Agate Lake Resource Management Plan Environmental Assessment I Icontents

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

L|f| Agate Lake Resource Management Plan Environmental Assessment I IContents Photos Page 3-1 The oak woodland/grass savannah is characteristic of much of the Lake Area Boundary. The dominant tree is the Oregon white oak ......... 3-13 3-2 The grassland/shrub/oak community is found in the southwest section of the Lake Area Boundary. Narrow leaved ceanothus and poison oak are the dominant shrub .................... ....................... 3-13 3-3 More extensive areas of grassland occur on the south half of the Lake Area Boundary .. 3-14 3-4 Moist areas within the grasslands have been invaded with the exotic teasel 3-14 3-5 Dry Creek downstream of the dam supports a well developed riparian forest ... 3-15 3-6 Dry CreekCreek immediately immediately beloDry below the d am .. 3-15 3-7 Grasslands in the northwest section of the Lake Area Boundary contain vernal pools ................................................... 3-16 3-8 A vernal pool in summer looks like little more than a small depression in the grassland. Winter snow and rain fill the depression, allowing a uniquely adapted community of plants and animals to thrive for a brief time until once again drying up .............. .................. 3-16 3-9 Dry Creek upstream of Agate Lake supports a riparian community dominated by willows, cottonwoods, and alders .......... ............. 3-17 3-10 A small riparian forest has developed around Hopkins Canal as it empties into Agate Lake .. 3-17 3-11 Heavily impacted area on west side of Agate Lake . .3-19 3-12 An extensive network of roads and an expansive parking area is found near the dam on the west side of Agate Lake. Disturbed areas are colonized by star thistle and cheat grass ........... .. ................ 3-19 3-13 Illegal trails branch off designated OHV trails, causing erosion and destroying vegetation ............................................ 3-20 3-14 Illegal OHV use such as this occurs throughout the Lake Area Boundary ... 3-20 3-15 Wetlands along the northwest edge of the Lake Area Boundary, resulting from golf course irrigation .................. ...................... 3-21 3-16 Wetlands along the northwest edge of the Lake Area Boundary, resulting from golf course irrigation .................. ...................... 3-21 3-17 Medford Canal traverses the southwest boundary of the Lake Area Boundary, providing a thin strip of riparian vegetation ....... ........... 3-22 3-18 Leakage from the canal appears down the hillside from the canal. Usually, these areas are too ephemeral to support vegetation; but in shadier areas, some riparian vegetation has developed ....... ........... 3-22.

Copy Link

Recommended publications

The Chat September 2015
Number 417 The Chat September 2015 A voice for education and conservation in the natural world Rogue Valley Audubon Society www.roguevalleyaudubon.org Deadline for the October issue is September 20. SEPTEMBER PROGRAM MEETING TUESDAY, SEPT 22 at 7 PM “Birding Adventures in South America: Patagonia, Brazil and the Galapagos” . Presented by PEPPER TRAIL Our annual series of monthly programs kicks off with Pepper Trail’s slide show and talk. Pepper will present highlights from his three most recent natural history cruises, with birds as spectacular (and spectacular- ly different) as Blue Manakins and Blue- footed Boobies, Andean Condors and Saf- fron Toucanets, Darwin’s Rheas and Dar- win’s Finches. This is sure to be an enter- taining and educational evening – don’t miss it! Pepper Trail is the long-time Conservation Chair for RVAS, and the ornithologist at the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab in Ashland. During his vacation time, Pepper leads natural history field trips around the world. Nazca Booby, native to the Galapagos Coming Up October Program Meeting, Tuesday, Oct 27 Speaker: Steve Mason of the WISE (Water for Irrigation, Streams and Economy) Project November Program Meeting, Tuesday, Nov 24 Speaker: Kristi Mergenthaler from the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) Page 1 The Chat – September 2015 President’s Column OFFICERS and DIRECTORS President: Linda Kreisman, 541-482-6456 Welcome back after our (brief) summer vacation! [email protected] This year seems to be getting off to a good start. Vice-President: Jon Deason, [email protected] Treasurer: Sue Polich, 541-608-3802 Pepper Trail, our Conservation Committee Chair, and [email protected] I met with representatives from the Southern Oregon Secretary: Mike Guest, 541-857-6334 Land Conservancy (SOLC) to discuss ways our or- [email protected] ganizations can cooperate with each other and came Carol Mockridge [email protected] away with a few good ideas.
[Show full text]
Outdoor Recreational Needs & the Hunter Lake Opportunity Illinois
Outdoor Recreational Needs & The Hunter Lake Opportunity Illinois Department of Natural Resources December 3, 2018 Introduction In 2015, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) entered into agreement with the City of Springfield to manage city-owned property surrounding the City’s proposed secondary water supply (Hunter Lake). The City has already acquired 7,138 acres for the project located in southeastern Sangamon County. The lake is expected to cover 2,560 surface-acres with water. Outdoors recreation generates about $32 billion in economic activity each year for the State of Illinois, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All this activity supports 90,000 jobs statewide. As the population of the United States continues its gradual migration from rural to urban areas (U.S. Census Bureau), demand for recreational land, open space and hunting and fishing opportunities will continue to grow. With 95 percent of Illinois land in private hands, the state ranks 46th in terms of land in public ownership. The IDNR owns and manages about 480,000 acres. The partnership between the City and IDNR is intended to provide additional public access for outdoor recreation, education and habitat conservation on Hunter Lake and its surrounding area. The City concluded the IDNR is the appropriate state agency to help the City achieve this objective. IDNR has statutory authority to manage the state’s fish and wildlife resources. To this end, the City chose to enter a Memorandum of Cooperation with IDNR (Appendix A) and tasked the Agency with managing the property’s outdoors potential for recreational opportunity, including hunting, fishing, bird-watching, biking, hiking and camping.
[Show full text]
Little Butte Creek Watershed Assessment
Little Butte Creek Watershed Assessment Little Butte Creek Watershed Council August 2003 Abstract The Little Butte Creek Watershed Assessment has been prepared for the Little Butte Creek Watershed Council with funding from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). The Assessment was prepared using the guidelines set forth in the Governor’s Watershed Enhancement Board’s 1999 Oregon Watershed Assessment Manual. The purpose of this document is to assess the current conditions and trends of human caused and ecologic processes within the Little Butte Creek Watershed and compare them with historic conditions. Many important ecological processes within the watershed have been degraded over the last 150 years of human activity. This Assessment details those locations and processes that are in need of restoration as well as those that are operating as a healthy system. The Assessment was conducted primarily at the 5th field watershed level, that of the entire Little Butte Creek Watershed. List and describe field watershed levels below. Where possible, the analyses was refined to the smaller 6th field watershed level, thirteen of which exist within the Little Butte Creek Watershed. The assessment also notes gaps in data and lists recommendations for future research and data collection. It is intended that this document, and the Little Butte Creek Watershed Action Plan be used as guides for future research and watershed protection and enhancement over the next decade. The document was developed using existing data. No new data was collected for this project. Where data was lacking, it was detailed for future work and study. Acknowledgements This assessment was compiled and written by Steve Mason.
[Show full text]
Letter No. 15 (Contd.)
[ } Agate Lake Resource Management Plan Environmental Assessment LL±JApni IResponses to Public Comments LETTER NO. 15 (CONTD.) maps to delineate that area, Finally, the report was to provide a discussion of the principles of conservation biology that could be used to determine the suitability of sites for restoration or enhancement of the vernal pool ecosystem and associated rare species. Vernal Pools Vernal pools are rain-fed, seasonal wetlands, which are a highly variable ecological phenomenon that occurs widely throughout the world and across North America. (Keely 1996). The distinct and yet variable habitat offered by vernal pools in combination with the geographic isolation of pool systems produces many distinct natural communities with high levels of species endemism. The range of vernal pools worldwide has been classified by the features of the substrate that cause the pooling, along with hydrologic and biotic features. Study Area The Agate Desert is a geographic place name applied to the mounded prairie on the floor of the Rogue River Basin, north of Medford, Oregon. The area is presumably named for the sparse prairie vegetation, the relative lack of trees, the poor agricultural quality of the shallow soil, and the agates commonly found on the soil surface. The USGS 7.5 miaute quadrangles for Sams Valley and Eagle Point label as the Agate Desert an area stretching eastward from near the confluence of Bear Creek and the Rogue River, across White City, south of IItte Butte Creek to Antelope Creek and Dry Creek. Elliott and Sammons (1996) expanded on the USGS area by extending a lobe southward across the Jackson County Airport, and they delineated two additional discrete surfaces: a large area between Dry Creek and Antelope Creek, and a smaller surface west of Bear Creek, north of Central Point.
[Show full text]
The ODFW Recreation Report
Welcome to the ODFW Recreation Report FISHING, HUNTING, WILDLIFE VIEWING August 13, 2013 Warmwater fishing While trout fishing has slowed in many locations due to high air and water temperatures, warmwater fish like bass, bluegill and yellow perch continue to offer opportunities for good fishing. Our warmwater fishing webpage is a great place to get started, and you’ll find the latest condition updates here in the Recreation Report. Head out to the high lakes With temperatures high now might be a good time to head out to Oregon’s high mountains. Many mountain lakes available for day use or overnight camping that require only a short hike into them. Some of these waters get very little use, and anglers will often find the solitude incredible. If you plan to camp keep in mind that overnight temperatures at the higher elevation can be quite chilly. Maps should be available from the local U.S. Forest Service office. Be aware of fire restrictions because fire danger is high in many areas. 2013-14 Oregon Game Bird Regulations now online See the PDF on the Hunting page: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/index.asp Archery hunters – Errors in the regulations on Chesnimnus bag limit, traditional equipment only area The 2013 Oregon Big Game Regulations contain errors in the archery section. On page 51, the “Traditional Archery Equipment Only” restriction should not be in the Columbia Basin, Biggs, Hood and Maupin Units—that restriction is for the Canyon Creek Area only. On page 79, the Chesnimnus hunt bag limit of “one bull elk” (hunt #258R) should be “one elk.” These errors were corrected by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in June.
[Show full text]
The Chat February 2020
Number 457 The Chat February 2020 A voice for education and conservation in the natural world Rogue Valley Audubon Society www.roguevalleyaudubon.org Deadline for the March issue is February 20 February Chapter Program Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm “The Applegate Siskiyous: Wildlands, Wildflowers and Biodiversity” . Presented by Luke Ruediger Naturalist, environmental activist and author Luke Ruediger will take you on an in-depth visual journey across the Applegate Siski- yous, highlighting the many botanical areas, rare plants, wildlands, and special places of the region. The presentation covers the entire Applegate River Watershed, from its conflu- ence with the Rogue River near Grants Pass and Wilderville to the arid Applegate Foothills and the spectacularly diverse high country of the Siskiyou Crest. Come away with a deeper ecological understanding of the Applegate Watershed and its biodiversity. Luke Ruediger has lived his entire life in southern Oregon and has dedicated himself to the region's ecology, biodiversity and the protection of wild landscapes. He is a self - taught naturalist and fire ecologist with significant experience in the backcountry of the Klamath Siskiyou. In 2013, he published a hiking and natural history guide for the Siskiyou Crest titled, The Siskiyou Crest: Hikes, History and Ecology. He also runs the Siskiyou Crest Blog. He has worked professionally conducting ecological restora- tion and environmental advocacy work in the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains for the last 20 years. Currently he works for the Applegate Neighborhood Network, a community and conservation-based organization in the Applegate Valley. He also runs the Siski- you Field Office for Klamath Forest Alliance and runs their Klamath Siskiyou Fire Re- ports Program.
[Show full text]
North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed Water Quality
Water Quality Restoration Plan Southern Oregon Coastal Basin North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Medford District Ashland Resource Area Butte Falls Resource Area Lakeview District Klamath Falls Resource Area May 2006 North and South Forks Little Butte Creek Key Watershed at a Glance Hydrologic Unit Code Number (Little 1710030708 Butte Creek) WQRP Area/Ownership Total: 125,778 acres BLM: 26,959 acres (21%) U. S. Forest Service: 59,875 acres (48%) Bureau of Reclamation: 5 acres (<.01%) Private: 38,939 acres (31%) 303(d) Stream Miles Assessed Total: 65.4 miles BLM Ownership: 15.7 miles 303(d) Listed Parameters Temperature, Sedimentation, E. Coli, pH Key Resources and Uses Salmonids, domestic, aesthetic Known Human Activities Agriculture, forestry, roads, recreation, rural residential development Natural Factors Geology: volcanic Soils: various series and complexes Statement of Purpose This water quality restoration plan is prepared to meet the requirements of Section 303(d) of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act. Table of Contents Page Element 1 Condition Assessment and Problem Description 1 A. Introduction 1 B. Watershed Characterization 4 C.Temperature 16 D. Sedimentation 23 E.E.Coli 31 F.pH 34 Element 2 Goals and Objectives 36 Element 3 Proposed Management Measures 39 Element 4 Time Line for Implementation 40 Element 5 Responsible Parties 41 Element 6 Reasonable Assurance of Implementation 41 Element 7 Monitoring and Evaluation 42 Element 8 Public Involvement 44 Element 9 Costs and Funding 44 Element 10 Citation to Legal Authorities 45 References 46 List of Preparers 48 List of Tables Page 1.
[Show full text]
View / Open Jackson County Parks
Special Thanks & Acknowledgements The Jackson County Parks Department wishes to thank the individuals who participated on the Jackson County Parks Advisory Committee, interviewees, residents who attended the community workshop, and individuals that completed the Jackson County Parks Surveys. Specifically, Jackson County wishes to thank the following individuals: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee: Steve Gies, Ashland Representative Bill Konantz, Jacksonville/Applegate Representative Greg Applen, Medford Representative Rosemary Newell, Medford Representative Sue King, Rogue River/Gold Hill Representative Tom Rickard, Shady Cove/Trail/Butte Falls Representative William Cecil, Phoenix/ Talent Representative Michael K. Evans, Central Point/ Eagle Point Representative James H. Lake, At Large Representative Jackson County Parks Staff: Paul Korbulic, Jackson County Parks & Roads Director Randy Hutton, Project Coordinator Melissa Bench, Administrative Assistant The County also wishes to thank the student research team from the University of Oregon’s Community Planning Workshop who prepared this plan. CPW Staff: David Reesor, Project Manager Kristopher Ackerson, Plan Researcher Keavy Cook, Plan Researcher Robert Stevens, Plan Researcher Elizabeth Johnson, Plan Researcher Sandra Rossetter, Plan Researcher Robert Parker, AICP, Community Planning Workshop Director Executive Summary Jackson County provides public park facilities to meet the outdoor and recreation needs of County residents and visitors. Parks enhance the quality of life of residents by providing affordable access to open space and activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. They serve as gathering places for community members – both formal and informal events are common at county parks. Additionally, native species of plants and animals, unique natural features, and important historic and cultural sites are protected and preserved by parkland.
[Show full text]
Shady Cove Are Incorporated
Destination 2011 Page 1 Destination 2011 Page 2 Livability, that’s what we’re all about Destination The Upper Rogue is a for those visiting the area. somewhat undefined area as maps go. Butte Falls has long been EAGL E POINT But for most of us it begins at White compared with the “little engine and Neighboring Communities City and the junction of Highway that could” or the “little town that 62 and Highway 140. It includes could” despite the loss they have Editor - Nancy Leonard that delightful area known as Lake encountered due to economy and Creek, Eagle Point, Butte Falls, Shady the rules regarding harvesting trees. Production - Kathy Sell Cove, Trail, and Prospect and Union But, they are creative, ambitious and Creek, in addition to White City. are very much a community that Only Eagle Point, Butte Falls cares about its own. Advertising and Shady Cove are incorporated. Prospect, like Butte Falls, Nancy Leonard, Kathy Sell, Each of the eight areas are quite has endured through the logging Jenny Zomerdyk distinct. One will find ranches and issues, making them a place that cattle in the Lake Creek area where must be visited. Taking Mill Creek Photographs the Grange and Lake Creek store are Drive off Highway 62, observing Courtesy of UR Independent very important. Many White City the water falls, visiting the Prospect residents work at Amy’s, SORCC Hotel where many famous people Writer (V.A. Veterans Domiciliary) and also hung their hat years ago, is a Nancy Leonard Wal-Mart or commute the nine or delightful experience.
[Show full text]
Water for Irrigation Streams & Economy
WATER FOR IRRIGATION STREAMS & ECONOMY BEAR CREEK AND LITTLE BUTTE CREEK WATERSHEDS March 2012 WISE project goals for Bear and Little Butte Watersheds 2 Increase summer stream flows Improve water quality Improve water temperature Improve the irrigation systems with no undue financial burden on the Districts WISE Project Briefing March 2012 Possible Sources of Additional Water 3 Conserved Water Piped/lined irrigation canals Increased reservoir storage capacity Howard Prairie Agate New storage Pumped water Regional Water Reclamation Facility Lost Creek Reservoir via Rogue River Also looked at in 1980’s WISE Project Briefing March 2012 WISE Project Area 4 WISE Project Briefing March 2012 Purpose and Need 5 The purpose of the WISE Project is to improve water quality and quantity in the Little Butte Creek and Bear Creek watersheds for irrigation, aquatic habitat, and other uses in an economically and environmentally feasible manner. Specific goals of the WISE project are to: Improve efficiency of water deliveries to the Medford, Rogue River Valley, and Talent irrigation districts. Improve irrigation water supply reliability for the Medford, Rogue River Valley, and Talent irrigation districts. Improve water conservation through both system-wide and on-farm irrigation improvements. Improve instream water quantity, water quality, and water reliability for native anadromous salmonids. Improve aesthetics and recreation values of reservoirs, streams, and rivers. Improve water quality at the Robert Duff Water Treatment Facility intake by improving water quality in Little Butte Creek. Incorporate the most cost-effective solution to reliably reuse effluent from the Regional Water Reclamation Facility’s future discharge permit requirements in the WISE Project.
[Show full text]
Agate Lake Resource Management Plan Environmental Assessment
Agate Lake Resource Management Plan September 2000 United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Lower Columbia Area Office In cooperation with Jackson County Roads and Parks Services Mission Statements Department of the Interior The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to tribes. Bureau of Reclamation The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally sound manner in the interest of the American public. Jackson County Parks To protect Jackson County's recreational resources and provide a quality County Park system that meets recreation needs and provides recreation opportunities to the citizens and visitors of Jackson County. Agate Lake Resource Management Plan September 2000 United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Lower Columbia Area Office In cooperation with Jackson County Roads and Parks Services Agate Lake Resource Management Plan Environmental Assessment Rogue River Basin Project Talent Division Medford, Oregon United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Boise, Idaho Lower Columbia Area Office Portland, Oregon In cooperation with Jackson County Roads and Parks Services Medford, Oregon September 2000 Abbreviations and Acronyms BIA U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs BLM Bureau of Land Management
[Show full text]
Fish for Carp with Scott Richmond ( Carp-A Diem )
Organized in 1971, the Rogue Flyfishers seek to promote fellowship among individuals and groups to further interest in the sport, to improve angling techniques, and to educate members and the public in ways to preserve and improve the natural resources, environment, and conditions for fishing in the Rogue Valley. April 2012 Name Telephone Last Board Yr. Committee Heads Name Telephone President Kellie Christensen 776-4094 2012 Conservation John Ward 482-2859 V.President Mike Masters 261-2243 2011 E-mail Coordinator Tom Collett 855-8943 Treasurer Bill Brock 488-2356 2012 Librarian Curt Schlosser 646-2722 Secretary Mike LaTourneau 973-4221 2014 Librarian (Assistant ) Dick Chambers 608-9686 Board member Bill Ackermann 857-6154 2012 Membership John Bjorkholm 857-6147 Board member David Haight 855-9043 2012 News Editor Steve Ostrander 772-0749 Board member John Ward 482-2859 2012 Outings Kellie Christensen 776-4094 Board member Will Johnson 494-1433 2012 Roadside Cleanup Bill Ackermann 857-6154 Board member Jerry Haynes 488-6454 2014 Youth Programs Director Board member Bob Shuck 552-1042 2014 Webmaster Steve Ostrander 772-0749 Board member John Bjorkholm 857-6147 2014 Fish for Carp with Scott Richmond ( Carp-a diem ) Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Red Lion Hotel - 200 North Riverside in Medford Wet Fly Social Hour 6 to 7 Buffet Dinner and raffle at 7 PM Scott Richmond is the award-winning author of eight books on Oregon fly fishing, including Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River and Fishing in Oregon's Endless Season. In addition, he has written numerous magazine articles and hundred's of internet articles.
[Show full text]