ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

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ALTERNATIVE C: PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

This section evaluates the potential impacts of alternative C, the preferred alternative.

Threatened and Endangered Species, Species of Concern

Under alternative C, effects to the northern spotted owl would be similar as described under alternative B. The switchbacks are located over 4 miles from the owl activities center, and therefore, the realignment of the switchback would not increase potential effects to the owl.

Cumulative Impacts. Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions that could have an effect on threatened and endangered species include fire management using prescribed burning and construction projects related to waterlines and lagoons in Munson Valley. Prescribed burns would emulate a natural occurrence under controlled conditions that could result in short-term adverse impacts to threatened and endangered species and/or their habitat; however, the long-term effect of prescribed burns would be beneficial as the health of plant communities would improve and habitat would be more diverse. Construction in the Munson Valley could result in temporary to long-term effects on threatened and endangered species within a localized site. The cumulative effect of this alternative may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, threatened and endangered species.

Conclusion. Alternative C may affect, but is unlikely to adversely affect the northern spotted owls occupying the activity center approximately 900 meters north of Highway 62 West. The cumulative impact of this alternative may affect, but is unlikely to adversely affect, threatened and endangered species.

Because there would be no major adverse impacts to a resource or value whose conservation is (1) necessary to fulfill specific purposes identified in the park’s establishing legislation, (2) key to the natural or cultural integrity of the park or to opportunities for enjoyment of the park, or (3) identified as a goal in the park’s General Management Plan or other relevant National Park Service planning documents, there would be no impairment of park resources or values related to threatened and endangered species at Crater Lake National Park.