow lady’s slipper Sensitive moist forest/riparian 

meadow

Lycopodium 

complanatum

trailing clubmoss Sensitive moist forest

Platanthera orbiculata large round-leaved orchid Sensitive moist forest

Sanguinaria canadensis bloodroot Sensitive moist forest

Viburnum opulus var.

americanum

highbush cranberry Sensitive moist forest/riparian 

meadow

Other plant species of conservation value

There are several uncommon plants in the Steamboat project area that do not appear on the R2 

sensitive plant species list or the SOLC list, but still 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 3-36.

Table 3-36. Other plant species of conservation interest known to occur in Steamboat Project Area

Scientific Name SD Rank* Known Occurrences in Project 

Area

Botrychium minganense NRUR 1

Botrychium virginianum NRUR 3

Carex capillaris S3 3

Carex granularis NRUR 4

Carex leptalea S3 10**

Circaea lutetiana var. canadensis NRUR 1

Cypripedium parviflorum (R2 Sensitive 

Plant) S3? 19

Equisetum scirpoides S2 11
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Scientific Name SD Rank* Known Occurrences in Project 

Area

Petrophyton caespitosum S4? 1

Pellaea glabella NRUR 2

Phryma leptostachya NRUR 2

Polygonatum biflorum NRUR 10

Viburum opulus var. americanum (R2 

Sensitive Plant) NRUR 1

*Target List: SD=South Dakota Natural Heritage Database Ranked; R2=Region 2 (R2) sensitive species relevant 

to BHNF; Rank: S1=critically imperiled; S2=imperiled; S3=vulnerable; S4=apparently secure; NRUR=not ranked 

under review (may or may not be rare);? =inexact rank.

**Recorded in the plant database as 10 separate waypoints, but part of one population at a spring-fed wetland.

Most, but not all, plant occurrences listed in Table 3-38 above are located within areas subject to design 

criteria to minimize impacts of project activities on SOLC and sensitive plants.

Analysis of Effects

The following apply to the analysis below:

 Potential habitat is defined as moist forested communities and riparian communities.

 Mechanical vegetation treatments are defined as commercial treatments involving the use of 

heavy equipment.

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

There would be no direct effects to known occurrences of SOLC or R2 sensitive species or suitable 

habitat of moist forested and riparian communities under Alternative A, since no actions would occur. 

Ongoing activities such as recreation, fire suppression, and road maintenance would continue. 

Management activities analyzed under other environmental documents would continue to occur. The 

no action alternative would maintain existing potential plant 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 SOLC and sensitive plants 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 plant species and their habitat. The cumulative effects area for the seven 

SOLC plants and six sensitive species analyzed in this section is potential 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 2005 Phase II FEIS. This 

temporal scale is based on the planning horizon (usually 50 years for a Forest plan), the biology of the 

species (e.g. generation time, response time to changed conditions, recolonization capability) and the time 

needed for the overall ecosystem to respond to proposed management (USDA-Forest Service 2005c).
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Past, present and reasonably foreseeable activities within the Steamboat project area include timber 

harvest, timber stand improvement, post-sale KV activities, timber thinning, wildfire, grazing, temporary 

road construction and maintenance, noxious weed control, wildlife habitat improvement projects, 

mining, 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 Appendix 

D.

Soil disturbance, introduction of invasive species, removal of natural disturbance cycles, and changes in 

microsite moisture and hydrologic regimes can negatively affect SOLC and sensitive 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 SOLC 

and sensitive 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 SOLC and sensitive plant species or their suitable habitat. This could 

create more intense wildfire conditions potentially resulting in wildfire spreading into areas of SOLC and 

sensitive 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 SOLC and sensitive 

plant species habitats.

Under Alternative A, travel management would not be altered. No new roads, reconstructed roads, or 

decommissioned roads are proposed. Therefore, negative cumulative effects resulting from temporary 

or reconstructed roads included in Alternatives B, C, and D would not occur. In addition, beneficial 

effects from proposed watershed improvement activities under the action alternatives would not occur.

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.

Alternatives B, C and D

Direct and Indirect Effects – Mechanical Vegetation Treatments

Mechanical equipment may be used to accomplish any of the commercial treatments proposed in the 

action alternatives.

Effects to SOLC and sensitive plants and their habitat from mechanical vegetation treatments would be 

similar under all action alternatives, since the activities proposed primarily differ in the amount of acres 
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treated. Hence, the action alternatives vary in the extent of such effects (Table 3-37). With design 

criteria in place, it is anticipated that there would be minimal direct effects from mechanical vegetation 

treatments to potential sensitive plant habitat of moist forested and riparian communities under all 

action alternatives because most sites would be avoided (i.e., subject to design criterion, no mechanical 

treatment would occur in suitable plant habitat). Refer to the listing of design criteria in Appendix C.

Table 3-37. Area of proposed vegetation treatment that overlaps potential sensitive plant habitat.

Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D

Total acres subject to design criteria 0 323 624 301

Acres of potential plant habitat subject to design criterion-no 

mechanical treatment

0 174 475 152

Acres of potential plant habitat subject to design criterionconsult with botanist, no equipment in area to be designated 

(i.e., mechanical treatments would take place in a portion of 

plant habitat)

0 149 149 149

Areas of potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat, including areas occupied by R2 sensitive species

Cypripedium parviflorum, are proposed for various treatments designed to address the purpose and 

need of the Steamboat Project under all action alternatives. The area of potential SOLC and sensitive 

plant habitat affected under all action alternatives is approximately 149 acres. Treatments include noncommercial thinning, individual tree selection, commercial thinning, product-other-than-log, understory 

thinning, commercial and non-commercial meadow enhancement, and commercial and non-commercial 

hardwood enhancement. See Appendix C for a listing of these areas by stand number.

These treatments target smaller diameter (i.e., less than nine inches DBH) ponderosa pine trees growing 

in mixed stands along drainages. In some areas, pine growth has contributed to high wildfire risk. 

Treatments would reduce the fire risk to SOLC and sensitive plants in these areas. Mechanical 

treatments aren’t likely to directly impact SOLC plants since they are not known to exist in the project 

area, but mechanical treatments could impact known populations of Cypripedium parviflorum, an R2 

sensitive species that is present in some of the areas proposed for treatment. Effects include trampling 

or crushing of habitat and individual plants from machinery running through habitat and over 

individuals. Ground disturbance and soil compaction are possible to potential habitat in mechanical 

units resulting from heavy equipment entering and being used in the area.

In order to mitigate these potential effects from mechanical vegetation treatment activities occurring in 

potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat, design criteria require the botanist’s involvement in project 

implementation. Cypripedium parviflorum populations are scattered where treatments are proposed, 

therefore, known sites would be marked clearly, given a sufficient buffer, and avoided during project 

activity. This would protect any currently unknown SOLC plant populations that may be co-occurring 

with Cypripedium parviflorum.

For all remaining areas of potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat, no mechanical vegetation 

treatments would take place. 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. Effects would be similar to those described above including crushing of 

individual SOLC or sensitive plants and surrounding shading vegetation, ground disturbance, and soil 

compaction. These effects, while unknown in size, have the most potential to occur in Alternative C, 
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where 624 acres of potential plant habitat subject to design criteria overlap with proposed vegetation 

treatments. Alternatives B and D have less potential for this effect to occur, with 323 and 301 acres of 

overlap, respectively.

Therefore, while direct impacts to unknown SOLC plant occurrences and habitat are possible from 

12,336 acres of mechanical treatment in Alternative B, 17,970 acres of mechanical treatment in 

Alternative C, or 9,394 acres of mechanical treatment in Alternative D, 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 SOLC and R2 sensitive 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, will 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 plants occur) 

through protective measures associated with Forest Service Manual 2509.25 - Watershed 

Conservation Practices Handbook. 

Direct Effects – Prescribed Fire

Prescribed burning could occur in 242 of the 931 total acres of potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat 

in the project area. Activities associated with prescribed fire treatments 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. Design criteria call for 

newly constructed control line to be located outside of potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat. 

Existing roads are generally utilized as control lines where possible.

The areas of potential SOLC and sensitive plant habitat within the Steamboat 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) or fall (mid-September-January) to take 

advantage of moderate daytime temperatures, low night time temperatures, higher relative humidity, 

increased chance of precipitation, lower fuel temperatures and higher fuel moisture content. These

conditions may result in less impact to SOLC and sensitive plant habitat associated with prescribed fire.
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Figure 3-8. Potential Suitable Plant Habitat within Potential Prescribed Burn Units.

Indirect Effects – Mechanical Vegetation Treatments and Prescribed Fire 

There may be beneficial indirect effects to rare plant species and potential plant habitat through 

implementation of prescribed fire proposed in the action alternatives. Reducing fuels directly adjacent 

to these species through mechanical treatments and prescribed burning may decrease the risk of 

intense wildfires. This would benefit the species and their habitat. 

Ecotones between potential plant habitat 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). 
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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 

potential plant habitat. 

Indirect effects to potential plant habitat under Alternatives B, C, and D include the possibility for 

degradation of habitat by invasion or spread of noxious weeds resulting from adjacent or immediate 

disturbances (e.g. mechanical vegetation treatments or prescribed burning). Standards and guidelines 

present in the Forest Plan, and applicable to this project, and the Noxious Weed Management Plan will 

help reduce indirect effects on SOLC and sensitive 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 plant habitat in a manner similar to wildfire. 

Small patches of higher severity burning may also occur, and could have adverse impacts to potential 

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. 

Finally, any vegetation treatments that remove or reduce shading from the overstory could negatively 

impact SOLC and sensitive plant habitat by creating warmer, drier, more exposed conditions for plants 

on the forest floor. Some plant SOLC, such as Listera convallarioides, Lycopodium annotinum, and 

Polysticum lonchitis are found on shaded or partially shaded sites.

Direct and Indirect Effects – Meadow Enhancement and Hardwood Enhancement Treatments

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 noncommercial hardwood and meadow enhancements (both non-mechanized treatments), smaller trees 

would be removed from aspen and meadow areas.

Direct effects to SOLC and sensitive plants and potential habitat are likely to be minimal where the “no 

mechanical treatment” design criterion applies. 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.

Similar effects could result to unknown occurrences of SOLC or sensitive plants and their habitat under 

all action alternatives where treatment of ponderosa pine would occur in potential habitat, as described 

above.
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Indirect effects to SOLC and sensitive plant occurrences and potential plant habitat under Alternatives B, 

C, and D 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 will result 

from commercial hardwood enhancements than with non-commercial (hand) treatments of meadow 

and hardwood enhancements. Standards and guidelines present in the Forest Plan, and applicable to 

this project, and the Noxious Weed Management Plan will help reduce indirect effects on sensitive and 

SOLC plant occurrences and potential habitat due to the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds may outcompete desired plant species, and spray from herbicides used to help control weeds can also have 

negative effects on sensitive and SOLC plants.

Direct and Indirect Effects – Transportation System Changes

The transportation system included as part of the action alternatives includes segments of new, 

converted, temporary and reconstructed roads that cross potential sensitive plant habitat (Table 3-39). 

New road construction (totaling approximately 2.77 miles) would pass through potential plant habitat 

under Alternative C only. 

There are possible negative impacts from road related activity to potential 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 Noxious Weed Management Plan will help reduce indirect effects on 

sensitive plant occurrences and potential habitat due to the spread of weeds. Design criteria to limit the 

spread of noxious weeds are included in all action alternatives.

Table 3-39. Transportation system changes within potential plant habitat by alternative.

Proposed Activity Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D

Convert (non-system to 

system) (miles)

0 0.95 0.95 0.95

Reconstruction (miles) 0 17.0 19.0 17.0

Temporary (estimated

miles)

0 0.50 0.82 0.35

New construction (miles) 0 0 2.77 0

Road construction or maintenance in or adjacent to potential habitat may result in direct effects to 

individual SOLC or sensitive plants and potential plant habitat under Alternatives B, C, or D. There is the 

potential for heavy equipment to crush or kill individual SOLC or sensitive 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 result in indirect effects to 

any unknown SOLC and sensitive plant occurrences and potential plant habitat under Alternatives B, C, 

and D. 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 SOLC and sensitive 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). 
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Standards and guidelines present in the Forest Plan and the Noxious Weed Management Plan will 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 and SOLC plants. 

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects area for the seven SOLC and six R2 sensitive plan 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 Amendment FEIS. This temporal scale is based onthe planning horizon (usually 

50 years for a Forest plan), the biology of the species, and the time needed for the overall ecosystem to 

respond to proposed management (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). Past actions considered in this analysis 

are described in Appendix D.

Soil disturbance, introduction of invasive species, increased fuel loading, and changes in micro site 

moisture and hydrologic regimes can negatively affect potential plant habitat. Historical management in 

the Black Hills has created changes in suitable plant habitat from livestock grazing, road building, 

recreation, fire suppression, mining activities, water diversion, and near-extirpation of beaver, all of 

which have decreased suitability of many areas as habitat for sensitive and SOLC plant species. 

Furthermore, private lands in the project area have historic and ongoing uses that decrease the 

capability of these lands to support SOLC and sensitive plant species. Private lands in the project area 

frequently include streams and riparian areas important to SOLC and sensitive plant species. These 

activities include residential development, grazing, timber harvest, water development or diversion, and 

other activities. These activities add incrementally to effects such as habitat loss, soil erosion and 

compaction, noxious weed introduction and spread, and removal or degradation of native riparian 

vegetation.

Implementation of Alternative B, C, or D could contribute to the spread of invasive species and noxious 

weeds resulting from soil disturbing activities in the proximity of SOLC or sensitive plants. These 

activities include mechanical treatments associated with logging, fuel reduction, commercial hardwood 

enhancements, prescribed burning, and road building and 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 Noxious Weed Management 

Plan would likely reduce cumulative effects of weed spread and new establishment. 

Transportation system changes proposed in the project area may also add to present adverse impacts 

from motorized vehicle use. Routes currently in use under the Black Hills National Forest Travel 

Management Plan traverse SOLC and sensitive plant habitat in the project area. Effects include vehicle 

tracks and associated removal of vegetation (USDA-Forest Service 2009).

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 potential 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 
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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 sensitive and SOLC 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 in 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 Alternatives B, C, or D based on the 

following:

1. The Steamboat project area was surveyed specifically for sensitive plant species and 

potential sensitive plant habitats. 

2. Design criteria are in place for potential habitat under all action alternatives.

3. Existing occurrences are not knowingly planned to be impacted by this project. 

Furthermore, the two species with known occurrences in the project area, Cypripedium 

parviflorum, and Viburnum opulus var. americanum, are considered to be relatively secure 

in the Black Hills at this time based on the large number of occurrences that are widely 

distributed across the Forest (USDA-Forest Service 2005c).

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 all action 

alternatives in the Steamboat project area. 

Risks and Determination for Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare

Risks

There is much uncertainty regarding risks to Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare. 

Disturbances and land management activities may create and maintain potential habitat or may 

negatively impact existing populations depending on the disturbance intensity and frequency (USDAForest Service 2005c).

 

Determinations 

Because limited information is available for both Botrychium species in the Black Hills and in the Rocky 

Mountain Region, it is difficult to assess whether the activities associated with the Steamboat Project 

would have no effect, a potential adverse effect, or a potential beneficial effect on B. campestre and B. 

lineare. Based on the information that is available, 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 Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare for Alternatives A, B, C and D 

based on the following rationale:

1. The known occurrences of Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare are not 

located within the Steamboat project area and would not be disturbed by the 
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activities associated with this project. While the full extent of the distribution of 

Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare in the Black Hills is currently 

unknown, the appearance of above-ground sporophytes at the known sites is 

indicative of viable populations with extensive supporting underground biomass 

(including mycorrhizae) (Farrar 2004). Therefore, while loss of individuals may occur

in any currently unknown sites, if any exist, in the Steamboat project area, the viable 

populations at the known occurrence sites outside the project area would not be 

affected by this project.

2. Typically, moonworts are long-lived (i.e., 10 to 15 years) colonizing plants that may 

require disturbed sites to become established (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). This is 

consistent with several of the Botrychium campestre and Botrychium lineare 

occurrence conditions from the Black Hills where low levels of ongoing disturbance 

occurs (USDA-Forest Service 2005c, Farrar et al. 2006). If there is an unknown site 

occurrence in the Steamboat project area, it is possible that it could expand, if 

present, or site conditions could be altered as a result of some level of disturbance 

from the vegetation treatments and prescribed burning in Alternatives B, C, and D 

(i.e., creating earlier successional conditions including tree/shrub shade reduction, 

disturbed site conditions, opening up of the canopy, and changes in plant 

competition patterns) that would be favorable for colonization by Botrychium spp. 

spores, as long as associated mycorrhizae and other microsite conditions are 

present. Conversely, activities that take place when the ground is not frozen could 

result in below-ground disturbance that may impact some unknown individuals

(USDA-Forest Service 2005c). 

3. Despite the fact that aboveground stems may be negatively affected (if even 

present), beneficial short and long-term effects may be realized by the prescribed 

burning in Alternatives B, C, and D. Prescribed fire may provide the disturbance 

needed for site colonization and persistence (i.e., maintaining open sunny 

conditions). When an occurrence has aboveground growth, a fast moving fire may 

not negatively impact it. The fire may remove aboveground stem portions, but 

would not be expected to affect belowground individuals or parts. Prescribed fires 

would most likely occur between mid September through January for fall burns, and 

May for spring burns (less likely to occur than fall burns) when it is cooler and more 

moisture is present. Although unknown, an intense fire (from wildfires or a high 

intensity prescribed burn) that may have high severity effects, such as deep soil 

heating could potentially negatively affect both the belowground and aboveground 

portions of Botrychium individuals (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). If unknown 

occurrences exist in the project area, creation or maintenance of low crown-fire 

hazard conditions would reduce the likelihood of occurrence loss associated with a 

high intensity fire. 

4. There is no data suggesting a direct impact of weeds to Botrychium species, but 

their mutual affinity for disturbance may cause Botrychium species and their 

habitats to be vulnerable to negative impacts from weeds. Weeds are often an 

indirect effect that can be expected from any type of ground disturbance and could 

result from implementing this project. Although uncertainty exists, weed 

competition as well as herbicide application are considered to be potential risks to 

Botrychium species (USDA-Forest Service 2005c).
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Complete distribution, abundance, microhabitat needs, and disturbance regimes optimal for persistence 

of B. campestre and B. lineare are unknown. This lack of information makes it difficult to predict what 

the cumulative effects to these species would be. Past, present, and foreseeable future actions (as well 

as natural disturbances) likely have and could be expected to continue to have both beneficial or 

negative effects on some of these individuals or entire occurrences; at the same time they could 

contribute to site conditions suitable for colonization by Botrychium campestre or Botrychium lineare, or 

helping to conserve or maintain existing habitat (USDA-Forest Service 2005c).

3.6 Noxious Weeds

3.6.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for noxious weeds. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Range and Weeds Report (Jons 2011), 

which is located in the Steamboat project file.

3.6.2 Existing Conditions

The most recent monitoring report prepared for the Black Hills National Forest suggested that about 

180,000 acres of National Forest System land within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest are 

infested by noxious weeds (USDA-Forest Service 2010). Weed inventories conducted in the Steamboat 

project area indicate approximately 4,877 acres within the project area that contain noxious weed 

infestations. Some areas contain multiple noxious weed species. Species identified in the inventory 

include the following: 

Table 3-40. Noxious Weeds in the Steamboat Project Area

Common Name Scientific Name Acres in the Steamboat 

Project Area

Canada thistle Cirsium arvense 4,509

Common mullein Verbascum thapsus 91

Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare 15

Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale 186

Musk thistle Carduus nutans <1

Oxeye daisy* Chrysantheumum leucanthemum <1

Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa <1

St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum < 1

Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris 74

*These species are not currently listed as either a Local or State Noxious Weeds by the State of South Dakota.

3.6.3 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 
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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 have been the areas 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 listed in 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. The effects analysis presented below 

assumes that relevant weed prevention practices will be implemented.

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 similar in structure. This creates 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. 

Cumulative Effects 

No disturbance creating activities would occur as a result of the Steamboat Project under Alternative A, 

so there would be no accumulation of effects with past, present or reasonably foreseeable future 

actions.

Under Alternative A, the inventory and treatment of noxious weeds 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.
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Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Alternative B includes approximately 12,336 acres of commercial and non-commercial vegetation 

treatment. It also calls for 10,608 acres of prescribed fire with an additional 84 acres of fuels 

treatments. In addition, this alternative proposes the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of 

approximately 100 miles of NFS roads.

Noxious weed infestations are expected to increase under this alternative. Commercial and noncommercial timber harvest activities often provide mechanisms for the introduction, establishment, and 

spread of noxious weeds. Anywhere soil disturbance occurs, 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. Based on the acres of treatment and miles of road construction proposed, it is anticipated that 

Alternative B would result in approximately 382 acres of new noxious weed infestation. 

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 Black Hills National Forest would hopefully reduce the amount of off road travel that occurs off 

of designated routes within the project area. This should reduce the chances of weed infestations away 

from the designated travel routes.

Noxious weeds have been and would 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 treatment costs. 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 infected 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. 
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Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Alternative C includes approximately 18,049 acres of commercial and non-commercial vegetation 

treatment. It also calls for 10,608 acres of prescribed fire with an additional 84 acres of fuels 

treatments. In addition, this alternative proposes the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of 

approximately 132 miles of NFS roads.

Noxious weed infestations are expected to increase under this alternative. Commercial and noncommercial timber harvest activities often provide mechanisms for the introduction, establishment, and 

spread of noxious weeds. Anywhere soil disturbance occurs, 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. Due to the increased amount of treatments and roads proposed under Alternative C, it would 

have the potential for a higher level of noxious weed infestation than Alternatives B or D. Based on the 

acres of treatment and miles of road construction proposed, it is anticipated that Alternative C would 

result in approximately 556 acres of new noxious weed infestation. 

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects of Alternative C would be similar to those described under Alternative B above. 

Due to the increased level of timber harvest and road construction under Alternative C, the magnitude 

of the cumulative effects would be slightly higher.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects 

Alternative D includes approximately 9,394 acres of commercial and non-commercial vegetation 

treatment. It also calls for 10,608 acres of prescribed fire with an additional 84 acres of fuels 

treatments. In addition, this alternative proposes the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of 

approximately 74 miles of NFS roads.

Noxious weed infestations are expected to increase under this alternative. Commercial and noncommercial timber harvest activities often provide mechanisms for the introduction, establishment, and 

spread of noxious weeds. Anywhere soil disturbance occurs, 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. Due to the decreased amount of proposed timber harvest and the absence of new road 

construction, the potential for noxious weed infestation under Alternative D would be lower than under 

Alternatives B or C. Based on the acres of treatment proposed, it is anticipated that Alternative D would 

result in approximately 290 acres of new noxious weed infestation. 
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Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects of Alternative D would be similar to those described under Alternative B above. 

Due to the reduced level of timber harvest and absence of new road construction in Alternative D, the 

magnitude of the cumulative effects would be lower.

3.7 Range

3.7.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat Project 

Area for range management. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Range and Weeds Report (Jons 

2011), which is located in the Steamboat project file.

3.7.2 Existing Conditions

The Steamboat Project Area contains all or portions of two different grazing allotments and 

approximately 1,228 acres of primary grazing area. Six water developments and 14.5 miles of fence are 

also located within the project area. The names of the allotments, along with a brief description of 

each, are provided below:

Elk Allotment

The Elk Allotment consists of 18,772 acres, 15,555 acres of which fall within the project area. Currently 

this allotment is vacant with no permitted livestock.

Little Elk Allotment

The Little Elk Allotment consists of 9,479 acres, 3,479 acres of which fall within the project area. 

Currently there are two permittees that graze 63 pair from June 6th through September 30th each year in 

a two pasture deferred rotation grazing system.

3.7.3 Environmental Consequences

The effects of cattle grazing on the allotments included in the Steamboat project were analyzed and 

documented in the Livestock Grazing Environmental Assessment (EA) (USDA-Forest Service 1997b) and 

are not repeated here because the Steamboat Project would not alter the size of the grazing allotments, 

the season of their use or the number of livestock allowed upon them. Therefore, the analysis in the 

Livestock Grazing EA is still applicable. The Livestock Grazing EA is available upon request.

3.8 Hydrology and Soils

3.8.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat Project 

Area for hydrology and soils. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Hydrology and Soils Reports

(Dempsey 2011), which is located in the Steamboat project file.
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3.8.2 Existing Conditions

Field Surveys

Limited field surveys were completed between 2008 and 2010 within the Steamboat project area. The 

primary objectives of the field work were to locate any Connected Disturbed Areas (CDA) that may be 

present, 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 2005c). Stream classification consists of 

identifying whether a stream is perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral. Any watershed problems need to 

be identified so appropriate correction measures can be identified. 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. Areas visited for the soils 

assessment were distributed throughout the Steamboat project area. Some soils identified from the soil 

survey that were identified as having a high erosion hazard were visited. Soil information was used to 

assess the condition of the soils from past activities and to address cumulative effects. Field surveys 

were also conducted in areas prone to mass movement to assess signs of instability. 

Watersheds

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 HUC watersheds are nested within 

sixth-level HUC 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 FEIS (USDA-Forest Service 1996). 

The review of watershed features conducted for the Steamboat project area was completed on HUC 7 

watersheds. The smaller HUC 7 watersheds are being used instead of entire HUC 6 watersheds because 

large areas of the HUC 6 watersheds are outside of the Steamboat project area. The Steamboat project 

area boundary encompasses portions of four HUC 6 watersheds. Because a large area of the HUC 6 

watersheds are outside the project area, conducting the analysis on HUC 7 watersheds is appropriate; 

the Steamboat project area boundary was delineated in part by following the HUC 7 boundaries. 

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 Steamboat project area are provided in 

Table 3-41 below. Note that the total watershed acres are greater than the acres within the Steamboat 

project area because portions of the watersheds are located outside the project area boundary.
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Table 3- 41. HUC 6 and HUC 7 Watersheds in the Steamboat Project Area

HUC 6 Watershed 

Name/Number

Forest Plan 

Watershed 

Name/Number

HUC 7 Watersheds

Name/Number Total Size 

(Acres)

Percent in 

Steamboat 

Project Area 

(Acres)

Percent in 

Private within 

Project Area 

(Acres)

Middle Boxelder 

Creek

101201110102

Lower Boxelder 

Creek

8903

Boxelder-Wilson

101201110102001

6,547 23%

(1,496)

26%

(384)

Estes

10120111010202

5,213 17%

(910)

30%

(276)

Boxelder-Erskine

10120111010204

5,427 69%

(3,742)

16%

(594)

Lower Boxelder 

Creek

101201110103

Lower Boxelder 

Creek

8903

Boxelder-Doty

10120111010301

9,355 9%

(873)

3%

(30)

Elk Creek

101201110201

Little Elk Creek

8802

Upper Little Elk 

Creek

10120111020105

10,659 67%

(7,187)

4%

(263)

Piedmont Creek 

8803

Elk-Stagebarn 

Canyon

101201110202

Stagebarn 

Canyon

8804

Stagebarn Canyon

10120111020201

10,495 79%

(8,302)

4%

(320)

Lower Stagebarn 

Canyon

10120111020202

6,844 4%

(280)

0%

(0)

Piedmont Creek

8803

Elk-Priest Canyon

10120111020203

7,569 13%

(992)

4%

(39)

Watershed Condition Class

Watershed classes were assigned to sixth- level watersheds during revision of the Forest Plan (USDAForest Service 1996). The determination of class was accomplished by comparing natural sensitivity, 

impact index and monitoring information. The sensitivity and impact index are explained in Appendix J 

of the Forest Plan FEIS. Table 3-42 below presents the watershed condition class information from the 

Appendix J. The watershed uses for watershed condition assessments are different than those used 

today. The information generated for the Forest Plan is adequate and will not be recalculated for this 

project area.

Table 3-42. Forest Plan Watersheds and 1996 Forest Plan FEIS Condition Classes

Watershed Name Watershed 

Number

Condition Class Watershed Total 

Acreage

Total acres of Project area 

within watershed 

(percentage)

Little Elk Creek 8802 III 11,624 6,837 (59%)

Piedmont Creek 8803 III 2,825 1,305 (46%)

Stagebarn Canyon 8804 III 17,598 8,587 (49%)

Lower Boxelder Creek 8903 III 41,193 7,032 (17%)
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Watersheds categorized as Condition Class III are described as being of high concern (USDA-Forest 

Service 1996). Forest Plan direction states that management activities can still occur in these 

watersheds, but that watershed improvement projects or other activities that would improve the health 

of the watershed must be a part of the project planning (USDA-Forest Service 1996). All of the 

watersheds within the project area are categorized as Class III watersheds. The Black Hills National 

Forest has determined that management activities can occur in a Class III watershed as long as they 

meet the following requirements:

• the activities do not further degrade the watershed,

• the activities demonstrate that watershed improvement is targeted by successfully eliminating 

some of the existing CDA known to occur within the project area,

• the activities and their design result in overall improvement in the health of the watershed, and

• watershed improvement project needs are identified during the project data gathering or 

planning process and, if feasible, are considered for inclusion in the project.

Opportunities were identified for watershed improvement activities within the Steamboat project area. 

Improving the road conditions, especially at the stream crossings, is one activity that would help 

improve watershed conditions through reducing the number of CDA. Repairing these crossings would 

disconnect a current sediment source (e.g. roads) from streams and improve water quality. Several 

meadows and riparian areas are being encroached by pine trees; removal of pine from these areas

would also a improve watershed health. 

Streams

Approximately 93 miles of mapped streams exist within the Steamboat project area. Approximately 54 

miles (58%) of stream were assessed in 2009 and 2010 to determine if the streams were perennial, 

intermittent, or ephemeral.

Of the 93 miles of stream within the Steamboat project area: 

• 43 miles are ephemeral streams

• 33 miles are intermittent streams

• 17 miles are perennial streams

During the 2009 and 2010 surveys, some streams were reclassified as ephemeral streams from 

intermittent streams. After two years of higher than average precipitation in 2009 and 2010, there was 

no evidence of flow in the streams. Most ephemeral streams within the Steamboat project area are 

well defined and have a corridor of hardwoods and shrubs around them showing higher water content. 

The majority of the ephemeral streams have limestone bedrock. The high porosity of the limestone 

could cause these streams to consist of losing reaches, which lose surface water to the groundwater 

aquifers.

Approximately 35% of streams within the Steamboat project area were classified as intermittent. These 

streams did flow for part of either 2009 or 2010 surveys or had vegetative indicators that these streams 

do have flowing surface water. Sometimes, intermittent streams were impacted by upstream 

impoundments.
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Only 18% of the streams within the Steamboat project area are classified as perennial streams. Two 

primary streams make up this 18%: Boxelder Creek and Little Elk Creek. Some tributaries to Boxelder 

Creek and Little Elk Creek are also perennial. A short reach of Stagebarn Canyon and a tributary of 

Stagebarn Canyon are classified as perennial.

Table 3-43. Streams within the Steamboat Project area.

HUC7 Watershed Stream Names Total Miles of Stream Miles of Stream Across

Private Land (Percentage)

10120111020105

Upper Little Elk Creek

Little Elk Creek

Waite Gulch

Chimney Canyon

26 miles total

Ephemeral-7 miles

Intermittent – 10 miles

Perennial- 9 miles

3.8 miles

(15%)

10120111020201

Stagebarn Canyon

Stagebarn Canyon

South Stagebarn Canyon

35.7 miles total

Ephemeral- 23.3 miles

Intermittent- 12.2 miles

Perennial- 0.2 miles

2.4 miles

(7%)

10120111020202

Lower Stagebarn Canyon

Stagebarn Canyon 1 mile total

Intermittent- 0.3 miles

Perennial- 0.7 miles

0 miles

10120111020203 

Elk- Priest Canyon

Priest Canyon 5.6 miles total

Intermittent- 5.6 miles

0.5 miles

(9%)

10120111010201 

Boxelder-Wilson

Boxelder Creek 3.6 miles total

Ephemeral-0.6 miles

Intermittent- 0.1 miles

Perennial- 2.9 miles

3.2 mi

(89%)

10120111010202

Estes

Boxelder Creek

Estes Creek

4.9 miles total

Ephemeral- 0.2 miles

Intermittent- 1.9 miles

Perennial- 2.8 miles

2.3 miles

(47%)

10120111010204

Boxelder-Erskine

Boxelder Creek

Erskine Gulch

12.7 miles total

Ephemeral-8.9 miles

Intermittent- 3.3 miles

Perennial – 0.5 miles

4.1 miles

(32%)

10120111010301 

Boxelder-Doty

None named within 

project area

3.4 miles total

Ephemeral- 3.4 miles

0 miles

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 highintensity spring and summer thunderstorms. The Boxelder Creek stream gauging station near Nemo, SD 

is on the boundary of the Steamboat project area. This stream gauging station has been in operation 

since 1945 (USGS 2011). The records for discharge verify that high flows usually fall between the 

months of April and June (USGS 2011).
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Road-Stream Crossings

Road-stream crossings were assessed in 2008 and 2010 to determine if they were contributing sediment 

into streams. In total, 102 road stream-crossings were assessed. Of these, 21 are culverts, 2 are box 

culverts, 2 are bridges, 76 are low-water crossings, and 1 was over a berm. Observations at 35 of these 

crossings showed that the road was contributing sediment to the stream (i.e., the crossing represented 

a connected disturbed area, or CDA). Twenty-one of these crossings are on ephemeral streams, 12 are 

on intermittent streams, and 2 are on perennial streams. Crossing were rated for fish passage with 

‘green’ representing crossing passable to fish and ‘red’ representing impassable crossings.

Table 3-44. Road-stream crossings summary within the Steamboat project area.

Stream Type Crossing Type Total Surveyed Connected 

Disturbed Areas

Fish Passage

Ephemeral Culvert 12 4 Not applicable

Berm 1 0 Not applicable

Low Water Crossing 70 26 Not applicable

Intermittent Culvert 8 3 1 Grey

7 Red

Low Water Crossing 4 0 1 Green

3 Red

Perennial Box Culvert 2 0 2 Green

Bridges 2 1 2 Green

Low Water Crossing 1 0 1 Green

Spring Brook 

Channels

Culvert 1 0 Not applicable

Low Water Crossing 1 1 Not applicable

Road-stream crossings were also assessed to determine their aquatic passage. Only 17 crossings have 

the potential to affect aquatic passage because they are along perennial or intermittent streams. The 

two spring brook channels are perennial at the road crossing. However; the water infiltrates back into 

the soils and groundwater below the road. A total of 10 road crossings were assessed as being 

impassable to aquatic organisms and rated as a ‘red’. All of these occurred on intermittent streams. 

Only one was indeterminable for aquatic passage, so it was rated as ‘grey’. Six road crossings were 

assessed as passable for aquatic organisms and rated as ‘green’.

Water Quality

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 management activities 

(e.g. timber, grazing, recreation) and the private activities (e.g. grazing, construction, mining) that have 

occurred there. Water quality parameters that may be affected by forest management activities include 

sedimentation to stream channels and changes in water temperature. Changes in these parameters can 

adversely affect the support of beneficial uses if watershed conservation practices are not implemented.

None of the streams within the Steamboat project area are identified by the state of South Dakota as 

not meeting the water quality requirements for their associated beneficial uses (SDDENR 2010).
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Beneficial Uses

The 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 (SD Administrative Code 74:51:03:01). SDDENR 

assigned additional beneficial uses to seven streams located within the project area (Table 3-45). 

Table 3-45. Streams with designated beneficial uses within the Steamboat project area

Stream Name Watershed(s) Beneficial Uses

Boxelder Creek Boxelder-Wilson 

(10120111010201)

Estes (10120111010202)

Boxelder-Erskine 

(10120111010204)

Boxelder-Doty

(10120111010301)

Coldwater permanent fish life propagation waters;

Limited-contact recreation waters

Estes Creek Estes (10120111010202) Coldwater marginal fish life propagation water; 

Limited-contact recreation waters

Little Elk Creek 

(T3N,R6E, Sec. 7)

Little Elk (10120111020105) Coldwater marginal fish life propagation waters; 

Limited contact recreation waters

Little Elk Creek 

(T3N,R5E, Sec. 4)

Little Elk (10120111020105) Coldwater permanent fish life propagation waters; 

Limited-contact recreation waters

Stagebarn Canyon Stagebarn (10120111020201) Coldwater marginal fish life propagation waters; 

Limited contact recreation waters

All streams and headwater areas of streams within this project area are assumed to be meeting their 

beneficial uses, unless stated otherwise by the SDDENR (SDDENR 2010). Every two years, the SDDENR

publishes a water quality assessment of the state for EPA. The 2010 South Dakota Integrated Report for 

Surface Water Quality Assessment shows the status of the water quality of the streams within the state. 

The most current report is from 2010 and does not identify any streams within the project area as 

impaired for water quality or as not meeting their beneficial uses (SDDENR 2010). Only Boxelder Creek 

(the entire reach within the project area) has been assessed to determine whether it is meeting its 

beneficial uses. SDDENR states that Boxelder Creek is fully supporting its beneficial uses (SDDENR 2010). 

Stream Health Surveys

Stream health surveys were conducted along Boxelder Creek, Erskine Gulch, and Little Elk Creek. These 

streams are the main perennial streams within the Steamboat project area. Boxelder Creek is in good 

condition. Some thistle is present but a diverse riparian area exists around the stream. Boxelder Creek 

has more sediment than it moves through the system leaving a veneer of fine-sized sediment on top of 

the cobble and gravel stream bottom. Development within the Boxelder watershed (within and outside 

of the project area) could be the cause of the extra sediment within Boxelder Creek. 

Erskine Creek is entirely within the Steamboat project area. Some private land is located along the 

Erskine Creek that has impacted the stream through damming and agriculture. The stream is now 
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141

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

classified as intermittent within most of the private land just above the confluence with Boxelder Creek. 

Downstream of the lower crossing with FSR 145.1, Erskine Creek is a perennial stream with a defined 

riparian corridor. The stream in that area is controlled by bedrock (limestone) and has very little 

sedimentation along the bottom of the stream. The condition of Erskine Creek greatly improves along 

this short stretch.

The condition of Little Elk Creek is different upstream and downstream of Dalton Lake. Upstream of 

Dalton Lake, the riparian area is wider and more diverse. Also, more trees and shrubs are present along 

Little Elk Creek above Dalton Lake. Upstream of Dalton Lake, bedrock and boulders are the most 

common form of coarse material within the stream. A veneer of fine sediment covers the stream 

bottom, primarily within the pools, eddies, and other low flow areas. Downstream of Dalton Lake, the 

riparian corridor is narrow and primarily composed of sedges and rushes, which do not shade the 

stream very well. The amount of algae located within the stream suggests an increased water 

temperature (due to the lack of stream shading) below Dalton Lake. Some areas are dominated by fine 

sediment along the stream bottom; however, the film veneer across the reach does not exist as in 

stretch above Dalton Lake. The stream is still forming itself downstream of Dalton Lake, which is 

evidenced by the wider stream channel, presence of mid-channel bars, and less diverse riparian area. 

Springs do occur along the base of some hills and terrace slopes along the stream corridor. Waite Gulch 

disappears just before it flows into Little Elk Creek; however, following the stream path are a series of six 

springs that flow out of the streambank in that same area. These springs are probably the waters from 

Waite Gulch. Streamflow of Waite Gulch could be affected by the recreation residences in that area, 

their access road, or FSR 226 (Waite Gulch Road). 

Wetlands

Wetlands are defined as “lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water 

table is usually at or near the surface or land is covered by shallow water” (Cowardin 1979). Wetlands 

are protected under the Executive Order 11990 and through wetland protection practices with the 

Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, FSH 2509.25 (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). Wetlands are 

protected during implementation through the Watershed Conservation Practices, Management 

Measure 3 “In the water influence zone next to perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, and wetlands, 

allow only those actions that maintain or improve long-term stream health and riparian ecosystem 

condition.” (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). 

From the USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI), there were 17 wetlands mapped within the 

Steamboat project area, covering a total of 11.4 acres. Seven of these wetlands occur on NFS land. 

Field review in 2010 identified two additional wetlands. These areas were mapped and will be protected 

through wetland protection practices within the Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook, FSH 

2509.25. 

Wetlands to be protected with a 100-foot buffer are located in stands: 089902-01, 089902-02, 081509-

005, 081509-075, 081509-69, 081508-31, and 081708-70. Wetlands that were part of the NWI layer, 

but were dry in 2010 do not need the 100-foot buffer, but still need protection from heavy equipment. 

These wetlands are located in stands: 081506-113, 081506-118, 089904-43, 089904-81, and 089904-86. 
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Springs

Springs are defined as “place where ground water flows naturally from a rock or the soil onto the land 

surface or into a body of surface water.” (Glossary of Hydrology 1998). Springs are managed as a subset 

of wetlands due their unique characteristics. Also, springs are a primary factor for determination of a 

groundwater dependent ecosystem. A total of 46 springs were identified, confirmed, and mapped 

within the Steamboat project area. 

Springs are protected during implementation through the Watershed Conservation Practices,

Management Measure 3 “In the water influence zone next to perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, 

and wetlands, allow only those actions that maintain or improve long-term stream health and riparian 

ecosystem condition” (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). On page 14, the Watershed Conservation Practices 

state “Avoid any loss of rare wetlands such as fens and springs” (USDA-Forest Service 2006a).

Floodplains

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 Steamboat project area vary in size from where streams are small and steep to 

where streams are wide and broad such as Boxelder Creek. Three mapped 100-year floodplains are 

located in or adjacent to the Steamboat project area, encompassing approximately 430 acres. 

Floodplains that are mapped under Executive Order 11988 are Boxelder Creek, Estes Creek, and Little 

Elk Creek. These floodplains are mapped on both private and NFS lands. Estes Creek is only on private 

lands within the Steamboat project area.

Lakes

Dalton Lake is within the project area along Little Elk Creek. Dalton Lake was approved for dredging 

under the Dalton Lake Recreation Facility Maintenance Project in 2009. Dredging activities are proposed 

to begin fall 2011. 

SDDENR has assigned the following beneficial uses to Dalton Lake: fish and wildlife propagation, 

recreation, stock watering, immersion recreation, contact recreation, and coldwater permanent fish life 

propagation (SD AR 74:51:02:01, SD AR 74:51:02:43).

Dalton Lake is assumed to be meeting its beneficial uses because it has not been identified by the 

SDDENR as not meeting its beneficial uses (SDDENR 2010).

Meadows

During 2010, twenty meadows were visited to determine the meadow health (i.e., if there was pine 

encroachment). Of these, only five meadows had a moderate to high level of pine encroachment. 

Logging has been used within 14 meadows to thin out past pine encroachment. Remnant stumps, slash 

piles, and felled trees provide evidence of past thinning. One meadow also showed evidence of past 

burning. Overall, the meadows within the Steamboat project area have some pine encroachment along 
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143

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

their edges. Most meadows have either a spring or ephemeral stream within the meadow. In areas 

where the ground table is higher, the vegetation is dominated by shrubs. In other areas, meadows are 

predominantly grasses and forbs. Some meadows show evidence of past roads.

Soils

Soils are an integral component of the watershed and serve as an indicator of watershed health. Soil is 

defined as “unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that 

serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants” and “has been subjected to and shows the 

effects of genetic and environmental factors of climate (including water and temperature effects), and 

macro- and microorganisms, conditioned by relief, acting on parent material over a period of time” (Soil 

Science Society of America 2010).

Soils can be affected by human activities including road and trail construction and use, timber harvest 

activities, mining, fires, and livestock grazing (Allen 2005). Compaction, erosion, removal of nutrients, 

and soil heating can result which may limit or reduce long-term productivity of forested sites. The longterm maintenance of site productivity is one goal of the Forest Plan (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). These 

factors are summarized by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Data Mart Database 

(USDA-NRCS 2011).

Furthermore, soils with a large amount of fine clay particles are more vulnerable to disturbance by 

activity. When these soils are at a high moisture content, the individual soil particles compress together 

easier than in drier conditions. Thus, activities that take place during high moisture conditions could 

result in compaction to detrimental levels (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). Also, fine-textured soils have 

slow water permeability. On steep slopes, this causes rapid runoff and high erosion hazard ratings 

(USDA-NRCS 2011). 

A soil map unit (SMU) is “a conceptual group of one to many delineations identified by the same name 

in a soil survey that represent similar landscape areas comprised of either: 

• The same kind of component soil, plus inclusions

• Two or more kinds of component soils, plus inclusions

• Component soils and miscellaneous area, plus inclusions

• Two or more kinds of component soils that may or may not occur together in various 

delineations but all have similar, special use and management, plus inclusions

• A miscellaneous area and included soils” (USDA-NRCS 2011). 

A total of 40 SMUs are present in the Steamboat project area. Twenty units comprise greater than one 

percent of the project area and are shown in Table 3-46. Twenty additional units comprise less than one 

percent of the project area, but together represent two percent of the project area. Soil map units 

which comprise more than one percent of the Steamboat project area were used to address 

compaction, platy structure, erosion, nutrient removal, soil heating, and regeneration hazards.
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Table 3-46. Major Soil Map Units in the Steamboat Project Area

Soil Map 

Unit Symbol

Soil Map Unit Name Percent 

Slope

Acres of FS Land 

within the 

Steamboat Project 

Area (%)

190E, 193F Vanocker-Citadel Complex 10-60 6445 (27%)

CtE Citadel Association, Hilly ---- 5085 (21%)

VaE Vanocker-Citadel Association, Steep ---- 4515 (19%)

202G Vanocker-Sawdust-Rock Outcrop Complex 40-80 2229 (9%)

PaE, 116E Paunsaugunt-Rock Complex 3-40 2072 (9%)

161F Rockoa-Rock Outcrop Complex 25-60 636 (3%)

159E Rockoa-Lakoa-Rock Outcrop Complex 10-40 490 (2%)

24C Citadel-Vanocker Complex 2-12 332 (1%)

6C Bullflat-Cordeston Silt 2-9 284 (1%)

12E Buska-Rock Outcrop Complex 10-40 254 (1%)

40B Cordeston-Marshbrook Loams 0-6 179 (1%)

3B, 3D Bullflat Silt Loam 3-15% 155 (1%)

199C Vanocker-Paunsaugunt Complex 2-12 154 (1%)

McB, 92C Marshbrook-Cordeston Loams 2-9 145 (1%)

51E Grizzly-Grizzly, Moderately Deep Complex 10-40 126 (1%)

82C Maitland Loam 2-10 108 (1%)

Misc 20 Additional SMUs* 0-80 574 (2%)

*The remaining soils are present in the project area, but less than 1% individually. These SMUs were combined to show the 

amount of acreage represented in the Steamboat project area.

Soil Disturbance Assessments

Soil disturbance assessments were completed in 2008 and 2009. Soil transects were conducted in areas 

where management activities occurred previously (disturbed) and in areas where no management 

activities were documented to occur (undisturbed). The Forest Soil Disturbance Monitoring Protocol was 

used during field surveys (Napper et al. 2009 and Page-Dumroese et al. 2009). Under this protocol, each 

location within a transect is assigned a soil disturbance class rating ranging from 0 to 3 (0 = undisturbed, 

1 = lightly disturbed, 2 = moderately disturbed, and 3 = severely disturbed). Each soil disturbance class is 

characterized by specific soil features and structure, although not all of these characteristics need to be 

present to classify a location as a specific soil disturbance class. Soil disturbance class 0 is defined by 

having no evidence of past equipment, intact forest floor layers, no soil displacement, no soil 

compaction, and no platy soils. Soil disturbance class 1 is defined by having faint evidence of past 

equipment, intact forest floor layers, no soil displacement, shallow soil compaction, low burn severity, 

and non-continuous platy structure. Soil disturbance class 2 is defined by having evidence of past 

equipment, partially intact or missing forest floor layers, soil displacement, soil compaction present to 

mineral soil, moderate burn severity, and continuous platy structure. Soil disturbance class 3 is defined 

by having evidence of past equipment, missing forest floor layers, soil displacement, deep soil 

compaction, high burn severity, and continuous platy structure with no penetration of roots. 

Each SMU was surveyed with transects of 30 soil pits spaced approximately 30 meters apart in both an 

undisturbed and disturbed (recently logged) location (if possible). A total of 34 transects were 

completed for the Steamboat project area; 15 transects were surveyed in disturbed areas and 19 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

transects were surveyed in undisturbed areas. Table 3-47 summarizes each transect according to the 

number of sites that included evidence of compaction or platy structure, erosion, and topsoil-subsoil 

mixing. 

Twenty-seven transects were classified as a soil disturbance class 0 (undisturbed) or a soil disturbance 

class 1 (lightly disturbed). Soil map units 24C, 116E, 193F, 199C, 219G, McB, RnG, and VaE had transects 

with at least one site rated as a soil disturbance class 2 (moderately disturbed). Six of these transects 

(24C, 193F, 199C, McB, and VaE) were located within the Cavern and Windy timber sale units, which had 

a sale year of 1999 and 2004, respectively. There were no sites rated as a soil disturbance class 3 

(severely disturbed). Two transects showed disturbance due to burning. These two transects, which had 

a soil condition class 1, were present in an undisturbed area and thus showed minimal soil disturbance 

in terms of compaction, soil erosion, and topsoil-subsoil mixing. 

Table 3-47. Soil Disturbance Assessments for the Steamboat Project Area.

Soil 

Map 

Unit

Disturbed or 

Undisturbed 

Site

Associated 

Timber Sale (if 

applicable)

Number of Sites on Transect with Evidence of: Number of Sites 

per Soil 

Disturbance 

Class‡

Compaction or 

Platy Structure Soil Erosion Topsoil-Subsoil Mixing

6C Undisturbed N/A 0 1 2 Class 1—2 sites

24C Disturbed Cavern 14

Windy 2

9 0 0 Class 1—2 sites

Class 2—4 sites

24C Disturbed Cavern 14 3 2 6 Class 1—3 sites

Class 2—1 site

43C Undisturbed N/A 0 2 0 Class 1—1 site

116E Undisturbed N/A 0 3 3 Class 1—2 sites

Class 2—2 sites

124C Undisturbed N/A 1 1 2 Class 1—12 sitesθ

193F Disturbed Windy 14 8 7 13 Class 1—3 sites

Class 2—8 sites

193F Disturbed Windy 14 9 2 10 Class 1—5 sites

199C Disturbed Windy 14 8 3 15 Class 1—13 sites

Class 2—3 sites

199C Disturbed Windy 14 4 0 5 Class 1—2 sites

219G Undisturbed N/A 0 1 2 Class 1—2 sites

Class 2—2 sites

221E Disturbed Rochford 4 14 1 5 Class 1—2 sites

CtE Disturbed Cavern 5 2 0 0 Class 1—7 sites

HtG Undisturbed N/A 0 3 6 Class 1—23 sitesθ

McB Disturbed Cavern18 6 4 10 Class 1—5 sites

Class 2—3 sites

RnG Undisturbed N/A 4 7 12 Class 1—7 sites

Class 2—8 sites

VaE Disturbed Windy 6 4 3 6 Class 1—5 sites

Class 2—1 site

VaE Undisturbed N/A 0 3 1 Class 1—4 sites

‡

Only sites with at least one site with a soil disturbance class greater than 0 were documented in this table. A complete list of 

sites can be found in the project record.
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* Not all SMUs were surveyed; this was because either the SMU had too small of an area represented within the project area or 

was inaccessible due to private lands and/or the absence of right-of-way.

θ Transects with a high number of Class 1 sites were due to burning.

Soil Compaction and Platy Structure

Soil compaction results in an increase of soil bulk density and a decrease in soil porosity. Platy structure 

is commonly related to soil compaction and is identified as flat-lying or tabular structure (Napper et.al 

2009). Water, air, and soil fauna move through the soil in pore spaces, thus the reduction of pore 

spaces results in the reduction of these components. This furthermore results in excessive runoff, 

erosion, nutrient loss, inhibition of plant growth, and possible water quality problems (Muckel 2004). 

The WCPH states that no more than 15% of any individual harvest unit can have cumulative detrimental 

soil disturbance (USDA-Forest Service 2006a).

Soils susceptible to compaction are characterized by having high water capacity and low strength. 

Twelve of the major SMUs (those comprising over 1% of the project area) are characterized as low 

strength. These SMUs are: CtE, McB, VaE, 3B, 3D, 6C, 12E, 24C, 40B, 82C, 92C, and 116E (USDA-NRCS

2011). These SMUs comprise 44% of the project area, or 10,876 acres. In addition, six of these SMUs 

with low strength also have a high water capacity, making them highly susceptible to compaction. These 

SMUs are 24C (Citadel-Vanocker complex), 40B Cordeston-Marshbrook loams), 82C (Maitland loam), 

92C (Marshbrook-Cordeston loams), CtE (Citadel association), and McB (Marshbrook-Cordeston loams) 

and comprise approximately 24% of the project area, or 5,849 acres (USDA-NRCS 2011). Previous soil 

monitoring in BHNF has shown that timber harvest activities on moist or wet soils has resulted in 

compaction and high soil bulk density levels, whereas activities on these soils when they are dry has 

resulted in no or limited compaction and lower soil bulk density levels. It is unknown how long a 

detrimentally compacted soil will decrease to a level below this threshold, but it is hypothesized that 

those soils which undergo active freeze-thaw conditions or develop a flush of herbaceous vegetation 

growth can cause a decline in soil bulk density levels (USDA-Forest Service 2010a).

Soil Erosion

Erosion is the removal of material from the surface soil by water, ice, wind, or gravity (Muckel 2004,

Napper et al. 2009). Signs of erosion include the presence of rills or gullies, pedestaling of rocks or 

plants, erosion pavement, and lighter-colored soil horizons present at the surface (Napper et al. 2009). 

The NRCS provides ratings for SMUs for off-road soil erosion potential. 

The ratings for ‘Hazard of Off-Road or Off-Trail Erosion’ are based on slope and the soil erosion factor K. 

Soil loss occurs when 50% to 75% of the surface has been exposed by management activities and sheet 

or rill erosion occurs. A rating of ‘slight’ means that erosion is unlikely, ‘moderate’ means that some 

erosion is likely and erosion control measures may need to be present, ‘severe’ means that erosion is 

very likely and that erosion control measures are suggested, and ‘very severe’ means that significant 

erosion is expected with loss of soil productivity and off-site damage will occur and erosion control 

measures would be impractical (USDA-NRCS 2011). Sixteen out of the 20 major SMUs are classified with 

a slight or moderate rating. Three of the SMUs with a moderate rating (12E, 116E, and 159E) have rock 

outcrop as a secondary component of the soil with a very severe rating. These rock outcrops comprise 

less than 25% of the SMU and are not considered a concern for erosion. Soil map units 161F, 193F, 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

202G, and VaE are characterized as severe and comprise 9,669 acres, or 39%, of the project area. These 

are soil map units of concern for Steamboat project area.

The ratings for ‘Hazard of Erosion on Roads and Trails’ are based on slope, the soil erosion factor K, and 

the amount of rock fragments present. These ratings apply to native surface roads or trails. A rating of 

‘slight’ means little or no erosion is likely, ‘moderate’ means some erosion is likely and occasional 

maintenance and simple erosion control measures may be needed, ‘severe’ means that significant 

erosion is expected and frequent maintenance and erosion control measures are needed, and ‘very 

severe’ means that significant erosion is expected with loss of soil productivity and off-site damage will 

occur and erosion control measures would be impractical (USDA-NRCS 2011). Twelve out of the 20 

major SMUs are classified with a slight or moderate rating. Soil map units 159E and 190E are classified as 

moderate in the primary soil component and severe and very severe in the secondary soil components. 

Soil map units 12E, 116E, 161F, 193F, 202G, CtE, PaE, and VaE are characterized as severe and comprise

17,080 acres, or 69%, of the project area. Four of these SMUs (12E, 116E, 161F, and 202G) have 

secondary soil components with a very severe rating and comprise 3,208 acres, or 13%, of the project 

area.

Nutrient Removal

“Soil fertility depends on organic matter and nutrients. Soil productivity can be degraded if humus and 

topsoil, or even excess leaves and limbs, are taken off site” (USDA-Forest Service 1996). Forest Plan 

standard 1102 sets requirements for soils with organic matter content less than two percent and those 

soils with an effective rooting depth of less than 15 inches (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). None of the 

major SMUs have less than two percent organic matter in the topsoil. Two SMUs contain soils with a 

rooting depth that may be less than 15 inches. Soil map units 116E, 124C, and PaE have soil type 

Paunsaugunt as a primary component which has a rooting depth between 10 and 20 inches. Collectively 

these SMUs comprise 2,072 acres, or 8%, of the project area. Five SMUs have rock outcrop as a 

secondary soil component, which has a rooting depth less than 15 inches. Since activity is unlikely to 

occur on rock outcrops, these SMUs are not included as subject to nutrient removal. 

Soil Heating

“Soil heating is caused by severe fires that occur when humus and large fuels are dry and are consumed 

near the ground. Soil heating sterilizes the soil, alters soil physics, consumes organic matter, and 

removes much of the site’s nutrients” (USDA-Forest Service 1996). The NRCS (2011) rates soils for 

“Potential for Damage to Soil by Fire”. These ratings are based on the texture of the surface layer, 

content of rock fragments and organic matter in the surface layer, thickness of the surface layer, and 

slope. Soil map units are rated as low, moderate, or high in response to prescribed fires or wildfires of 

moderate intensity. “Moderate intensity” relates to a fire that is hot enough to remove the duff layer 

and consume organic matter in the surface layer. All SMUs have a rating of low or moderate within the 

Steamboat project area. Five SMUs have rock outcrop as a secondary soil component which has a high 

rating for potential for damage to soil by fire. These components comprise less than 25% of the 

individual SMU and are therefore not included as subject to damage by soil heating. 
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Regeneration Hazards

“Forests must be restocked within 5 years after harvest. Regeneration may be impeded on marginal 

sites due to seedling mortality, plant competition, and other factors” (USDA-Forest Service 1996). 

Typically the Black Hills has not experienced problems maintaining sufficient ponderosa pine 

regeneration and no problems with regeneration are noted for this area. The NRCS (2011) rates soils for 

‘potential for seedling mortality.’ These ratings are based on flooding, ponding, depth to water table, 

content of lime, reaction, salinity, available water capacity, soil moisture regime, soil temperature 

regime, aspect, and slope. Three SMUs (40B, 92C, and McB) are characterized as high for seedling 

mortality due to the wetness nature of the soil. Soil map unit 6C is characterized as low for seedling 

mortality in the primary soil component, but high in the secondary soil component due to the wetness 

nature of the soil. These SMUs comprise of approximately 609 acres or two percent of the project area. 

Five SMUs have rock outcrop as a secondary soil component which has a high rating for seedling 

mortality due to the carbonate content of the outcrop. The rock outcrop can affect the primary soil 

component by causing that component to have a moderate rating due to soil reaction, carbonate 

content, or available water. These SMUs (116E, 159E, 161F, 202G, and PaE) with a moderate rating in 

the primary soil and a high rating in the rock outcrop secondary soil component comprise for 

approximately 5,413 acres or 22% of the project area.

Geological Hazards 

Mass movement is defined as the ‘dislodgement and downslope transport of soil and rock material as a 

unit under direct gravitational stress’. Mass movement can indicate ‘slow displacements such as creep 

and solifluction and rapid movement such as landslides, rock slides and falls, earthflows, debris flows, 

and avalanches’ (Soil Science Society of America 2010). The primary cause of mass movement is related 

to water. Intense rainfall, snowmelt, changes in ground-water levels and surface-water levels can 

trigger soil to move. Human-induced factors can also trigger mass movement to occur by disturbing or 

changing drainage patterns, destabilizing slopes, and removing vegetation (Highland and Bobrowsky 

2008). In addition, the placement of roads is a concern for triggering mass movement because they can 

potentially overload or undercut the slopes.

Forest Plan guideline 1108 suggests that slopes over 30 percent on Citadel, Lakoa, Larkson, Rockoa, and 

Mathias soils and on slopes greater than 55 percent of every soil type should have an on-site 

examination prior to management activities. Citadel and Rockoa soil types are present in seven of the 

major SMUs in the Steamboat project area: 190E, 193F, CtE, VaE, 161F, 159E, and 24C. These SMUs,

which are present on slopes greater than 30%, comprise approximately 17,470 acres (71%) of the 

project area. 

Slope stability or mass movement potential surveys were conducted from 2008 to 2010 in areas with 30 

percent or greater slopes with either Citadel or Rockoa soils. Signs of instability were noted and 

included hummocky areas, pistol butt and bent trees, and scarping. Locations which showed these signs 

were noted in GIS and a rating of stable, caution, or unstable was given to each area. Stable areas 

showed no signs of instability or the area was stabilized from previous movement activity. Caution 

areas showed some signs of instability, but activities could occur in these areas as long as precautions 

were taken to remove as little vegetative coverage as possible and activity was kept minimal. Unstable 
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areas showed many signs of instability and further activities in these areas would lead to mass 

movement. 

Slope stability investigations were conducted between 2008 and 2010. Slope stability surveys were 

conducted on approximately 9,901 acres total within the Steamboat project area. This corresponds to 

40 percent of the project area. Surveys during the fall of 2008 covered approximately 1,166 acres. 

Surveys found two areas that were rated as unstable, covering 101 acres and three areas were rated as 

“signs of instability” or caution, covering 249 acres. Surveys in summer of 2009 covered 8,717 acres. 

These surveys found six areas that were rated as unstable, covering 1,667 acres and 20 areas that were 

rated as caution, covering 2,978 acres. Surveys in the summer of 2010 covered 18 acres for three areas. 

These surveys found one area that was rated unstable, covering six acres and another site was rated 

caution, covering nine acres. The final site surveyed in 2010 was rated as stable. 

3.8.3 Environmental Consequences

The cumulative effects area for soils is the project area. This area was selected because direct and 

indirect effects on soils would be limited to this area. The time span for the cumulative effects analysis 

of soils is from 2001 to 2021 to allow for completion of all recent, ongoing and foreseeable activities.

The cumulative effects area for water resources is the HUC 7th level watersheds that overlap the project 

area. The total area of these watersheds is 62,110 acres, including 41,125 acres of NFS lands (or 66 

percent of the watersheds). This area was selected because effects on water would not be expected to 

be discernable beyond the 7th-level watershed due to the distance from proposed activities and lack of 

surface water. The time span for the cumulative effects analysis for water resources is 2001 through 

2031 to account for effects of recent, ongoing, and foreseeable activities.

Water Quality

Table 3-48. New Road Crossings in Sensitive Watershed Areas

Location Type of Crossing Alternative Sensitivity Rationale

T2N, R6E, Section 7 New construction B and C Along intermittent reach just above where it 

enters a meadow.

T3N, R5E, Section 13-

Waite Gulch

Road conversion B, C, and D Just above the confluence of two intermittent 

tributaries for Waite Gulch. Between the two 

sets of springs that are the source water for 

Waite Gulch.

T4N, R5E, Section 33-

Perennial tributary to 

Little Elk Creek

Temporary Road 

Crossing

B, C, and D Just below a spring and wetland. At the end 

of a meadow. Most sensitive of all of the 

proposed crossings due to the wetland and 

the stream switches to perennial just below 

the crossing.

T3N, R5E, Section 1-

Intermittent tributary to 

Little Elk Creek

New construction C Near springs that are source water for the 

tributary to Little Elk Creek.
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Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would not include any new activities although existing approved projects are expected 

to be completed. Sediment delivered to the streams would remain at current levels and would not 

increase as the result of this alternative. The risk of a wildfire within Steamboat project area would 

remain high. The risk of a wildfire in the project area would generally be expected to increase over time 

(Rafferty and Gies 2011). 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 reestablished. This was observed on the Jasper 

Fire area (Keyser et al. 2006).

Alternative A would not improve any of the culverts where a direct sediment source into streams exists 

as the result of past actions. Roads would continue to serve as a sediment source to streams at the 35 

CDAs within the project area. Sedimentation levels within streams would either stay at current levels or 

increase with the selection of Alternative A. Meadows and hardwood stands would continue to be 

encroached by pine. Encroachment of pine into meadow and hardwood stands would continue, 

eventually leading to a reduction in meadow and hardwood acres. 

Because no new activities are proposed under Alternative A, the four sensitive new road crossings 

included in the action alternatives (Table 3-48) would not be constructed. These areas would remain 

undisturbed. This alternative has the least impact on these sensitive areas.

The use of chemicals, pathogens, and pesticides would be lower in this alternative than in any of the 

action alternatives. Only vehicle servicing areas would be exposed within the past timber sale areas

where KV activities are ongoing. There would be less equipment within the Steamboat project area and, 

therefore, less chance for a spill to occur. The only areas where pesticide use would occur are within 

past timber sale areas and in areas where county weed crews apply pesticides (primarily near private 

lands). For these reasons, Alternative A has the least risk to water quality from chemical, pathogen, and 

pesticide use as compared to the action alternatives. 

Cumulative Effects

No new activities would commence under Alternative A. Harvest and post-harvest activities would 

continue on active sales and recently closed sales. 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. There are no known concentrated pollutant 

sources or chemical applications near water bodies in the Steamboat Project Area from the past or 

expected in the future.

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 man’s activity, if 

excessive, can impact the aquatic resource. All the activities can add up to have cumulative impacts.

Past activities, usually road related, in the project area, can contribute the largest amount of sediment 

to the streams. Thirty-five CDAs were identified within the Steamboat project area and all would 
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continue to contribute sediment until grid maintenance (every five to ten years) occurs. The number of 

stream crossings in the Steamboat project area would remain unchanged.

Cumulative impacts from sediment could occur if a large wildfire were to occur. At first, there would be 

a large flush of sediment moving downstream. The large flush of sediment would come from hillsides 

and roads. Sediment and ash would be deposited along floodplains and within streams. This could 

cause streams to change the majority size class of stream bed sediments. Usually, there is a layer of 

fine-sized sediment (two millimeters or less) is deposited along point bars. If there is a large flow event 

post-fire, mid- channel bars could develop or streambank erosion could occur. Sediment would choke 

the system for about three years and then start tapering off depending upon the precipitation events.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would treat approximately 12,456 acres (57 percent of the project area) with the intent 

of reducing fire hazard, reducing the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and increasing structural 

diversity. Commercial and non-commercial timber harvest would be utilized to modify stand structure 

and reduce stand density. Harvest methods would be dependent on the terrain and include ground 

based and cable logging systems. Prescribed fire would be utilized to reduce the amount of available 

ground fuels and to mimic natural disturbance. 

Commercial timber harvest proposes to treat up to 219 acres within the watershed influence zone (WIZ)

under Alternative B (Table 3-49). Commercial activities would generally be limited within the WIZ. 

Limited mechanical entries would reduce the potential for sediment to reach streams. Activities that 

would occur within the WIZ are prescribed burning, designated road-stream crossings, and limited 

timber activities. The limited timber activities could be more aggressive around meadows. This would 

allow for limiting the reestablishment of pine within the meadows. These activities could occur within 

the 100 foot WIZ. Minimal sediment may be generated from 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 aquatics. With the full 

implementation of the standards and guidelines, the amount of sediment from harvest, post-harvest 

(KV), and fuel treatment activities is not expected to result in a significant impact on water quality. 

Timber harvest would have little to no effect, with a minor effect from road use compared to Alternative 

A.

Table 3-49. Acres of Treatment within WIZ

Activity Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Commercial Timber 

Total

0 219 628 156

Non-commercial 

TimberTotal

0 55 48 55

Prescribed Fire Total1 0 347 347 347

Total activities 0 454 824 398

1. There is some overlapping of prescribed burning with commercial and commercial timber activities. This number 

does not separate it out, but is the reason why the total activities do not sum up in the table.
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There are 55 acres of non-commercial treatments within the WIZ (Table 3-49). Implementation of 

meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuels treatments near Waite Gulch could cause 

some short-term increases of sediment into streams, primarily because these projects are within the 

WIZ. Approximately 206 acres are proposed for either commercial or non-commercial meadow 

enhancement. This would remove the small and large encroaching pines within the meadow. 

Approximately 630 acres are proposed for hardwood enhancement to remove pine from hardwood 

stands. As a result, the seed source for the trees would be further from the meadows to help negate the 

ability of pine encroachment into the future. This should also help maintain meadows as areas where 

the floodplain is wide during high flow events (i.e., during spring snowmelt and runoff) and water would

be able to spread over a larger area. 

All action alternatives propose 347 acres of prescribed burning within the WIZ (Table 3-49). There 

should be only minor sediment produced as a result of the prescribed burning because the following 

design criteria (WCP 13c) will 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” (USDAForest Service 2006b). There may be small pockets where the soil is exposed but with organic material 

over most of the landscape, erosion and sedimentation should not be a problem. Implementing the 

WCPs would ensure that minimal sediment would reach streams especially when a thunderstorm 

happens after a prescribed burn.

The risk of a large wildfire would be reduced with this alternative as compared to Alternative A. As a 

result of the proposed treatments, a fire may not get as large as it might under Alternative A because of 

the large number of acres with less biomass on them and the reduced amount of accumulated fuel on 

the ground. The risk for a large fire to occur would still be present in the non-treated areas, which would

still have a large accumulation of fuels. If a wildfire were to occur in the Steamboat project area, the 

size would more than likely be smaller and control efforts would be easier due to the reduction of 

biomass. In theory, this would mean less sediment introduced to the streams than in Alternative A and 

fewer impacts to the aquatic ecosystems if a large wildfire were to occur.

Approximately 20 miles of new road construction, 5 miles of road conversion, and 10 miles of temporary 

roads would provide access to the harvest activities. In addition to road maintenance along existing 

routes, road activities would be expected to contribute to erosion of the road itself and to soils located 

near the road. This erosion would be of varying degrees and limited to those soils near the road. Erosion 

can occur on cut and fill slopes, the surface of the road, or the ditch paralleling the road. The amount of 

erosion is affected by road surfacing, cross-drainage off the road surface, soil material of the road, and 

cut and fills slopes material (USDA-Forest Service 1996). Implementation of BMPs and WCPs would 

reduce the amount of sediment that could reach streams from the road activities. 

Table 3-50. Miles of Roads, Temporary Roads, Trails, or Non-System Routes within the WIZ

Category Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Reconstruction 0 2.4 2.6 2.4

New Construction, 

Converted, Temporary 

0 0.7 2 0.5

Existing 9.3 7.1 6.8 7.1

Total 9.3 10.2 11.4 10
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Maintenance and temporary use of roads within the WIZ and at road-stream crossings has the potential 

to increase sediment. Between road conversion, proposed temporary roads, and new road conversion; 

there are varying amounts of new road-stream crossing. Alternative B has nine new road-stream 

crossings. See Table 3-50 for the miles of roads used within the WIZ for the alternatives and Table 3-51

for the number of road-stream crossings used for the alternatives. With activities at road-stream 

crossings and roads in the WIZ, there would be some sediment produced. It is extremely difficult to 

quantify how much sediment would be produced, so the amount of activity within the WIZ is used as a 

comparison for the alternatives. With the implementation of the standards and guidelines, the amount 

of sediment being introduced into streams should be minimal under Alternative B. There would be a 

slight increase of sediment entering the streams with the additions of 10 new stream crossings and 0.9 

miles of roads within the WIZ. This should not result in a major impact to aquatic ecosystems under 

Alternative B, but the impact would be greater impact than Alternative A. 

Table 3-51. Road-Stream Crossings

Category Alternative A1 Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Existing Routes 102 96 93 97

New Construction 0 2 10 0

Road Conversion 0 7 9 4

Temporary Roads 0 7 10 7

Total 102 112 122 108

1. This is based on the 102 road-stream crossings surveyed in the field and there probably were some that were missed. 

Some of these crossings are on routes that will be converted into new system road or will be used as a temporary road.

Alternative B includes approximately 20 miles of new roads, 5 miles of unclassified routes added to the

NFS, and 10 miles of temporary roads constructed to provide access to the harvest area. Approximately 

10 new road-stream crossings would result from the building of new roads, conversion of unclassified 

routes to system roads, or temporary roads (Table 3-51). Six of these proposed road-stream crossings 

already exist on the ground from unclassified routes. Some of these new road-stream crossings have 

the potential to become CDAs. Four of these crossings were previously assessed as a CDA, but on 

ephemeral streams. Three of these crossings would be improved through the conversion of the routes 

into system roads. One existing CDA is proposed as a temporary road crossing. Closure of this route 

post-harvest should repair the road-stream crossing so that it is no longer a sediment contributor. All 

existing crossings that are a CDA are located on NFS roads. Only roads that would be used for timber

harvest activities would be improved before harvest activities start. Other roads would be placed on the 

maintenance list for the Forest construction and maintenance crew and would be maintained as funds 

become available. This alternative would reduce the amount of current CDAs within the project area

and, therefore; would reduce the amount of sediment that could enter the stream from roads and their 

stream crossings.

The design of the new road-stream crossings is expected to fully implement Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, including the WCPs and BMPs. Therefore, construction of new road-stream crossings would 

result in no additional CDAs. During road construction activities, a short-term contribution of sediment 

to streams would occur. This would be minimized by following the road construction WCPs and BMPs 

and would last until vegetative cover is established on the cut and fill slopes and along the side of the 

road. The direct effect of these actions would be to reduce the number of CDAs in the project area and 

indirectly decrease the potential of sediment reaching the streams from roads (Table 3-52). 
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Table 3-52. Number of CDAs within the Project Area.

Watershed (HUC 7s) Alternative A1

Existing Condition

Alternative B

Proposed to be 

fixed (remaining)

Alternative C

Proposed to be 

fixed (remaining)

Alternative D

Proposed to be 

fixed (remaining)

10120111020105-

Upper Little Elk Creek

3 0 (3) 1 (2) 0 (3)

10120111020201-

Stagebarn Cyn

20 19 (1) 19 (1) 18 (2)

10120111020202-

Lower Stagebarn Cyn

0 0 0 0

10120111020203-

Elk- Priest Cyn

2 0 (2) 2 (0) 0 (2)

10120111010201-

Boxelder-Wilson

1 1 (0) 1 (0) 1 (0)

10120111010202-

Estes

0 0 0 0

10120111010204-

Boxelder-Erskine

3 3 (0) 3 (0) 3 (0)

10120111010301-

Boxelder-Doty

6 5 (1) 5 (1) 5 (1)

1. All routes are with a CDA located on them is either a Forest Service road or an undetermined route on NFS lands.

With the full implementation of the standards and guidelines the amount of sediment from harvest, 

post-harvest (KV), and fuel treatment activities is not be expected to have a negative impact on water 

quality for an extended amount of time past implementation. Timber harvest would have little to no 

effect, with a minor effect from road use compared to Alternative A. 

Potential sediment yield to streams associated with all action alternatives would be less than Alternative 

A primarily due to the reduction of CDAs. A total of 35 CDAs occur on NFS roads within the Steamboat

project area. Of these 35, 28 are proposed to be fixed under Alternative B and 7 would not be fixed. 

Four of the CDAs that are not proposed for repair come from undeveloped routes within the project 

area. These undeveloped routes are not necessary to implement the proposed activities. The remaining 

four CDAs not proposed for repair under Alternative B are NFS roads that do not have proposed

maintenance for implementation of proposed activities. These CDAs would be fixed when the NFS roads 

appear on the annual maintenance list or when other funding becomes available.

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are Condition Class III. In Condition Class III 

watersheds, existing CDAs would be designed such that they would no longer be CDAs. Hence, all 35 

CDAs occur in a Condition Class III watershed with 28 of these CDAs proposed for repair under 

Alternative B (Table 3-52). Three of the CDAs proposed for repair occur on an unclassified route that 

would be converted to a NFS road. In addition, the design and construction of new roads would follow 

design criteria, including the WCPs and BMPs. New road-stream crossings on these new roads would be 

constructed so that they would not become sediment contributors. The Condition Class III watersheds 

will have 80% of the existing CDAs repaired through the implementation of timber activities. The 

remaining seven CDAs would be repaired; however, on a longer timescale than the other 28 CDAs. This 

is one trend that would help move the watersheds from Condition Class III to Condition Class II.
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Overall, the impacts from sediment with this alternative would be reduced over existing conditions if no 

wildfires occur. There would be a slight increase in sediment in the short-term (less than 5 years) by 

timber harvesting, road use, repair of road-stream crossings, meadow enhancements, hardwood 

enhancements, fuel treatments, and prescribed burning. There should be a decrease in the long term 

(over 5 years) because vegetation would become established on skid trails and most CDAs within the 

project would be repaired. Implementation of Alternative B should not cause streams within the 

Steamboat project area to not meet their beneficial uses.

Alternative B includes activities that require the use of chemicals, pathogens, or pesticides. As discussed 

earlier, all use of these hazardous substances would be in compliance with Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, WCPs, and BMPS. Therefore, the risk to water quality is reduced. However, the risk is 

greater in Alternative B than in Alternative A because more equipment is necessary to treat larger areas.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects include past management activities on NFS lands and activities on private lands. 

The past effects of management on federal lands created minimal increases in sediment yield, except for 

the CDAs that have been created by road-stream crossings. Management of private lands has also 

created some localized impacts. There would be only minor amounts of management activity occurring 

in the same time and space as Alternative B. Therefore, the cumulative impacts would be very similar to 

the direct and indirect impacts discussed above. With the full implementation of the Forest plan 

standards and guidelines, which include the WCPs and BMPs, the amount of increased sediment from 

harvest activities would not be expected to result in a significant impact on water quality. 

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are rated as Condition Class III. These watersheds 

would benefit from implementation of the Steamboat Project through reduction in the number of CDAs 

within the project area. Continued implementation of the Forest-wide travel management plan would 

benefit the watersheds because fewer roads and trails would be created from cross-country travel. 

Conversely, ten new stream crossings are proposed under Alternative B, which could become sediment 

sources to streams. In addition, road construction would not benefit the watersheds in the project area. 

Overall, all Class III watersheds would remain at that level. 

Sediment into streams could increase from the harvest activities that occur along unstable hillslopes and

have a low residual basal area. If the hillslopes move into streams, a new sediment source would be 

created. Effects would similar to what is described under Alternative A for a large fire event for 

increased sediment. However, the sediment effects would be on a shorter time scale than a large fire 

event. As with a fire, a long-term change could occur from the increase of fine-sized sediment within 

the stream channel. 

The likelihood of suppressing a high intensity wildfire is expected to be greater under Alternative B as 

compared to Alternative A. More than 9,000 acres would change from high or very high fire risk to low 

or moderate fire risk within the Steamboat project area under Alternative B. The hydrologic effects of 

intense wildfires are discussed under cumulative impacts of Alternative A. If a wildfire did occur within 

the Steamboat project area, the risk of adverse effects and increased sediment yield would be reduced 

due to implementation of Alternative B. Therefore, Alternative B is expected to have a lower risk of 

increased sediment yield from intense wildfires.
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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. There are no known concentrated pollutant sources 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 Steamboat project area. 

The potential exists for 29 different small mining operations within the Steamboat project area, 

although only one mining operation is currently active. By following the BMPs, sediment from the active 

mine should be minimal. If any of the 29 mining claims become active, BMPs would be recommended 

to reduce sediment that could enter the creek when Plans of Operations for the mining activities are 

submitted to the Forest Service.

The implementation of BMPs and WCPs would reduce or eliminate the potential for sedimentation of 

streams. With application of appropriate design criteria, sediment and runoff would not be expected to 

enter stream channels in amounts likely to adversely impact the beneficial uses of a stream. Current 

projects and foreseeable activities that could affect sediment yield would also be expected to 

implement appropriate design criteria. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would treat approximately 18,169 acres (83 percent of the project area) with the intent 

of reducing fire hazard, reducing the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and increasing structural 

diversity across the Steamboat project area. Commercial and non-commercial timber harvest would be 

utilized to modify stand structure and reduce stand density. Harvest methods would be dependent on 

the terrain and include ground based and cable logging systems. Prescribed fire would be utilized to 

reduce the amount of available ground fuels and to mimic natural disturbance. 

Commercial timber harvest is proposed on up to 628 acres within the WIZ under Alternative C (Table 3-

51). Commercial activities would be limited within the WIZ. Limited mechanical entries would reduce 

the potential for sediment to reach streams. However, with 628 acres proposed for commercial 

activities the potential for impacts within the WIZ buffer is higher. Activities proposed in the WIZ 

include prescribed burning, road-stream crossings, road building, and limited timber activities. Timber 

activities are limited to pulling merchantable timber out from the WIZ. However, more aggressive 

harvesting could occur in the commercial meadow and hardwood enhancements. In these areas, heavy 

equipment would operate within the WIZ at some locations. Minimal sediment should be generated by 

timber activities by following the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs. The potential 

for sediment to reach streams is higher under Alternative C than Alternative B due to nearly three times 

more proposed timber activities within the WIZ under Alternative C. This level of activity would result in

a sediment pulse. 

Forty-eight acres of non-commercial treatments are proposed within the WIZ (Table 3-49). 

Implementation of meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuels treatments could cause 

some short-term increases of sediment into streams, primarily because these projects are within the 

WIZ. Alternative C proposes the same amount of meadow and hardwood enhancement as Alternative 

B. The level of proposed fuels treatments are also the same in Alternative C as in Alternative B. 
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Potential for sediment to reach streams through implementation of these activities would the similar to 

what is described under Alternative B above. 

Prescribed burning is proposed on the same areas in Alternative C as in Alternative B. The effects from 

prescribed burning would be similar to what is described under Alternative B.

The risk of a large wildfire would be reduced the most in Alternative C as compared to all other 

alternatives. This is due to the large amount of acreage that is proposed for treatment and the 

subsequent lowering of the fire hazard in treated stands. The risk for a large fire would still exist, but 

the spatial extent and burn severity is expected to be lowest in Alternative C. Therefore, less sediment 

would have the potential to reach streams and cause a major negative impact to streams and their 

aquatic ecosystems as the result of a large wildfire.

Approximately 41 miles of new road construction, 10 miles of road conversion, and 13 miles of 

temporary roads would provide access to the harvest activities. In addition, road maintenance along 

existing routes is expected to contribute to erosion of the road itself and of soils located near the road. 

Alternative C includes two miles of new road, conversion, or temporary roads within the WIZ, the 

amount of any alternative. As described above, under Alternative B, erosion would vary and be limited 

near roads. However, due to the double amount of new construction, Alternative C would have a higher 

sediment load entering streams from roads than Alternative B. Road design would incorporate BMPs 

and WCPs to reduce sediment entering nearby streams. Alternative C proposes 11 more miles of new 

road construction, 5 more miles of new road conversion, and 3 more miles to temporary roads 

compared to Alternative B. It is expected that more sediment would enter streams from 

implementation of Alternative C as compared to Alternative B. 

Approximately 20 new road-stream crossings would be created from the building of new roads, 

conversion of unclassified routes to system roads, or use of temporary roads (Table 3-51). Nine of these 

proposed road-stream crossings already exist on the ground from unclassified routes. Some of these 

new road-stream crossings have the potential to become CDAs. Four of these crossings were previously 

assessed as a CDA, but on ephemeral streams. Six of these crossings would be improved through the 

conversion of the routes into system roads. One existing CDA is proposed to be a temporary road 

crossing. Closure of this route post-harvest should repair the road-stream crossing so that it is no longer 

a sediment contributor. All existing crossings that are a CDA are located on NFS roads. Only roads that 

would be used for timber harvest activities would be improved before harvest activities start. Other 

roads would be placed on the maintenance list and fixed as funds become available. This alternative 

would reduce the amount of current CDAs within the project area and, therefore, would reduce the 

amount of sediment that could enter the stream from roads and their stream crossings. 

The design of the new road-stream crossings is expected to fully implement Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, WCPs and BMPs, resulting in no additional CDAs. During road construction activities, shortterm contribution of sediment to streams would occur. Sedimentation would also be minimized by 

following the road construction WCPs and BMPs and would occur until vegetative cover is established 

on the cut and fill slopes and along the sides of the road. The direct effect of these actions would be to 

reduce the number of CDAs in the project area and indirectly decrease the potential of sediment 

reaching the streams from roads. The potential for sediment to reach streams via roads is greater under 

Alternative C than any other alternative. 
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A total of 35 CDAs occur on NFS roads within the Steamboat project area. Of these 35, thirty would be 

repaired under Alternative B. Three of the CDAs that are not proposed for repair come from 

undeveloped routes within the project area. These undeveloped routes would not be used for the 

proposed activities. The remaining two CDAs that are not proposed for repair under Alternative C are on 

NFS roads that do not have proposed maintenance for implementation of proposed activities. These 

CDAs would be fixed when the roads appear on the annual maintenance list or when other funding 

becomes available.

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are Condition Class III. Hence, all 35 CDAs occur in a 

Condition Class III watershed with 30 of these CDAs proposed for repair under Alternative C (Table 3-52). 

Repaired CDAs would no longer be sediment contributors. Three of the CDAs proposed for repair occur 

on an unclassified route that would be converted into a NFS road. In addition, the design and 

construction of new roads would follow design criteria, WCPs and BMPs. New road-stream crossings on 

these new roads would be constructed in a manner that prevents them from becoming sediment 

contributors. The Condition Class III watersheds would have 86% of the existing CDAs repaired through 

the implementation of timber activities and associated road maintenance. The remaining five CDAs 

could eventually be fixed in time, but not in association with the Steamboat Project. Repair of CDAs

would help move the watersheds from Condition Class III to Condition Class II.

Overall the impacts from sediment with this alternative would be reduced over existing conditions if no 

wildfires occur. There would be a slight increase in sediment in the short-term (less than 5 years) from

timber harvesting, road use, repair of road-stream crossings, meadow enhancements, hardwood 

enhancements, fuel treatments, and prescribed burning. There would be a decrease in sedimentation in 

the long term (greater than 5 years) once vegetation becomes established on skid trails and the majority 

of CDAs are repaired. Implementation of Alternative C should not cause streams within the Steamboat 

project area to not meet their beneficial uses.

Almost three times more commercial activity is proposed within the WIZ under Alternative C when 

compared to Alternative B (Table 3-49). Almost four times more commercial activity is proposed within 

the WIZ in Alternative C than in Alternative D. Alternative also includes 1.4 more miles of routes within 

the WIZ under Alternative C as compared to Alternative D (Table 3-50). With full implementation of the 

standards and guidelines, WCPs and BMPs the amount of sediment from harvest, post-harvest (KV) and 

fuel treatment activities is not be expected to result in a negative impact on water quality. Timber 

harvest would have a negative effect due to sediment entering the stream from the high acreage of 

proposed treatment within the WIZ. Construction of 41 miles of road, 10 miles of road conversion, and 

13 miles of temporary road use would result in sediment entering streams at a higher amount compared 

to Alternative B. Specifically, Alternative C proposes two miles of new road construction within the WIZ. 

Furthermore; all four of the sensitive road-stream crossings (Table 3-48) would be used under 

Alternative C. Alternative C would have the greatest potential for sedimentation of streams that could 

impair water quality, despite implementation of WCPs and BMPs.

Alternative C includes activities that require the use of chemicals, pathogens, or pesticides. As discussed 

earlier, all use of these hazardous substances would be compliant to Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, WCPs, and BMPS. As a result, there would be a reduced risk to water quality from the use of 

these hazardous substances. Alternative C has a greater risk for hazardous substances to impair water 
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quality when compared to Alternative A because Alternative A is limited to the existing timber sale areas

and identified noxious weed areas by the counties. The risk is greater in Alternative C than in 

Alternatives B or D because of the greater number of acres treated and, consequently, areas in need of 

pesticide application. 

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for Alternative C would be similar to what is described under Alternative B for 

grazing, mining operations, and large fire events.

All watersheds within the Steamboat Project are rated as Condition Class III. Under Alternative C, 31 

road-stream crossings that are CDAs would be fixed. However, 20 new road-stream crossings are 

proposed under Alternative C. The benefit from improving the current CDAs would be negated by the 

building of 20 more stream-crossings. Implementation of Alternative C would not improve the 

watersheds within the Steamboat Project because of the road building and the potential increased 

sediment yield from harvesting on unstable hillsides.

Alternative C proposes to thin nine additional stands, as compared to Alternative B, that have been 

surveyed as unstable. Seven of the stands border streams or have streams flowing through them. If 

thinning occurs followed by a wet year, there would be a greater potential for mass movement from 

these hillsides. If mass movement occurs, there could be adverse cumulative effects downstream of the 

landslide due to the sediment increase. However, the stream would be able to redefine its morphology 

and stabilize in less time than compared to a large-scale fire event (i.e., in months instead of years).

The risk for a large fire event should be lower under this alternative because of the increased acres that 

are proposed for treatment as compared to all other alternatives. The potential for a cumulative impact 

from fire should be less, however; if a fire does occur the results would be the same as described under 

Alternative B.

The implementation of BMPs and WCPs would reduce sediment potential. With application of 

appropriate design criteria, sediment and runoff would not be expected to enter stream channels in 

amounts likely to adversely impact the beneficial uses of a stream. Current projects and foreseeable 

activities that could affect sediment yield would also be expected to implement appropriate design 

criteria. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would treat approximately 9,514 acres (43 percent of the project area) with the intent 

of reducing fire hazard, reducing the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and increasing structural 

diversity. Commercial and non-commercial timber harvest would be utilized to modify stand structure 

and reduce stand density. Harvest methods would be dependent on the terrain and include ground 

based and cable logging systems. Prescribed fire would be utilized to reduce the amount of available 

ground fuels and to mimic natural disturbance. 

Commercial timber harvest proposes to treat up to 156 acres within the WIZ under Alternative D (Table 

3-49). Commercial activities would be limited within the WIZ. Limited mechanical entries would reduce 
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the potential for sediment to reach streams. Alternative D proposes the least amount of acreage to be 

treated within the WIZ. This would greatly reduce the potential for sediment to reach streams. 

Activities occurring in the WIZ include prescribed burning, road-stream crossings, road building, and 

limited timber activities. The limited timber activities are constrained to pulling merchantable timber 

out of the WIZ. However, more aggressive harvesting would occur in the commercial meadow and 

hardwood enhancements. In these areas heavy equipment would be within the WIZ at some locations. 

Minimal sediment should be generated by timber activities by following the Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs. Alternative D has the lowest risk of any action alternatives for sediment to 

reach streams from the proposed activities. The risk of sediment to reach streams is only slightly 

greater than Alternative A, the no action alternative. The potential sediment that could reach streams 

would be almost negligible as compared to Alternative A, making Alternative D the least impactful action 

alternative for aquatic ecosystems in relation to timber activities. 

Fifty-five acres of non-commercial treatments are proposed within the WIZ (Table 3-49). 

Implementation of meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuels treatments could cause 

some short-term increases of sediment into streams, primarily because these projects are within the 

WIZ. Alternative D proposes the same amount of meadow and hardwood enhancement as Alternative 

B. Fuels treatments are also the same in Alternative D as in Alternative B. Potential for sediment to 

reach streams through implementation of these activities would the similar to what is described under 

Alternative B. Prescribed burning is also proposed on the same areas as in Alternative B as in 

Alternative D; the effects from prescribed burning would be similar to what is described under 

Alternative B.

The risk of a large fire would be reduced the least under Alternative D as compared to all other action 

alternatives. However, fire risk would be lower as compared to Alternative A. In relation to a large fire, 

Alternative D has the highest potential of any action alternative to provide sediment to streams as a 

result of a large wildfire, impacting aquatic ecosystems.

Approximately four miles of road conversion and eight miles of temporary roads would provide access 

to the harvest units. No new road construction is proposed with Alternative D. Only 0.7 miles more of 

system or temporary road would be used within the WIZ in this alternative compared to Alternative A. 

Alternative D adds the least amount of road of any action alternative within the WIZ. As describe above, 

under Alternative B, erosion would vary and be limited to areas near roads. The majority of erosion 

from roads occurs during new construction. Because Alternative D does not include any new road 

construction, the potential for sedimentation is much lower than it is for Alternatives B or C. The level 

of sedimentation under Alternative D would be similar to Alternative A. Alternative D is the least 

impactful alternative for sediment reaching streams. Levels of sediment would remain at or near

existing levels under Alternative D and a sediment pulse resulting from new construction would not 

occur.

Under Alternative D, approximately four miles of non-system routes would be added to the NFS and 

eight miles of temporary roads would be used to provide access to the harvest units. Approximately six

new road-stream crossings would be created from conversion of unclassified routes to system roads or 

temporary roads (Table 3-51). Three of these proposed road-stream crossings already exist on the 

ground along non-system routes. Some of these new road-stream crossings have the potential to 

become CDAs. Three of these crossings were previously assessed as a CDA, but on ephemeral streams. 
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Two of these crossings would be improved through the conversion of the routes into system roads. One

existing CDA is proposed to be a temporary road crossing. Closure of this route post-harvest should 

repair the road-stream crossing so that it is no longer a sediment contributor. All existing crossings that 

are a CDA are located on NFS roads. Furthermore, only two crossings would be used that are sensitive 

watershed areas (Table 3-48). Only roads that would be used for timber harvest activities would be 

improved before harvest activities start. Other roads would be placed on the maintenance list and fixed 

as funds become available. This alternative would reduce the amount of current CDAs within the 

project area and, therefore, would reduce the amount of sediment that could enter the stream from 

roads and stream crossings. 

New road-stream crossings are expected to fully implement standards and guidelines, WCPs and BMPs, 

which would avoid the creation of additional CDAs. The effect of the proposed road conversion and 

maintenance activities would be a reduction in the number of CDAs and a decrease in the potential for 

sediment to reach the streams from roads. This is the lowest under Alternative D as compared to the 

other action alternatives. Potential for sediment to reach streams would be only slightly higher under 

Alternative D than Alternative A.

A total of 35 CDAs occur on NFS roads within the Steamboat project area. Of these 35, twenty-seven are 

proposed for repair under Alternative D. Two of the CDAs that are not proposed for repair come from 

undeveloped routes within the project area. These undeveloped routes would not be used for the 

proposed activities. The remaining six CDAs that are not proposed for repair under Alternative D are on 

NFS roads that are not proposed for maintenance and are not needed for implementation of proposed 

activities. These CDAs could be repaired at a future date when they appear on the annual maintenance 

list or when other funding becomes available.

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are Condition Class III. Hence, all 35 CDAs occur in a 

Condition Class III watershed with 27 of these CDAs proposed for repair under Alternative D (Table 3-

52). These existing CDAs would no longer be sediment contributors. Two of the CDAs proposed for 

repair occur on an unclassified route that would be converted into a NFS road and one would be fixed 

during temporary road closure. New road-stream crossings would be constructed so that they would 

not become sediment contributors. The Condition Class III watersheds would have 77% of the existing 

CDAs repaired under Alternative D, helping move the watersheds from Condition Class III to Condition 

Class II.

Overall the impacts from sediment under this alternative would be reduced over existing conditions if 

no wildfires occur. There would be a slight increase in sediment in the short-term (less than 5 years) by 

timber harvesting, road use, repair of road-stream crossings, meadow enhancements, hardwood 

enhancements, fuel treatments, and prescribed burning. There would be a decrease in sediment in the 

long term (greater than 5 years) because vegetation will become established on skid trails and 27 CDAs 

will be repaired. Implementation of Alternative D would not cause streams within the Steamboat 

project area to not meet their beneficial uses.

Alternative D proposes the least amount of commercial activity within the WIZ as compared to 

Alternative B and Alternative. There are 0.7 new miles of routes within the WIZ under Alternative D as 

compared to Alternative A. This is the least amount of new roads within the WIZ of all action 

alternatives. With full implementation of the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs and BMPs, the 
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amount of sediment from harvest, post-harvest (KV), and fuel treatment activities is not expected to 

result in a negative impact on water quality and should mirror existing conditions. Timber harvest 

would result in a minimal increase of sediment entering streams due to the low acreage proposed for 

treatment within the WIZ. Erosion would not occur from road construction, the largest sediment

contributor, because no new roads would be built. Alternative D proposes only four miles of road 

conversion and eight miles of temporary road use. This lower mileage would dramatically lower the

sediment pulse, especially compared to Alternative C. Temporary roads would be rehabilitated during 

post-harvest cleanup. Also, only two of the sensitive crossings would be used under Alternative D (Table 

3-48). The protection of these sites is one of the biggest benefits of Alternative D. Alternative D would

have the lowest potential of any action alternative for sediment entering streams that could impair 

water quality.

Alternative D includes activities that require the use of chemicals, pathogens, or pesticides. As discussed 

above, all use of these hazardous substances would comply with Forest Plan standards and guidelines, 

WCPs, and BMPS. These guidelines would result a reduced risk to water quality from the use of these 

hazardous substances. Alternative D has the lowest potential for impairment of water quality from 

hazardous substances as compared to Alternative B or Alternative C. 

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for Alternative D would be similar to what is described under Alternative B for 

grazing, mining operations, and a large fire event.

Again, all watersheds within the Steamboat Project are rated as Condition Class III or impaired 

watersheds. Under Alternative D, 27 road-stream crossings that are CDAs would be fixed. Six new roadstream crossings are proposed under Alternative D. The benefit from improving the current CDAs would 

be about the same as the impact of building six new road-stream crossings. Implementation of 

Alternative D would not improve the watersheds within the Steamboat Project because of the road 

activities and the potential increased sediment yield from harvesting on unstable hillsides.

Alternative D proposes to thin fewer stands that have been surveyed as unstable as compared to the 

other action alternatives. Only two stands (081708-90, 081510-35) have a proposed commercial 

thinning activity where the entire stand is rated unstable. Alternative D has the lowest potential to have 

increase sediment to reach streams from mass movement because there is less potential for mass 

movement to occur from timber activities. 

The risk for a large fire event should be lower under this alternative as compared to Alternative A. 

However, the fire risk would be this highest as compared to the other action alternatives. This is due to 

the lower amount of acreage that is proposed for treatment compared to the other action alternatives. 

The potential for a cumulative impact from fire could be higher. If a fire does occur, the results would 

be the same as described under Alternative B.

The implementation of BMPs and WCPs would reduce sediment potential. With application of 

appropriate design criteria, sediment and runoff would not be expected to enter stream channels in 

amounts likely to adversely impact the beneficial uses of a stream. Current projects and foreseeable 

activities that could affect sediment yield would also be expected to implement appropriate design 

criteria. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.
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Bed and Bank Stability

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Existing timber harvest, post-harvest activities (KV), travel management, grazing, and mining activities 

would continue under this alternative. Also, private lands within the forest continue to develop. If 

private lands near streams continue to develop this would affect the stream bank and bank stability 

through structure encroachment into the floodplain and road-stream crossings (including culverts and 

other crossing structures). Road maintenance would still occur under this alternative. Road-stream 

crossings would only be repaired when the road came up on the annual work schedule (approximately 

every five to seven years). This alternative does not propose any new activities within the Steamboat

project area, so bed and bank stability would not be affected and would generally be expected to 

remain similar to the existing condition.

Cumulative Effects

Past activities in the Steamboat project area that have contributed to bank instability are primarily from 

cattle grazing, as well as road and trail construction and mining. Grazing impacts on stream bank 

stability have been noted in stream health surveys that were conducted for this project or that 

overlapped with the Livestock Grazing Environmental Assessment (USDA-Forest Service 1997). Changes 

to grazing management are not part of this decision. Currently, the Elk allotment is vacant. Bed and 

bank stability should be recovering from past cattle grazing and little bed and bank stability is expected 

in the future. There would be no additional cumulative impacts on bed and back stability in the 

Steamboat project area with this alternative because no new activity is proposed.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. The proposed 

activities as part of this alternative would not have an impact on bed and bank stability because the 

project activities would occur away from stream banks. Perennial and intermittent streams have a WIZ 

restriction (100 feet on each side from bank full) where no mechanical activities could occur. Ephemeral 

streams are also protected under the WCPH Management Measure 3(c) “Keep heavy equipment out of 

streams, swales, and lakes, except to cross at designated points, build crossings” (USDA-Forest Service

2006b).

Meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuel treatments would occur within the WIZ. 

However, these activities should not disturb any riparian vegetation that is immediately adjacent to the 

stream banks. This would allow stream banks to remain undisturbed from these proposed activities. 

Existing road-stream crossings and proposed new road-stream crossings would disturb stream banks 

either permanently or temporarily. The nine new road-stream crossings to become system roads would 

be permanently altered. The seven proposed temporary roads should affect stream banks temporarily 

(i.e., about 10 years) until the stream and riparian vegetation could re-establish the stream bank. These 

crossings would occupy a very small area in those streams where they would be constructed. These 

new road-stream crossings would be designed and constructed to follow the Forest Plan standards and 
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guidelines, which include WCPs and BMPs, and the design criteria. Therefore, these new crossings would 

have a limited effect on streambed and bank stability.

Alternative B includes reconditioning the stream crossing of Little Elk Creek by FSR 224.1B. This would 

positively benefit Little Elk Creek downstream of the crossing. Downstream streambanks would become 

more stable because less erosion of streambanks at the crossing would occur. Streambanks would be 

affected by new roads at three sites (Table 3-48). If the road crossings are built to engineering standards 

and follow the WCPs and BMPs, then the effect of the instable banks at these sensitive crossings would 

be lessened. The most sensitive crossing, located in T4N, R5E, Section 33, is proposed for a temporary 

road crossing. The streambank would be affected there until harvest activities cease and sufficient time 

has passed for the stream to recover (about 5-10 years). This streambank may not fully recover to its 

existing condition due to the loss of riparian vegetation and subsequent soil compaction from the 

temporary road. 

Streambank stability would be affected by 10 additional stream crossings proposed in Alternative B as 

compared to Alternative A. However, fixing some of the existing bad crossings (such as FSR 224.1B) 

would improve streambank stability in areas where it is currently affected by roads.

Cumulative Effects

There would be a positive cumulative impact on bed and bank stability in the Steamboat project area 

with Alternative B through repair of the CDAs. The only negative impact would be the construction of 

10 new road-stream crossings. No other impacts are expected because activities near streambanks 

would be limited through the implementation of the WIZ buffer. The overall impact on bed and bank 

stability would be positive.

Streambank stability would be impacted at a limited number of sites (Table 3-48). If the WCPs and 

BMPs are followed at these sites, negative impacts would not occur. However, if the WCPs and BMPs 

are not followed the potential exists for impacts to the stream bed and bank stability at these locations.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. The proposed 

activities as part of this alternative would not have an impact on bed and bank stability because the 

project activities would be away from stream banks. Perennial and intermittent streams have a WIZ 

restriction (100 feet on either side from bank full) where no mechanical activities could occur. 

Ephemeral streams are also protected under the WCPH Management Measure 3(c) “Keep heavy 

equipment out of streams, swales, and lakes, except to cross at designated points, build crossings”

(USDA- Forest Service 2006b)

Meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuel treatments would occur within the WIZ. 

However, these activities should not disturb any riparian vegetation that is immediately adjacent to the 

stream banks. This would allow stream banks to remain undisturbed from these proposed activities. 

Existing road-stream crossings and proposed new road-stream crossings would disturb stream banks 

either permanently or temporarily. The 19 new road-stream crossings on system roads would be 
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permanently altered. The 10 proposed temporary roads would affect stream banks temporarily (about 

10 years) until the stream and riparian vegetation becomes reestablished on the stream bank. The 

effects of the new road crossings would be the greatest under Alternative C as compared to the other 

action alternatives.

Alternative C includes reconditioning the stream crossing of Little Elk Creek by FSR 224.1B. This would 

positively benefit Little Elk Creek downstream of the crossing. Effects of repairing this crossing would be 

the same as described in Alternative B. Alternative C includes four sensitive stream crossing sites where 

streambanks would be affected from new roads (Table 3-48). If the road crossings are built to 

engineering standards and follow the WCPs and BMPs, the effects to instable banks at these sensitive 

crossings would be lessened. The most sensitive crossing, located in T4N, R5E, Section 33, is proposed 

for a temporary road crossing. Effects at this stream crossing would be the same as described under 

Alternative B. Alternative C would have the greatest effect on streambank stability at the sensitive sites.

Streambank stability would be affected by the 20 additional stream crossings proposed in Alternative C 

as compared to Alternative A. However, repair of some existing bad crossings (such as FSR 224.1B) 

would improve streambank stability in areas where it is currently affected by roads.

Cumulative Effects

There would be a positive cumulative impact on bed and bank stability in the Steamboat project area 

with Alternative C because of the repair of CDAs with a corresponding negative impact from the 

construction of 20 new road-stream crossings under Alternative C. Due to implementation of the WIZ 

buffer, no other impacts to stream bed and bank stability are expected. 

Streambank stability would be impacted at the sites identified in Table 3-48. If the WCPs and BMPs are 

followed at these sites, no impacts contributing to cumulative effects should occur. However, if the 

WCPs and BMPs are not followed the potential exists for impacts to stream bed and bank stability at 

these locations.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. The proposed 

activities as part of this alternative would not have an impact on bed and bank stability because the 

project activities would occur away from stream banks. Perennial and intermittent streams have a WIZ 

restriction (100 feet on either side from bank full) where no mechanical activities could occur. 

Ephemeral streams are also protected under the WCPH Management Measure 3(c) “Keep heavy 

equipment out of streams, swales, and lakes, except to cross at designated points, build crossings”

(USDA-Forest Service 2006a).

Meadow enhancements, hardwood enhancements, and fuel treatments would occur within the WIZ. 

However, these activities would not disturb any riparian vegetation that is immediately adjacent to the 

stream banks. This would allow stream banks to remain undisturbed from these activities. 

Existing road-stream crossings and proposed new road-stream crossings would disturb stream banks 

either permanently or temporarily. The four new road-stream crossings to become system roads would 
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be permanently altered. The seven proposed temporary roads would affect stream banks temporarily 

(about 10 years) until the stream and riparian vegetation could re-establish the stream bank. The 

effects of these stream crossings would be similar to what is described under Alternative B. However,

there would be less of an effect on streambanks from the new system roads because there would be 

only four new system road crossings in Alternative D as compared to seven in Alternative B. 

Alternative D includes reconditioning the crossing at FSR 224.1B and Little Elk Creek. Effects of this 

action would be the same as described under Alternative B. Two sites at sensitive stream crossings 

would be affected by newly converted roads. The effects of these two crossings would be the same as 

described under Alternative B. 

Streambank stability would be affected by the six additional stream crossings proposed in Alternative D 

as compared to Alternative A. However, repair of existing bad crossings (such as FSR 224.1B) would 

improve streambank stability in areas where it is currently affected by roads.

Cumulative Effects

There would be a positive cumulative impact on bed and bank stability in the Steamboat project area 

under Alternative D through the repair of existing CDAs. The only negative impact would be the 

construction of six new road-stream crossings. No other expected impacts to stream bed and bank 

stability are expected due to implementation of the WIZ buffer. Overall, there would be a positive 

cumulative impact from the proposed activities on bed and bank stability.

Streambank stability would be impacted at the sites identified in Table 3-48. If the WCPs and BMPs are 

followed at these sites, impacts would not occur. However, if the WCPs and BMPs are not followed the 

potential exists for impacts to the stream bed and bank stability at these locations.

Flow Regimes

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Since no activities are associated with Alternative A, water flow volumes would remain dependent upon 

precipitation variability in the short term. Existing vegetation structures would persist until the next 

high-intensity wildfire. Until that time, vegetation growth may slightly diminish water yield due to the 

increase of interception and higher evapotranspiration rates (Neary et al. 2005). 

Since no rehabilitation of CDAs would occur, the current road system would continue to support 

increased water yield since the drainage network extension would persist. Peak flows would remain at a 

higher level than they would be without a road network on the landscape, and the timing of those flows 

would continue to accelerate. Planned maintenance work on system roads, unrelated to the Steamboat

Project, would improve some of the CDA problems along the stream channels. However, no 

improvement of unclassified roads would occur unless it is related to implementation of the Forest-wide 

travel management plan. National Forest System roads that need more work than annual maintenance 

provides would still have CDAs contributing sediment to the stream until this area came up on the grid 

maintenance schedule. As the private inholdings continue to be developed within the project area, 
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there is a chance that water yield could be affected from development and road building. This could 

also extend the drainage network from roads and could increase the timing and intensity of peak flows.

Wildfire could also play a role with flow regimes. The area has a high risk for large wildfires. If a large, 

high-severity fire were to occur, flow regimes would be positively affected by the destruction of live 

trees resulting in more water available for streamflow and ground water recharge.

This alternative would not result in any new activities within the project area. The result of not taking 

action is that biomass would continue to increase, which would generally reduce the amount of water 

available for streamflow and ground water recharge. However, in the Steamboat project area, the 

dense stands of timber have a high risk of mountain pine beetle infestation, which would reduce the live 

biomass. This would have a positive effect on the flow regime by making more water available for 

streamflow or ground water recharge that has been lost from increased evapotranspiration rates. 

Cumulative Effects

Past activities and fire suppression policies within the Steamboat project area have influenced flow 

regimes. Fire suppression has reduced water available for streamflow through increased biomass and 

subsequent higher evapotranspiration. The existing flow regimes would continue under this alternative. 

The project area also has a high risk for fire due to this succession. 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 streamflow volume would result from timber harvest, post-harvest activities (KV), 

road management, and fuels treatment activities proposed under Alternative B. All treatments 

(including prescribed fire) are designed to leave some level of vegetation on the landscape. 

Regeneration and accelerated growth of remaining vegetation would balance the loss of 

evapotranspiration from harvested trees within several years.

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. Timber activities 

would have the greatest effect on the flow regime. The commercial timber harvest of up to 10,048

acres and the non-commercial treatment of another 2,408 acres (including prescribed burning-only 

treatments) in this alternative would have a positive effect on flow regime by the removal of live 

vegetation from the landscape, which would be beneficial in comparison to Alternative A. However, if a 

large wildfire was to occur under Alternative A, this statement would not be correct and Alternative A 

would have the most effect on flow regime. The commercial and non-commercial treatments would

also reduce the risk of a large wildfire, but large areas with dense timber susceptible to fire would still 

remain. Wildfires may not grow as large under this alternative due to the reduction in biomass. This 

would, in turn, move the flow regime back towards levels prior to the era of fire suppression but at 

levels lower than pre-settlement conditions. The non-commercial timber activities would have a shortterm positive effect because of the reduction in biomass, but as the remaining trees grow, the space 
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

168

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

that was occupied by the harvested trees would be eliminated. Overall, this alternative is more 

beneficial than Alternative A for restoring flow regimes, even if a large wildfire was to occur.

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. 

Alternative B proposes a total of 454 acres of activity (e.g. timber harvest and prescribed burning) within 

the WIZ. The potential effects would be mitigated by keeping the disturbed soil area below 15 percent 

of each unit area and leaving the WIZ undisturbed. This should occur except at areas proposed for nonmechanical non-commercial thinning, meadow enhancement, hardwood enhancement, and prescribed 

burning to buffer streams from ground disturbance. The WIZ is a minimum of 100 feet from stream 

banks for all perennial and intermittent streams (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). The WIZ in perennial and 

some intermittent streams typically contains a riparian ecosystem that transitions into terrestrial 

vegetation. The vegetation in this zone is important for filtering flow and sediment, providing shade to 

the stream, and providing large woody debris necessary for aquatic habitat and channel stability. 

Prescribed burning is proposed for 10,068 acres under Alternative B. Prescribed burning may cause the 

removal of forest vegetation as well as 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. However, burning activities would expose pockets of bare mineral soil. These pockets are 

generally small and dispersed enough to prevent detrimental runoff and hillslope erosion from 

occurring. Attempts would be made to retain as much duff as possible on steep slopes in the Steamboat

project area. This would reduce harmful runoff and sedimentation (Neary et al. 2005). The proposed 

stand thinning and fuels treatments in this alternative would reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire 

and the adverse effects to the streamflow regime often associated with such an event.

New road construction of 20 miles and 10 miles of temporary road use would increase road density in all 

watersheds in the Steamboat project area. No new stream crossings on perennial streams are proposed 

under Alternative B. Six proposed stream crossings on intermittent streams are included in Alternative 

B. Three crossings that would occur along sensitive areas along intermittent streams are included (Table 

3-50). These are located near springs, wetlands, or meadows. In particular, the Little Elk Creek 

tributary in T4N, R5E, Section 33 is the most sensitive crossing. This is due to the proximity downstream 

of a spring-wetland complex and upstream of the switch from intermittent to perennial stream flow. 

The other four road-stream crossings are on 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 1996). To minimize soil and 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 1996). However, increased road density could have some impacts to stream flow 

regimes within the project area.

Under Alternative B, the greatest increase in road density would be in the Boxelder-Doty watershed, 

increasing by 1.9 mi/sq mi, (Table 3-53). Both the Lower Stagebarn watershed and Boxelder Wilson 

watersheds increase their road density by 1.8 mi/sq mi. These three watersheds would have the biggest 

impact to streamflow regime under Alternative B. The remaining watersheds have an increase in road 

density ranging from 0.4 mi/sq mi (in Upper Little Elk Creek Watershed) to 1.4 mi/sq mi in BoxelderErskine. No watersheds decreased their road density because no roads were proposed for 
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

169

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

decommissioning under the Steamboat Project. Construction of the new roads would occur in all 

watersheds. Again the proposed new roads would be constructed following design criteria, WCPs, and 

BMPs. 

Table 3-53. Road Density Alternative Comparison

Watershed 

(HUC7)

Watershed 

Size –acres

(mi2)

Within 

project area

Existing Road 

Density / 

Alternative A

(mi/sq mi)

Alternative B 

New roads 

Potential road 

density

(change)

Alternative C 

New roads 

Potential road 

density

(change)

Alternative D 

New roads 

Potential road 

density

(change)

10120111020105-

Upper Little Elk 

Creek

7187

(11.2 mi2

)

55.2 mi

4.9 mi/mi2

59.2 mi

5.3 mi/mi2

↑0.4

62.8 mi

5.6 mi/mi2

↑0.7

55.6 mi

5 mi/mi2

↑0.1

10120111020201-

Stagebarn Cyn

8302

(13 mi2

)

36.9 mi

2.8 mi/mi2

48.2 mi

3.7 mi/mi2

↑0.9

58.4 mi

4.5 mi/mi2

↑1.7

42.3 mi

3.3 mi/mi2

↑0.5

10120111020202-

Lower Stagebarn 

Cyn

208 

(0.4 mi2

)

1.4 mi

3.5 mi/mi2

2.1 mi

5.3 mi/mi2

↑1.8

2.8 mi

7 mi/mi2

↑3.5

2.1 mi

5.3 mi/mi2

↑1.8

10120111020203-

Elk- Priest Cyn

993

(1.6 mi2

)

3.6 mi

2.3 mi/mi2

4.9 mi

3.1 mi/mi2

↑0.8

7.6 mi

4.8 mi/mi2

↑2.5

4.7 mi

2.9 mi/mi2

↑0.6

10120111010201-

Boxelder-Wilson

1496

(2.3 mi2

)

4.9 mi

2.1 mi/mi2

8.9 mi

3.9 mi/mi2

↑1.8

9.3 mi

4 mi/mi2

↑1.9

6.4 mi

2.8 mi/mi2

↑0.7

10120111010202-

Estes

910

(1.4 mi2

)

3 mi

2.1 mi/mi2

4.3 mi

3.1 mi/mi2

↑1

4.7 mi

3.4 mi/mi2

↑1.3

3.3 mi

2.4 mi/mi2

↑0.3

10120111010204-

Boxelder-Erskine

3742

(5.9 mi2

)

17.1 mi

2.9 mi/mi2

25.1 mi

4.3 mi/mi2

↑1.4

30.9 mi

5.2 mi/mi2

↑2.3

18.5 mi

3.1 mi/mi2

↑0.2

10120111010301-

Boxelder-Doty

873 

(1.4 mi2

)

4.8 miles

3.4 mi/mi2

7.4 mi

5.3 mi/mi2

↑1.9

7.6 mi

5.4 mi/mi2

↑2

6.2 mi

4.4 mi/mi2

↑1

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are rated as Condition Class III watersheds. Appendix 

J of the Revised Forest Plan FEIS explains the rationale for Condition Class ratings for watersheds (USDAForest Service 1996). Roads are an important factor for rating the sensitivity of the watershed and the 

base impacts to the watershed. Alternative B proposes to increase the road density in all watersheds. 

This would increase the watershed sensitivity and impact index. Implementation of Alternative B would 

move the watersheds further away from being rated as a Condition Class II watershed because the road 

impact index would increase in all watersheds. 

Cumulative Effects

Past activities and fire suppression policies in the Steamboat project area have influenced flow regime. 

The cumulative effect of Alternative B on flow regimes would be similar to Alternative A. The only 

difference would be that while high-intensity crown fires would be possible under either alternative, 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

vegetative treatments implemented in Alternative B would generally be expected to lower the severity 

and extent of the effects associated with a wildfire event.

There would be a limited positive cumulative impact of water available for streamflow or ground water 

recharge. However, over time, biomass would continue to accumulate, making less water available for 

streamflow or groundwater recharge. If a wildfire were to occur, the live biomass would be reduced 

and more water would be available for streamflow or groundwater recharge. In the short term, the 

proposed action would help restore the flow regimes minimally by removing some biomass.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Again, minimal increases in streamflow volume would result from timber harvest, post-harvest activities

(KV), road management, and fuels treatment activities proposed under Alternative C. All treatments 

(including prescribed fire) are designed to leave some level of vegetation on the landscape. 

Regeneration and accelerated growth of remaining vegetation would balance the loss of 

evapotranspiration from harvested trees within several years.

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. Timber activities 

would have the greatest effect on the flow regime. The commercial timber harvest of up to 16,588

acres and the non-commercial treatment of another 1,581 acres (including prescribed burning-only 

treatments) in this alternative would have a positive effect on flow regime through the removal of live 

vegetation from the landscape. This alternative proposes treatment on more acres than Alternative B 

leading to a greater positive effect. The commercial and non-commercial treatments would also reduce 

the risk of a large wildfire but large areas of dense timber would remain susceptible to fire. Wildfires 

may not get as large under this alternative due to the reduction in biomass. This would move the flow 

regime back towards levels that existed prior to the era of fire suppression but at a level lower than presettlement conditions. The non-commercial timber activities would have a short-term positive effect 

because of the reduction in biomass, but as the remaining trees grow, the space that was occupied by 

the harvested trees would be eliminated. This alternative has the greatest effect in restoring flow 

regimes, even if a large wildfire was to occur.

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. 

Alternative C proposes a total of 824 acres of activity within the WIZ. The potential effects would be 

mitigated by keeping the disturbed soil area below 15 percent of each unit area and leaving the WIZ 

undisturbed. This should occur except at areas proposed for non-mechanical pre-commercial thinning, 

meadow enhancement, hardwood enhancement, and prescribed burning to buffer streams from ground 

disturbance. The WIZ is, at a minimum, 100 feet from stream banks for all perennial and intermittent 

streams (USDA-Forest Service 2006a). The WIZ in perennial and some intermittent streams typically 

contains a riparian ecosystem that transitions into terrestrial vegetation. The vegetation in this zone is 

important for filtering flow and sediment, providing shade to the stream, and providing large woody 

debris necessary for aquatic habitat and channel stability. Due to the high amount of acreage proposed 

for treatment within the WIZ under Alternative C, the risk of some soil compaction that could help 

increase overland flow reaching streams exists. Alternative C has the greatest risk of this occurring

because of the high amount of acreage proposed for treatment within the WIZ.
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

Prescribed burning is proposed for the same acreage in Alternative C as in Alternative B. The effects of 

prescribed burning on streamflow regime should be the same under Alternative C as described above in 

Alternative B. 

New road construction of 41 miles and 13 miles of temporary road use would increase road density in all 

watersheds in the Steamboat project area. No new stream crossings are proposed on perennial streams 

under Alternative C. Twelve stream crossings are proposed on intermittent streams in Alternative B. 

Four of these crossings would occur in sensitive areas along intermittent streams (Table 3-50). These 

are located near springs, wetlands, or meadows. In particular, the Little Elk Creek tributary in T4N, R5E, 

Section 33 is the most sensitive crossing, as described in Table 3-48. The other eight road-stream 

crossings are on ephemeral streams and could still affect the amount of CDAs within the project area. 

To minimize soil and water effects from road construction, road design and construction would follow 

design criteria, WCPs, and BMPs. 

Under Alternative C, the greatest increase in road density would be in the Lower Stagebarn Watershed, 

increasing by 3.5 mi/sq mi (Table 3-53). Overall, four watersheds would increase their road density by 

over 2 mi/sq mi. These four watersheds would have the biggest impact to streamflow regime in respect 

to roads under Alternative C. The remaining watersheds would have an increase ranging from 0.7 mi/sq 

mi in Upper Little Elk Creek Watershed to 2.5 mi/sq mi in Elk-Priest Canyon Watershed. No watersheds 

would experience a decrease in their road density because no roads are proposed to for 

decommissioning. Construction of new routes would occur in all watersheds. Alternative C would have 

the most impact on stream flow regime by having more roads to divert overland flows to enter streams 

sooner; especially during times of high flow events (e.g. spring flooding).

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are rated as Condition Class III watersheds. Appendix 

J of the Revised Forest Plan FEIS explains the rationale for Condition Class ratings for watersheds (USDAForest Service 1996). Roads are an important factor for rating the sensitivity of the watershed and the 

base impacts to the watershed. Alternative C proposes to increase the road density in all watersheds. 

This would increase the watershed sensitivity and impact index. Implementation of Alternative C would 

move the watersheds further away from Condition Class II conditions at a higher degree than 

Alternatives B or D. 

Cumulative Effects

Past activities and fire suppression policies in the Steamboat project area have influenced flow regime. 

The cumulative effect of Alternative C on flow regimes would be similar to Alternatives A and B as 

described above.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Minimal increases in streamflow volume would result from timber harvest, post-harvest activities (KV), 

road management, and fuels treatment activities proposed under Alternative D. All treatments 

(including prescribed fire) are designed to leave some level of vegetation on the landscape. 

Regeneration and accelerated growth of remaining vegetation would balance the loss of 

evapotranspiration from harvested trees within several years.
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. Timber activities 

would have the greatest effect on the flow regime. The commercial timber harvest of up to 7,106 acres

and the non-commercial treatment of another 2,408 acres (including prescribed burning-only 

treatments) in this alternative would have a positive effect on flow regime by the removal of live 

vegetation from the landscape. This alternative proposes to treat the least amount of acres compared 

to the other action alternatives. The commercial and non-commercial treatments would reduce the risk 

of a large wildfire, but large areas with dense timber susceptible to fire would still exist. Wildfires may 

not get as large under this alternative due to the reduction in biomass. This, in turn; would keep the 

flow regime closer to current levels. Non-commercial timber activities would have a short-term positive 

effect because of the reduction of biomass, but as the remaining trees grow, the space that was 

occupied by the harvested trees would be eliminated. This alternative is the least effective action

alternative for restoring flow regimes.

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. 

Alternative D proposes a total of 398 acres of activity within the WIZ (Table 3-49). The potential effects 

would be mitigated by keeping the disturbed soil area below 15 percent of each unit area and leaving 

the WIZ undisturbed. This should occur except at areas proposed for non-mechanical non-commercial 

thinning, meadow enhancement, hardwood enhancement, and prescribed burning to buffer streams 

from ground disturbance. Potential exists for soil compaction under Alternative D, but the risk is less 

than Alternatives B or C. Alternative D proposes almost half the amount of disturbance proposed under 

Alternative C, greatly reducing the possibility of soil compaction within the WIZ. 

Prescribed burning is proposed for the same acreage in Alternative D as in Alternatives B and C. The 

effects of prescribed burning on streamflow regime should be the same under Alternative D as 

described above under Alternative B. 

Alternative D proposes no new road construction, but does include eight miles of temporary road use

and four miles of road conversion. These two actions would increase road density in all watersheds in 

the project area (Table 3-53). No new stream crossings are proposed on perennial streams under 

Alternative D. Five proposed stream crossings would occur on intermittent streams in Alternative D. 

Two of these crossings would occur in sensitive areas along intermittent streams (Table 3-48). These are 

located near springs, wetlands, or meadows. In particular, the Little Elk Creek tributary in T4N, R5E, 

Section 33 is the most sensitive crossing, as described in Table 3-48. This alternative would affect the 

least amount of sensitive watershed areas. The other road-stream crossing is on an ephemeral stream. 

All new crossings could affect the amount of CDAs within the project area. To minimize soil and water 

effects from road construction, road design and construction would follow design criteria, WCPs, and 

BMPs. 

Under Alternative D, the greatest increase in road density would be in the Lower Stagebarn watershed, 

increasing by 1.8 mi/sq mi, (Table 3-55). Only one other watershed would increase its road density by at 

least one mile (Boxelder-Doty). The rest of the watersheds have an increase ranging from 0.1 mi/sq mi 

(Upper Little Elk Creek) to 0.7 mi/sq mi (Boxelder-Wilson). No watershed would have a decreased road 

density because no roads are proposed for decommissioning. Construction of the new routes would
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

occur in all watersheds. Alternative D would have greater impacts on flow regime than Alternative A, 

but it would be the least impactful of the action alternatives.

All watersheds within the Steamboat project area are rated as Condition Class III. Appendix J of the 

Revised Forest Plan FEIS explains the rationale for Condition Class ratings for watersheds (USDA-Forest 

Service 1996). Roads are an important factor for rating the sensitivity of the watershed and the base 

impacts to the watershed. Alternative D proposes to increase the road density in all watersheds. This 

would increase the watershed sensitivity and impact index. Implementation of Alternative D would 

move the watersheds further away from being rated as a Condition Class II watershed because the road 

impact index would go up in all watersheds. Because Alternative D proposes the least amount of new 

routes compared to the other action alternatives, the road density increases are not as high. Alternative 

D most closely maintains current watershed conditions compared to the other action alternatives. 

Cumulative Effects

Past activities and fire suppression policies in the Steamboat project area have influenced flow regime. 

The cumulative effect of Alternative D on flow regimes would be similar to Alternatives A and 

Alternatives B as described above.

Temperature and Oxygen

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would not initiate any new activities within the Steamboat project area. If the biomass 

continues to increase, this would affect stream temperature and oxygen by making less water available 

for streamflow because of increased evapotranspiration. Less water in the stream would mean 

increased water temperature and decreased oxygen. Mountain pine beetle have infected areas 

neighboring the Steamboat project area and would likely expand their range into the Steamboat area, 

causing a decrease in live biomass. Also, wildfires may burn within the Steamboat project area, causing 

a decrease in live biomass. Currently, some reforestation is occurring within the Boxelder, Little Elk, and 

Ricco fire areas. These areas have less timber and more grasses, which affects interception and 

evapotranspiration rates. Less live biomass results in less evapotranspiration and lower interception 

rates and more water available for streamflow or ground water recharge to help maintain or improve 

the current water temperature and oxygen regime. The results or changes of this alternative are 

variable, and generally less dramatic than the action alternatives.

An indirect impact to the stream temperature that is not very noticeable is the result of increased 

biomass with the Steamboat project area. This increased biomass has resulted in an increase in 

evapotranspiration and less water available for groundwater recharge and streamflow, resulting in 

reduced base streamflows. These reduced base streamflows can result in increased stream 

temperature and less oxygen available due to less water, but this change is slow to occur and happens 

over decades. Past timber activities have helped slow biomass increase and insect or disease activity 

also has the capability of reducing the biomass.

Currently, the meadow below the Dalton Lake dam has minimal shade. Little Elk Creek does show signs 

of increased stream temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels from algal blooms in this area. This is 
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

174

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

localized from the Dalton Lake dam to the trailhead for Little Elk Creek Canyon trail. Below that, stream 

shading is more apparent with a good riparian corridor. Stream shading is not an issue currently at the 

four sensitive watershed crossings proposed.

None of the streams within the Steamboat project area are listed under The 2010 South Dakota 

Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment with temperature the reason that the streams 

are not meeting their beneficial uses. Boxelder Creek is the only stream for which SDDENR has 

completed water quality assessments with the project area (SDDENR 2010). From the water quality 

assessments, Boxelder Creek is meeting all of its assigned beneficial uses. Because no new activities are 

associated with Alternative A, it is assumed that implementation of Alternative A would not cause any 

streams to not meet their assigned beneficial uses. Also, temperature would not increase from 

harvesting from within the WIZ; therefore, dissolved oxygen levels would maintain at current levels.

Cumulative Effects

Increased biomass in the Steamboat project area has had an impact on the upland areas. Stream 

shading has not been impacted, except in local areas on private lands. Under Alternative A, all streams 

would continue to fully support their beneficial uses and their temperature requirements. Stream 

temperature would remain at existing levels. 

Cumulative impacts from this alternative could occur in two separate scenarios. In the first, there would

be a cumulative impact over time if the biomass continues to increase. As a result, lower streamflows 

would increase stream temperatures and oxygen would decrease due to increased evapotranspiration. 

In the second scenario, there would be positive cumulative impacts from beetle or fire-killed trees. This 

would maintain or reduce the live biomass and more water would be available for streamflow or 

groundwater recharge. Increased streamflows would help maintain or decrease stream temperature 

and improve dissolved oxygen levels.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management activities. The 

effects of the treatments on low flows are uncertain because of the lack of noticeable changes in flow 

regimes through project implementation. Riparian vegetation that provides critical shade to perennial 

and intermittent streams, springs, and wetlands would be protected through the WCPs and BMPs. The 

primary areas that riparian vegetation would be disturbed are on the six new road-stream crossings on 

intermittent streams. Ten new crossings are proposed on nine creeks in this alternative. None of these 

would cross perennial streams. Six crossings are proposed for intermittent streams, and the remaining 

four are proposed for three ephemeral streams. These stream crossings are small localized areas (i.e., 

usually less than 20 feet in width) and should not contribute a loss of shade to impact stream 

temperature and dissolved oxygen levels.

A critical loss of riparian vegetation would occur that could affect stream shading at the three sensitive 

crossings proposed under Alternative B. Although these crossings are small in size, the loss of riparian 

vegetation at these sensitive sites could impact stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The 

most sensitive crossing is in T4N, R5E, Section 33 and would lose its riparian vegetation during the 
Steamboat Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement

175

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

duration of harvest and post-harvest activities. It would take years for the riparian vegetation to 

reestablish itself to a level that would provide shade at current levels. 

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. Reducing the stand

density on 57 percent of the project area under Alternative B with timber and prescribed burning 

activities would have a positive but limited effect on stream temperature and oxygen. Biomass would

be reduced, resulting in more water available for streamflow. Increased water availability would help 

maintain stream temperatures. This alternative would have greater positive effect on water 

temperature and oxygen then Alternative A.

A WIZ of 100 feet would be in place at all perennial and intermittent streams, springs, and wetlands. 

This would protect the riparian vegetation that provides shading for streams. However, streams would 

also be shaded by nearby tall ponderosa pine trees. Pollack et al. (2009) saw an increase in stream 

temperature from harvest activities within watersheds where 25 percent to 100 percent of the 

overstory was harvested. However, in these study areas harvest occurred within the riparian areas. 

Alternative B proposes 219 acres of commercial treatments within the WIZ. Trees removed within the 

WIZ would be limited by the ability to be able to line pull or reach by mechanical equipment. By 

following the WIZ buffer, removal of trees within the riparian corridors would be limited to fuels

reduction treatments, meadow enhancements, and hardwood enhancements. Therefore, the increase 

of temperature would be low and would not affect the beneficial uses assigned to streams within the 

Steamboat project area.

Currently, the meadow below the Dalton Lake dam has minimal shade. Little Elk Creek does show signs 

of increased stream temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels from algal blooms. This is localized 

from the Dalton Lake dam to the trailhead for Little Elk Creek Canyon trail. Below that, stream shading 

is more apparent with a good riparian corridor. The stands around Dalton Lake and just below are 

proposed for individual tree selection or group selection. These prescriptions would not occur in the 

meadow and should not affect the stream shading of Little Elk Creek in that section. Fuels treatments 

around the cabins near the confluence of Little Elk Creek and Waite Gulch could remove some trees that 

provide shading to Little Elk Creek. There would be minimal trees removed that would affect the stream 

shading here because more co-dominant trees would be targeted and there is a topographical break 

from the hillside near the cabins to the meadow surrounding Little Elk Creek. To protect Little Elk Creek,

fuels treatments would be more focused on the uphill side of the cabins and further away from Little Elk 

Creek. 

Cumulative Effects

There would be positive cumulative impacts to temperature and oxygen with this alternative because of 

the reduced stand density across the project area. This reduction in stand density would result in less 

water consumption and more water available for streamflow, helping maintain or improve stream 

temperature and oxygen.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C proposes 18,169 acres of total activity (i.e., timber harvest and prescribed burning). The 

effects of the treatments on low flows could be affected by changes on streamflow regime as discussed 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

above. Riparian vegetation that provides critical shade would be protected through the WCPs and 

BMPs. The primary areas that riparian vegetation would be disturbed are on the 12 new road-stream 

crossings on intermittent streams. Twenty new crossings are proposed on 16 creeks in this alternative. 

None of those crossings are on perennial streams. Twelve of the crossings are proposed for intermittent 

streams, and the remaining eight are on three ephemeral streams. These stream crossings are small 

localized areas (i.e., usually less than 20 feet in width) and should not contribute a loss of shade to 

impact stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The 12 new road-stream crossings on 

intermittent streams would lead to a loss of stream shading that could affect stream temperature and 

dissolved oxygen levels in localized areas around the stream crossing and immediately downstream.

Four crossings in sensitive areas are proposed in Alternative C. These areas would show the most 

impact from road building with changes to stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The three 

sites that would become system roads would have a permanent loss of riparian vegetation and, 

consequently, less stream shading. This could affect stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels at 

these sites and immediately downstream until the streams enter a denser riparian corridor. The most 

sensitive stream crossing, located in T4N, R5E, Section 33, is also proposed as a temporary road crossing 

in Alternative C. The effects here would be the same as described under Alternative B. 

This alternative would reduce the stand density on 83 percent of the project area. Timber harvest and 

prescribed burning activities would have a positive but limited effect on stream temperature and 

oxygen. Biomass would be reduced, resulting in more water being available for streamflow. Increased 

water availability would help maintain stream temperatures. This alternative would have greater 

positive effect on water temperature and oxygen and than Alternative A. Because more acres of land

would undergo treatment under Alternative C than in Alternative B, Alternative C would have the 

highest positive effect on stream temperature and dissolved oxygen in relation to streamflow regime.

A WIZ of 100 feet would be in place at all perennial and intermittent streams, springs, and wetlands. 

This would protect the riparian vegetation that provides the shading for streams. However, streams 

would also be shaded by nearby tall ponderosa pine trees. Pollack et al. (2009) saw an increase in 

stream temperature from harvest activities within watersheds where 25 percent to 100 percent of the 

overstory was harvested. However, in these study areas there was harvest was conducted within the 

riparian areas. Alternative C proposes 628 acres of commercial treatments within the WIZ. Trees 

removed within the WIZ would be limited by the ability to line pull or reach the timber by mechanical 

equipment. By following the WIZ buffer, removal of trees within the riparian corridors would be limited 

to fuels reduction treatments, meadow enhancements, and hardwood enhancements. Therefore, the

increase in temperature should be low and should not affect the beneficial uses assigned to streams 

within the Steamboat project area. Alternative C proposes almost three times as many acres for 

treatment than Alternative B. As a result, more loss of stream shading from commercial activities would 

occur as compared to Alternative B. Localized areas of warmer stream temperatures and higher 

dissolved oxygen levels as result of widespread removal of pine trees near riparian areas would occur 

under Alternative C.

Currently, the meadow below the Dalton Lake dam has minimal shade. Little Elk Creek does show signs 

of increased stream temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels from algal blooms. This is localized 

from the Dalton Lake dam to the trailhead for Little Elk Creek Canyon trail. Below that, stream shading 

is more apparent with a good riparian corridor. The stands around Dalton Lake and just below are 
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177

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

proposed for individual tree selection, group selection, or overstory removal. Group selection or 

individual tree selection prescriptions would not occur in the meadow and should not affect the stream 

shading of Little Elk Creek in the section. The stand slated for overstory removal (089902-025) could 

have enough trees removed that continuous shading along Little Elk Creek could be affected. Pine 

stands are close to the riparian corridor, which is narrow, and are a major source of stream shading for 

Little Elk Creek. Fuels treatments around the cabins near the confluence of Little Elk Creek and Waite 

Gulch could remove some trees that provide shading to Little Elk Creek. There would be a minimal

number of trees removed that would affect the stream shading here because more co-dominant trees 

would be targeted and a topographical break exists from the hillside near the cabins to the meadow 

surrounding Little Elk Creek. To protect Little Elk Creek, fuels treatments should be more focused on the 

uphill side of the cabins and further away from Little Elk Creek. 

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects related to Alternative C would be similar to those described under Alternative B 

above.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative includes 9,514 total acres of timber harvest and prescribed burning activities. The 

effects of the treatments on low flows are uncertain because of the lack of noticeable changes in flow 

regimes through project implementation. Riparian vegetation that provides critical shade would be 

protected through the WCPs and BMPs. The primary areas that riparian vegetation would be disturbed 

are on the five new road-stream crossings on intermittent streams. Six new crossings are proposed on 

six creeks in this alternative. None of the crossings are proposed on perennial streams. Five crossings 

are proposed on intermittent streams, and the remaining crossing is proposed on an ephemeral stream. 

These stream crossings are small localized areas (i.e., usually less than 20 feet) and should not 

contribute to a loss of shade that would impact stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. 

This alternative proposes only two crossings in sensitive stream areas, both of which are within the 

Upper Little Elk Creek watershed. Alternative D would affect stream temperature the least at these 

sensitive crossings because it would include the least amount of treatment. Alternative D proposes a 

temporary road crossing at the most sensitive crossing located in T4N, R5E, Section 33; effects at this 

crossing would the same as described under Alternative B.

Reducing the stand density on 43 percent of the project area under Alternative D with timber and 

prescribed burning activities would have a positive but limited effect on stream temperature and 

oxygen. Biomass would be reduced, resulting in more water available for streamflow. Increased water 

availability would help maintain stream temperatures. This alternative would have a greater positive 

effect on water temperature and oxygen than Alternative A. However, with respect to streamflow 

regime, Alternative D would have the least positive effect for stream temperature and dissolved oxygen 

as compared to Alternatives B and C.

A WIZ of 100 feet would be in place at all perennial and intermittent streams, springs, and wetlands. 

This would protect the riparian vegetation, which provides shading for streams. However, streams 

would also be shaded by nearby tall ponderosa pine trees. Pollack et al. (2009) saw an increase in 
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stream temperature from harvest activities within watersheds that had 25 percent to 100 percent of the 

overstory removed. However, in these study areas harvest occurred within the riparian areas. 

Alternative D proposes 156 acres of commercial treatments within the WIZ. Trees removed within the 

WIZ would be limited by the ability to line pull or reach timber by mechanical equipment. By following 

the WIZ buffer, removal of trees within the riparian corridors would be limited to fuels reduction 

treatments, meadow enhancements, and hardwood enhancements. Therefore, the increase of 

temperature should be low and should not affect the beneficial uses assigned to streams within the 

Steamboat project area. Alternative D proposes the least amount of activity within the WIZ and,

therefore, would have the least affect on stream temperature and dissolved oxygen levels as compared 

to Alternatives B and D.

Currently, the meadow below the Dalton Lake dam has minimal shade. Little Elk Creek does show signs 

of increased stream temperature and low dissolved oxygen levels from algal blooms. This is localized 

from the Dalton Lake dam to the trailhead for Little Elk Creek Canyon trail. Below that, stream shading 

is more apparent with a good riparian corridor. The stands just below the dam are proposed for 

individual tree selection or group selection. However, these prescriptions would not occur in the 

meadow and should not affect the stream shading of Little Elk Creek in this section. The stand around 

Dalton Lake is not proposed for treatment under this alternative. Fuels treatments around the cabins 

near the confluence of Little Elk Creek and Waite Gulch could remove some trees that provide shading 

to Little Elk Creek. There would be a minimal number of trees removed that would affect the stream 

shading here because more co-dominant trees would be targeted and a topographical break exits from 

the hillside near the cabins to the meadow surrounding Little Elk Creek. To protect Little Elk Creek, fuels 

treatments would be more focused on the uphill side of the cabins and further away from Little Elk 

Creek. Alternative D would impact this sensitive reach of Little Elk Creek the least; current levels of 

stream shading would be nearly maintained. This alternative would have the least negative impact on 

this reach of Little Elk Creek.

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects related to Alternative D would be similar to those described under Alternative B 

above.

Aquatic Life

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative would not include any new activities within the project area, so aquatic life, related to 

migration barriers and riparian damage, would not be affected. 

Cumulative Effects

There would be no cumulative effects on aquatic life from the implementation of Alternative A.
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Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. Potential indirect 

impacts to aquatic life relates to the amount of activity within the WIZ. Alternative B includes 621 total 

acres of possible activity in the WIZ. Approximately 10.2 miles of roads would be located within the 

WIZ. Through implementation of design criteria, Forest Plan standard 1301 (USDA-Forest Service 2005c) 

and WCPs (USDA-Forest Service 2006ba), no effects would occur to aquatic life. 

Six proposed stream crossings are proposed on intermittent streams under this alternative. Some 

effects would occur during construction of these crossings with a short-term breakage of stream 

connectivity. This is primarily confined to the time of installation and stabilization of the road-stream 

crossing. At the temporary roads, it would occur during the time of timber harvest and post-harvest 

activities. It is possible that there could be at least four years of disconnected aquatic habitat as a result 

of road activities. The primary concern is the three sensitive road-stream crossings (Table 3-48). If 

construction of these four crossings does not follow the WCPs, BMPs, and Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, permanent disconnection of the streams could occur at these crossings. The temporary 

road crossing along the perennial tributary of Little Elk Creek, near FSR 137.1A, is of most concern

because this stream could be disconnected for the longest time period without a chance for the stream 

and riparian corridor to reestablish itself.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no negative cumulative impacts to aquatic life within the project area with Alternative B 

and the implementation of the design criteria above 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 the reducing the number of roadstream crossings that are impassible.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C includes a total of 1,023 acres of proposed timber harvest and prescribed burning

treatments within the WIZ (Table 3-49). This alternative proposes the most amount of disturbance near 

streams through timber activities. 

Under this alternative 20 new road-stream crossings are proposed with 12 of them on intermittent 

streams. If all of the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs are implemented, there 

would be minimal stream disconnection from these crossings during the lifespan of this project. Habitat

fragmentation would occur at the proposed 12 intermittent stream crossings. Four of the proposed 

crossings are within sensitive areas for streams. To ensure connectivity for aquatic life at these critical 

places, the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs must be followed. Otherwise, there 

could be long-term disconnection of the streams and riparian habitat at these four sites. 

Alternative C is the most impactful alternative for aquatic life and maintaining stream connectivity. This 

alternative would have more negative impacts to aquatic life than the other action alternatives. This 

alternative proposes a higher level of timber activities and road-stream crossings compared to
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Alternatives B and D. Also, this alternative proposes to build either system or temporary roads near the 

most sensitive sites for streams, springs, and wetlands that provide habitat for aquatic life. Even by 

following Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs, it is expected that the 12 new 

crossings on intermittent streams would cause some long-term disruption for aquatic life.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no cumulative impacts to aquatic life under Alternative C that are not already described 

under Alternative B above. 

Alternative D

Alternative D includes a total of 558 acres of timber harvest and prescribed burning within the WIZ 

(Table 3-49). This alternative proposes the least amount of activity near streams of any action 

alternative. It proposes more acreage for prescribed burning than timber activities near streams. 

Prescribed burning should not have any effect on aquatic life assuming Forest Plan standards and 

guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs are followed.

Six new road-stream crossings are proposed through either road conversion or temporary road use. 

Five of the proposed crossings are along intermittent streams that need to maintain aquatic life 

connectivity to be consistent with Forest Plan Standard 1301 and the WCPs. Three crossings identified 

as sensitive must adhere to Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs, and BMPs to ensure that they 

would not cause any disconnection except during installation. 

Effects of Alternative D are similar to Alternative B, but to a lesser extent because Alternative D 

proposes a lower level of timber harvest and road management. Alternative D is the least impactful 

action alternative for aquatic life because less disruption would occur through installation of culverts or 

other stream crossing structures. As with Alternative B, three of the sensitive sites for road-stream 

crossings would be disturbed under this alternative.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no cumulative impacts to aquatic life under Alternative D that are not already described 

under Alternative B above.

Riparian Ecosystems

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Existing timber harvest, post-harvest activities (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 have no new 

proposed activities within the Steamboat project area so there would be no direct or indirect effects to 

riparian areas. This alternative would have the least overall impact on riparian areas.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no cumulative impacts to riparian ecosystems within the project area because no new 

activities are planned.
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Alternatives B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. However, none of the 

commercial activities would occur within riparian areas. The WIZ area of 100 feet on each side of the 

perennial and intermittent streams and springs would protect riparian areas. There would be some 

direct impacts to riparian areas through the construction of six new road-stream crossings on 

intermittent streams. None of the proposed road-stream crossings are on perennial streams. These 

road crossings would disturb the riparian area in the immediate area of the new road (usually less than 

20 feet in width). These six road-stream crossings would comprise a relatively small area compared to 

the riparian areas of these streams. These areas would require some additional mitigation measures to 

reduce the impacts of the proposed roads. The proposed temporary crossing of the perennial tributary 

of Little Elk Creek, near FSR 137.1A, is of the greatest concern. This temporary road would be used for a 

few years and could impact the ability of the riparian vegetation to become reestablished along the 

stream. Implementation of the WCPs and BMPs would reduce the impact to riparian areas during 

implementation of Alternative B. Assuming the Forest Plan standards and guidelines, WCPs and BMPs 

are followed the direct and indirect effects of Alternative B would result in minimal impact to riparian 

areas. 

Prescribed burning could occur within the riparian areas. No direct ignition would occur within riparian 

areas, but prescribed fire would be allowed to creep into the riparian areas. The wet soils and 

vegetation within the riparian area would act as a fire break, eliminating the need to construct a 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 WCPs and BMPs are implemented. The area proposed for prescribed burning is the same 

for all three action alternatives and burns would be implemented over five to ten years. 

There would be a direct impact on riparian areas during the implementation of hardwood and meadow 

enhancements. These projects are proposed within the WIZ and could impact some of the riparian 

vegetation. WCPs and BMPs would be followed during implementation activities. However, a loss of 

vegetation could still occur in the short-term. Typically, riparian vegetation will become reestablished 

on streambanks within three years. This short-term impact to the riparian areas would be compensated 

for by the long-term benefit to the riparian areas from removing encroaching pine from the hardwood 

and meadow stands.

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 39 road-stream crossings exist along intermittent and perennial streams. Alternative B 

proposes 10 new road-stream crossings within the Steamboat project area. Seven crossings that would

be used for either new system roads or temporary roads currently exist on the ground as a non-system 

route. Road maintenance activities proposed in Alternative B would repair many of the existing CDAs, 

reducing the cumulative impact of the new road-stream crossings.

There could be detrimental impacts to the riparian areas that are listed in Table 3-48. These riparian 

areas are more sensitive as compared to other areas within the Steamboat project area. If the BMPs 

and WCPs are followed and the roads are closed post-harvest, there should not be any cumulative 
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effects to riparian areas. However, if BMPs and WCPs are not followed and these routes remain open 

damage could occur to the riparian corridor that could potentially be permanent.

Vegetation treatments would not contribute to cumulative effects because they would not occur within 

riparian areas through implementation of the WIZ buffer.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. However, no 

commercial activities would occur within riparian areas. The WIZ area of 100 feet on each side of the 

perennial and intermittent streams and springs would protect riparian areas. There would be some 

direct impacts to riparian areas from 12 new road-stream crossings on intermittent streams. None of 

the proposed road-stream crossings occur on perennial streams. These road crossings would disturb

the riparian area in the immediate area of the new road (usually less than 20 feet in width). These 

twelve road-stream crossings would comprise a relatively small area compared to the total riparian 

areas of these streams. These areas would require some additional mitigation measures to reduce the 

impacts of the proposed roads. Implementation of the WCPs and BMPs would lessen the impact to 

riparian areas. Overall, the direct and indirect effects of Alternative C would result in some impact to 

riparian areas from the new road-stream crossings.

 

Prescribed burning could occur within the riparian areas. No direct ignition would occur within riparian 

areas, but prescribed fire would be allowed to creep into the riparian areas. The wet soils and 

vegetation within the riparian area would act as a fire break, eliminating the need to construct a fire 

line. Arkle and Pilliod (2010) did not find any detectable changes within riparian habitats from spring 

prescribed burning. Based on this and past experience, there would be minimal disturbance to riparian 

areas when WCPs and BMPs are implemented.

There would be a direct impact on riparian areas during the implementation of hardwood and meadow 

enhancements. These projects are proposed within the WIZ and could impact some of the riparian 

vegetation. WCPs and BMPs would be followed during implementation activities. However, a loss of 

vegetation could still occur in the short-term. Typically, riparian vegetation will become reestablished 

on streambanks within three years. This short-term impact to the riparian areas would be compensated 

for by the long-term benefit to the riparian areas from removing encroaching pine from the hardwood 

and meadow stands.

Alternative C would have the greatest negative impact on the riparian areas as compared to the other 

two action alternatives due to the increased level of road construction activities and, consequently, the 

increased number of road-stream crossings (twice the number included in Alternative B).

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 45 road-stream crossings exist along intermittent and perennial streams. Alternative C 

proposes 20 new road-stream crossings. Nine crossings that would be used for either new system roads 

or temporary roads currently exist on the ground as a non-system route. Road maintenance activities 

proposed in Alternative C would repair many of the existing CDAs, reducing the cumulative impact of the 

new road-stream crossings.
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There could be detrimental impacts to the riparian areas that are listed in Table 3-48. These riparian 

areas are more sensitive as compared to other areas within the Steamboat project area. If the BMPs 

and WCPs are followed and the roads are closed post-harvest, cumulative effects to riparian areas

should not occur. However, if BMPs and WCPs are not followed and these routes remain open damage

could occur to the riparian corridor that could become permanent.

Vegetation treatments would not contribute to cumulative effects because they would not occur within 

riparian areas through implementation of the WIZ buffer.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. However, no 

commercial activities would occur within riparian areas. The WIZ area of 100 feet on each side of the 

perennial and intermittent streams and springs would protect riparian areas. Some direct impacts to 

riparian areas would occur through the construction of five new road-stream crossings on intermittent 

streams. None of the proposed road-stream crossings are on perennial streams. These road crossings 

would disturb the riparian area in the immediate area of the new road (usually less than 20 feet in

width). These five road-stream crossings would comprise a relatively small area compared to the total 

riparian areas of these streams. These areas would require some additional mitigation measures to 

reduce the impacts of the proposed roads. Implementation of the WCPs and BMPs would reduce the 

impacts to riparian areas. The direct and indirect effects of Alternative D would result in the least 

impact to riparian areas from the new road-stream crossings as compared to the other action 

alternatives.

Prescribed burning could occur within the riparian areas. No direct ignition would occur within riparian 

areas, but prescribed fire would be allowed to creep into the riparian areas. The wet soils and 

vegetation within the riparian area would act as a fire break, eliminating the need to construct a fire 

line. Arkle and Pilliod (2010) did not find any detectable changes within riparian habitats from spring 

prescribed burning. Based on this and past experience, there would be minimal disturbance to riparian 

areas when WCPs and BMPs are implemented.

There would be a direct impact on riparian areas during the implementation of hardwood and meadow 

enhancements. These projects are proposed within the WIZ and could impact some of the riparian 

vegetation. WCPs and BMPs would be followed during implementation activities. However, a loss of 

vegetation could still occur in the short-term. Typically, riparian vegetation will become reestablished 

on streambanks within three years. This short-term impact to the riparian areas would be compensated 

for by the long-term benefit to the riparian areas from removing encroaching pine from the hardwood 

and meadow stands.

Alternative D has the least impact of any action alternative on riparian areas because it proposes the 

least amount of disturbance. 
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Cumulative Effects

Currently, 38 road-stream crossings exist along intermittent and perennial streams. Alternative D 

proposes six new road-stream crossings. Five crossings that would be used for either new system roads 

or temporary roads currently exist on the ground as a non-system route. Road maintenance activities 

proposed in Alternative D would repair many of the existing CDAs, reducing the cumulative impact of 

the new road-stream crossings.

There could be detrimental impacts to the riparian areas that are listed in Table 3-48. These riparian 

areas are more sensitive as compared to other areas within the Steamboat project area. If the BMPs 

and WCPs are followed and the roads are closed post-harvest, cumulative effects to riparian areas

should not occur. However, if BMPs and WCPs are not followed and these routes remain open damage

could occur to the riparian corridor that could become permanent.

Vegetation treatments would not contribute to cumulative effects because they would not occur within 

riparian areas through implementation of the WIZ buffer.

Wetlands and Springs

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Wetlands and springs in the area are expected to either persist at existing conditions or degrade under 

Alternative A. They would remain vulnerable to existing roads, off-road vehicle traffic, grazing, mining, 

and stream channel downcutting. Alternative A does not include any new activities within the project 

area, so no new impacts to wetlands would occur. 

Cumulative Effects

There would be no cumulative impacts to wetlands within the project area with this alternative because 

no activities are planned.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B has the potential to affect wetlands and springs that are associated with streams in the 

areas of proposed activities. Implementation of proposed activities would adhere to design criteria, 

WCPs, and BMPs. The 100 foot buffer around wetlands would minimize any of the potential effects on 

wetlands and springs due to the avoidance of the area or by following WCPs and BMPs where activities 

would be near the wetlands and springs. Therefore, avoidance or mitigation is expected to result in no 

or limited impacts under Alternative B.

This alternative includes commercial and non-commercial vegetation management. The actions that 

have the potential to affect wetlands are road management activities related to timber sales. 

Adherence to the WCPs and BMPs would ensure that no additional impacts would occur to wetlands 

during implementation. There is one proposed new road, one road to be converted back to system, and 

two temporary roads proposed that are in close proximity to wetlands. The two temporary roads are 

proposed to pass near two NWI wetlands. These two routes would be routed around the wetlands 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

during implementation to be in compliance with E.O. 11990, WCPs, BMPs and the Clean Water Act 

(CWA). As long as the WCPs and BMPs are followed, impacts to wetlands would be minimal under this 

alternative. 

Table 3-54. Proposed Activities Near Wetlands (by identified stands)

Stand Location Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081506-71 Commercial Thin

New Road Construction

Commercial Thin

New Road Construction

No Treatment

081506-72 No Treatment Commercial Thin No Treatment

081506-113* Individual Tree Selection 

Prescribed Burning

Temporary road proposed to 

go through wetland

Individual Tree Selection 

Prescribed Burning

Temporary road proposed to 

go through wetland

Prescribed Burning

Temporary road proposed to 

go through wetland

081506-118* Commercial Thin

Temporary road proposed to 

go through the wetland

Commercial Thin

Temporary road proposed to 

go through the wetland

Commercial Thin

Temporary road to go 

through the wetland

081508-031 No Treatment, Use FSR 224 

as is

No Treatment, Use FSR 224 

as is

No Treatment, Use FSR 224 

as is

081509-005 Understory thin

Use FSR 224.1A as is

Understory thin

Reconstruction of FSR 224.1A

Understory thin

Use FSR 224.1A as is

081509-069 Prescribed Burning

Temporary road 

construction, Reconstruction 

of FSR 137.1A

Prescribed Burning, 

Temporary road 

construction, Reconstruction 

of FSR 137.1A

Prescribed Burning, 

Temporary road 

construction, Reconstruction 

of FSR 137.1A

081509-075 Meadow Enhancement

Use FSR 224.1A and 224.1E 

as is

Meadow Enhancement

Reconstruction on FSR 

224.1A, Use FSR 224.1E as is

Meadow Enhancement

Use FSR 224.1A and 224.1E 

as is

081708-070 Shelterwood cut, 

Reconstruction of FSR 

149.2E, Existing trail 8281

Shelterwood cut, 

Reconstruction of FSR 

149.2E, Existing trail 8281

Shelterwood cut, 

Reconstruction of FSR 

149.2E, Existing trail 8281

089902-001 Individual Tree Selection

Use FSR 224.1Z as is

Individual Tree Selection

Use FSR 224.1Z as is

No treatment

Use FSR 224.1Z as is

089902-002 Understory thin

Convert road to system

Reconstruction on FSR 226.1

Understory thin

Convert road to system 

Reconstruction on FSR 226.1

Understory thin

Convert road to system

Reconstruction on FSR 226.1

089904-043* Commercial Thin

Reconstruction on FSR 144.2J

Commercial Thin 

Reconstruction on FSR 144.2J

Commercial Thin

Reconstruction on FSR 144.2J

089904-081* No treatment POL (Products other than 

logs)

No treatment

089904-086* No treatment

Reconstruction on FSR 

144.2B

No treatment

Reconstruction on FSR 

144.2B

No treatment

Use FSR 144.2B as is

*NWI identified wetlands that were dry in 2010. No 100-foot WIZ necessary if dry during implemention.

The four sites listed in Table 3-48 are the most sensitive during the implementation of Alternative B. 

The proposed temporary stream crossing along the perennial tributary of Little Elk Creek off of FSR 

137.1A is probably the most sensitive activity for all of the wetlands within the project area. This 

crossing is downstream of the wetland/spring complex as the stream transitions from intermittent to 

perennial. This area is along the edge of the meadow where the temporary road is proposed. Winter 
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logging would be ideal for minimizing damage to the stream. The proposed treatment in Waite Gulch is 

an understory thin. This activity would be kept outside the wetland-spring complex by following the WIZ 

buffer. Two proposed temporary roads proposed near NWI wetlands will be rerouted around the

wetlands during implementation. 

Springs are usually smaller in size and scope than wetlands. They are normally spatially located near 

streams or wetlands and protected in their WIZ zones. Springs would be protected through adherence 

to design criteria, WCPs and BMPs. Table 3-55 shows the 30 stands that contain springs within the 

Steamboat project area. Four stands do not have any proposed activities under Alternative B. 

Table 3-55. Stands with Proposed Activities that Contain Springs

Stand Location Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081506-054 Products other than logs, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed burning

Products other than logs, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed burning

Products other than logs, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed burning

081506-058 No treatment No treatment No treatment

081506-065 Prescribed burning Commercial thin, 

Precommercial thin, 

Prescribe

Prescribed Burning

081509-002 Shelterwood cut, 

Commercial hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin

Prescribed Burning

Shelterwood cut, 

Commercial hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin

Prescribed Burning

Shelterwood cut, 

Commercial hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

081509-005 Understory thin

Prescribed Burning

Understory thin

Prescribed Burning

Understory thin

Prescribed Burning

081509-007 Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning

081509-009 Non-commercial thin Commercial thin Non-commercial thin

081509-069 Prescribed burning Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning

081510-016 Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Fuels 

treatment

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Fuels 

treatment

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Fuels 

treatment

081510-018 Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

081510-021 Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

081510-054 Prescribed Burning Commerical thin, Prescribed 

Burning

Prescribed Burning

081510-075 Commercial thin, Noncommercial thin

Commercial thin, Noncommercial thinCommercial thin, Noncommercial thin

089901-003 Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

Individual tree selection, 

Non-commercial thin, 

Prescribed Burning

089901-018 Meadow enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

Meadow enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

Meadow enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

089902-002 Understory thin, Fuels Understory thin, Fuels Understory thin, Fuels 
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Stand Location Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

treatment treatment treatment

089902-013 Individual tree selection, 

Hardwood enhancement, 

Non-commercial thin

Individual tree selection, 

Hardwood enhancement, 

Non-commercial thin

Individual tree selection, 

Hardwood enhancement,

Non-commercial thin

089902-018 Group Selection, Noncommercial thin, Fuels 

treatment, Prescribed 

Burning

Group Selection, Noncommercial thin, Fuels 

treatment, Prescribed 

Burning

Group Selection, Noncommercial thin, Fuels 

treatment, Prescribed 

Burning

089902-025 No treatment Overstory removal, Noncommercial thin

No treatment

089902-026 Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin

089902-034 Group selection, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

Group selection, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

Group selection, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

089903-005 No treatment No treatment No treatment

089903-022 Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning

089903-050 Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

Commercial thin, Hardwood 

enhancement, Noncommercial thin, Prescribed 

Burning

089903-091 Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning

089904-012 Meadow Enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

Meadow Enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

Meadow Enhancement, 

Prescribed Burning

089904-050 No treatment No treatment No treatment

089904-054 Prescribed Burning Overstory removal, Planting, 

Prescribed Burning

Prescribed Burning

089904-060 Non-commercial thin Commercial Thin, Noncommercial thin

Non-commercial thin

089904-062 Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning Prescribed Burning

Cumulative Effects

There would be no additional cumulative impacts to wetlands within the project area in relation to 

vegetative management because wetlands and springs would not be disturbed within the WIZ buffer. 

Three sites near wetlands or springs are proposed for either new system road or temporary road 

construction. If the WCPs and BMPs are not followed in these areas and they are used in the future, 

there is a potential for the loss of wetland vegetation.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C proposes more commercial activities near wetlands and springs than Alternatives B or D. 

Twelve stands (Table 3-54) have a proposed activity near wetlands and 27 stands (Table 3-55) have a 

proposed activity near springs. WCPs and BMPs would be followed to maintain compliance with the 

E.O. 11990 and the CWA, as described under Alternative B. The effects described under Alternative B 
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are similar to Alternative C. However, the magnitude of effects on wetlands and springs is greater under 

Alternative C due to the increased activity near wetlands and springs. 

Cumulative Effects

There would be no additional cumulative impacts to wetlands within the project area in relation to 

vegetative management because wetlands and springs would not be disturbed within the WIZ buffer. 

Three sites near wetlands or springs are proposed for either new system road or temporary road 

construction. If the WCPs and BMPs are not followed in these areas and they are used in the future, 

there is a potential for the loss of wetland vegetation.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D proposes the least amount of activities near wetlands and springs. Only nine stands (Table 

3-54) are proposed for commercial or non-commercial activities near wetlands. Twenty-six stands 

would have proposed activities near springs (Table 3-55). AWCPs and BMPs would be followed in stands 

that have wetlands and springs within them to maintain compliance with E.O. 11990 and the CWA, as 

described under Alternative B. The effects described under Alternative B would be similar to Alternative 

D, but with a lower magnitude of effect due to the decreased level of activity. Alternative D is the least 

impactful action alternative in regards to wetlands and springs.

Cumulative Effects

There would be no additional cumulative impacts to wetlands within the project area in relation to 

vegetative management because wetlands and springs would not be disturbed within the WIZ buffer. 

Three sites near wetlands or springs are proposed for either new system road or temporary road 

construction. If the WCPs and BMPs are not followed in these areas and they are used in the future, 

there is a potential for the loss of wetland vegetation.

Floodplains

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Three FEMA-designated floodplains are located within the project area (Boxelder Creek, Estes Creek, 

and Little Elk Creek). Alternative A would have no new proposed activities within the Steamboat 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. 

Cumulative Effects

There would be no additional cumulative impacts to floodplains within the project area with this 

alternative because no new activities would occur.
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Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B proposes 10 new road-stream crossings. None of the proposed crossings are on perennial 

streams. Six of these crossings are proposed on intermittent streams and four are proposed on 

ephemeral streams. None of the road-stream crossings are within FEMA-designated floodplains. All 

new road-stream crossings would be installed to sustain bank-full dimensions and be consistent with the 

WCPs and BMPs. By following these guidelines, impacts to floodplains would be minimal to none.

Effects on floodplains are expected to be minimal from harvest activities since activities would not occur 

within 100 feet of intermittent and perennial streams. The sensitive areas (Table 3-48) are sensitive 

areas for floodplains also. Some activities would occur within floodplains, such as meadow or hardwood 

enhancement. Where floodplains need to be accessed, WCPs and BMPs would be implemented. Some 

roads currently located in floodplains would be maintained or reconstructed. This would generally 

improve the condition of floodplains in the planning area by reducing flow concentration along roads 

and soil compaction and displacement. Improvement to road-stream crossings that are currently a CDA 

or are impassible to fish could also improve the access of the stream to the floodplains during high flow. 

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 39 road-stream crossings exist in the floodplains of perennial or intermittent streams. These 

crossing, combined with 10 new road-stream crossings, would increase the overall amount of roadstream crossings within the Steamboat project area to 49. In addition, seven crossings exist on routes 

that would be either converted to new system road or used as a temporary road. However, the total 

number of CDAs would be reduced through road maintenance activities in Alternative. Therefore, there 

would be only minor additional cumulative impacts to floodplains within the project area from new 

road-stream crossings within floodplains.

None of the proposed road-stream crossings are within an area designated as a FEMA floodplain. The 

three sensitive crossings (Table 3-48) would be a concern, but cumulative impacts should not result 

provided that the WCPs and BMPs are implemented.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C proposes 20 new road-stream crossings. None of the proposed crossings occur on 

perennial streams. Eight new crossings are proposed on ephemeral streams and 12 are proposed on 

intermittent streams. None of the proposed road-stream crossings are within FEMA-designated 

floodplains. 

Effects would be similar to those described under Alternative B, but at a higher magnitude due to the 

increased number of road-stream crossings and timber harvest activities. This alternative proposes 600 

acres of commercial activities within the WIZ, the highest acreage of any action alternative. It also has 

two more intermittent road-stream crossings than in Alternative B. However, this alternative would also 

repair the highest number of CDAs throughout the project area. 
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Overall, Alternative C would have the most potential for negative impacts on floodplains compared to 

the other action alternatives.

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 42 road-stream crossings exist in the floodplains of perennial or intermittent streams. These 

crossing, combined with 20 new road-stream crossings, would increase the overall amount of roadstream crossings within the Steamboat project area to 62. In addition, seven crossings exist on routes 

that would be either converted to new system road or used as a temporary road. However, the total 

number of CDAs would be reduced through road maintenance activities in Alternative. Therefore, there 

would be only minor additional cumulative impacts to floodplains within the project area from new 

road-stream crossings within floodplains.

None of the proposed road-stream crossings are within an area designated as a FEMA floodplain. The 

three sensitive crossings (Table 3-48) would be a concern, but cumulative impacts should not result 

provided that the WCPs and BMPs are implemented.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D proposes six new road-stream crossings. None of the proposed crossings are on perennial 

streams. Five are proposed on intermittent streams and one is proposed on an ephemeral stream. 

None of the proposed road-stream crossings are within FEMA-designated floodplains.

Effects would be similar to, but at lower magnitude, than those described under Alternative B because 

Alternative D has one less proposed road-stream crossing. In addition, fewer crossings are proposed 

near sensitive areas. Alternative D is the least impactful of the three action alternatives to floodplains.

Cumulative Effects

Currently, 38 road-stream crossings exist in the floodplains of perennial or intermittent streams. These 

crossing, combined with 6 new road-stream crossings, would increase the overall amount of roadstream crossings within the Steamboat project area to 44. In addition, seven crossings exist on routes 

that would be either converted to new system road or used as a temporary road. However, the total 

number of CDAs would be reduced through road maintenance activities in Alternative. Therefore, there 

would be only minor additional cumulative impacts to floodplains within the project area from new 

road-stream crossings within floodplains.

None of the proposed road-stream crossings are within an area designated as a FEMA floodplain. The 

three sensitive crossings (Table 3-48) would be a concern, but cumulative impacts should not result 

provided that the WCPs and BMPs are implemented.
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Soil Erosion

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative A, no new activities would occur on erosive soils. Existing activities would continue 

under this alternative and include timber sales, post-harvest (KV) activities, road maintenance, fuel 

reduction, mining, and grazing. Existing soil erosion concerns associated with the use of roads would be 

expected to persist and possibly increase over time if roads are not effectively close. Rills, gullies, and 

areas of standing water would continue to exist and possibly worsen. Routine grid maintenance occurs 

every five to ten years on NFS roads within the Black Hills National Forest. Roads in the Steamboat 

project area are scheduled for grid maintenance in 2012 and 2013.

The risk of high-intensity, stand-replacing fire events would generally be expected to increase over time. 

Since 2000, extensive areas of soil erosion have occurred in areas of high-intensity fire. After the Jasper 

Fire, soil removed via erosion occurred at a rate 13 times greater in areas of high intensity fire than in 

areas of low or moderate intensity fire (Keyser et al. 2006). This movement is attributed to an increase 

in runoff and sediment yields, which is caused by soil water repellency, removal of surface cover, and 

the sealing of pores by sediment particles (Larsen et al. 2009). Since fuels would continue to accumulate 

under Alternative A, a high intensity fire would be more likely under this alternative than under the 

action alternatives. As a result, a high intensity fire leading to increased soil erosion and a loss in site 

productivity would be more likely under this alternative (Robichaud et al. 2000).

This alternative has the highest potential for soil erosion compared to Alternatives B, C, and D if a 

wildfire were to occur. In addition, existing roads would contribute more sediment through erosion 

under this alternative because none of the existing erosive issues would be immediately addressed and 

may not be addressed at all through routine grid maintenance. Conversely, erosion related to timber 

harvest activities would not occur under Alternative A, which would be a positive effect. 

Cumulative Effects

Alternative A does not propose any new activities so no cumulative effects are expected.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B proposes commercial, non-commercial, prescribed burning, and road related activities that 

may result in varying amounts of erosion depending upon site conditions and the extent of the activity. 

Generally, the harvesting of timber is not a source of soil disturbance (USDA-Forest Service 1997). 

Although, the level of soil erosion experienced in harvest units is determined by site characteristics, 

logging systems, seasonal timing of activities and unit design. These factors cause the soil surface cover 

to be altered, and the extent of alteration determines how much erosion would occur.

Soil disturbance assessments conducted in the project area in 2008 and 2009 showed that 94 percent of 

the transects had less than 15 percent of the sites showing any sign of erosion (0 to 4 sites per transect). 

Two transects had more than 15 percent of the sites showing signs of erosion. One transect in SMU 193F 
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was located in a previously harvested area and most signs of erosion were due to skid trails. The second 

transect was located in SMU RnG and signs of erosion were present after burning. 

Erosion to the level that long-term soil or site productivity may be impaired (i.e., detrimental erosion) is 

possible with timber harvest activities. The removal of timber causes an increase in runoff due to the 

decrease of evapotranspiration. This can cause the soil to hold more water. The increase in the weight 

of the soil can cause mass movement to occur. The transect located in SMU 193F had erosion greater 

than 15 percent and is located in the Windy timber sale (unit 14), which was harvested in 2004. The 

other transect located in SMU RnG with greater than 15 percent erosion was not located within a 

previous timber sale unit, but showed signs of recent burning. It is not known if full implementation of 

design criteria occurred at these sites. In Alternative B, no activities are proposed in the location of these 

transects. 

Nine SMUs are rated as either ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ for ‘hazard of off-road or off-trail erosion’ and 

comprise approximately 41 percent of the project area. These SMUs are 149G (Pactola-Rock Outcrop 

Complex), 161F (Rockoa-Rock Outcrop complex), 190E and 193F (Vanocker-Citadel Complex), 202G and 

VoG (Vanocker-Sawdust-Rock Outcrop Complex), 219G (Grizzly-Rubbleland-Rock Outcrop), HtG 

(Hopdraw-Sawdust-Rock Outcrop Complex), and RnG (Rock Outcrop-Sawdust Complex). Both transects 

that showed erosion on more than 15 percent were located on SMUs with ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’

ratings. The establishment of vegetation and the use of erosion control measures (e.g. waterbars and 

logging slash) would minimize erosion. Direct effects may occur immediately after harvest activities and 

before rehabilitation occurs. After rehabilitation, erosion is expected to return to background levels and 

effects are expected to be minimal. It is anticipated that full implementation of design criteria and WCPs 

would limit the amount of soil erosion to below 15 percent on any given unit.

There are approximately 8,085 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,199 acres of prescribed burning 

(some areas of treatment and burning overlap) on SMUs 149G, 161F, 193F, 202G, 219G, HtG, RnG, VaE, 

and VoG. Timber harvest activities remove the biomass and increase runoff. Activity on these SMUs 

should occur during the dry months to minimize erosion. Smaller landings would also help minimize 

erosion after slash piles on the landings are burned. More erosion occurs as more bare ground is 

created. Burning these landings during the fall would allow more time for vegetation to become 

established before spring runoff and precipitation. It is anticipated that full implementation of design 

criteria outlined in Appendix C would limit the amount of soil erosion to below 15 percent on any given 

unit.

New and temporary road construction, reconstruction of existing roads, and conversion of non-system 

roads into system roads would occur under Alternative B and would be expected to contribute by 

varying degrees to erosion. Erosion occurs on the surface of the road, the ditch paralleling the road, and 

on the cut and fill slopes. Levels of erosion are affected by road surfacing, cross-drainage off of the road 

surface, and the soil material of the road and cut and fill slopes (USDA-Forest Service 1996). Different 

soil types have varying degrees of erosion due to roads. Approximately 92 percent of the soils in the 

Steamboat project area are rated as ‘severe’ for ‘hazard of erosion on roads and trails’. Approximately 

20 miles of new NFS system roads and 10 miles of temporary roads would be installed under Alternative 

B. In addition, 74 miles of existing roads would be reconstructed and 6 miles of non-system roads would 

be converted under this alternative. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of all road erosion occurs 

during the first year after construction. Within two to three years, erosion returns to background levels 
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if continued use is not allowed. If roads continue to be used, erosion would continue and sediment 

would be produced, especially if use occurs during wet weather (USDA-Forest Service 1996). Engineering 

road design specifications and guidelines should be followed to protect highly erodible soils and road 

surface material. These include placement of aggregate on the roadbed, installation of culverts, water 

diversion structures (especially for grades steeper than 10 percent), and seeding of cut and fill slopes as 

soon as possible after construction. Construction and maintenance of roads should occur during the late 

summer when precipitation events are not as frequent. These guidelines parallel those guidelines 

outlined in the BMPs. Following these guidelines would keep erosion to a minimum on new and existing 

roads within the Steamboat project area. 

The hazard of high intensity wildfires would be expected to be lower compared to Alternative A because 

Alternative B includes efforts to reduce the fire hazard across the project area. Associated soil erosion 

from wildfires may still occur under Alternative B. Fuel reduction treatments should generally contribute 

to lower fire intensity and; therefore, lower the severity of effects on soils. Any wildfires that occur 

following implementation of the action alternatives would be expected to have less potential to cause 

erosion and subsequently produce negative effects on soils and site productivity.

Negative impacts related to soil erosion would be less under this alternative than Alternative A because 

erosion issues associated with roads would be addressed and the potential for high intensity wildfires 

would be lower. Due to the level of treatment proposed under Alternative B compared to Alternatives C 

and D, the effect of erosion would be less than Alternative C and more than Alternative D.

Table 3-56. Proposed Roads on Soils with a Severe Erosion Hazard Rating

Proposed Activity Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

New Construction 16 miles 34.2 miles 0 miles

Road Conversion 4.1 miles 8.2 miles 2.7 miles

Temporary Road 6.9 miles 10.1 miles 5.5 miles

Areas designated as part of the permanent transportation network are no longer managed as a soil 

resource and were not analyzed in this report for soil erosion, but are addressed in the water quality 

section above. 

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 

long term. Soil health assessments that were conducted in the Steamboat project area in 2008 and 

2009 overlapped the Cavern, Rochford, and Windy timber sales. These soil health assessments did not 

show a site that had greater than 15 percent erosion. Most of the erosion identified at this site occurred 

on or near roads, landings, or skid trails. Ongoing and future projects that could affect soil erosion levels 

in the project area are also expected to incorporate design criteria to prevent erosion from becoming 

detrimental. Implementation of the Forest-wide travel management plan 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 
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intended to prevent or minimize soil erosion on soils that would be expected to be more susceptible to 

detrimental erosion, WCPs, and other measures, it could be expected that any erosion that occurs 

would be minimal and within the limits of Forest Plan standard 1103.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct and indirect effects of Alternative C would be similar to Alternative B but at a higher 

magnitude due to the increased level of vegetation treatment and road construction. 

Approximately 11,285 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,199 acres of prescribed burning (some areas 

of treatment and burning would overlap) would occur in SMUs that are rated as ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’

for off-road erosion. Approximately 40 miles of new road construction, 13 miles of temporary road 

construction, 10 miles of non-system road conversion, and 81 miles of reconstruction are proposed 

under Alternative C. Therefore, the erosion effects due to new road construction and maintenance 

would be greater under Alternative C than Alternative B. 

Because the number of acres proposed for vegetation treatment is higher under Alternative C, the 

hazard for high intensity fire is lower. Therefore, the potential for wildfires to cause erosion and produce 

negative effects on soils and site productivity would be less under Alternative C than Alternatives A, B or 

D. 

Implementation of design criteria and WCP direction would occur in accordance with Forest Plan 

standards 1109 and 1110 and would maintain erosion below 15 percent of affected units. 

Negative impacts from erosion associated with road construction would be highest under this 

alternative, but impacts of erosion related to high intensity wildfire are expected to be lowest compared 

to the other alternatives. 

Cumulative Effects

Alternative C proposes commercial harvest on more acres than the other action alternatives. As a 

result, there would be more landings, temporary roads, and skid trails under this alternative. The risk is 

greater for activities to reach the 15 percent threshold, especially on sites where past treatment was 

recently completed. However, timber sales are usually implemented over a range of years and not all 

sales are in operational at the same time. If all of the timber sales were implemented during the same 

time, the chance for soil erosion to reach threshold levels would be higher. Because that does not 

happen, the effects of soil erosion are mitigated over time. Therefore, cumulative impacts should be 

minor and below the 15 percent threshold on any given unit.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct and indirect effects of Alternative D would be similar to Alternative B but at a lower 

magnitude due to the decreased level of vegetation treatment and the absence of new road 

construction. 
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Approximately 6,075 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,199 acres of prescribed burning (some areas 

of treatment and burning overlap) would occur in SMUs that are rated as ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ for 

off-road erosion. No new system road construction is proposed under this alternative. Approximately 8 

miles of temporary road construction, 70 miles of reconstruction of existing roads, and 4 miles of nonsystem road conversion is proposed under Alternative D. Implementation of design criteria and would 

minimize erosion from temporary road construction and conversion and maintenance of existing roads. 

The overall miles of road construction and maintenance and acres proposed for treatment are fewest 

under this alternative. Consequently, the hazard for a high intensity fire is greater because more fuels 

would be allowed to accumulate. The potential for a wildfire to cause erosion and produce negative 

effects on soils and site productivity would be higher under Alternative D than Alternatives B or C, but 

lower than Alternative A.

Implementation of design criteria and WCP direction would occur in accordance with Forest Plan 

standards 1109 and 1110 and would maintain erosion below 15 percent of affected units. 

Negative impacts of erosion related to road construction would be lowest under Alternative D when 

compared to the other two action alternatives, but the potential impacts of erosion related to high 

intensity wildfire would be highest compared to Alternatives B and C. With the implementation of 

design criteria during road maintenance activities, existing erosive areas would be repaired, providing a 

beneficial impact compared to Alternative A. 

Cumulative Effects

Alternative D proposes only eight miles of temporary roads and four miles of road conversion. In 

addition, Alternative D has the lowest level of commercial timber activity compared to the other action 

alternatives. As a result, the potential for soil erosion would be lower. The cumulative effects would be 

similar to Alternative B, but would likely occur at a lower level.

Soil Compaction 

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative A, no new activities are proposed on erosive or compactable soils. Existing activities 

would continue under this alternative and include timber sales, post-harvest (KV) activities, road 

maintenance, fuel reduction, mining, and grazing. With the absence of new activities, existing levels of 

bulk density are expected to decrease over time through various natural processes including root 

development, freeze/thaw cycles, and wildlife activity (especially gopher excavation). This alternative 

would result in the least amount of soil compaction because no activities are proposed that would 

increase compaction levels and current compaction levels would decrease over time. 

Cumulative Effects

Alternative A does not propose any new activities. Current soil compaction levels would stay the same 

except where there are ongoing activities. Some compaction could occur from existing projects, but 

would be minimal and would not accumulate with any actions related to the Steamboat Project.
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Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B proposes commercial and non-commercial timber harvest, prescribed burning and road 

management activities that would result in varying amounts of soil compaction depending upon site 

conditions, the extent of the activity, and the weight of vehicles and equipment on the ground. Soil 

health surveys conducted in 2008 and 2009 examined soil compaction. Eight transects showed 

compaction on more than 15 percent of the sites. These sites are located on SMUs 24C (CitadelVanocker Complex), 193F and VaE (Vanocker-Citadel Complex), 199C (Vanocker-Paunsaugunt Complex), 

McB (Marshbrook-Cordeston Loams), and RnG (Rock Outcrop-Sawdust Complex). All but one of the sites 

showing compaction above 15 percent were located in previous timber sales units: Windy Units 6 and 

14 harvested in 2004 and Cavern Units 14 and 18 harvested in 1999. Under Alternative B, 271 acres are 

proposed for treatment within these SMUs. 

Thirteen SMUs in the Steamboat project area are susceptible to compaction based on their low strength 

and high water capacity properties. Approximately 6,131 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,892 acres 

of prescribed burning (some areas of treatment and burning overlap) are to occur on these SMUs. It is 

expected that activities proposed under this alternative may result in varying levels of soil compaction, 

but increases in bulk densities would not be expected to exceed the regional soil quality standards if 

activities were to occur during times when the soil was dry, frozen, or covered with at least one foot of 

packed snow. The installment of dozer lines is the main cause of soil compaction during prescribed 

burning. Recent monitoring studies within the Black Hills National Forest have concluded that the use of 

existing roads as fire lines would minimize the amount of compaction resulting from prescribed burning 

(USDA-Forest Service 2010a). Based on the expectation that WCPs and design criteria specified above 

would be implemented, soil compaction levels should not reach the detrimental level of 15 percent in 

any single unit (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). 

New system and temporary road construction, reconstruction of existing roads, and non-system road

conversion would occur under Alternative B and would be expected to contribute to compaction. 

Compaction occurs primarily during construction of the road, the ditch paralleling the road, and the cut 

and fill slopes. Compaction as a result of road construction would repair itself over time as activity along 

the roads would only occur once and vegetation would be established within one year. Approximately 

20 miles of new system road, 10 miles of temporary roads, 74 miles of reconstruction, and 6 miles of 

non-system road conversion are proposed under Alternative B. Restriction of use on these roads after 

harvesting activities would eliminate any further compaction as a result of vehicle activity. Reclamation 

and revegetation of temporary constructed routes would occur in accordance with Forest Plan 

standards 1109 and 1110. Once drainages are in place and vegetation becomes established on road 

surfaces, compaction from these roads would be expected to return to background levels as roots 

penetrate and break up compacted soil. 

Under Alternative B, detrimental compaction would occur on temporary haul roads and skid trails, 

especially on SMUs 18C, 24C, 27B, 40B, 43C, 82C, 88B, 92C, 205D, CtE, McB, So, and TaB. Best 

management practices monitoring would occur after timber sales are closed to assess the amount of 

compaction and maintain this amount below 15 percent of each unit. The level of soil compaction 

occurring under Alternative B is expected to be less than Alternative C and greater than Alternatives A or 

D.
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Cumulative Effects

Soil health assessments were conducted within the Steamboat project area in 2008 and 2009 at 

locations that overlapped the Cavern, Rochford, and Windy timber sales as well as some adjacent 

undisturbed sites. Evidence of compaction was found along skid trails and landings at all sites that were 

surveyed within a timber sale unit. Based on Forest-level monitoring (USDA-Forest Service 2010a), total 

soil compaction would be expected to be below 15 percent in all activity areas, and any increase in 

levels would 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 design criteria to avoid detrimental compaction. The 

recently implemented Forest-wide travel management plan is expected to reduce the amount of offroad and off-trail travel, which is anticipated to reduce the amount of soil compaction associated with 

these activities. Because these various activities would take place over time, and Forest-level 

monitoring 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.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct and indirect effects of Alternative C would be similar to Alternative B but at a higher 

magnitude due to the increased level of vegetation treatment and road construction. 

Approximately 9,692 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,892 acres of prescribed burning (some areas 

of treatment and burning overlap) would occur on the SMUs classified as low strength and high water 

capacity under Alternative C. Approximately 40 miles of system road construction, 13 miles of 

temporary road construction, 81 miles of reconstruction, and 10 miles of non-system road conversion

are proposed under Alternative C, which is more than Alternative B. Thus the amount of compaction 

due to the construction and maintenance of roads is greater in this alternative than Alternative B. More 

acres are proposed for treatment, creating more skid trails and temporary haul roads, which could cause 

compaction. This alternative would have the most negative impacts relating to soil compaction 

compared to any other alternative. 

Cumulative Effects

Alternative C would have the greatest potential for soil compaction levels to reach the 15 percent

threshold as compared to the other action alternatives due to the higher road mileage and greater 

acreage of lands proposed for commercial harvest. Landings, temporary roads, and skid trails are the 

most common areas of compaction within a timber sale. Because there are more lands proposed under 

Alternative C, the potential effects would be greater under this alternative than under Alternative B. 

However, because timber sales are spread out over time, the effects of compaction would also be 

spread out, allowing areas to naturally recover from past and ongoing treatments and minimizing the 

potential for negative cumulative effects.
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Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct and indirect effects of Alternative D would be similar to Alternative B but at a lower 

magnitude due to the decreased level of vegetation treatment and the absence of new road 

construction. 

Approximately 4,715 acres of vegetation treatment and 5,892 acres of prescribed burning (some areas 

of treatment and burning overlap) would occur on the SMUs classified as low strength and high water 

capacity under Alternative D. No road construction is proposed, but approximately 8 miles of temporary 

road construction, 70 miles of reconstruction, and 4 miles of conversion is would occur. The level of 

proposed vegetation treatment and road management activities is less than Alternatives B and C and 

more than Alternative A. Therefore, the potential for negative impacts relating to soil compaction 

would be less than Alternatives B or C and greater than Alternative A.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative D proposes no road construction, less road conversion, and less commercial harvest than the 

other action alternatives. Less compaction is expected from the proposed activities and, when 

considered along with past and ongoing activities, should not reach the 15 percent threshold. No 

detrimental cumulative effects related to soil compaction are expected under Alternative D.

Soil Nutrients

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative A, nutrient levels may increase over time as biomass is allowed to accumulate. Soil 

nutrients could be impacted in the event of a high intensity wildfire. Such a wildfire could occur under 

any alternative, but soil nutrients would be most impacted under this alternative because the risk and 

severity of a fire is expected to be greater due to lack of management. Monitoring and rehabilitation 

would be implemented as needed to access the effects on soil nutrients after a wildfire. This alternative 

is the most beneficial to soil nutrients unless a high intensity wildfire occurs. 

Cumulative Effects

Existing activities such as timber harvest, post-harvest (KV) activities, mining, and grazing would 

continue under this alternative. A risk for a stand-replacing wildfire exists under all alternatives, but has 

the highest risk 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, 12,336 acres are proposed for vegetation treatment and 10,608 acres are proposed 

for prescribed burning (some acres overlap between these treatments). The loss of organic matter and 

nutrients would generally be expected to occur in those timber harvest areas where whole-tree yarding 

is used (Rafferty and Gies 2011). This method is estimated to remove 75 to 85 percent of the slash 
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generated from harvest activities in the stand and place it in mechanical harvester piles. Whole-tree 

yarding is desirable in areas where fuel reduction is necessary to target the reduction of high intensity 

wildfires that result in severe effects to soil nutrients. In addition, prescribed burning targets removal of

fuels and reduces the potential of a high intensity wildfire. Prescribed fires are burned at a moderate 

intensity, which removes the duff layer and consumes organic matter within the surface layer. In soils 

with low organic matter, prescribed burns should occur at low intensity to help retain some organic 

matter. Within the Steamboat project area, two SMUs have organic matter content less than two

percent: HtG (Hopdraw-Sawdust-Rock Outcrop Complex) and RnG (Rock Outcrop-Sawdust Complex). 

Three stands composed of these SMUs have proposed activities (Table 3-57). Proposed design criteria 

must be applied to these stands to meet Forest Plan standard 1102. The Steamboat project area has 

four SMUs that contain a rooting depth of 6 to 20 inches: RnG, 116E and PaE (Paunsaugunt-Rock 

Outcrop Complex), and 124C (Paunsaugunt-Citadel Complex). A total of 146 stands have at least one of 

these SMUs of varying acreage. Stands that have more than 50 percent of lands with SMUs with a low 

rooting depth are listed in Table 3-58. Alternative B proposes 986 acres of vegetation treatment and 

942 acres of prescribed burning on SMUs with low organic matter content and a shallow rooting depth. 

Whole-tree yarding activities on these SMUs may contradict Forest Plan guideline 1102a. 

Implementation of design criteria as outlined in Appendix C would ensure compliance with the Forest 

Plan.

Stand 081709-44 has soils with low organic matter and low rooting depth. This stand has the highest 

potential to lose its soil nutrients during implementation of the proposed action. Whole tree yarding for 

this stand is not an option for meeting Forest Plan standard 1102. Because the soils are low in nutrients, 

lop and scatter should is the only option for this stand. Winter logging would also benefit this stand 

because there is a higher potential for fine slash to be left within the stand instead of being scattered 

post-harvest. 

Direct and indirect effects may occur, but with the implementation of the design criteria and the 

retention of slash on the ground where harvest units overlap the above listed SMUs, the effects should 

be minimal. Also, if whole tree yarding is used as the harvest method, winter logging would be more 

beneficial in retaining nutrients on site; more fine slash is retained on the ground during winter logging 

due to the increased brittleness of tree limbs.

Table 3-57. Stands with Low Organic Matter and a proposed commercial treatment

Stand ID Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081708-74 No treatment Overstory Removal No Treatment

081708-75 No treatment Commercial thin No Treatment

081709-44 Commercial thin Commercial thin Commercial thin

Table 3-58. Stands with Low Rooting depth and a proposed commercial treatment

Stand ID Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081506-27 Products other than logs

081506-29 Products other than logs

081506-31 Products other than logs

081506-32 Products other than logs

081506-64 Products other than logs

081506-68 Products other than logs

081506-77 Products other than logs
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Stand ID Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081506-80 Patch Cut

081506-81 Patch Cut

081506-112 Commercial thin

081510-13 Commercial thin

081510-17 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

081706-13 Individual tree selection

081708-60 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

081709-44 Commercial thin

089903-02 No treatment Overstory removal/ Planting No treatment

089903-14 No treatment Commercial thin No treatment

089903-25 Commercial thin

089903-31 No treatment Overstory removal/Planting No treatment

089903-36 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

089903-39 Commercial thin

089903-51 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

089903-52 No treatment Shelterwood cut No treatment

089903-53 No treatment Shelterwood cut No treatment

089903-54 Commercial thin No treatment

089903-56 No treatment Shelterwood cut No treatment

089903-68 Commercial thin

089903-99 Commercial thin

089903-100 No treatment Overstory removal/Planting No treatment

089903-104 Shelterwood cut

089903-108 No treatment Overstory removal/ Planting No treatment

089903-131 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

089904-01 Commercial thin

089904-02 Non-commercial thin Overstory removal Non-commercial thin

089904-03 Commercial thin

098804-04 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

089904-26 Commercial thin

089904-42 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

089904-65 Non-commercial thin Overstory removal Non-commercial thin

089904-97 Commercial thin

089904-111 Products other than logs

089904-118 No treatment Overstory removal/Planting No treatment

089904-112 Non-commercial thin Shelterwood cut Non-commercial thin

Cumulative Effects

Timber harvest and 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 design criteria would retain or return residual slash material in the stands with shallow 

soils (i.e., 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 design 

criteria targeted at retaining on-site material with the expectation that soil nutrient levels would be 

retained.
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There is the potential for cumulative effects to occur on stand 081709-44 in relation to soil nutrients. 

The soil map units under this stand have both low organic matter and low rooting depth. If whole tree 

yarding is implemented, the potential exists for the soil nutrient levels to stay low through the year 

2021. However, if whole tree yarding is not implemented in this stand, the potential for a cumulative 

effect decreases until it is almost negligible.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative C, approximately 1,551 acres of vegetation treatment and 942 acres of prescribed 

burning (some acres overlap between these two treatments) would occur. Stands that are proposed for 

treatment and would require design criteria to meet Forest Plan standard 1102 are listed in Tables 3-57

and 3-58.

The proposed activity under Alternative C is similar to that of Alternative B, although more stands have 

treatment proposed. This alternative would have the highest negative effect on soils in regards to soil 

nutrients as compared to all alternatives. This is based on the greater amount of activity proposed on 

soils with shallow rooting depth and low organic matter. Plus, some of these stands also include 

planting after thinning, which shows that there could be less opportunity to leave fine slash within the 

stands.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative C proposes more lands, as compared to Alternative B, for treatment that have soil map units 

that do not have the ability to hold soil nutrients. If the design criteria are implemented, no cumulative 

effects to soil nutrients would occur in these stands because the direct and indirect effects related to 

the Steamboat Project would be eliminated. Effects would be similar to Alternative B, but with more 

potential for effect due to a higher level of treatment. 

As with Alternative B, stand 081709-44 has the potential for a cumulative impact of loss of soil nutrients 

if whole-tree yarding is implemented. Effects would the same for this stand under Alternative C as 

under Alternative B. Also, stand 089903-31 could have a net loss of soil nutrients because this stand has 

mass movement potential and was rated as unstable from field surveys. Implementation of the 

overstory removal with a wet winter could cause this hillside to be more unstable and soils move further 

downhill. This could result in future loss of soil nutrients. 

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative D, approximately 722 acres of vegetation treatment and 942 acres of prescribed 

burning (some acres overlap between these two treatments) would occur. Stands that are proposed for 

treatment and would require design criteria to meet Forest Plan standard 1102 are listed in Tables 3-57

and 3-58.

The proposed activity under Alternative D is similar to that of Alternatives B and C, although fewer 

stands have treatment proposed. This alternative has higher potential for high intensity wildfire than 
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Alternatives B and C and, consequently, the potential for effects to soil nutrients as a result of wildfire 

would be greater. Effects to soil nutrients as a result of harvest activities would be the least under this 

alternative compared to Alternatives B and C, but would be higher than Alternative A.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative D proposes fewer acres for treatment with soil map units with low soil nutrients as 

compared to the other action alternatives. Cumulative effects would be the least negative under this 

alternative as compared to Alternatives B and C. More stands would not be harvested, so there would 

not be a loss of future nutrients in these stands and soil map units. Alternative D would have effects 

similar to what is described under Alternative B, but with a lower potential for negative impacts.

Cumulative effects for stand 081709-44 would the same as described under Alternative B as under 

Alternative D because the same action is proposed.

Soil Heating

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under Alternative A, limited soil heating effects caused by prescribed burning would not occur. 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, could occur in the event of a stand-replacing fire. These effects 

could occur under any alternative, though the potential for large, stand-replacing fires would be the 

greatest under Alternative A. Altered soil conditions resulting from intense fire may affect long-term 

productivity of sites (USDA-Forest Service 2005a).

Cumulative Effects

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 the highest under Alternative A. Cumulative effects from a 

potential wildfire are expected to be the greatest under Alternative A due to the highest fire risk. 

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Severe soil heating effects, as described above, could also occur under Alternative B. However, the 

potential for large, stand-replacing fires would be lower under Alternative B. 

Alternative B proposes 10,608 acres of prescribed burning. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 to 

acres a year for up to 10 years would actually be completed. No burning is proposed on soils with high 

potential for impacts from fires of moderate intensity. Fires of this intensity provide the heat necessary 

to remove the duff layer and consume organic matter in the surface layer. A mosaic of burning 

conditions would be expected within the project area during a prescribed burn due to differences in 

factors such as vegetation type, wind speed, soil moisture, and relative humidity. Prescribed burning 

would be expected to contribute to a reduction in the potential for high intensity wildfires while 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

contributing to very limited hydrophobicity (i.e., 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 1996) 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 burn was to exceed the intensity of the prescription, a site evaluation may be necessary to 

assess the effects and determine if any rehabilitation is required. Additionally, prescribed burns of low 

intensity would be expected to consume some of the fuels, releasing some of the associated nutrients to 

the soil. 

To keep soil heating effects to a minimum, prescribed burning proposed under the action alternatives 

would be conducted to minimize the residence time on the soil while meeting burn objectives in 

accordance with the WCPs.

Cumulative Effects

Prescribed burning is proposed to reduce fuels and contribute to the goal of reducing the extent of 

crown fire and difficulty of suppression. Burns are expected to be conducted in accordance with the 

WCPs to limit the fire residence time at the soil surface. This measure is expected to prevent soil 

heating to the point that soil could become severely burned. Prescribed burning in the area would 

generally be expected to have beneficial long-term effect by potentially limiting the extent or intensity 

of future crown fires that may occur within the project area, thereby limiting soil heating that can be 

associated with high-intensity wildfires. 

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C would reduce the fire hazard to a greater extent than Alternative B, reducing the potential 

impact of soil heating from a high intensity wildfire.

Alternative C proposes the same amount of acreage for prescribed burning as Alternative B. Therefore,

the effects are expected to be similar to what is described under Alternative B.

Cumulative Effects

Prescribed burning is proposed in the same areas under all three action alternatives. Therefore, the 

effects that are described under Alternative B would also apply to Alternative C.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D would reduce the fire hazard across the project area, but to less extent than either 

Alternative B or C. Therefore, the potential for negative impacts from soil heating would be higher 

under Alternative D as compared to the other action alternatives but would be lower than Alternative A.

Alternative D proposes the same amount of acreage for prescribed burning as Alternative B. Therefore,

the effects are expected to be similar to what is described under Alternative B.
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Cumulative Effects

Prescribed burning is proposed in the same areas under all three action alternatives. Therefore, the 

effects that are described under Alternative B would also apply to Alternative D.

Regeneration Hazard

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under the no action alternative, no new activities would occur that would affect regeneration on 

forested sites.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative A does not propose any new activities. Regeneration is expected to be similar to that which 

is typical for soils in the area. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Ponderosa pine regeneration may be impeded on marginal sites due to seedling mortality, plant 

competition, and other factors. Activities proposed under Alternative B would take place on SMUs

classified as having low or moderate potential for seedling mortality for the majority of the stands within 

the project area. Only four stands have a proposed commercial activity that would occur in an SMU 

with 10% of the unit having a high rating for seeding mortality. Based on that classification and the 

silviculture report (Haas 2011), which states that pine regeneration has occurred and is occurring in the 

project area, seedling mortality is not expected to generally be of concern under Alternative B. 

Five stands (081509-01, 081510-18, 089902-01, 089904-12, and 089904-29) with proposed activities 

have identified meadows as a part of the stand. Thinning of these stands would be beneficial in

maintaining the meadows by removing encroaching pine. Seedling mortality should not be an issue 

within the meadows because pine trees are generally undesirable within meadows. 

Table 3-59. Stands with a Proposed Activities and a Regeneration Hazard

Stand 

Location

Stand 

Id

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

081509 10 Commercial meadow enhancement/ Non-commercial thinning, Prescribed burning

081510 13 Commercial thin/ Non-commercial thin

081510 17 No treatment Overstory removal No treatment

081510 18 Individual tree selection/ Non-commercial thin/ Prescribed burning

081510 73 No treatment Overstory removal/Planting No treatment

081706 24 No treatment Commercial thin/ Non-commercial thin No treatment

081708 4 Prescribed burning

089902 1 Individual tree selection Individual tree selection No treatment

089904

9 Commercial thin/ Noncommercial thin Commercial thin/ Non-commercial thin No treatment

089904 12 Meadow enhancement/ Prescribed burning

089904 13 Prescribed burning Shelterwood Cut/ Non-commercial Prescribed 
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Stand 

Location

Stand 

Id

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

thin/Prescribed burning burning

089904 29 Meadow enhancement/ Non-commercial thin, Prescribed burning

Cumulative Effects

Soils within the project area are rated as having low potential for seedling mortality. Problems obtaining 

sufficient regeneration have not been encountered in the project area (Haas 2011). Because this is 

generally an inherent characteristic of sites, Alternative B would generally not be expected to influence 

soil characteristics to the point of altering regeneration of ponderosa pine and cumulative effects would 

not be expected to occur.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative C proposes activities within twelve different stands that have regeneration hazards (Table 3-

59) and in five stands with identified meadows. As discussed above, treatments within these stands 

would improve the meadow health with the removal of pines. Again, based on the silvicultural report 

(Haas 2011) and past experience, regeneration is generally not expected to be a problem in harvest 

units.

The one stand with a potential regeneration problem would be stand 08150-73 (Table 3-59). This stand 

is composed of SMUs 124C, 190E, and 193F. SMU 124C is identified as having a high rating for seedling 

mortality and the other two have a moderate rating of seedling mortality. Due to the SMUs under the 

stand, implementation of the overstory removal could negatively impair future seedling growth. This 

stand is also identified for subsequent planting to ensure that the stand would meet Culmination of 

Mean Annual Increment (CMAI) as defined in the Forest Plan (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). Due to the 

SMUs within the stand, the planting may not be successful. The potential exists for this stand to not 

meet CMAI even if planting occurs.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative C proposes treatment in more stands with soil map units with a seedling mortality rating of 

‘high’ as compared to the other action alternatives. The cumulative effects would be similar to what is 

described under Alternative B, but to a greater degree.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative D proposes activities within seven stands that are identified with SMUs with high seedling 

mortality for more than 10% of the stand (Table 3-59). Only two stands are proposed for a commercial 

thinning activity. The silviculture report (Haas 2011) does not identify regeneration as a problem within 

the Steamboat project area. Therefore, it is expected that the two stands with commercial activities 

should adequately regenerate. 

Alternative D proposes activities within four of the stands with identified meadows within the 

Steamboat project area. Only stand 089902-01 does not have a proposed activity within Alternative D. 
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Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Ranger District

This stand is directly below Dalton Lake Dam and has mild pine encroachment within the meadow; 

however, the pine is the only source of shade for Little Elk Creek. Not implementing a commercial 

activity within stand 089902-01 should not have a long-term negative effect on this meadow.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative D has the fewest stands with a proposed activity on soil map units that have a ‘high’ rating 

for seedling mortality. The potential for a negative cumulative impact to regeneration is the least for 

this alternative as compared to the other action alternatives. 

Geological Hazards

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Under the no action alternative, no new activities are planned on slopes with characteristics indicative 

of mass movement potential. Soil mass movement is expected to continue at existing levels or may 

increase if a high intensity fire occurs and results in extensive tree mortality on these soils.

Cumulative Effects

Potential for mass movement events would be expected to be limited to rates typical of the geology in 

the area. Therefore, adverse cumulative effects are not expected.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Alternative B proposes timber harvest on SMUs that are identified in the Forest Plan as being

susceptible to mass movement. Slope stability surveys were conducted for the Steamboat project area 

between 2008 and 2010 on soils and slopes that have been identified as susceptible to mass movement 

per Forest Plan guideline 1108. These surveys identified 44 sites as stable, 24 sites as cautionary or 

having signs of instability, and 9 sites as unstable. Proposed treatments in some of these areas have 

been dropped from the proposed action. Other stands were retained for treatment because the total 

acreage of soils with stability issues within the stand was low. 

Overall, a total of 43 proposed treatment stands overlap one of the areas where the surveys showed 

unstable slopes (Table 3-60). In each case, the entire stand is not considered unstable but some part of 

the stand (greater than 1 acre in size) was rated as unstable. Twenty of these stands have a proposed 

commercial activity. 

There is potential for increased soil erosion as a result of the commercial harvest activities within the 

stands that are rated as unstable. Removal of the basal area would reduce the amount of soil-water 

that is being used by trees. The removal of trees could increase the amount of water in storage in soils, 

soils could become over-saturated and trigger some kind of mass movement (e.g. landslide, soil creep, 

or slump). Due to this, it is recommended to maintain basal areas above 60 to reduce the mass 

movement potential.
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Three stands within the Steamboat project area (081510-08, 081510-35 and 081708-90) are proposed 

for commercial activities that would reduce the basal area below 60 and could remove enough timber to 

trigger future mass movement. Implementation of the proposed activities within these stands could 

cause the non-compliance with Forest Plan guideline 1108. Existing roads are located near three stands 

(089903-95, 081510-8, and 081510-35) with proposed commercial activity that could reduce the basal 

area of stands. The roads near the thinned stands could increase the potential for future mass 

movement. Eight stands with unstable soils are proposed for non-commercial treatments under 

Alternative B. Non-commercial activities should not cause any further destabilization of the hillsides 

because they would not greatly reduce the basal area of the stand.

Prescribed burning would not significantly reduce the basal area in stands as burns would be of low 

intensity, largely removing ground fuels and small trees in some areas. The concern with prescribed 

burning would be where dozer lines are constructed in areas that are rated as unstable. The 

recommendation is to use existing roads or trails as much as possible. If not possible, construction of 

hand lines is preferable to dozer lines. This would minimize the new disturbance within the unstable 

areas.

Table 3-60. Stands with mass movement potential with a proposed activity.

Stand Alternative B Alternative C Alternative 

D

Site Specific Design Criteria

081509- 05 Understory thin Minimize disturbance from skid trails. Keep higher 

density of trees upon the unstable hillslope (20 acres)

081509-11 Commercial thin Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Keep a higher density of trees along the 

eastern side of the stand (8 acres).

081509-15 Prescribed 

burning

Overstory 

Removal/

Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Keep a higher density of trees within the 

middle of stand. Alternative C only. (34 acres).

081509-24 Prescribed burning None (17 acres)

081510-03 No treatment Overstory 

Removal/Planting

No treatment Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-04 Prescribed 

burning

Shelterwood cut/ 

Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-08 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. (entire stand)

081510-09 Commercial thin Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads and retain more trees along the eastern side of 

the of the stand boundary (total of 2 acres). 

081510-27 Prescribed 

burning

Commercial thin/ 

Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-33 NT Shelterwood Cut/ 

Prescribed 

burning

NT Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-35 Shelterwood Cut/ Prescribed burning Avoid seeps. Minimize disturbance from skid trails 

and temporary roads. (entire stand)

081510-36 Prescribed burning None (entire stand)

081510-42 No Treatement Overstory No Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)
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Stand Alternative B Alternative C Alternative 

D

Site Specific Design Criteria

Removal/Planting Treatment

081510-54 Prescribed 

burning

Commercial thin/ 

Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads and retain more trees along the eastern side of 

the of the stand boundary. Alternative C only. (2 

acres)

081510-57 NT Commercial thin NT Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-58 Noncommercial

thin/ Prescribed 

burning

Commercial thin/

Prescribed 

burning

Noncommercial

thin/ 

Prescribed 

burning

Avoid seeps (all alternatives). Minimize disturbance 

from skid trails and temporary roads within stand for 

Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-60 NT Overstory 

Removal/planting

NT Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081510-74 Prescribed Burning None (entire stand).

081510-75 Commercial thin Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. (6 acres)

081708-20 No Treatment Overstory 

removal

No 

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads along the southern boundary. Alternative C 

only. (1 acre)

081708-21 No Treatment Shelterwood Cut No 

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads along the southern half of the stand. 

Alternative C only. (34 acres)

081708-42 Shelterwood Cut Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads along the western boundary of the stand (6 

acres). 

081708-43 No Treatment Shelterwood Cut No

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only. (entire stand)

081708-44 No Treatment Overstory 

Removal/Planting

No 

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads (entire stand). Alternative C only. (entire 

stand)

081708-62 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternatives B and C.(46 acres)

081708-64 Prescribed burning None (4 acres)

081708-87 Commercial thin No

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads along western boundary (1 acre). 

081708-88 No Treatment Overstory 

Removal

No 

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads along northern and eastern half of the stand 

(37 acres). Alternative C only

081708-90 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads (entire stand).

089902-20 Commercial Meadow Enhancement/ Prescribed 

burning

Minimize skid trails and temporary roads along the 

eastern and middle part of stand (4 acres). 

089902-23 Prescribed burning None (2 acres)

089902-46 Prescribed burning None (8 acres)

089902-49 Commercial thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads (27 acres)

089902-66 Individual tree selection Minimize skid trails and temporary roads (21 acres). 

089902-73 Non-commercial thin Move new road construction outside of the instable 

areas. (6 acres)

089903-04 Products other than logs Avoid or leave a higher density of trees in the 

northern section of stand (17 acres).

089903-11 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

unstable areas. Avoid or leave a higher density of 

trees in the northern bend and western half of stand 
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Stand Alternative B Alternative C Alternative 

D

Site Specific Design Criteria

(32 acres).

089903-12 No Treatment Commercial thin No 

Treatment

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only (entire stand)

089903-18 Prescribed 

burning

Commercial thin/ 

Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize disturbance from skid trails and temporary 

roads. Alternative C only (23 acres).

089903-28 Understory thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads(25 acres)

089903-30 Prescribed burning None (entire stand).

089903-31 No Treament Overstory 

Removal/ Planting

No 

Treatment

Minimize skid trails and temporary roads. 

Alternative C only (71 acres)

089903-33 Individual tree selection/ Prescribed 

burning

Prescribed 

burning

Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

northern and eastern part of the stand. Alternatives 

B and C only (42 acres).

089903-34 Commercial Thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

stand (38 acres). 

089903-38 Prescribed burning None (entire stand).

089903-45 Prescribed burning None (11 acres)

089903-95 Commercial thin No 

Treatment

Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

western half of stand. Alternatives B and C (6 acres). 

089904-03 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Prescribed 

burning

Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

north eastern half of the stand (16 acres). 

089904-05 Commercial thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads within the 

southern half of the stand (7 acres). 

089904-06 Commercial thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads along 

northeastern arm (15 acres)

089904-09 Commercial thin No treatment Minimize skid trails and temporary roads (1 acre)

089904-18 Prescribed burning None (49 acres)

089904-35 Commercial thin Minimize skid trails and temporary roads. (13 acres)

089904-97 Commercial thin/ Prescribed burning Minimize skid trails and temporary roads. (8 acres)

Alternative B proposes approximately 0.9 miles of new construction, road conversion, or temporary 

road in areas that were rated as unstable. The highest concern is approximate 0.7 miles of new road 

construction that is within an area that was rated as unstable in T3N, R5E, Section 12 and T3N, R6E, 

Sections 7 and 18. Most of this road is at the top of the hill and should not be problem. However, a 

portion of the road drops into the hillslope that has been identified as unstable. This roadcut could be a 

catalyst in the future for debris flow under high saturated conditions. The larger concern would be the 

conversion of non-system road U140124 into a NFS road because this could cause some cutting into the 

hillslope. This route is at the base of the hill near an ephemeral tributary to Stagebarn Canyon. This 

route could intersect sub-surface water flow resulting in areas where slumping or other type of debris 

flow could form. Undercutting a hillslope for road building is one of the most common triggers for mass 

movement (Ritter 2006).

The other concern is a temporary road proposed in T3N, R6E, Sections 6 and 7. This temporary road is 

only 0.1 miles but within an area that is rated as unstable and cuts midslope along the Little Elk Creek 

canyon walls. If cutslopes are created by the construction of this temporary road, it could destabilize 

the hillside. 
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Two new roads are proposed within the southern part of the project area within T2N, R6E, Sections 7 

and 8. Both of these roads are on the ridge and should not cause any increased instability by road 

building. Any time the roads or any spur roads cut midslope, the potential for instability increases.

Road reconstruction or maintenance is proposed on several NFS roads that cross areas of known 

unstable slopes. Reconstruction activities should be done with care and during dry times of the year 

within these sections to avoid triggering further movement. Unstable sites vary in size and are most 

common on mid-slope roads. During reconstruction activities, these roads could be examined to 

increase the water drainage off of the road if necessary. Table 3-63 shows the NFS roads that cross 

areas with unstable slopes and are proposed for reconstruction or maintenance. 

Table 3-61. NFS Roads Proposed for Reconstruction in Unstable Areas

FSR Road Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

135.1I X X X

135.1M X

144 X X X

144.1G X X X

144.2B X X X

144.2E X X X

149.2A X

224.1A X

226.1C X X X

704.1C X X X

Cumulative Effects

As described in the Direct and Indirect Effects section, design criteria for activities proposed on Citadel, 

Lakoa, and Rockoa soils with slopes greater than 30 percent would minimize the risk of mass movement. 

Small areas of existing unstable slopes are usually excluded during implementation unless there are 

mitigation measures in place. The application of Forest Plan guideline 1108 would minimize the 

potential for mass movement events (USDA-Forest Service 2005c). Provided that mass movement is 

avoided, cumulative effects would not occur.

Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Overall, a total of 55 proposed treatment stands include one of the areas where the surveys showed 

unstable hillslopes. In each case, the entire stand is not considered unstable but some part of the stand 

(greater than 1 acre in size) was rated as unstable. Forty-two of these stands have a proposed 

commercial activity that would remove basal area (Table 3-60). 

Effects would be similar to those described under Alternative B with a greater potential for future slope 

instability due to the increased acres proposed for thinning. Four stands (081708-44, 0815010-3, 42, 

and 60) would have the highest potential because they would require either reserve trees or planting 

after the completion of commercial activities. Thinning these stands could cause future instability.

Thirteen stands are proposed for commercial timber activities under Alternative C where the entire 

stand has been surveyed as unstable in the past. Implementation of these commercial activities could 
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contribute to future instability to the hillslopes. Four stands have either roads within or near them 

located along unstable hillsides (089903-095, 081510-08, 081510-35, and 081510-57). These stands are 

more at risk of increased soil erosion from potential future mass movement. Only one stand is proposed 

for prescribed burning (089903-30) and not commercial activity. Prescribed burning on this stand 

should not trigger any future mass movement.

Alternative C proposes more new roads on unstable hillslopes than Alternative B. One non-system route 

(U140174) is proposed for conversion to a NFS road. This route is located at T3N, R6E, Section 8. The 

other two routes are proposed as temporary roads also located at T3N, R6E, Section 8. Existing roads 

are proposed for reconstruction in areas that have unstable soils. As described above, road 

maintenance should be done carefully, especially when cleaning up the cut slope and roadside ditches.

Overall, Alternative C has a greater risk to trigger future mass movement as compared to Alternative B. 

This is due to the increased level of commercial timber harvest and road management activities on

unstable hillslopes. There is potential to be in violation of Forest Plan guideline 1108 with the 

implementation of Alternative C because there is a good potential for resource damage to roads and 

hillsides from implementation.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative C proposes more activities on hillslopes, as compared to Alternative B, that were rated as 

unstable from field surveys. Overall, 14 stands (Table 3-60) are proposed for timber harvest that would 

reduce the basal area below the recommendation included in design criteria. The potential for mass 

movement within these stands would be greater than in the other stands listed in Table 3-60. 

Collectively, 42 stands with an unstable rating and 159 stands with a caution rating have a proposed 

activity under Alternative C. There is a greater potential for a future mass movement event from 

implementation of Alternative C as compared to all action alternatives due to the greater disturbance 

proposed on unstable hillslopes. Even if design criteria are in place, reduction of the basal area on these 

stands would place them at risk of mass movement if future harvest or road construction activities were 

to take place in the same stands. Implementation of Alternative C could violate Forest Plan guideline 

1108 if mass movement events occur. These mass movement events would represent resource damage 

that could be avoided if trees were not removed from these hillsides.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Overall, a total of 40 stands intersect one of the areas where surveys showed unstable hillslopes and 

Alternative D proposes a treatment. In each case, the entire stand is not considered unstable but some 

part of the stand (greater than 1 acre in size) was rated as unstable. Seventeen of these stands have a 

proposed commercial activity that would remove basal area. 

Effects would be similar to, but at less intensity, than what is described under Alternative B because 

Alternative D proposes fewer acres of treatment, no new road construction and fewer miles of road 

conversion or maintenance. The same three stands are proposed for commercial activities as under 

Alternative B. The effects of harvest activities described under Alternative B would the same as 

Alternative D. Two stands (081510-08 and 081510-35) are near roads and also have a proposed 

commercial activity. These stands would potentially have more future instability if the commercial 
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activities are implemented. Only five stands where the entire stand was surveyed as unstable are 

proposed for non-commercial activities. Again, there should not be any potential future mass 

movement from these proposed activities.

Under Alternative D, existing non-system route U140124 would be converted to a system road. There 

would also be a proposed temporary route located within T3N, R6E, Sections 6 and 7. Again, the effects 

that are described under Alternative B for these two routes would be the same under Alternative D. 

Also, the same system roads proposed for reconstruction or maintenance under Alternative B are 

included in Alternative D. The effects of road reconstruction or maintenance would be the same under 

Alternative D as described under Alternative B.

Overall, Alternative D would have the lowest potential for future debris flows as compared to the other 

two action alternatives. This is because fewer hillslopes are proposed for commercial activities. 

However, Alternative D would be more impactful than Alternative A for the protection of the hillslopes 

from future mass movement because some hillslopes with soil concerns are proposed for commercial 

harvest and road management activities.

Cumulative Effects

Alternative D proposes the least amount of timber activities on hillsides that were rated as unstable 

from field surveys. The three stands (081510-08, 081510-35, and 081708-90) identified under 

Alternative B would have the same cumulative effect potential under Alternative D as under Alternative 

B. This is because these stands have the same proposed activities under both alternatives. Overall, 40 

stands with an unstable rating and 134 stands with a caution rating have a proposed activity under 

Alternative D.

Implementation of Alternative D does have the potential for violation of Forest Plan guideline 1108 

because of the potential for resource damage from a future mass movement event. However, the 

potential for a future mass movement event is the lowest under Alternative D as compared to the other 

action alternatives. 

Alternative D proposes the least amount of road conversion and temporary road construction along 

unstable hillslopes. The potential still exists for a future mass movement event from the construction of 

these three routes; however, it is the lowest as compared to the other two action alternatives.

Alternative D is the action alternative that is most compliant with Forest Plan guideline 1108. 

3.9 Transportation Network

3.9.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for the transportation network. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Transportation Report (Allard 

2011), which is located in the Steamboat project file.
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3.9.2 Existing Conditions

The existing transportation network was inventoried and reviewed in 2010. Approximately 134 miles of 

road exist on National Forest System (NFS) land in the Steamboat project area. This includes 94 miles of 

NFS road, 28 miles of non-NFS road, 7 miles of private road and 6 miles of county road. NFS roads are 

those routes that are included in the NFS and under federal jurisdiction. Private roads occur on private 

in-holdings and are maintained by the landowner, except in cases where rights-of-way are established 

between the landowner and the federal government. Non-NFS roads are routes that exist on the 

ground through NFS land but are not on the NFS (i.e., are not maintained by the Forest Service). Some 

of these routes are old logging roads that were decommissioned in the past. Also included are usercreated routes (i.e., unofficial routes across public land). 

The Forest-wide travel management plan decision was signed and went into effect in 2010. The plan 

established a Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which specifies the routes that are open to 

motorized travel and the type of vehicle (i.e., motorcycle, ATV, etc.) that is permitted to use certain 

routes. The MVUM limits motorized use to designated routes and eliminates open, cross-country travel 

(i.e., closed unless designated open). This represents a paradigm shift from the previous direction, 

which allowed for motorized travel anywhere that it wasn’t specifically restricted (i.e., open unless 

designated closed).

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 those harvest units would be dropped.

3.9.3 Environmental Consequences

The geographic area considered for cumulative effects analysis for the transportation network is the 

Steamboat 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 or converted and 

no existing roads would be reconstructed. 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.
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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 Steamboat Project, it is 

estimated that less than one percent of the total reconstruction miles would require realignment.

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 20 miles of new 

construction, 5 miles of conversion (non-system to system), and 75 miles of maintenance to existing 

roads. All newly constructed system roads would be closed following harvest unless designated as open 

for motorized travel in the MVUM. 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 Steamboat 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 25 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.
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Alternative C

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Overall, the effects of Alternative C would be the same as those described for Alternative B, except 

Alternative C includes 41 miles of new construction, 10 miles of new conversion and 81 miles of 

maintenance to existing roads. This increase in road mileage would subsequently result in an increased 

cost of construction and maintenance, both in the short-term and long-term. 

Alternative D

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

The effects of Alternative D would be similar to Alternative B, but would occur on a smaller scale. 

Alternative D does not include any new road construction; it proposes four miles of road conversion and 

70 miles of maintenance to existing roads. The costs of road construction would be eliminated entirely 

in the short-term and the cost of road maintenance in the long-term would be reduced compared to the 

other two action alternatives.

3.10 Lands/Minerals/Special Uses

3.10.1 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 Steamboat Project. It summarizes the 

Steamboat Project Lands and Minerals Resource Report (Jackson 2011), which is located in its entirety in 

the Steamboat project file.

3.10.2 Existing Conditions

Lands and Special Uses

Of the more than 1.5 million acres within the Black Hills National Forest 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 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.

Many private parcels of land are located within the Steamboat project area totaling 2,713 acres. These 

private parcels are most often long continuous irregular-shaped parcels of open pasture land that was 

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 highways or county roads, for which the 
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State or County holds easements. The remainder of the project area consists of federal land 

administered by the Forest Service.

Easements

A number of private and public road easements have been granted in the project area for access across 

the NFS lands. Currently two Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) easements and one 

pending authorization are located within the project area. There is currently one National Forest Roads 

and Trails Act (FRTA) easement to Meade County within the project area. Conversely, the Forest Service 

has obtained six easements from private land owners in order to cross private land. The project file 

contains information related to these easements.

Recreation Residences 

Six special use permits issued to recreation residence holders are located within the project area 

boundary. The Waite Gulch recreation residence tract has five cabins located approximately one mile 

northeast of Nemo. One additional cabin is located within the project area in 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.

Special Uses

The Steamboat project area contains approximately 20 miles of distribution and transmission overhead 

power utility lines under special use permits to Black Hills Power, Black Hills Electric Cooperative and 

Qwest, Inc.

Many of the roads within and adjacent to the Steamboat 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.

A special use permit is issued on NFS land for the Nemo cemetery located 1⁄4 mile southwest of Nemo. 

The South Dakota National Guard (SDNG) holds their annual training on the Forest each year during the 

second week of June. Coordination between the USFS and SDNG will ensure that the training activities 

and any proposed activities under any of the action alternatives are compatible. 

Minerals and Geology

The three main land types underlying the project area are North Gently Dipping Plateau Lands, 

Limestone Canyon Lands, and Crystalline Hills and Ridges. The dominant type, making up over half of the 

project area is North Gently Dipping Plateau Lands, 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. Limestone Canyon Lands comprise approximately 1⁄4 of the 

project area. Crystalline Hills and Ridges make up the rest of the project area; this land type is 

associated with narrow ridges, moderately steep to steep side slopes, narrow valley bottoms and rock 

outcrops. These rock crops are mainly slate and schist. 
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The Steamboat project area is primarily composed of Proterozoic rocks containing iron deposits, 

hematite and magnetite. Mineral deposits are strata bound in Proterozoic metamorphosed 

conglomerate and shale of the Boxelder Creek Formation; these include potential for uranium, thorium, 

gold, and detritus minerals. The Boxelder Formation unconformably overlies the Nemo Iron-formation. 

The mineral potential of the Black Hills National Forest was evaluated by the US Geological Survey 

(Dewitt et al. 1985) and the US Bureau of Mines (Gersic et al. 1990). 

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.

Numerous unpatented placer and unpatented lode claims are located 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. Numerous inactive claims are located in the project area. 

The abandoned mines present in the Steamboat 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 also high within the Steamboat project area.

Current mineral production consists primarily of sand, gravel and landscape rocks such as quartz and 

slate. Favorable mineral potential has been identified within the Steamboat project area for gold, iron, 

high-calcium limestone, sand and gravel, and crushed stone. There are currently 29 mining claims, a 

small open-pit iron mine (mostly operated on private property) and several reclaimed historic mines 

within the Steamboat project area. Both public gravel pits and in-service pits are 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.

The extent of paleontological (i.e., 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.

3.10.3 Environmental Consequences

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Lands and Special Uses
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Alternative A would not cause either beneficial or adverse effects to lands and 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, the no action Alternative 

would not be expected to affect lands or special uses.

Minerals and Geology

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

Lands and Special Uses

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. 

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 alternatives propose management activities around power lines within the project boundary. 

These lines should be shown as protected improvements on the timber sale maps. Timber harvest 

activities associated with the any of the action alternatives might provide an opportunity to remove 

hazard trees from the power line corridors and reduce fire risk adjacent to utility lines. Timber removal 

activities could include timber within the power line right of way for line maintenance. A number of 

electrical distribution lines and telephone lines exist within the Steamboat area. These lines are smaller 

in nature but should also be shown on the timber sale maps as protected improvements.

The action alternatives propose 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 alternatives 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.

Minerals and Geology

Unpatented Mining Claims 

The action alternatives propose some road closures that 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 
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and the potential to respond to future access needs would be maintained. This requirement for road 

access is documented 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. 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) index to mining claims LR 2000 lists numerous claims within the 

Steamboat 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 that has not yet been 

accomplished. Caves that are determined to be significant or that have not been evaluated for 

significance must be managed to protect their biological, cultural, ecological, hydrological, and physical 

characteristics. Mitigation measures that are already in place should protect cave resources. Standard 

1504 of the Forest Plan calls for special precautions for mine operating plans in karst (cave) areas such 

as in the Minnelusa Formation and the Pahasapa Limestone. 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.

Alternative C

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Lands and Minerals

Policy and direction for acquiring rights-of-way is to secure access as needed to ensure the sound longterm stewardship of NFS lands. The first priority is to acquire permanent and unrestricted access to NFS 

lands; second priority is to acquire permanent access for administrative purposes only (not for public 

use). Lowest priority and desire is to acquire temporary access as a last resort when a temporary rightof-way can be secured with minimal effort and expense. 

This policy recognizes that there are situations where a temporary and limited right-of-way may be 

appropriate. There are, however, serious drawbacks in acquiring nothing more than permission to cross 

a landowner’s parcel for a short period of time. In particular, temporary rights-of-way are not an 

encumbrance on the land that transfers with changes in ownership. This can be particularly problematic 

when a change in ownership occurs prior to completion of management activities and temporary rightsof-way are often inadequate in meeting any long term management objective.

In the case of the Steamboat Project, acquiring three to four temporary rights-of-way through multiple 

landowners could provide for an additional estimated 225 treated acres. Acquisition of these rights-ofway was not pursued. The reasoning for this action was that doing so would delay the project decision 
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and implementation, coordination with dozens of landowners has historically not provided any success, 

and the volume of timber or acreage to be treated was not high enough to offset the effort and cost of 

acquiring the right-of-way. 

Minerals and Geology

The effects of Alternative C would be identical to those described under Alternative B above.

Alternative D

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Lands and Special Uses

The effects of Alternative D would be identical to those described for Alternative B above.

Minerals and Geology

The effects of Alternative D would be identical to those described under Alternative C above.

3.11 Recreation and Travel Management

3.11.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences for recreation and travel 

management as a result of the alternatives considered for the Steamboat Project. It summarizes the 

Steamboat Project Recreation and Travel Management Report (Jones 2011), which is located in its 

entirety in the Steamboat project file.

3.11.2 Existing Conditions

Developed Recreation

Campgrounds

Steamboat Rock recreation area is primarily a picnic ground but tent camping is also allowed. It is 

located near the south west boundary of the project area 21⁄2 miles south of Nemo on Nemo Road. This 

recreation facility is managed by Forest Recreation Management (FRM) from the weekend before 

Memorial Day through the weekend after Labor Day. 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.

Dalton Lake campground is located in the north central part of the Steamboat project area. This 

campground has 11 camping units, three day use picnic tables, a day use parking area and a small lake 

with an accessible trail circling approximately 1/3 of the lake. Dredging of the lake and improvements to 

the accessible path will likely take place in the fall of 2011. This recreation facility is also managed by 

FRM from the weekend before Memorial Day through the weekend after Labor Day and is closed during 

the winter. This recreation area is dominated by ponderosa pine with Little Elk Creek flowing along the 

north edge of the facility.
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Privately-owned Facilities

The Nemo Guest Ranch and Big Mama’s are private facilities in or near the town of Nemo that offer 

camping and cabin rentals. They are located on the west edge of the project boundary. Stagebarn 

Caverns are located on the east side of the project but are not currently open for public tours.

Trails

The Centennial trail is 111 miles long in total with approximately nine miles traversing north and south 

through the Steamboat project area. The Centennial trail is open for motorized vehicles less than 62” in 

width from Dalton Lake to Pilot Knob. It is open to non-motorized traffic on the remainder of the trail. 

Within the project area, trailheads are located at Dalton Lake and the town of Nemo. 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 a very popular with the motorized community and up until 

March 22, 2010 (i.e., Travel Management Record of Decision) it was the only official motorized trail on 

the Northern Hills Ranger District. The area around the trail is dominated by ponderosa pine with 

intermixed pockets of white spruce, aspen and birch.

Since the Black Hills National Forest recently completed its travel management analysis, there are now 

approximately 51 miles of motorized trails within the Steamboat project area. These trails are south of 

Dalton Lake and north of Steamboat Rock. Seventeen of these trails are open to vehicles less than 62” 

wide and eight are trails open to all vehicles, which includes one rock crawling route. These trails pass 

through a variety of landscapes including ponderosa pine, aspen, birch, rocky canyons and cliff tops. 

Many of these trails were roads at one time and were converted to trails with the travel management 

decision. These trails vary in difficulty depending on the skill of the rider with the easiest being the 

roads converted to trails and the most difficult being trail 8284 (Iceman) which is designed for 

specialized rock crawling vehicles. 

No snowmobile trails are located within the project boundary.

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 was signed on March 22, 2010 defining what types of 

vehicles and the locations they are allowed to travel within the Black Hills National Forest. This decision 

went into effect in December of 2010 and a motor vehicle use map (MVUM) was published displaying 

the road/trail system open to motorized vehicles. Visitors are expected to comply with the new ruling. 

Summer 2011 will begin the education phase of this new rule; it may take a while for visitors to adjust to 

traveling on designated routes. 
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Some roads in the current system were transformed to trails based on this decision. The new system 

includes a mix of trails open to all (e.g. rock crawler and 4x4) 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. 

Dispersed Recreation

The total volume of dispersed recreation is difficult to quantify, but is thought to be high for the 

Steamboat area and in particular east of Nemo toward Piedmont. Dispersed recreation activities that 

are known to occur in the area include driving for pleasure, ATV, UTV and motorcycle riding. This is a 

popular area for ATV, dirt bike and four wheel drive vehicles because of its proximity to Nemo.

The other popular dispersed recreation area in the Steamboat project area is little Elk Creek from Dalton 

Lake to Piedmont. Although no system trail exists along this route, an old road bed that was washed out 

by flooding in the 1970s parallels the creek. This route is extremely popular by day use hikers, 

horseback riders and geology field camps looking at the rock formations. Although this is a non-system 

route, it likely gets more use then several of the NFS trails due to its proximity to the population base 

along I-90 travel corridor.

Other dispersed recreation activities that occur in this project are horseback riding, mountain biking, 

hiking, 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 nonmotorized users. 

Recreation Special Uses

One defined outfitter and guide area exists for hunting in the Steamboat Project. This area currently 

does not have anyone with a special use permit for guided hunting.

An undetermined number of colleges and universities use the Little Elk Creek route for geology field 

camps for day use trips to study the rock formations.

One guide is permitted for horseback riding on the Centennial trail from Nemo to Dalton Lake and the 

cliff area above Nemo. This guide has a defined set of trails that they are allowed to ride on with their 

customers.

One guide is permitted to lead adventure tours. These tours primarily use the Centennial trail in the 

Steamboat project area.

An ATV/UTV/dirt bike poker run is permitted and occurs in June on portions of the Centennial Trail and other 

motorized routes as defined by their permits and the motor vehicle use map.

Four 4x4 recreation events use routes in this project area including trail 8284. These events occur in June, July, 

August and September.
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One recreation event is permitted to use the Centennial trail for an ultramarathon during the last weekend in 

June. Recreation event permits are also granted for a bicycle race and a volksmarch using the non-system route 

in Little Elk Creek.

3.11.3 Environmental Consequences

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. Visitors would continue to recreate on the Forest, 

access to private land would be requested, 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 in the Steamboat project area. It also serves as a reference point from which to compare 

the action alternatives.

Direct and Indirect Effects

No changes would be made to developed recreation, dispersed recreation or travel management under 

Alternative A. The same recreation activities currently available in the Steamboat project area would continue 

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.

Cumulative Effects

The cumulative effects analysis area for the Steamboat 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. Boxelder Forks, Wonderland 

Cave, Nemo Guest Ranch, Big Mama’s, and Stagebarn Caverns are all either Forest Service or privately 

owned facilities adjacent to the project area. The time period considered is 20 years.

Cumulative effects from activities within the project area could conceivably impact these facilities. 

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 Steamboat 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. 
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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 Steamboat 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 and Piedmont.

As the local population increases, use of forest roads and trails would 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.

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects Common to All Action Alternatives

Timber sale activity to promote healthy forests would benefit developed recreation 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 

severity wildfires.

Since many of the roads in the southern portion of the Steamboat project area were converted to trails 

for motorized traffic they would be affected by all action alternatives. These newly converted routes 

would have logging and administrative traffic using them concurrently with the recreationists. Prior to 

the Travel Management Decision, this was the case in this area and both types of traffic coexisted. 

Forest Service recreation administrators will work closely with sale administrators and fire personnel to 

sign the routes for safety and post any administrative closings if they are needed. These management 

activities would provide the same benefits for trails as listed above for the developed sites: healthier 

forests and reduced fire danger. 

The Centennial trail would be minimally affected by any of the alternatives. Several proposed timber 

sale activities are located 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.

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 for example can choose to recreate in another location if management 

activities are currently taking place in the area they like to frequent.

Under all alternatives, the Forest Service would continue to repair and maintain NFS roads and trails 

under its jurisdiction. New and existing user-created routes that are causing resource damage would be 

rehabilitated or removed as funding allows. 

Emergency restrictions would 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 
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during periods of extreme fire danger. The Forest Service would continue to patrol and enforce 

regulations to protect road and trail surface resources, vegetation, and other resources. None of the 

alternatives would affect State, County, or private management. 

No changes in special use permits for outfitter/guides are anticipated under any alternative.

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Trail 8294 (FSR 144.2D) will benefit as it needs work done to it before it could be added to the MVUM. 

Use of this road for logging traffic would recondition the route so it can be added to the MVUM when 

the work is done. This road should be left open as a trail when the work is done.

FSR 224.1A south of Dalton Lake, is proposed to be reconditioned. The road is washing out where it 

intersects with FSR 224, Dalton Lake Road, and reconditioning would be a benefit to both the road and 

the Centennial trail.

Trails 8089, 8144, 8275, 8277, 8278, 8279, 8280, 8281, 8282, 8283, 8284, 8286, 8287, 8288, 8289, 8290, 

8291, 8292, 8293, 8294, 8295, and 8296 are proposed to be reconditioned. These routes are all roads 

that are managed as trails. Some visitors would perceive this as a benefit to the trails to have them 

reconditioned and soil erosion would likely be reduced. Other visitors would perceive this as negative 

because they enjoy the challenge of rough routes.

Along Trail 89 (Centennial) is one proposed new construction road that crosses the non-motorized 

portion of the trail. Newly constructed roads are proposed to be closed after treatments are complete 

so this disruption to the trail should be temporary. Safety precautions would be put in place during 

construction and use of the road where it crosses the trail.

Twenty miles of new road construction are proposed under Alternative B. The newly constructed roads 

could be either a benefit to travel management or cause issues depending on how one looks at it. The 

negative is an increased amount of roads would likely increase the incidence of visitors driving on them 

even though they are supposed to be closed when management activities are complete. This could 

increase the need for law enforcement presence. The positive could possibly be use of these routes to 

complete loops for the OHV trail system. This project does not propose any new loops to the OHV trail 

system but the road templates on the ground could provide future possibilities. 

Trail 8089 on the motorized portion of the Centennial also has a proposed new construction road that 

crosses the trail in two places. Newly constructed roads are proposed to be closed after treatments are 

complete so this disruption to the trail should be temporary. Safety precautions should be put in place 

during construction and use of the road where is crossed the trail.

There should be no direct effects to campgrounds, trailheads or dispersed recreation other than those 

listed as common to all alternatives.

Cumulative Effects

See the description of effects common to all action alternatives above.
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Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

Effects from Alternative C would be the same as described under Alternative B except that the 

magnitude of impacts from new road construction would be higher as Alternative C includes 41 miles of 

construction, compared to 20 under Alternative B.

Alternative D

Direct and Indirect Effects

Effects of Alternative D would be similar to Alternatives B and C except that Alternative D does not 

include any new road construction, so those associated effects would not occur. 

3.12 Scenery

3.12.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for scenic resources. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Scenery Report (Keegan 2011), which is 

located in the Steamboat project file.

3.12.2 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

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). 
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The higher the scenic class, the more important it is to maintain the highest scenic value. The 

inventoried scenic class values on the BHNF are: 1 (Highest), 2, 3, and 4 (Lowest). The scenic class values 

demonstrate the importance of the views in different areas. Within the Steamboat project area, 

approximately 19 percent of the NFS acres are Class 1, 39 percent are Class 2, 17 percent are Class 3, 

and less than 25 percent are Class 4. 

Inherent 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 rock form of any consequence are missing in Class C landscapes. Within the Steamboat 

project area, approximately 22 percent of the NFS acres are classified as ‘distinctive’, 36 percent are

‘typical’, and 42 percent are ‘indistinctive’. 

Landscape Visibility

Landscape visibility is the portion of landscapes visible from travel ways and use areas 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, to 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, state and county parks, attract higher 

percentage of users having high concern for scenic quality, thus increasing the importance of those 

travel ways. 

Figure 3-9. Landscape Distance Zones

 
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From Sensitivity Level 1 corridors (i.e., communities, state and federal highways) approximately 40 

percent of the planning area is visible. This includes U.S. Interstate 90, the community of Nemo, and the 

Centennial Trail. The majority of these seen areas are along the northeastern and southwestern edges of 

the planning area and in the northern portion of the area along the Centennial Trail. 

From the Sensitivity Level 2 corridors (i.e., county roads and major NFS roads) approximately 45 percent

of the planning area is visible. This includes Nemo Road (NFSR 414), Forest Highway 26 (Vanocker 

Canyon), and NFSRs 224 (White Gates) and 137 (Wonderland Cave). The most visible areas are in the 

northwest quarter of the planning area

Scenic Integrity Objectives

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. 

• Very High: A scenic integrity level that generally provides for ecological change only.

• 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. 
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Within the Steamboat project area, approximately 19 percent of the NFS acres have a high SIO, 38 

percent have a moderate SIO, and 44 percent have a low SIO. 

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 

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 scattered white 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. The northwest two-thirds of the planning area is primarily forested with scattered 

meadow and past management vegetation alterations in the form of fuel treatments, non-commercial 

thinning, commercial thinning, shelterwood cuts, and overstory removals. Many of these managed 

areas are still heavily populated with trees. In the remaining southeastern third of the planning area, 

past vegetation management dominates the land, as it has been heavily managed through commercial 

and non-commercial treatments. In the eastern portion of the planning area, the vegetation on 

approximately 4,000 acres was heavily impacted by the Little Elk fire (663 acres in 2002) and Ricco fire 

(3,959 acres in 2005); in these locations pioneer species are slowly revegetating the intensely burned 

areas.

Mountain pine beetle activity is evident in this area in the form of red-needle trees that were recently 

killed; however, these generally occur in small isolated individual trees or pockets. Trees that are under 

attack display globs of pitch on the trunk when viewed up close and the color of the needles is a lighter 

green hue than normal, which is generally not apparent from a distance. Unless an individual walks 

through the forest looking at each tree, the scope of the pine beetle activity is often not apparent. 

As a result of wildfire and vegetation management, the southeast third of the planning area has a 

heavily managed appearance while the remainder of the planning area has a moderately managed 

appearance resulting in a moderate to low SIO condition overall for the planning area.
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3.12.3 Environmental Consequences

Analysis Methods

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.

Four primary steps were followed in the scenery assessment of the Steamboat project area: 1) Identify 

the landscape character; 2) Identify the key scenic features (identified in scenic class and scenic

attractiveness Forest GIS layers), and landscape visibility of the area; 3) Compare the existing scenic 

integrity with the Forest Plan SIO assigned to this area; and 4) Evaluate the expected level of scenic 

integrity resulting from the alternatives. Where necessary, design criteria were created for specific 

stands to meet SIO. Design criteria are listed in Appendix C.

Effects Analysis

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

Existing conditions and natural processes of trees growing and regenerating would continue. The 

quantity of trees within the forest would increase. In the northwestern two-thirds of the planning area, 

conditions are primed for normal ecological processes in the form of wildland fire, insects and disease, 

to take place. In dense forested areas, these ecological processes are not easily controlled and may 

affect natural resources in a manner that is undesirable or move the landscape vegetation away from 

the desired future condition in areas that are valued for their scenic beauty. In less dense stands, fire 

would play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance and insect activity would likely be at low 

levels.

Fire is an essential ecological process in this ecosystem. Wildfires during the summer would continue to 

be extinguished as quickly as possible. The natural role of fire in the landscape would be limited to 

prescribed fires in the spring and fall. Currently, the quantity of prescribed fire acres is not equal to the 

tree growth rate, resulting in areas of dense tree growth, thus reducing visible open space. Views into 

the forest would become more limited as the trees continue to grow, reducing visual diversity, including 

wildflowers, shrubs, hardwoods, and open meadows. Should wildfires burn into stands of densely 

packed growing trees, smaller trees could act as ladder fuels, allowing fire to move up into the crowns of 

the trees, resulting in groups of fire killed trees. 

Efforts are made to keep wildfires small. These efforts would likely 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, large patches of fire 

killed trees are expected. 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 to meadows and other existing 

natural open areas in the landscape. Eventually, seeds carried by the wind from surrounding trees
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would initiate the process of regrowth in these open areas. As in previous fire areas, we may see the 

burned area become populated by aspen or other hardwoods. 

Currently, a large outbreak of mountain pine beetle is occurring in the forest. In areas similar to the 

Steamboat project area, with a basal area of 90 or greater, pine beetles have killed the majority of trees. 

Limited evidence exists of extensive pine beetle activity within the project area. Under the no action 

alternative, the potential exists for pine beetles to move into the project area and expand rapidly in the 

densely stocked forest stands that currently exist. Trees that are valued for their scenic beauty would 

likely be killed. When trees are removed during commercial operations, the remaining tops and limbs 

are treated and reduced or eliminated, resulting in a clean forest floor that mimics the effects of 

periodic wildfires that historically burned through the landscape. Such an appearance is generally 

desired by the public. In the event of a widespread mountain pine beetle infestation, that would not 

occur. The resulting decay and falling of these trees would create a ‘jack-straw’ of down trees, a very 

undesirable scenic condition. 

In areas where trees are killed on a limited basis, in areas of one to ten acres, a mosaic of tree sizes and 

openings would be maintained that would move toward the desired future condition. Should fires occur 

or insect activity levels increase beyond natural levels, killing large areas of trees, the forested landscape 

would move away from the desired future condition. In some areas where the insect attacks or crown 

fires dominate the landscape, large open areas (exceeding the size of openings normally found in this 

area) could be created, dramatically changing the appearance of the forest as viewed from private land 

interspersed through out the planning area. In these areas 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, flowering shrubs, and provides an ever 

changing kaleidoscope of light and shadow. Openings in the overstory vegetation can contribute to 

fostering a variety of sizes of vegetation, creating an interesting and diverse visual landscape. 

In areas where no disturbance occurs, the vegetation would grow into a thick dense forest in 

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 (e.g. fire or insect) that could greatly change the visual appearance of 

the vegetation across the landscape. The dense vegetation may shade out visually desirable elements 

such as shrubs, wildflowers and other low growing plants, thereby reducing visual diversity. 

Cumulative Effects

No cumulative effects would occur as a result of Alternative A. No large-scale changes from the existing 

condition would occur. The scenic integrity would stay the same, although incremental changes may be 

evident due to individual tree mortality, until a natural large-scale change occurs, such as insect, disease, 

or wildfire. 
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Effects Common to All Action Alternatives

Direct Effects

Vegetative treatments result in the removal of trees within a stand. How well these treatments blend 

into the characteristic landscape, and meet SIO, is based upon the slope, aspect, and vegetation 

remaining on the site. Thinning trees to an even spacing can result in a managed, unnatural 

appearance. Reducing soil disturbance, uneven spacing of the trees remaining in the landscape, and 

cleaning up the slash to natural levels can result in an appearance that is in harmony with the landscape 

character, often resulting in a higher SIO being achieved. Those treatments where more large trees 

remain (i.e. 60 basal area or more) can generally blend in to the characteristic landscape the best or 

maintain the most desired vegetative characteristics. Those treatments that leave the least large trees 

(i.e., 20 to 45 basal area) can be the most visible. This project maintains a large tree component across 

the majority of the planning area, with only a few units removing the entire overstory. In time, this 

could result in a multi-storied forest, although with a reduced density of trees. This lower population of 

trees should reduce the susceptibility to mortality from wildfire and mountain pine beetles and a 

forested appearance in the long term. By treating these areas through the action alternatives before 

the pine beetle activity moves into this planning area, the visually desirable large tree characteristics 

have a greater potential to remain as a feature in the planning area than under the Alternative A. In 

addition, the treatments would enhance the large tree component, when present, by reducing 

competition for nutrients around them. A variety of vegetation structure would be maintained; both 

large and small trees and an increase in hardwoods, grasses and shrubs should result. Overall, the 

variety of vegetation that would be enhanced at the stand level should be a very positive feature from a 

scenery standpoint. 

Prescriptions range from ‘more naturally appearing’ to ‘less natural appearing’ treatments (British 

Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range 2010). Note: restoration type treatments will appear heavily 

managed (i.e., less naturally appearing) initially and will take time to move toward a more natural 

appearing condition:

Generally more naturally appearing after treatment

Individual Tree Selection 

Commercial Thin 

Patch Clearcut

Group Selection

Aspen/Birch Enhancement (restoration treatment)

Products Other than Logs 

Shelterwood Cut 

Overstory Removal 

Meadow Enhancement (restoration treatment)

Generally less naturally appearing after treatment

Meeting Scenic Integrity Levels

In general a specific integrity level can be achieved by decreasing the visual contrast of the deviation 

being viewed. Several approaches may meet integrity levels:
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1. Usually the most effective way is to repeat form, line, color, texture, pattern and scale common 

to the valued landscape character being viewed. For example, in natural or natural appearing 

landscapes such deviations as created openings can sometimes be added by repeating size, 

shape, edge effect, surface color and pattern from natural openings common to the landscape 

character. If repetition is accurate and well designed the deviation may blend so well the 

change is not evident (High SIO). It may only borrow well enough to be noticeable but visually 

subordinate (Moderate SIO).

2. Another approach is to borrow form, line, color, texture, pattern and scale from similar but 

different valued landscapes outside that being viewed. For example, it may be possible to 

borrow the size, shape, edge effect, surface color, and pattern of natural openings and repeat 

them in continuous textured landscapes where they do not presently exist. Because these are 

introduced elements from landscape character outside the one being viewed, these are usually 

evident (Moderate SIO) if not dominant (Low SIO).

Commercial Vegetative Treatments

Commercial treatment prescriptions result in the removal of overstory trees (nine inches and greater 

DBH) within a stand. 

Commercial Thin treatment methods generally meet a moderate to high SIO. 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, 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 and color differences can be the 

most evident. Commercial thin treatments with a remaining basal area of 60-80, generally meet a 

moderate to high SIO. Those with a basal area of 40-60 generally meet a low to moderate SIO. In stands 

with a mixture of tree sizes, including the understory, random spacing, and groups of remaining trees 

can help maintain an appearance in character with the surrounding landscape and improve the SIO 

rating.

Shelterwood Cut methods result in an open hillside with scattered larger trees (approximately 30 

commercial-sized trees per acre) with a basal area of 30, with few 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. 

Individual Tree Selection methods result in at least three distinct age classes. These treatments are 

designed to maintain and foster a variety of tree ages and sizes with an overall goal of moving toward a 

less managed and more natural appearance. We have limited experience with this treatment in the 

Black Hills National Forest. However, based on field samples (i.e., trees marked with ribbons to get a 

visual image of what the remaining stand would look like after treatment) the stand would be more 

open, with a variety of tree sizes, spacing and clumping. This treatment could potentially meet a 

moderate or high SIO, depending upon the quantity of overstory trees remaining after treatment. 
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Overstory Removal methods result in an open area with seedlings scattered across the opening. In areas 

of high visibility, 5-10 overstory trees would be left in clumps to mimic natural patterns in the landscape 

and reduce the visual impact of large open expanses. There may be a few other overstory trees in 

locations where minimal seedlings are present. 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. These units have the greatest 

potential to appear out of scale and character with natural vegetative patterns. Overstory removal 

treatments generally meet a low SIO, depending on how closely they appear in shape and size 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

percent, 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. 

Patch Clearcut methods result in scattered openings that do not exceed 10 acres in size. The size of the 

openings would vary depending upon the stand. The shapes of the openings would be designed to 

mimic natural openings. The resulting matrix of forested areas and open areas should result in a natural 

appearing condition. A moderate to high SIO should be achieved.

Group Selection method results in scattered openings that do not exceed two acres in size. The 

remainder of the unit would be thinned. Currently, only one or two age classes may exist, but over time 

this treatment would result in a multi-story stand of five age classes, with each age class occupying 

approximately 20 percent of the site. The result would be a natural appearing forest with a variety of 

tree sizes. A moderate to high SIO should be achieved.

Product-other-than-log methods remove trees five to nine inches in diameter. Conditions where this 

treatment would be used include: a) where the existing stand is essentially the same height resulting in 

a less dense even-aged forest; or b) in a stand where only the understory is treated and the overstory is 

untreated, also resulting in a multi-storied forest. When this 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, specifically the vertical 

line of the tree boles as well as the texture of the branching structure. Understory grasses and shrubs 

would also be more evident, offering seasonal variety of light and color when spring flowers are evident. 

Initially, this treatment 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 SIO in the foreground. In the middleground and background, large diameter trees should 

be more dominant in the landscape; in these distance zones this treatment should meet a moderate to 

high SIO. 

Aspen/Birch Enhancement and Meadow Enhancement treatments are both restoration treatments to 

remove encroaching conifers, either from hardwood stands or meadows. In pine cover-typed stands, 

these treatments remove pine trees similar to a commercial thin, with 40 or 60 BA remaining depending 

upon the structural stage. In aspen or birch cover-typed stands all pine would be removed. It will take 

time for new shoots to sprout and take advantage of the reduced competition for nutrients. These 

remaining trees create a transition zone between open meadows and the surrounding forest. These 

treatments would restore meadows and hardwood stands, ecological goals identified in the Forest Plan. 
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If all the slash is treated or removed, these treatments should meet a moderate to high SIO when they 

are completed. 

Non-commercial Thin results 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. 

Non-commercial thinning can result in a uniform appearance of the remaining forest stand (both in size 

and spacing). When non-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 non-commercial treatments blend into the characteristic landscape and meet the SIO is based 

upon the slope, aspect, soil disturbance, residual tree spacing, and slash clean-up. 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 treatments units, non-commercial treatments would extend over most of the area in a combination 

of treatments.

When activities are completed, non-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. 

Understory Thin results in the removal of understory trees (less than nine inches DBH) within a stand to 

maintain or enhance wildlife habitat. Although similar to non-commercial thinning, tree densities and 

spacing would be more irregular. A more natural appearing condition results, and a high SIO is usually 

achieved.

By-products of vegetation removal including slash (i.e., tops and branches not utilized for commercial 

products or fuel that are left on the ground, or piled, throughout the area of the vegetation removal) 

and stumps 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 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 by-products, 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. 

Burning Slash - When slash is piled, it is usually burned within one or two years. Burning of slash is 

dependent upon weather conditions 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
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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 reestablish the vegetation. 

However, due to the wetter snow conditions found within this planning in the winter (when burning of 

piles occurs), the slash often is not fully consumed, leaving piles of blackened slash, which is 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 would be 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 would fade over time; at three years they should blend with the bark on 

trees. Often shrubs are 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

growing seasons. An underburn, if burned in a cool manner (i.e., a slow-moving backing fire) would

usually have the same effects.

Fuel Reduction removes vegetation in the understory in WUI areas, to reduce the amount of fuel

available for wildland fires. This results in an open, park-like stand with scattered overhead trees. A 

moderate to high SIO should be achieved.

Prescribed Burning involves sending fire across the landscape within a designated boundary and

controlled in a manner to keep the fire from getting into the tree tops. Prescribed fire 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. Prescribed burning 

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 would be evident until clean up activities (i.e., slash is removed and seeded areas 

germinate) 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. 

Log 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 (i.e., vegetation removed and often soil 

displaced) will vary by location, depending upon the type of logging system employed and the volume of 

logs being brought to the landing. Once logging is completed, these landing sites are cleared of debris 

and reseeded. The length of time before the site appears as a natural opening is generally one to four

years, depending upon the level of disturbance, any remaining debris, and how quickly grasses take over 

the site. 
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Indirect Effects

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 often 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 a decrease in visual quality. 

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.

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.

There is the potential 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,

it would be limited to these corridors. 

Alternative B (Proposed Action)

Direct and Indirect Effects

This alternative treats approximately 56 percent of the planning area through commercial 

(approximately 10,048 acres) and non-commercial (approximately 2,288 acres) vegetation 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 make up four percent of the planning area. The majority of these areas proposed for 

final overstory removals are heavily managed, have been thinned in the past, and have an understory of 

trees coming up. These units would be the most visible in the foreground distance zone along Forest 

Highway 26 and in the foreground and middleground distance zones of the Centennial Trail. Visually 

sensitive overstory removal units that need to have 10 overstory trees per acre retained in a clumpy 

arrangement include: 

- High SIO: 081706-52

- Moderate SIO: 081508-6, 081508-70, 081508-22, 071508-7, 081706-1 (below the 5,160 ft. 

contour), 081509-43, 081507-41

 

The dissected nature of the terrain in this planning area limits views to the foreground and near 

middleground. This alternative creates a variety of treatments. This is particularly evident when 

overstory removal units are clumped together to create single contiguous large units, such as: a) units 

081509-34, 081509-61, 081509-63, 081509-64 combined together for approximately 123 acres that are 

visible, b) 081508-6, 081508-70, 081509-7 combined for approximately 98 acres that are highly visible,

and c) units 089901-6, 089901-32, 089901-33 combined for approximately 225 acres that are visible. 

With the addition of leaving clumps of trees in overstory removal treatments in visually sensitive areas, 

as noted above, these treatments should meet the moderate SIO. 
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The majority of the planning area would be treated to reduce the density of the tree stems within the 

forest at all levels from sapling to mature trees. This would create a more open natural appearing forest 

with all sizes of trees present. Follow up prescribed burning on approximately 1,000 acres a year for a 

maximum of 10,608 acres would help to maintain this open forest condition.

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. Of the 20 miles of proposed new road construction, approximately five 

miles would be readily apparent in the landscape. Any new road construction along the edge of private 

land has the potential to be highly visible. 

Given the variety of treatments and the juxtaposition across the rest of the landscape, the remaining 

treatments should meet their assigned SIO. The mix of treatments should create a variety of vegetation 

sizes and spacing within the natural range of vegetative patterns. Given the past vegetation treatments 

and the proposed treatments in this alternative, the majority of this planning area would be in a more 

open condition. This open condition should reduce the potential for wildfires and insect attack that 

quickly (i.e., in less than 10 years) change the character of the landscape from forest to grassland, while 

maintaining the appearance of a ponderosa pine ecosystem where fire has repeatedly thinned the 

forest. 

The reduction in tree stems across the landscape would increase the potential visibility of desirable fall 

and spring colors in the 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 and 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 evident in the foreground and middle ground from the main 

travel routes, approximately 40-45% of the planning area. The time boundary for this analysis extends 

from 1949 to 2040. 

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 non-commercially thinned by the Civilian Conservation 

Corp (CCC) in the 1930s and 1940s, but we do not know if that effort included any or all of this planning 

area. Northern Hills Ranger District records (FACTS Database) list vegetation treatments that extend 

back as early as 1960. Past vegetation treatments include: commercial thins (approximately 11,320 

acres), non-commercial thinning (approximately 8,550 acres), and less than a thousand acres of each of 
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the following treatments: individual tree release, overstory removals, patch clearcuts, shelterwood cuts, 

group selection cuts, seed tree cuts, and sanitation harvest. 

The effects of past vegetation treatments are most visible in the southeastern portion of the planning 

area. However, the rolling terrain limits viewing opportunities from main roads and trails of this heavier 

level of vegetation manipulation. When one visits these areas, large yellow-bark ponderosa pine trees 

are very limited. In general, the vegetation is scattered. The area is generally open with patches of 

densely grouped trees. The form of the land dominates the view, particularly during periods when the 

ground is covered with snow. Approximately 10 percent of the planning area is in an open vegetative 

condition due to past treatments.

The remaining northern and western portions of the planning area are a matrix of open, lightly treated, 

and heavily treated vegetation across the landscape. The variety of tree spacing density and tree size 

creates a slightly modified appearance. Locations where vegetation management boundaries go 

straight up a landform, perpendicular to the landform contours, create an unnatural vegetative pattern 

in the landscape. This is particularly evident along the county boundaries.

Evidence of past wildfires are evident on the eastern portion of the planning area including Big Elk (1949

– 4,940 acres), Little Elk (2002 – 663 acres), and Ricco (2005 – 3,959 acres). Each of these fires occurred 

on steep, generally east facing slopes, and occurred on both private and NFS lands. These fires burned 

intensely either from the bottom of the slope to the top or were wind driven across, and down, the 

slopes, killing almost all the trees. Of the recent fires in the last decade, the burn patterns are still highly 

evident from Interstate 90, as the fires killed the majority of the trees. This large open area covers 

approximately 80 percent of the visible area from Interstate 90, and approximately 10 percent of the 

planning area.

The 62 years since the Big Elk fire have seen vegetation grow up in the landscape. The only difference 

that is visually evident from the surrounding forested area is a reduced density of trees, particularly on 

the south facing (i.e., drier) slopes. This forest-grass matrix is still in character with the characteristic 

vegetative patterns of the Black Hills. 

The Boxelder fire (2006 – 225 acres) occurred along Nemo Road. This fire backed down steep slopes in 

the foreground of Nemo Road. This less intense backing fire killed only a small portion of the trees 

visible from the road. As a result, evidence of the fire is limited today. Most people would not realize a 

wildfire had occurred in this area. Fires prescribed to reduce fuels and competing vegetation are 

conducted in the fall and spring seasons. They are conducted in a manner to limit mortality of overstory 

trees; as a result, they also normally blend into the landscape within one or two years.

Under the action alternatives, trees of all sizes would be removed. The removal of 12-inch diameter 

trees would take approximately 120 years to replace (Cook pers. comm. 2006). In addition, it takes 

approximately 20 years for a ponderosa pine tree to grow, from germination, to approximately 20 feet 

in height. 

When trees are cut, the resulting appearance of vegetation treatments would change little for the first 

10 years after the treatments are completed. Once trees become established, vegetation colors in the 

landscape would slowly change from the greens and browns of the grasses (depending on season) to 
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green of the ponderosa pine trees. The forms of cutting units can still be dominant during this time, and 

texture is limited. The next 20 years would see a slow change until the trees reach a height of 20 feet, 

when they have enough visual mass to change the open appearance of the landscape. During this time, 

approximately 30 years, the texture of the vegetation would change from smooth to coarse as the trees 

gain height and crown girth. 

This alternative treats approximately 46 percent of the planning area through commercial vegetation 

treatments and approximately 11 percent through non-commercial vegetation treatments. Prescribed 

burning would occur on 10,608 of these same acres over time. 

Of the commercial treatments in this alternative, overstory removals would result in a more open 

condition on approximately 8,746 acres, or four percent of the planning area. These treatments would 

be visible from Vanocker Canyon, Nemo Road, the Centennial Trail, and other main travel routes within 

the planning area. The retention of groups of overstory trees would maintain a vegetative pattern of 

vegetation that is in character for the Black Hills area. Panoramic views are generally limited to 

Interstate 90, Nemo Road, and the Centennial Trail within this planning area. As a result, most 

treatments are viewed in a foreground or middleground view. Roads are generally not evident in the 

landscape except in the immediate foreground view.

The remaining commercial and non-commercial treatments should be in keeping with the characteristic 

landscape vegetative patterns as if fires had played their natural role in this landscape. The level of 

treatments would result in areas of dense and less dense vegetative patterns across the entire planning 

area. 

With the reduction in vegetation density, beetle-killed pockets of dead trees may stay small and 

scattered. A less dense, but forested, landscape may be maintained across the landscape where large 

trees would be fewer but more visually evident and dominant in the landscape. A forested backdrop 

adjacent to private land is expected to meet a moderate level of scenic Integrity. Roads and other 

activities that change the natural contours may be more evident with the thinning of the vegetation on 

the landscape. 

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 retention of groups of trees on each acre and the rolling nature of 

the topography would limit the negative elements of these treatments. The combination of wildfires 

over the past decade, planned overstory removals in this alternative, and past treatments would result 

in approximately 24 percent of the planning area in an open vegetative condition. Other treatments to 

increase hardwoods and decrease potential for pine beetle activity should meet the assigned SIO. In 

addition, prescribed fire, pile burning and other fuel reduction treatments should meet a moderate to 

high scenic integrity within one year after completion. 
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Alternative C

Direct and Indirect Effects

The direct effects of Alternative C are similar in scope to Alternative B but on a wider scale. This 

alternative treats approximately 82 percent within the planning area through commercial 

(approximately 16,588 acres) and non-commercial (approximately 1,461 acres) vegetation treatments,

an increase in commercial treatments and a decrease in non-commercial treatments compared to 

Alternative B. Of the commercial treatments, overstory removals are the most evident and have the 

greatest potential to negatively affect the scenery within the project area; these treatments would cover

17 percent of the planning area. The majority of these areas proposed for final overstory removals are 

heavily managed, have been thinned in the past, and have an understory of trees established. These 

units would be the most visible in the foreground distance zone along Hwy. 26, in the foreground and 

middleground distance zones of the Centennial Trail and the middleground of Interstate 90. To reduce 

the visual effects of the overstory removal treatments, 10 overstory trees per acre would be retained in 

a grouped ‘clumpy’ arrangement. This would include the following units:

 

- High SIO: 081706-52, 081509-21, 081509-15, 081509-3, 081706-33, 081706-29, 081708-24, 

081708-20 (western 30 acres), 081706-38, 081510-37, 081510-17, 089902-25, 089902-63, 

081510-3.

- Moderate SIO: 081507-26, 081508-6, 081508-70, 081508-22, 071508-7, 081706-1 (below 

the 5160 ft. contour), 081509-43, 081507-41, 081509-16, 081509-52, 081509-22.

- Moderate SIO that will be highly visible from Interstate 90: 081510-3, 089903-36, 089903-

31, 089903-106, 089903-131, 089903-108, 089903-19, 089903-120 (western 7 acres).

 

The dissected nature of the terrain in this planning area limits views to the foreground and near 

middleground. This alternative includes a variety of treatments, sometimes treating entire landforms. 

This is particularly evident when overstory removal units are clumped together to create single 

contiguous large units, such as: a) units 081509-34, 081509-61, 081509-63, 081509-64 combined for 

approximately 123 acres that are visible, b) 081508-6, 081508-70, 081509-7 combined for approximately

98 acres that are highly visible, c) units 089901-6, 089901-14, 089901-32, 089901-33, 081707-45 

combined for approximately 318 acres that are visible, and d) units 081509-21, 981509-15 combined for 

approximately 176 acres that are highly visible. With the addition of leaving clumps of trees in overstory 

removal treatments in visually sensitive areas, as noted above, these treatments should meet the 

moderate SIO. 

The majority of the planning area would be treated to reduce the density of the tree stems within the 

forest, at all levels from sapling to mature trees. This would create a more open natural appearing 

forest with all sizes of trees present. Follow up prescribed burning on approximately 1,000 acres a year 

for a maximum of 10,608 acres would help to maintain this open forest condition.

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. Of the 41 miles of proposed new road construction, approximately 10 

miles would be readily apparent in the landscape, including the west side of Steamboat Rock. Any new 

road construction along the edge of private land has the potential to be highly visible. 
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The larger percentage of overstory removal treatments compared to Alternatives B and D would

dominate the landscape. Given the past vegetation treatments and the proposed treatments in this 

alternative, the majority of this planning area would be in a very open condition. This open condition 

should reduce the potential for wildfires and insect attack that quickly (i.e., in less than 10 years) change 

the character of the landscape from forest to grassland, while maintaining the appearance of a 

ponderosa pine ecosystem where fire has repeatedly thinned the forest. The planning area would have 

a very open, heavily-managed, appearance with a low level of scenic integrity. 

The reduction in tree stems across the landscape would increase the potential visibility of desirable fall 

and spring colors in the landscape. 

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for this alternative would be similar to Alternative B with the following exceptions: 

this alternative treats approximately three-quarters of the planning area through vegetation treatments, 

of which nearly one-fifth of the planning area would be moved from a forested condition to an open 

condition. 

Of the commercial treatments in this alternative, overstory removals would result in a more open 

condition on approximately 3,740 acres, or 17 percent of the planning area. These treatments would be 

visible from Vanocker Canyon, Nemo Road, the Centennial Trail, and other main travel routes within the 

planning area. The retention of groups of trees would maintain a vegetative pattern that is in character 

for the Black Hills area. Panoramic views are generally limited to Interstate 90, Nemo Road, and the 

Centennial Trail within this planning area. As a result, most treatments are viewed in a foreground or 

middleground views. Roads and the lines they visually create in the landscape would be more visible in 

all viewing distances.

The remaining commercial and non-commercial treatments should be in keeping with the characteristic 

landscape vegetative patterns as if fires had played their natural role in this landscape. The increased 

level of treatments would result in a less dense overall vegetative appearance across the entire planning 

area. 

With a greater reduction in vegetative density, beetle-killed pockets of dead trees should be less evident 

than Alternative B. A less dense, but forested, landscape may be maintained across the landscape 

where scattered clumps of large trees would be fewer, but more visually evident and dominant in the 

landscape. The scattered forest backdrop adjacent to private land is expected to meet a moderate level 

of scenic integrity. Roads and other activities that change the natural contours may be more evident in 

the landscape than Alternative B. 

Summary

Alternative C 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. With the greater quantity of overstory removal 

treatments (with the retention of groups of trees on each acre) the more open forest-grass texture 

would be highly evident in the landscape. The grouping of remaining overstory trees would reduce the 

negative visual color and texture contrast that is normally created by this treatment in a forested 

landscape. The combination of wildfires over the past decade, planned overstory removals in this 
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alternative, and past treatments, would result in approximately 37 percent of the planning area in an 

open vegetative condition. Other treatments to increase hardwoods and decrease potential for pine 

beetle activity should meet the assigned SIO. The visual effects of prescribed fire and fuel treatments 

would be the same as Alternative B. 

Alternative D

Direct Effects

The direct effects are similar in scope but on a slightly smaller scale than Alternative B. This alternative 

treats approximately 53 percent of the planning area through commercial (approximately 9,394 acres) 

and non-commercial (approximately 2,288 acres) vegetation treatments. This is approximately 650 

acres fewer commercial treatments, while maintaining the same number of non-commercial acres as 

Alternative B. Of the commercial treatments, overstory removals would be the most evident but are 

reduced to 775 acres in Alternative D. Ten overstory trees per acre would be retained in a group to 

reduce negative visual effects. This would include the following units:

 

- Moderate SIO: 081507-41, 081508-6, 081508-70, 081508-22, 071508-7, 081706-1.

The dissected nature of the terrain in this planning area limits views to the foreground and near 

middleground. This alternative includes a variety of treatments, sometimes treating entire landforms. 

This is particularly evident when overstory removal units are clumped together to create single 

contiguous large units, such as stands 081508-6, 081508-70, and 081509-7 combined for approximately

98 acres that are highly visible. With the addition of leaving clumps of trees in overstory removal 

treatments in visually sensitive areas, as noted above, these treatments should meet the moderate SIO. 

Less than half of the planning area would be treated to reduce the density of the tree stems within the 

forest. This would create a more open natural appearing forest with all sizes of trees present. Follow up 

prescribed burning effects would be the same as Alternatives B and C.

No new roads would be constructed in this alternative, maintaining the existing landform topography.

The lower percentage of overstory removal treatments would have a greater potential to blend with the 

vegetative patterns in the landscape. Given the past vegetation treatments and the proposed 

treatments in this alternative, the majority of this planning area would be in a forested condition. The 

planning area would have a less-managed appearance than Alternatives B or C with a moderate to high 

level of scenic integrity. 

Indirect Effects

The reduction in tree stems across the landscape would increase the potential visibility of desirable fall 

and spring colors in the landscape. 

Cumulative Effects

Cumulative effects for this alternative would be similar to Alternative B with the exception that this 

alternative treats less than half of the planning area through commercial and vegetation treatments, of 

which nearly one-tenth of the planning area would be moved from a forested condition to an open 

condition. 
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Of the commercial treatments in this alternative, overstory removals would result in a more open 

condition on approximately 775 acres, or 3 percent of the planning area. These treatments would be 

visible from Vanocker Canyon, Nemo Road, the Centennial Trail and other main travel routes within the 

planning area. The retention of groups of trees would maintain a vegetative pattern that is in character 

for the Black Hills area. Panoramic views are generally limited to Interstate 90, Nemo Road, and the 

Centennial Trail within this planning area. As a result, most treatments are viewed in a foreground or 

middleground view. Roads, and the lines they visually create in the landscape, would be more visible in 

all viewing distances.

The remaining commercial and pre-commercial treatments should be in keeping with the characteristic 

landscape vegetative patterns as if fire had played its natural role in the landscape. The increased level 

of treatments would result in a less dense overall vegetative appearance across the entire planning area. 

With a greater number of overstory trees remaining, beetle-killed pockets of dead trees may be more 

evident than in Alternative B or C. A more dense forested landscape may be maintained across the 

landscape. The dense forest backdrop adjacent to private land is expected to meet a moderate to high 

level of scenic integrity. No new lines in the landscape from road construction would be evident in this 

alternative. 

Summary 

Alternative D would modify the vegetation across the landscape, both scattered and concentrated in 

areas, to create a variety of vegetative patterns. The variety of treatments would also create a variety of 

textural patterns and improve opportunities to view hardwoods and wildlife. With the reduced quantity 

of overstory removal treatments, the planning area would maintain a more forested character across 

the landscape. The grouping of remaining overstory trees would reduce the negative visual color and

texture contrast that is normally created by this treatment in a forested landscape. The combination of 

wildfires over the past decade, planned overstory removals in this alternative, and past treatments 

would result in approximately 23 percent of the planning area having an open vegetative condition. 

Other treatments to increase hardwoods and decrease potential for pine beetle activity should meet the 

assigned SIO. The visual effects of prescribed fire and fuel treatments would be the same as Alternatives

B and C. 

3.13 Heritage Resources

3.13.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for heritage resources. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Heritage Report (Karchut 2011), 

which is located in the Steamboat project file.

3.13.2 Existing Conditions

The Steamboat project 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 
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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 material quarrying 

activities. These local material types were favored for stone tool manufacture. Based on a limited 

amount of water conveniences in this area, natural springs typically display evidence of prehistoric 

occupational use. Historic period use also displays a distribution of habitations at source water 

locations, mainly springs. The highest percentage of sites in this analysis area relate to historic period 

transportation systems, homestead, farmstead, and cabin dwellings, and depression era water 

development projects. Historic period industrial exploitations appear to be limited to timber harvest 

and water diversion to areas outside the project area for hard rock mine activities.

Specific areas of concerns for heritage resources include the protection of National Register of Historic 

Places (NRHP) eligible and unevaluated cultural resource sites, consultation with local American Indian 

groups, and the protection of culturally significant areas, traditional cultural properties (TCP), recent and 

historic graves. Currently there are no known TCP in the Steamboat project area.

Of the total land administered by the Forest Service under analysis for this project, all 24,596 acres, 

including private land areas (2,713 acres) not included in potential treatment planning, have been 

previously inventoried for heritage resources to current Level III standards. These projects were 

primarily Black Hills National Forest timber and range projects. The Level III projects inventories cover a 

large portion of the project area to current standards.

Heritage resource effects were qualitatively assessed through a presence/absence determination of 

significant cultural resources and mitigation measures to be employed during commercial and noncommercial timber harvest, fuels reduction activity, prescribed fire, and travel management activities.

The Level I files review indicates 72 cultural surveys identifying 73 cultural resources properties that 

have been evaluated as “eligible or potentially eligible/unevaluated” for nomination to the NRHP within 

the Steamboat project area perimeter. An additional 87 properties located inside the Steamboat project 

area one mile perimeter have been evaluated.

3.13.3 Environmental Consequences

Past Effects

Past effects to heritage resources are from road building, reconstruction and decommissioning, fire 

suppression, timber harvest, residential development, livestock grazing, wildlife habitat restoration and 

recreation use. Earlier ground disturbance in the project area includes road construction and building of 

water bars and other types of erosion control.

Along with current timber sales, other ongoing activities include firewood cutting, livestock grazing, mining 

activity, road and utility construction/maintenance, fuels management and fire suppression. The principal 

recreation uses include snowmobiling, hiking, hunting, all terrain vehicle/motorcycle use of trails and roads, and 

recreational driving. All of these actions cause a potential risk to negatively impact both known and presently 

undiscovered heritage resources.
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Future Actions

Reasonably foreseeable future actions include a continuation of activities identified under the current 

actions. Other reasonably foreseeable actions that would affect heritage resources include local 

population growth and increasing numbers of visitors to the Forest, which could create additional direct 

and indirect effects from recreationists. As the number of visitors increases, so would the need to 

inform and involve Forest users in resource management. Risk to heritage resources would also 

increase in areas where tree or vegetation densities and fuel loads remain at unnatural levels. These 

conditions provide for higher intensity burns associated with wildland fires.

Adverse cumulative effects to heritage resources on and around the Forest result from the advances of 

time (such as weathering), destruction through development, and inadequate or inappropriate 

maintenance. As a result, the research value of heritage resources can disappear. Sites themselves can 

become so affected that they no longer have potential as interpretive sites, and in general cease to be a 

source of enhancement for present and future generations.

Effects Analysis

Alternative A (No Action)

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

In considering the no action alternative, current Forest Service budgets are such that much of the 

heritage site survey and documentation work is done as part of other management undertakings, and 

are paid for by other resources areas such as timber, fuels, range, lands, and recreation. The level of 

heritage work would be significantly reduced under Alternative A, thus creating the most reductions in 

heritage management activities. This 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.

Action Alternatives (Alternatives B, C and D)

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Effects on Heritage Resources from Timber Harvest

Timber management would 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. In comparing the alternatives, Alternative C would disturb the greatest 

number of acres, followed by Alternative B and Alternative D. As the amount of potential ground 

disturbance increases the potential for disturbance and adverse effect to heritage resources also 

increases.

Under Alternatives B, C and D, disturbance to heritage resources would be minimized through 

identification and avoidance or design criteria. The Forest would be in compliance with Section 106 of 

the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) under each alternative, provided the design criteria 

outlined for the known significant historic properties are implemented.
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Effects on Heritage Resources from Fuel Reduction

Fire management treatments would result in various degrees of soil disturbance. 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. All three action alternatives include identical amounts 

of prescribed fire and fuel reduction activities, so would have the same potential to affect heritage 

resources.

Under Alternatives B, C and D, disturbance to heritage resources would be minimized through 

identification and avoidance or design criteria. The Forest would be in compliance with Section 106 of 

the NHPA under each alternative, provided the design criteria 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 that use barrier cloth and additional material fill can reduce damage to heritage 

resources.

In a review of the alternatives considered, Alternative C would result in the greatest number of miles of 

road construction and maintenance and would therefore have the greatest potential to affect heritage 

resources, followed by Alternative B. Alternative D does not include new road construction and would

rely on existing roads, largely eliminating the potential impact of road construction on heritage 

resources, although maintenance and conversion activities would still occur. 

Alternatives B and C contain areas planned for road construction and reconstruction activities that have 

the potential to adversely affect significant historic properties. Specific design criteria to prevent 

degradation of heritage resources are identified in Appendix C. The Forest would be in compliance with 

Section 106 of the NHPA under each action alternative, provided the appropriate design criteria are 

implemented.

Summary of Effects

There would be no effect to heritage resources within this analysis area provided that all eligible and 

potentially eligible properties, TCP, and culturally significant areas are avoided or have mitigation 

measures developed in consultation with the state historic preservation office (SHPO), tribal historic 

preservation offices (THPO) and other interested parties. Twenty-six known significant cultural resource 

sites have been identified and would require appropriate mitigation measures are in place prior to 

project implementation.

Under the Steamboat Project alternatives, all eligible, potentially eligible properties, TCP, and culturally 

significant areas would be avoided or mitigated. In addition, the site-specific mitigation measures 

outlined for known significant historic properties provided in the “Mitigation” section of this report must 

be followed prior to project implementation. As a result, it is expected that no potential direct, indirect, 
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or cumulative impacts to cultural resources would occur during implementation of the action 

alternatives.

3.14 Socio-Economics

3.14.1 Introduction

This section discusses the existing conditions and environmental consequences in the Steamboat project 

area for socio-economics. It summarizes the Steamboat Project Socio-Economic Report (Stores 2011), 

which is located in the Steamboat 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.

3.14.2 Existing Conditions

All data presented in this section was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau website at 

www.census.gov.

Population

The Steamboat 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 2010 Census found that 67,956 (67%) of 

Pennington County’s residents lived in Rapid City. Other population centers near the project area are 

Spearfish, Lead and Deadwood in Lawrence County and Sturgis in Meade County.

Table 3-62 displays the population of Lawrence, Meade and Pennington Counties using data from the 

2010 Census and the estimated 2008 population of each county.
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Table 3-62. Area Population (Based on 2010 Census data)

Location 2010 Census 

Population

2000 Census 

Population

Net Population 

Change

Percent Change

Lawrence County 24,097 21,802 +2,295 +10.5%

Meade County 25,434 24,253 +1,181 +4.9%

Pennington County 100,948 88,565 +12,383 +14%

South Dakota 814,180 754,837 +59,343 +7.9%

Based on the 2010 Census data, the population of Lawrence and Pennington counties is growing at a 

faster rate than the state of South Dakota’s total population. Meade County’s population also grew, but 

at a lower rate than the other two counties or the state as a whole. 

Table 3-63 displays the ethnic background of the counties in the project area as compared to South 

Dakota as a whole. Updated ethnicity data from the 2010 Census is not yet available for South Dakota; 

the data shown here is the most recent available from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Table 3-63. 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 
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the Black Hills. Some are engaged in the performance of vegetation management activities, such as 

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 3-64 displays per capita income, unemployment rate, 

and poverty level for the three counties in the project area and South Dakota. As with ethnicity data, 

the economic data displayed below is based on the most recent data available and does not reflect the 

2010 Census.

Table 3-64. 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 Steamboat 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 company, 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: 
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American Indian or Alaska native; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black, not of Hispanic origin; or Hispanic.” 

CEQ further directs:

“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 3-63 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 3-64 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.
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• There were several commenters who expressed concern regarding the spread of noxious weeds 

as the result of management activities.

3.14.3 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 Steamboat project area.

The mountain pine beetle epidemic is rapidly expanding in areas adjacent to the Steamboat 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 seven homes, the Eastridge fire of 2006 burned seven homes and the Alabaugh fire 

of 2007 destroyed thirty-three 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.

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 

protect sensitive soils and reduce weed infestations. Travel management restrictions in the project area 

are governed by the Forest-wide travel management plan.
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Cumulative Effects

The geographic area used for the analysis of cumulative social effects is the land area within the 

Steamboat 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 direct 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 Steamboat 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 Steamboat

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 alter structural 

diversity and to reduce the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation and high severity wildfire within the 

Steamboat 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.
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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. 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 displayed in the MVUM.

Cumulative Effects

The geographic and temporal scale used for cumulative effects is described under Alternative A above.

Treatments conducted under the Steamboat 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 are more aggressive (i.e., shelterwood cuts and overstory 

removals). 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 and other action alternatives would 

contribute to the local economy by producing forest products and employment and through 

procurement of services and products associated with project implementation.

Alternative C

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Direct, indirect and cumulative effects for Alternative C would be similar to those described for 

Alternative B above. In comparison to Alternatives B and D, the impacts of Alternative C on mountain 

pine beetle risk and fire hazard would be greater, as described in other sections of this EIS. Also, 

Alternative C contains a greater number of acres treated through commercial timber harvest so would 

have a slightly higher economic impact on the area.
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Alternative D

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects

Direct, indirect and cumulative effects for Alternative D would be similar to those described for 

Alternative B above. In comparison to Alternatives B and C, the impacts of Alternative D on mountain 

pine beetle risk and fire hazard would be less, as described in other sections of this EIS. Alternative D 

includes the fewest acres of commercial timber harvest and would have a slightly lower economic 

impact.

3.14.4 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 four 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 

occurring in the Steamboat 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 three action alternatives for managing the Steamboat

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 monetary costs 

or benefits related to this project would be generated.

The action alternatives described in this EIS are consistent with national initiatives and policy such as the 

National Forest Management Act, National Fire Plan 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 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 Steamboat project file.
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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 Noncommercial 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 Regional 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 3-65 below. The values shown are intended 

to show relative efficiency of each alternative and serve as a means of comparing alternatives. The 

values will fluctuate with changes in costs and stumpage values and do not reflect actual costs and 

revenues. 

Table 3-65. Costs and Benefits by Alternative

Measure Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C Alt. D

Present Net Value 0 -$11,735,509 -$14,516,920 -$11,652,839

Benefit/Cost Ratio 0 0.03 0.04 0.02

Benefits 0 $419,209 $629,230 $296,831

Costs 0 -$12,154,718 -15,146,150 -$11,949,670

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.
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Alternative B (Proposed Action)

The cost of fully implementing Alternative B exceeds the revenues generated by approximately $11.7

million. Revenues, generated solely from the sale of commercial timber, would be approximately $0.4

million based on current market prices. Implementation costs of Alternative B would be approximately 

$12.2 million. To fully implement the proposed action, additional funding, such as appropriated fuels 

dollars or other sources, would be necessary. As 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.

Alternative C

The cost of fully implementing Alternative C exceeds the revenues generated by approximately $14.5

million. Revenues, generated solely from the sale of commercial timber, would be approximately $0.6

million based on current market prices. Implementation costs of Alternative C would be approximately 

$15.1 million. Alternative C would generate more timber revenue than Alternatives B or D, but would 

also generate higher costs related to road construction, maintenance, timber sale administration and 

post-sale activities. To fully implement this alternative, additional funding, such as appropriated fuels 

dollars or other sources, would be necessary. Implementation of Alternative C 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.

Alternative D 

The cost of fully implementing Alternative D exceeds the revenues generated by approximately $11.7

million. Revenues, generated solely from the sale of commercial timber, would be approximately $0.3

million based on current market prices. Implementation costs of Alternative D would be approximately 

$11.9 million. Alternative D would generate less timber revenue than Alternatives B or C, but would 

also result in the lowest costs compared to the other action alternatives, largely due to the absence of 

new road construction. To fully implement this alternative, additional funding, such as appropriated 

fuels dollars or other sources, would be necessary. Implementation of Alternative D 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.

3.15 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.
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Irretrievable commitments of resources include the following:

• Soil productivity and timber productivity would be lost where construction of new roads occurs. 

New road construction is proposed under Alternatives B and C.

• There would be a short-term irretrievable loss of habitat for some wildlife species due to direct 

disturbance during project implementation under Alternatives B, C and D. 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.

• Commercial harvest of timber represents an irretrievable commitment of resources. Once live 

trees are cut, that tree is removed from the environment. However, harvested trees are 

replaced by regeneration on harvested units.

• Construction of new roads involves an irretrievable commitment of timber resources as long as 

that road is maintained as such and not allowed to revegetate.

3.16 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). 

Alternatives B, C and D 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 non-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.

3.17 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.
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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.

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 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.

3.18 Consistency with the Forest Plan

Alternatives B and D are consistent with the applicable Forest Plan goals and objectives and would 

comply with standards and guidelines. 

Alternative C would require a project-specific Forest Plan amendment to exempt it from Forest Plan 

standard 3108, which defines the level of treatment allowable in existing or historical goshawk nest 

areas. Alternative C would reduce basal area in known goshawk stands below the level considered by 

standard 3108 as suitable goshawk nesting habitat. Therefore, if Alternative C is selected, the Forest 

Plan must be amended or the alternative must be modified to comply with standard 3108.

3.19 Other Required Disclosures

3.19.1 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.

3.19.2 Botany
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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.

3.19.3 Hydrology and Soils

E.O. 11988 – Floodplain Management

The Steamboat Project would be in compliance with and meets the requirements of the Executive Order 

for Floodplain Management.

E.O. 19990 – Protection of Wetlands

The Steamboat Project would be in compliance with and meets the requirements of the Executive Order 

for Protection of Wetlands.

Clean Water Act of 1977

None of the alternatives for the Steamboat Project would degrade water quality and all alternatives 

would be in compliance and meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

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 and BMP 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;
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(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;

(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

A

Abstract, 1

alternatives, 1, 2, 9, 28, 31, 44, 45, 46, 49, 255, 256, 260, 

261, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293

B

Best Management Practices, 1, 281, 283, 287

Big game, 18

Biological Evaluation, 49, 287

Birds of conservation concern, 114

C

Condition Class, 288, 289

Culmination of Mean Annual Increment, 45

E

Economics, 255

F

Fire hazard, 22

Fish, 18

Forest Plan, 2, 3, 10, 11, 14, 15, 23, 27, 31, 45, 49, 255, 

260, 291

goals, 15

fuel reduction, 18, 22

fuels reduction, 255

G

Goshawk, northern, 106

Grassland communities, 17

H

Hardwood communities, 16

I

Interdisciplinary Team, 1, 290

Issues, 28

M

Management Area, 1, 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 291

Management indicator species, 20, 109

Migratory birds, 114

monitoring, 20, 44, 266, 274, 276, 281, 283, 284

Mountain pine beetle, 265, 278

N

National Environmental Policy Act, 1, 2, 9, 291

National Forest System, 1, 2, 10, 16, 21, 248, 250, 292, 294

NEPA, 1, 2, 9, 31, 288, 289, 291

Notice of Intent, 1, 2, 14, 27

noxious weeds, 19, 20, 31, 44

O

Oak, bur, 17

P

prescribed fire, 19, 277, 287, 294

proposed action, 1, 2, 3, 9, 14, 15, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 

49, 96, 100, 103, 255, 287, 289, 292, 293

purpose and need, 3, 9, 14, 15, 49

R

Record of Decision, 1, 10

recreation, 10, 13, 21, 255, 288, 290, 292

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum, 1, 292

Riparian areas, 18

roads, 3, 10, 13, 16, 18, 19, 21, 26, 27, 43, 213, 214, 260,

265, 269, 275, 277, 281, 283, 288, 292, 294

S

scoping, 2, 14, 25, 27, 28, 31, 292, 297

sensitive species, 19, 20, 105, 287

Snags, 17

soils, 214, 280, 288

Species of Local Concern, 1, 17

Structural Stage, 1, 24, 293

Summary, 2

T

Timber, commercial, 21

W

watershed, 266, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 284, 294

Watershed Conservation Practices, 281, 284

Weeds, noxious, 19

Wildfire, 15, 20, 22, 26, 270, 273, 274, 275, 276, 282, 294

Wildland Urban Interface, 1, 18, 22, 276
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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.
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Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)—A group of professional specialists with expertise in different resources 

that collaborate to develop and evaluate management alternatives.

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.
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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.

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—22 years Forest 

Service experience

Engineer

Transportation Specialist

Brenda Bowen • B.S. in Resource Recreation and Tourism—

University of Idaho

• 13 years Forest Service experience

GIS Specialist

Database Management

Melissa Dempsey • M.S. in Geology—Northern Arizona University

• B.S. in Geology—Northern Arizona University

• 8 years Forest Service experience

Hydrologist

Jeff Gies • B.S. in Geography—South Dakota State 

University

• 5 years Forest Service experience

• 16 years experience in land use, natural 

resource management, and environmental 

review

Fire/Fuels Management

Jeff Goldberg • B.S. in Wildlife Management and Conservation

• Humboldt State University

• 8 years Forest Service experience

Wildlife Biologist

Jackie Groce • B.S. in Sociology and English (double major)—

Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

• M.S. in Forestry—Southern Illinois University at 

Carbondale

• A.B.D. in Sociology—Southern Illinois University

at Carbondale

• 9 years Forest Service experience

Natural Resource Planner

Amy Haas • B.S. in Botany—North Dakota State University

• 7 years Forest Service experience

Silviculturist

Hillarie Jackson • B.S. in Agricultural Sciences—South Dakota 

State University

• 11 years Forest Service experience

Lands/Minerals/Special 

Uses 

Bonnie Jones • B.S. in Forest Biology—Colorado State 

University

• 25 years Forest Service experience

Recreation Specialist

Marissa Karchut • M.A. in Anthropology—Northern Arizona 

University

• 9 years Forest Service experience

Archeologist 

Stephen Keegan • B.S. in Landscape Architecture and 

Environmental Studies—State University of New 

York

• 27 years Forest Service experience

Landscape Architect

Jill Larson • M.S. in Botany—University of Wyoming

• 2 years Forest Service experience

Botanist

Steve Mott • B.S. in Forest Management—Iowa State 

University

• 40 years Forest Service experience

Silviculturist

Rhonda O’Byrne • B.S. in Rangeland Ecology—Arizona State District Ranger
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University

• 18 years Forest Service experience

Responsible Official

Brian Rafferty • B.S. in Psychology—Black Hills State University

• 10 years Forest Service experience

Fuels Specialist

Tom Smith • Rangeland Management Specialist—27 years 

Forest Service experience

Range and Weed 

Management

Chris Stores • B.S. in Wildlife Biology—The University of 

Montana

• 8 years Forest Service experience

ID Team Leader

Writer/Editor
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8 RECIPIENTS OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS

8.1 Recipients of DEIS

Hardcopies of the Steamboat 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 Steamboat Project file.

The document can be accessed electronically at the Black Hills National Forest web page at: 

http://go.usa.gov/2QI. 

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 Forest Resource Association

Norbeck Society

Prairie Hills Audubon Society

Businesses

Neiman Timber Company

Individuals

Richard Artley

Bill Coburn

Betty Green

Steve Hoier

Henry Kohlbrand

Ralph Kopp

Norma and Vern Kraemer

Jean Public

Mary Zimmerman
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