Lewiston, ID: What projections are there for 100+ year-old trees?
We have no projections for 100+-year-old trees. In several alternatives the Draft EIS proposes to increase the number of large trees. Table 4-15 projects which alternatives are likely to increase or decrease the amount of mature and old forest. 106. Kalispell, MT: According to the integrated scientific assessment and status reports the quality of the ecosystem was highest in presettlement days when there was no fire or insect control, but the preferred alternative emphasizes both in order to improve ecosystem health, why is this? Answer: The Preferred Alternative (Alternative 4) does not emphasize fire and insect control. However, forests have changed greatly since historical times. There is more fuel, more fine fuel, more fuel ladders, and more fuel continuity. The forests are dense and vulnerable to fire and insects. If fire and insects were allowed to operate indiscriminately today, they would damage resources, property, and people. 107. Hamilton, MT: Since most of the saw timber in
