Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Master Plan Fall River Basin, South Dakota

Omaha District

Draft Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Master Plan Fall River Basin, South Dakota

July 2016 Draft Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Master Plan Fall River Basin, South Dakota

2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PERTINENT PROJECT INFORMATION ...... VI LISTING OF PRIOR DESIGN MEMORANDUMS ...... VII CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1-1

PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS ...... 1-1 PROJECT PURPOSES ...... 1-2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MASTER PLAN ...... 1-2 Purpose ...... 1-2 Scope ...... 1-3 WATERSHED AND PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 1-3 CHAPTER 2 PROJECT SETTING AND FACTORS INFLUENCING MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT...... 2-1

DESCRIPTION OF RESERVOIRS ...... 2-1 Cold Brook Lake ...... 2-1 Cottonwood Springs Lake ...... 2-2 HYDROLOGY AND GROUNDWATER ...... 2-2 Cold Brook Lake ...... 2-2 Cottonwood Springs Lake ...... 2-3 WATER QUALITY ...... 2-3 Cold Brook Lake ...... 2-3 Cottonwood Springs Lake ...... 2-3 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS ...... 2-4 RESOURCE ANALYSIS ...... 2-4 Fish and Wildlife Resources ...... 2-4 Vegetative Resources ...... 2-5 Threatened & Endangered Species ...... 2-7 Invasive Species ...... 2-8 Wetlands ...... 2-8 Ecological Setting ...... 2-8 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...... 2-9 DEMOGRAPHICS ...... 2-10 Seasonal and Permanent Population ...... 2-11 Race ...... 2-12 Age ...... 2-13 Education ...... 2-15 Labor Characteristics ...... 2-17 RECREATION ANALYSIS, FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS ...... 2-21 Recreation Facilities ...... 2-21 Recreation Activities and Needs ...... 2-22 Zone of Influence ...... 2-24 Visitation Profile ...... 2-26 Recreation Analysis ...... 2-26 Recreational Carrying Capacity ...... 2-26 REAL ESTATE ...... 2-27 Acquisition Policy ...... 2-27 PERTINENT PUBLIC LAWS ...... 2-27 General Laws and Authorities ...... 2-28 Environmental Quality Statutes ...... 2-29 Cultural Resource Statutes ...... 2-35 CHAPTER 3 RESOURCE OBJECTIVES ...... 3-1

CHAPTER 4 LAND ALLOCATION, LAND CLASSIFICATION, WATER SURFACE, AND PROJECT EASEMENT LANDS .... 4-1

LAND ALLOCATION ...... 4-1 LAND CLASSIFICATIONS ...... 4-1 CHAPTER 5 RESOURCE PLAN ...... 5-1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5-1 MANAGEMENT UNITS ...... 5-1 COLD BROOK LAKE PROJECT...... 5-3 Dam and Operations Structures (Cold Brook) ...... 5-3 Southeast Management Area (Cold Brook) ...... 5-5 Low Density Recreation Area (Cold Brook) ...... 5-6 North Wildlife Management Unit (Cold Brook) ...... 5-7 Argyle Road/Highway 16 (Cold Brook) ...... 5-9 Camping Area (Cold Brook) ...... 5-10 North and West Lake Shore Day Use Recreation Areas (Cold Brook) ...... 5-11 COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE PROJECT ...... 5-13 Dam and Spillway (Cottonwood Springs) ...... 5-13 Wildlife Management Area (Cottonwood Springs) ...... 5-14 North Shore Recreation Area (Cottonwood Springs) ...... 5-15 Low Density Recreation Area (Cottonwood Springs) ...... 5-17 South Cottonwood Springs Campground ...... 5-18 CHAPTER 6 SPECIAL TOPICS ...... 6-19

REAL ESTATE ...... 6-19 SEASONAL STAFFING...... 6-19 FLASH FLOODING ...... 6-19 LARIVE LAKE WATER RIGHT ...... 6-19 MOUNTAIN PINE BARK BEETLES ...... 6-20 COLD BROOK CHANNEL RECONSTRUCTION ...... 6-20 CHAPTER 7 TRIBAL, AGENCY, AND PUBLIC COORDINATION ...... 7-1

TRIBAL COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION ...... 7-1 AGENCY AND PUBLIC COORDINATION ...... 7-1 CHAPTER 8 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 8-1 CHAPTER 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 9-1

List of Tables TABLE 1: COLD BROOK AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE PROJECT - PERTINENT PROJECT DATA ...... VI TABLE 2: ACREAGE OF MAPPED VEGETATION AT COTTONWOOD SPRINGS AND COLD BROOK LAKES...... 2-5 TABLE 3: THE HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED POPULATIONS FOR PRIMARY AREA COUNTIES...... 2-11 TABLE 4: THE ESTIMATED SEASONAL AND TOTAL (PERMANENT PLUS SEASONAL) POPULATION OF THE COUNTIES CONTIGUOUS TO COLD BROOK AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKES ...... 2-12 TABLE 5: RACIAL COMPOSITIONS OF THE COUNTIES IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDY AREAS...... 2-12 TABLE 6: RACIAL COMPOSITIONS OF THE COUNTIES IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDY AREAS...... 2-13 TABLE 7: THE 2010 CENSUS POPULATION OF EACH RESERVATION ...... 2-13 TABLE 8: FIVE YEAR AVERAGE MEDIAN AGES FOR COUNTIES IN THE STUDY AREA ...... 2-14 TABLE 9: THE POPULATION BREAKDOWNS BY SEX AND BY AGE GROUPS WITH ACTUAL NUMBERS...... 2-14

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TABLE 10: THE POPULATION BREAKDOWNS BY SEX AND BY AGE GROUPS BY PERCENTAGE...... 2-15 TABLE 11: 2009-2013 PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS, AGE 25 YEARS + WITH HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS, AGE 25 YEARS + WITH BACHELOR’S DEGREE OR HIGHER...... 2-16 TABLE 12: THE PERCENTAGE OF WORKERS IN EACH PRIMARY COUNTY, SECONDARY COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, AND THE UNITED STATES EMPLOYED IN EACH GENERAL CATEGORY OF INDUSTRY IN 2013...... 2-17 TABLE 13:THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN 2003, 2010 AND 2013 FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AREAS. SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, 2014...... 2-18 TABLE 14: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, SOUTH DAKOTA TRIBAL RESERVATIONS...... 2-18 TABLE 15: 2003 AND 2013 AVG. ANNUAL WAGES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY COUNTIES, 3-STATE AREA, AND NATION. SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS. AMERICAN COMMUNITY FACT FINDER. 2003, 2013...... 2-19 TABLE 16: INCOME AND POVERTY LEVEL DATA REPORTED BY THE 2009-2013 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY. .. 2- 20 TABLE 17: PROJECT RECREATION ACTIVITIES...... 2-21 TABLE 18: HISTORICAL AND PROJECTED POPULATIONS FOR THESE COUNTIES AS WELL AS FOR THE STATES...... 2-24 TABLE 19: LARGEST CITIES AND TOWNS NEAR THE PROJECTS ...... 2-26 TABLE 20: LAND CLASSIFICATION ACREAGES, COLD BROOK AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKES...... 4-3 TABLE 21. AGENCY SCOPING CONTACTS ...... 7-2 TABLE 22. SUBSTANTIVE COMMENTS AND RESPONSES ...... 7-2

List of Figures FIGURE 1: COLD BROOK LAKE AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE PROJECTS IN THE OMAHA DISTRICT CIVIL WORKS BOUNDARY...... 1-5 FIGURE 2: LOCATION OF COLD BROOK AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKES, SOUTH DAKOTA ...... 1-6 FIGURE 3: STORAGE ZONES OF COLD BROOK LAKE ...... 2-1 FIGURE 4: STORAGE ZONES OF COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE ...... 2-2 FIGURE 5: USFWS NATIONAL WETLANDS INVENTORY MAP FOR COTTONWOOD SPRINGS (ABOVE) AND COLD BROOK LAKE PROJECT (BELOW) (RETRIEVED MARCH 25, 2015) ...... 2-9 FIGURE 6: SOUTH DAKOTA COUNTIES PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN POPULATION ...... 2-10 FIGURE 7: SHORELINE ACCESS AT COLD BROOK LAKE (VIEW LOOKING DOWNSTREAM TO DAM)...... 2-22 FIGURE 8: BOAT RAMP AT COLD BROOK LAKE (VIEW LOOKING EAST)...... 2-22 FIGURE 9: COTTONWOOD SPRINGS BOAT RAMP (VIEW LOOKING EAST)...... 2-23 FIGURE 10: COLD BROOK LAKE CAMPGROUND (VIEW LOOKING WEST) ...... 2-23 FIGURE 11: DAY USE COMPLEX AT COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE...... 2-23 FIGURE 12: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ZONES OF INFLUENCE FOR COLD BROOK AND COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKES...... 2-25

LIST OF APPENDICIES & PLATES

Appendix A: Environmental Assessment Appendix B: Public Comments and Responses Plate 1: Cold Brook Lake Management Units Plate 2: Cottonwood Springs Management Units

PERTINENT PROJECT INFORMATION

Table 1: Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lake Project - Pertinent Project Data COLD BROOK COTTONWOOD SPRINGS General Information Fall River County, South Dakota, on Cold Brook Lake, Fall River Basin, 5 miles west of Hot Springs, Location of Dam 1.25 miles north of the Confluence South Dakota on Highway 18 of Cold Brook and Hot Brook.

Operating & Managing Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Flood Control, Fish and Wildlife Flood Control, Fish and Wildlife Purposes Enhancement, Recreation Enhancement, Recreation

Flood Control Act of 18 August Flood Control Act of 18 August Authorization 1941 1941 Dam and Embankment Top of Dam 3,675 ft NGVD 29 3,955 ft NGVD 29 Length of Dam 925 ft 1,190 ft Height of Dam 127 ft 123 ft Top Width 20 ft 20 ft Base Width 765 ft 700 ft Abutment formation Sandstone, shale, limestone Minnekahta limestone Type of fill Rolled earth Rolled earth Dam Fill Quantity 1,072,000 cu. Yds. 950,000 cu. Yds. Date of Closure September 1952 May 1969 Date of Initial Fill to Base Flood Control Pool June 1963 - Spillway Discharge Capacity 80,600 cfs at el. 3667.2 39,600 cfs at el. 3950.3 Crest Elevation 3647 ft NGVD 29 3936 ft NGVD 29 Width 200 ft 275 ft Gates Ungated sharp crested weir Ungated broad weir Reservoir Top of Surcharge Pool 3667.2 ft NGVD 29 3950.0 ft NGVD 29 Top of Flood Control Pool 3651.4 ft NGVD 29 3936.0 ft NGVD 29 Top of Multipurpose Pool 3585.0 ft NGVD 29 3875.0 ft NGVD 29 Top of Inactive Pool none 3868.0 ft NGVD 29 Surface Area at Multipurpose Pool 36 acres 42 acres Drainage Area 70.5 square miles 26 square miles Storage Zone Capacity Surcharge 3600 ac-ft 3250 ac-ft Flood Control 6680 ac-ft 7730 ac-ft

COLD BROOK COTTONWOOD SPRINGS Multipurpose 520 ac-ft 249 ac-ft Inactive none 406 ac-ft Gross Storage (top of flood control pool) 7200 ac-ft 8385 ac-ft

LISTING OF PRIOR DESIGN MEMORANDUMS

Title Date Approved

Laboratory Tests on Hydraulic Model of Outlet Works for Cold Brook Dam December 1945

A Report on Fish and Wildlife Resources in Relation to the Water Development Plan for Cold Brook Dam and Reservoir February 1947

Foundation Report on Cold Brook/Cottonwood Springs Dams Supplement "A" to Definite Project Report on Cold Brook Dam and Reservoir June 1949

Cold Brook Lake - Master Plan for Reservoir Development Aug 1954

Design Memorandum CB-1 (Revised) (Visitors' Parking Area and Road) May 1954

Reservoir Regulation Manual March 1954

Archeological Survey of Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes, Fall River County, South Dakota 1976

Public Meeting on the Master Plan for Cold Brook Dam and Cottonwood Springs Dam June 1976

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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act CFS Cubic Feet per Second EA Environmental Assessment ER Engineer Regulation EP Engineer Pamphlet ESA Endangered Species Act FY Fiscal Year HWY Highway MP Master Plan MSL Mean Sea Level NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NWI National Wetland Inventory OMP Operational Management Plan SDGFP South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks SCORP State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USFS United State Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

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ix Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

The Master Plan (MP) is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural, and cultural resources throughout the life of the Corps project. The MP guides efficient and cost-effective management, development, and use of project lands. It is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship and sustainability of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The MP does not address the specifics of regional water quality, shoreline management (ER 1130-2-406), or water level management (EP 1130-2-550). Moreover, the MP guides and articulates the Corps’ responsibilities pursuant to Federal laws (See Appendix B) to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage, and develop the project lands, waters, and associated resources. The MP is a dynamic operational document projecting what could and should happen over the life of the project and is flexible based upon changing conditions. The MP deals in concepts, not in details of design or administration. Detailed management and administration functions are addressed in the Operational Management Plan (OMP), which implements the concepts of the MP into operational actions (EP 1130-2-550). This MP updates the 1981 Cold Brook Dam and Lake MP and the 1981 Cottonwood Springs Lake MP, collectively referred to from this point forward as “the projects” unless otherwise stated. The MP is organized as follows: Chapter 1 provides project information; Chapter 2 identifies the factors that influence resource management and development at the projects; Chapter 3 identifies the broad resource objectives of the projects; Chapter 4 categorizes project lands according to their acquisition purpose (land allocation) and their management purpose (land classification); in Chapter 5 resource plans and management needs are developed for Project lands according to their classification; Chapter 6 identifies special topics not elsewhere discussed; Chapter 7 discusses public and agency involvement; and Chapter 8 presents a summary of recommendations.

PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS The Cold Brook Dam and Lake Project (Cold Brook Lake Project) and the Cottonwood Springs Creek Dam and Lake Project (Cottonwood Springs Lake Project) are part of the comprehensive Fall River Basin project authorized for construction by the Flood Control Act (Public Law 228, 77th Congress, 1st Session), 18 August 1941, which states in part: "Section 3. The project for the improvement of Fall River and tributaries, South Dakota, for flood control is hereby authorized to be constructed substantially in accordance with the recommendations of the Chief of Engineers in House Document No. 655, Seventy-sixth Congress, third session, at an estimated cost of $1,050,000.” The Fall River Basin project included channel improvement in the town of Hot Springs, the construction of Cold Brook Lake project and Cottonwood Springs Lake project. Development of

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recreational facilities at Cold Brook Dam was authorized by Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (Public Law 534, 78th Congress), 22 December 1944. Cottonwood Springs Lake Project was placed in the deferred for restudy category in 1954. In August 1961, a restudy of the project was authorized to address the changed economic and physical conditions which occurred after the original authorization. The authorized restudy was completed in December 1964 and titled ''Economic Re-Evaluation of Cottonwood Springs Creek Dam and Lake." The purpose of the restudy was to reevaluate the economic feasibility of the authorized project under current conditions and to recommend any modifications required as a result of physical and economic changes since the plan was authorized. The restudy proposed a dam and Lake with a slightly greater storage capacity than the authorized project. PROJECT PURPOSES The authorized purpose of the Cold Brook Lake Project is flood control. Based on Fiscal Year (FY) 1979 price levels the annual benefits of the project were determined to be $97,500 for flood control ($317,850 when adjusted for inflation to FY15 price levels). Other annual benefits realized included $20,400/FY79 for recreation ($66,504 FY15). The original authorization of the Cottonwood Springs Lake Project was for single-purpose flood control. Under provisions of the 1961 restudy authorization, project purposes were increased to include recreation and fish and wildlife propagation (USACE, 1981b). Based on FY69 price levels the annual benefits of the project were determined to be $79,900 for flood control and $43,100 for recreation ($515,355 and $277,995 respectively when adjusted for inflation to FY15 price levels) which compute to be 65 percent and 35 percent of total benefits.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE MASTER PLAN Purpose The MP for the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects is developed to provide guidance for future development and maintenance of recreation opportunities at the park, consistent with the project purposes of flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. The MP provides a District-level policy consistent with national objectives and other State and regional goals and programs. The MP establishes resource objectives appropriate for Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects. The emphasis of the MP is on maintaining and upgrading recreation opportunities. Recreation facilities at the parks are generally developed and substantial construction or expansion of facilities is unlikely. Opportunities for minor or low impact recreation development may exist. The MP includes: 1. A comprehensive description of the project; 2. A discussion of factors influencing resource management and development; 3. An identification and discussion of special problems; 4. A synopsis of public involvement and input; and 5. Descriptions of past, present, and proposed development. The MP is distinct from the project-level implementation emphasis of the Operational management Plan (OMP). The MP establishes guidelines implemented through provisions of the

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OMP, specific Design Memorandums, and Annual Management Plans. The broad intent of this MP is to document guidelines and analyses that do the following: 1. Determine project resource uses and use level; 2. Provide guidelines within which the OMP and Annual Management Plans can be developed and implemented; and 3. Establish a basis on which outgrants and recreational development proposals can be evaluated. This updated MP was prepared in accordance with the following guidance: • ER 1130-2-550, Project Operations – Recreation Operations and Maintenance Guidance and Procedures, 15 November 1996 (with changes 1 October 1999, 1 March 2002, 15 August 2002 and 30 January 2013) • Engineer Pamphlet (EP) 1130-2-550, Project Operations - Recreation Operations and Maintenance Guidance and Procedures, 15 November 1996 (with changes 15 August 2002 and 30 January 2013) • Engineer Manual (EM) 1110-1-400, Engineering and Design – Recreation Planning and Customer Standards, 1 November 2004 • Engineer Regulation (ER) 200-1-5, Environmental Quality – Policy for Implementation and Integrated Application of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Operating Principles (EOP) and Doctrine, 30 October 2003 • ER 200-2-2, Environmental Quality – Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 4 March 1988 • ER 1105-2-100, Planning Guidance, 22 April 2000 (with Appendices D and G revised June 2004 and Appendix F revised January 2006) Scope This MP represents overall guidance and management concepts applicable to the Projects. Detailed cost estimates are not appropriate for master plans because they soon become outdated. Development needs are presented in conceptual terms, not in detail. It does not address the specifics of regional water quality, shoreline management or water level management. The operation and maintenance of project operations facilities is not included in the plan. The lifespan of this MP is intended to direct use and development of the Projects’ resources for the next 15 – 20 years. WATERSHED AND PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS Cold Brook Lake Project The watershed directly above the Cold Brook Lake is primarily private land used as pasture. The U.S. Forest Service administers 23,784 acres mostly in the northern portion of the watershed. 1,560 acres of the watershed are a part of Wind Cave National Monument and managed by the National Park Service. The remaining 43% (19,244 acres) is comprised of private holdings used mainly for pasture. The land use of the watershed is 51% (23,182 acres) hay pasture or grassland and 46% (20,602 acres) forested (combined public and private land) (SDGFP, 2007).

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Cold Brook Lake is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers and was constructed in 1950 to reduce flood damages in the Fall River Basin. It is managed for flood control and recreation. Cold Brook Creek in the Fall River Watershed drains into and out of the reservoir. There are camping, picnicking, boating (electric motors only), and swimming facilities located on or adjacent to the reservoir. The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks manages the fishery (SDGFP, 2007). Cottonwood Springs Lake Project The U.S. Forest Service administers 2,631 acres on the east central portion of the watershed and the remaining 84% is comprised of private holdings. The land use of the watershed is 84% (14,046 acres) hay pasture or grassland and 13% (2,201 acres) forested (combined public and private land) (SDGFP, 2007). Cottonwood Springs Lake Project is also owned by the Corps and was constructed in 1968 for the purpose of reducing flood damages in the Fall River Basin. The Corps maintains a picnic area and an 18 site campground, bathrooms and a playground. The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks manages the fishery (SDGFP, 2007).

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Figure 1: Cold Brook Lake and Cottonwood Springs Lake Projects in the Omaha District Civil Works Boundary.

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Figure 2: Location of Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes, South Dakota

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CHAPTER 2 PROJECT SETTING AND FACTORS INFLUENCING MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT This chapter provides an overview of key factors that influence and constrain present and future options for the use, management, and development of land and water resources at the Projects. These factors fall into three general, somewhat interrelated categories: natural resources, historical and social resources, and administrative and policy factors. An analysis of these factors, as well as regional needs and desires, results in a framework that minimizes the adverse impacts to the environment, and resolves the competing and conflicting uses. The information presented in this chapter was used for the resource plan that determines land classifications, develops project-wide resource objectives, and identifies specific facility needs.

DESCRIPTION OF RESERVOIRS Cold Brook Lake The size of the drainage area above the dam site is approximately 70.5 square miles. The lake has 36 surface acres at the multipurpose pool elevation of 3585.0 feet mean sea level (msl.), with approximately 1.5 miles of shoreline. The lake has an elongated shape with one small arm on the east side. From the initial construction of Cold Brook Dam in the early 1950s until 1994, the reservoir has rarely filled to the top of the multipurpose pool, and outflows were at or near zero (USACE, 1981a).

Figure 3: Storage Zones of Cold Brook Lake

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Cottonwood Springs Lake The drainage area upstream from the dam site controls runoff from 26.0 square miles. The length of the lake shoreline, based on the multipurpose pool elevation of 3875.0 feet mean sea level (msl.), is approximately 2.0 miles. The design surface acreage of the lake is approximately 42 acres. Since impoundment in 1972, the predicted pool has never been realized and only a very small pool of approximately 5 to 6 acres has ever been impounded behind the dam. Rainfall or snowmelt has not produced a large volume of runoff or a high rate of streamflow in the drainage basin upstream from the dam site. As a result, the multipurpose pool has never filled to more than 7 percent of the storage capacity. The net evaporation loss in this semiarid region is about 26 inches a year (42 inches average annual lake evaporation minus 16 inches average annual precipitation). The maximum storage of 40 acre-feet was recorded in March 1978 (USACE, 1981b).

Figure 4: Storage Zones of Cottonwood Springs Lake

HYDROLOGY AND GROUNDWATER Cold Brook Lake Since the early 1990s, hydrologic and groundwater conditions in the Black Hills have significantly changed and there has been an increase in flows into the reservoir. In the near future, the Cold Brook watershed is unlikely to return to the lower flow conditions experienced between 1950 and 1994. Recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that increased base flows have been measured throughout the Black Hills. According to these studies, higher groundwater flows can be expected to continue for many years, due to the large storage and long release times of the Madison and Minnelusa aquifers that support Cold Brook flows. This has resulted in pool levels at or slightly above the top of multipurpose pool and minor discharges below the project.

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Cottonwood Springs Lake The drainage pattern is divided into three major branches. Cottonwood Springs Creek is the main branch and it collects surface runoff from an area mostly void of trees. Runoff from the rest of the basin, which is in the heavily wooded area, is collected by drainage courses running through Argyle Canyon and Booms Canyon. The canyons join the main stream about 4 miles above the dam site and the Cottonwood Springs Creek mouth. Cottonwood Springs Creek joins Hot Brook about 5 miles above the latter stream's confluence with Cold Brook immediately north of the city of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Runoff in the Fall River Basin generally occurs as a result of high intensity, short duration rainstorms that occur during the late spring and summer months. On rare occasions early spring snowmelt has caused a rise in stage, but it has not produced a serious flood threat.

WATER QUALITY Cold Brook Lake Water quality conditions were monitored in Cold Brook Lake from May through September during the 10-year period from 2001 to 2010. A review of these results indicated possible water quality concerns regarding water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and arsenic (USACE, 2010). Dissolved oxygen criteria were exceeded by less than 10 percent of the dissolved oxygen measurements taken in Cold Brook Lake. The lower dissolved oxygen concentrations occurred in the deeper part of the measured depth profile and were associated with a temperature gradient. The lower dissolved oxygen concentrations in the deeper water of Cold Brook Lake may be a concern if a coldwater fishery is to be supported. Water temperatures appear marginal in Cold Brook Lake for supporting a coldwater fishery, and the colder water that occurs in the reservoir during the summer is in the deeper portions where the lower dissolved oxygen levels occur (USACE, 2010). The arsenic human health criterion for surface waters was exceeded by all of the arsenic measurements sampled in Cold Brook Lake. The arsenic criterion for human health protection is extremely low (i.e., 0.018 ug/l), and the measured arsenic levels were well below the criteria for the protection of aquatic life (USACE, 2010). Cottonwood Springs Lake The District has irregularly monitored water quality conditions at Cottonwood Springs Lake since the 1970’s. Water quality monitoring locations have included sites on the reservoir and on the inflow and outflow of the reservoir. Recently, the District has scaled back water quality monitoring at Cottonwood Springs Lake, and is targeting to monitor the reservoir every 3 years. Monitoring was scheduled for 2005 and 2008, but was not conducted because low water conditions restricted access. Since 2001, the District conducted water quality monitoring at Cottonwood Springs Lake during 2001 and 2002.Water quality conditions were monitored in Cottonwood Springs Lake from May through September during the 2-year period 2001 and 2002. A review of these results indicated possible water quality concerns regarding dissolved oxygen (USACE, 20110). Dissolved oxygen criteria were exceeded by about 10 percent of the dissolved oxygen

2-3 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 measurements taken in Cottonwood Springs Lake. The lower dissolved oxygen concentrations occurred in the deeper part of the measured depth profile and were associated with a temperature gradient (USACE, 2010).

TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS The Projects are located in the Black Hills and share similar topographical features from broad and flat floodplains to steep, rocky, tree-covered hillsides topped with flat plateaus. The Black Hills are a small, isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota and extending into northeastern Wyoming, USA. The geology of the Black Hills is complex. The southern Black Hills, where the projects are located, are characterized by Precambrian granite, pegmatite, and metamorphic rocks that comprise the core of the entire Black Hills uplift. This core is rimmed by Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic sedimentary rocks. The Black Hills are composed of Harney Peak Granite Batholith. The granite contains minerals such as quartz, feldspar, muscovite, and biotite that comprise the core of the entire Black Hills uplift. The Projects are located south of the Black Hills uplift therefore, the rock formations dip gently away from the Black Hills in a south-southeasterly direction (USACE, 1981a). There are two major soil associations within the main pool area of the both projects: • Rockerville-Sawdust-Rock: outcrop complex with 9 to 60 percent slopes • Rapidcreek loam: dry with 3 to 9 percent slopes, rarely flooded. The Rockerville series consists of shallow, well-drained soils that formed in residuum derived from sedimentary rocks such as limestone or, less commonly, calcareous sandstone. Rapidcreek series consists of well-drained soils derived from loamy alluvium characteristic of floodplains USDA, 2014). There are no soils restrictions with regard to construction of facilities or the establishment and maintenance of vegetation except on the steep, rocky hillsides where no development or vegetation modification is planned (USACE, 1981a).

RESOURCE ANALYSIS Fish and Wildlife Resources Fisheries The fish species assemblages in streams around the project areas are typically comprised of creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), sand shiner (Notropis stramineus), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), northern plains killifish (Fundulus kansae), and larger-bodied fish such as white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) (USACE, 2012).

Rainbow trout are stocked into Cold Brook Lake at a rate of about 5,880 per year and were identified as the most abundant species during a SDGFPs 2010 survey. The survey also documented the presence of black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), rainbow trout, and channel catfish.

Cottonwood Springs Lake was last stocked with trout species in 2007. According to the 2010 SDGFP survey, black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), largemouth bass (Micropterus

2-4 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 salmoides) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) are the most abundant fish in the lake. Wildlife Wildlife species common to both projects include such species as black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), swift fox (Vulpes velox), and numerous species of pocket mouse (Perognathus spp.) and jumping mouse (Zapus spp.) which rely on grasslands for food and cover. Moreover, the woodlands of the project areas provide habitat for additional species dependent on woody cover, such as the eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) (USACE, 2012b). The numerous species of small mammal prey species historically supported a strong suite of mammalian predators. Although habitat conversion for agriculture and other human encroachment have extirpated many predators, such as the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and gray wolf (Canis lupus), other species, such as the long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes), appear to have adapted and even thrived in man’s presence. Numerous waterfowl such as, blue-winged teal, mallards, widgeons, scaup, and Canada geese, may use the Project areas as breeding and wintering grounds and for migratory rest stops. Vegetative Resources Approximately 660 plant species are known to Fall River County surrounding the Projects (USACE, 2012b). Terrestrial vegetation is a mosaic of central shortgrass prairie and ponderosa pine. As the projects are separated by only several miles, the vegetation at the two sites is very similar. Mixed prairie, evergreen forest, and evergreen woodland vegetation dominate the upland landscape, and eastern deciduous forest vegetation occurs along streams, in drainages, and along the lakeshores. Acreages by vegetation subclass are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Acreage of Mapped Vegetation at Cottonwood Springs and Cold Brook Lakes.

COTTONWOOD SPRINGS COLD BROOK LAKE LAKE VEGETATION SUBCLASS AREA (ACRES*) AREA (ACRES*) Evergreen Forest 77.1 45.0 Deciduous Forest 1.0 0 Evergreen Woodland 167.8 251.8 Deciduous Woodland 16.3 0 Mixed Evergreen And Deciduous Woodland 0 2.2 Evergreen Shrubland 0 3.3 Deciduous Shrubland 1.3 0 Evergreen Dwarf-Shrubland 1.5 0 Perennial Graminoid 155.5 231.2 Urban Or Built-Up Land 32.6 11.5 Sparsely Vegetated (1-10%) 1.3 0 Water 35.9 9.6 TOTALS 490.3 554.6

* Vegetation class acreages were calculated in GIS based on aerial photographs during the Projects’ level 1 survey. Acres may not equate to project acquisition or management unit acreages.

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Forests and Woodlands Forests and woodlands are the most common vegetation subclass. Although the amount of tree canopy in forest types (>60%) is greater than that in woodland types (25-60%), the composition of forest and woodland areas within the project area are similar within a subclass (evergreen, deciduous, mixed). The descriptions for forest and woodland subclasses are therefore consolidated, with the understanding that the amount of tree canopy will be different. The amount of tree canopy at a particular site is largely determined by site disturbance and factors such as soil properties, slope position, and aspect that influence available soil moisture.

Evergreen forest and woodland: Evergreen forest and woodland is composed of stands dominated by Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) with Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky mountain juniper) occasionally in the overstory. Most of the forest and woodland is composed of 5-12” diameter at breast height (DBH) ponderosa pine. There is evidence of historic timber harvest (old cut stumps) but little evidence of stand-replacing fires. There is some rocky mountain juniper in the understory, as well as patches of grasses, shrub juniper, Cercocarpus montanus (mountain mahogany), and other shrubs. Some ponderosa forest thinning has been undertaken at Cottonwood Springs Lake.

Deciduous forest and woodland: Deciduous forests and woodlands are associated with moist drainages and riparian areas. Moist drainages typically contain an overstory of Ulmus americana (American elm) and Celtis occidentalis (hackberry) with an understory of Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry), Prunus americana (wild plum), Vitis spp. (wild grape), and Clematis spp. (virgin’s bower). In riparian areas the tree layer is dominated by Populus spp. (cottonwood), Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore), Acer negundo (box elder), and American elm, with occasional shrub willows and Russian olive.

Mixed evergreen and deciduous woodland: This subclass consists primarily of stands composed of Rocky Mountain juniper mixed with mixed mesophytic species including elms, cottonwood, and box elder. The majority of mixed forest occurs along perennial streams. Shrublands Evergreen shrubland: This subclass is characterized by young ponderosa pine in disturbed areas.

Deciduous shrubland: This is an uncommon subclass dominated by deciduous shrubs such as Cercocarpus montanus (mountain mahogany), Rhus trilobata (skunkbush sumac), Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry), and Prunus virginiana (chokecherry). This subclass may be found on xeric aspects having scattered shrubs within a perennial graminoid matrix. Dwarf Shrublands Evergreen dwarf shrubland: This subclass consists of scattered Yucca glauca (yucca) among native and nonnative grasses and forbs. Herbaceous Vegetation

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Perennial graminoid vegetation: The region supports prairie vegetation such as Nassella viridula (green needlegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle-and-thread), Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem), Bouteloua curtipendula (side oats grama), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and a variety of prairie forbs. Bromus inermis (smooth brome) has been widely planted and dominates in some areas. Some emergent marsh vegetation including Scirpus spp. (bulrushes), Typha spp. (cattails), and Carex spp. (sedges) is found along reservoir shorelines and in shallow bays. Patches of Russian olive, willow shrubs and other woody species also occur within these predominantly emergent vegetation marsh areas. Sparse Vegetation Sparse vegetation occupies areas with 1 to 10% plant cover. Typically, bare ground, gravel, and other substrates constitute no less than 90% of the surface area.

Consolidated rock sparse vegetation: Vegetation is characterized by herbaceous plants, shrubs, occasional scattered trees, and/or nonvascular plants growing on steep cliff areas, rock surfaces or in fissures of rocks or walls.

Unconsolidated material sparse vegetation: Sparse herbaceous and low shrub cover is found on saline or otherwise unfavorable sites; disturbed sites, including construction, quarry, borrow and stockpile areas; and river and lakeshore substrates including reservoir drawdown zones, beaches, sandbars, and mudflats. Species include a variety of prairie and wetland grasses, forbs, shrubs, trees and generally non-invasive ruderal species.

Evergreen dwarf shrubland: This subclass consists of scattered Yucca glauca (yucca) among native and nonnative grasses and forbs. Threatened & Endangered Species Within Fall River County two federally listed threatened species and one candidate species may occur; the Rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), a threatened species; northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), a threatened species, and Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), a candidate species. The sturgeon chub, sickle fin chub, black-tailed prairie dog, and swift fox (candidate species), and the mountain plover (a proposed species), also might occur in the area. Other species of special interest that might occur in the area include golden eagle, Swainson’s hawk, ferruginous hawk, and long-billed curlew. Few fisheries studies have been conducted to specifically document species composition and abundance within Cold Brook, Hot Brook, or the Fall River near the projects. However, sections of two of these streams have been sampled as part of larger studies. While conducting statewide stream surveys in 2009, SDGFP sampled two sites in Hot Brook and one site in Cold Brook below Cold Brook Dam. These surveys failed to document the occurrence of any state or federally listed fish species. Cold Brook was dry during the time of sampling; it was also dry when sampling was conducted there in 1995. Angler use and harvest reports on Cold Brook Lake in 2007 report the majority of fish captured to be stocked rainbow trout (USACE, 2012b). Only two fish species of conservation priority (sturgeon chub and finescale dace) have historical or current ranges suggesting they could occur near the Projects.

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At least two plant species are of concern with a state status of “imperiled” are present or thought to be present in the area: both hairy clematis (Clematis hirsutissima) and mountain cryptantha (Cryptantha cana) are considered to potentially occur on project lands and each has a state rank of S2. Neither species is federally listed. Invasive Species Nonnative species that cause harm are collectively known as invasive species. Executive Order 13112 (EO 13112) defines an invasive species as: “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health”. An invasive species may also be listed as a “noxious weed”. A noxious weed is a legal and regulatory designation for the purpose of control programs targeting plants with adverse effects on human health, agriculture, and livestock. The following species are invasive and designated as “noxious” on the South Dakota noxious weed list. These species are managed at the Projects. • Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) • Common mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) • Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) • Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) No aquatic nuisance species (ANS) have been identified at the Projects; however, Quagga mussels veligers were detected in Lake Angostura (approximately 8.5 miles from Cold Brook and 9.5 miles from Cottonwood Springs) in 2013 and that lake is now considered ‘suspect’ for infestation. As a result, informational signs have been placed at both projects. Wetlands According to the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapper (Figure 5), approximately 2.63 acres of Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands occurs at the north end of Cold Brook Lake, 1.34 acres of Freshwater Emergent Wetlands occurs at the eastern and southern ends of the reservoir, and 35.75 acres of Water Surface (Lake) associated with the reservoir. At Cottonwood Springs the wetland types include 5.78 acres of Freshwater Emergent Wetland and 9.75 acres of Freshwater Pond. Ecological Setting The ecological setting of the Projects is associated with the Black Hills Section of the Black Hills Coniferous Forest Province (USACEb, 2012). The Black Hills are a maturely dissected domal uplift with an exposed core of Precambrian rocks; encircling hogbacks, enclosed hogbacks, and enclosed strike valleys rim the province. The Black Hills are actually a low mountain with a relief of 1,000-5,000 ft (300-1500 m). The plains surrounding the Black Hills have altitudes of 3,000-3,500 ft (900-1,100 m), compared to an altitude of 7,242 ft (2,207 m) for Harney Peak, the highest peak in the Black Hills. Most of the peaks in the central area of the Black Hills have altitudes between 5,000 and 6,600 ft (1,520 and 2,010 m) (USFS, 2008).

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The climate is temperate Figure 5: USFWS National Wetlands Inventory map for Cottonwood Springs steppe. Winters are cold, with (above) and Cold Brook Lake Project (below) (Retrieved March 25, 2015) temperatures below freezing. The average annual temperature ranges from 48F (9C) at lower elevations to 37F (3C) at higher ones. The frost-free season varies from 80 to 140 days, depending on altitude. Annual precipitation, which ranges from 15 to 26 in (380 to 660 mm), falls mostly as winter snow, despite a spring maximum (USFS, 2008).

Because there is more precipitation than in the surrounding semiarid plains, the Black Hills support an evergreen forest made up of eastern, western, and northern forest species. Ponderosa pine dominates lower slopes in the montane zone, with lodgepole pine from the Rockies found in small numbers. Along streams and rivers, eastern broadleaf species are common, including ash, hackberry, elm, birch, and bur oak. Intervening valleys form open parks. Shrubs such as sagebrush are common. At the lower edge of the montane zone, ponderosa pine grows in scattered open stands and savannas (USFS, 2008).

CULTURAL RESOURCES The Corps is responsible for identifying, protecting, managing, and enhancing cultural resources which are located on public lands, or that may be affected by the Corps’ undertakings on Federal lands, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. The procedures for compliance with the NHPA are outlined in regulation under 36 CFR Part

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800. Cultural resources include archaeological, historic, and architectural properties, and traditional cultural properties. Common prehistoric archaeological site types in Fall River County of western South Dakota include rock art, artifact scatters, burials, bison or antelope bone beds, eagle-trapping pits, tool stone procurement and tool manufacture. Also, these areas contain numerous rock cairns, rock shelters, stone alignments, stone circles, vision quest locales, and camp or occupation areas. Common historic archaeological sites are the remains of farmsteads or mining activities. The Big Bend Project Field Archaeologist is the primary point of contact for cultural resources matters at the Projects. No formal cultural resources management plan has been completed for the Cold Brook or the Cottonwood Springs Lake Projects. However, formal cultural resource inventories have been completed at each project and management practices are established. The earliest formal archaeological studies done at Cottonwood Springs were conducted by Oscar Mallory in 1967. No formal report was completed, but sites discovered were formally recorded and formal excavations were conducted. Since completion of Mallory’s work, the Corps has been responsible for management of the cultural resources on project lands. As such, multiple cultural resource surveys have been conducted since Mallory’s fieldwork in the late 1960s. There are eight archaeological sites recorded at the Cold Brook and five archaeological sites recorded at Cottonwood Springs. All sites are currently recorded by the SD SHPO as “unevaluated”. Additionally, there are no historic structures within the Projects’ boundaries that could be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

DEMOGRAPHICS Although population in the state has been increasing during recent decades, many areas of the state are experiencing population loss. Figure 7 shows which counties have experienced the greatest gains and losses from population change. Regions of socioeconomic or demographic significance with respect to the Cottonwood/Cold Brook area are the primary zone of influence (those counties adjacent to Cottonwood Springs and Cold Brook); and the secondary zone of influence, which includes counties in the Figure 6: South Dakota Counties Percentage Change in Population states of South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska. Table 3 below shows the historical and projected populations for these counties as well as for the states they fall within.

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Table 3: The historical and projected populations for primary area counties.

Estimated 2020 Change from County 2000 2010 2013 (projected) 2013 to 2020 Primary Area Counties: Custer, SD 7,275 8,216 8,468 8,668 2.36% Fall River, SD 7,453 7,094 6,839 6,752 -1.27% Primary Area Total: 14,728 15,310 15,307 15,420 0.74%

Secondary Area Counties: Lawrence, SD 21,802 24,097 24,910 26,634 6.92% Meade, SD 24,253 25,434 27,202 26,673 -1.95% Pennington, SD 88,565 100,948 105,761 115,062 8.79% Shannon, SD 12,466 13,586 14,118 14,807 4.88% Sheridan, NE 6,198 5,469 5,251 5,261 0.19% Dawes, NE 9,060 9,182 9,088 8,646 -4.86% Sioux, NE 1,475 1,311 1,313 1,271 -3.20% Niobrara, WY 2,407 2,484 2,541 2,660 4.68% Weston, WY 6,644 7,208 7,158 7,900 10.37% Crook, WY 5,887 7,083 7,184 8,040 11.92% Secondary Area Total: 178,757 196,802 204,526 216,953 6.08%

South Dakota 754,844 814,180 845,510 878,180 3.86% Nebraska 1,711,263 1,826,341 1,868,969 1,927,316 3.12% Wyoming 493,782 563,767 583,223 622,360 6.71%

Source: US Census Bureau, 1990; 2000; 2011, University of Nebraska at Lincoln Bureau of Business Research, 2007, and South Dakota State University, 2008, Wyoming Department of Administration and Information, Economic Analysis Division, October 2011 Seasonal and Permanent Population The seasonal population consists of persons who own homes they occupy only on a seasonal basis. The seasonal population was projected by multiplying the average household size in the county by the average number of homes vacant in the 5-year period between 2009-2013, according to the American Community Survey that were recorded as having occasional, seasonal, or recreational use. It is assumed that seasonal residents in the counties contiguous to Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes are not permanent residents of these counties. The estimated seasonal and total (permanent plus seasonal) population of the counties contiguous to Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes is provided in Table 4.

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Table 4: The estimated seasonal and total (permanent plus seasonal) population of the counties contiguous to Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes Vacant House-hold Seasonal Permanent Total Seasonal as County Units* Size Residents Residents Residents % of Total Primary Area Counties: Custer, SD 523 2.12 1,109 7,359 8,468 13.09% Fall River, SD 464 2.11 979 5,860 6,839 14.32% Primary Area Total: 987 4 2,088 13,219 15,307 13.64%

Secondary Area Counties: Lawrence, SD 1,648 2.16 3,560 21,350 24,910 14.29% Meade, SD 349 2.49 869 26,333 27,202 3.19% Pennington, SD 1,713 2.45 4,197 101,564 105,761 3.97% Shannon, SD 62 4.70 291 13,827 14,118 2.06% Sheridan, NE 72 2.22 160 5,091 5,251 3.04% Dawes, NE 50 2.15 108 8,981 9,088 1.18% Sioux, NE 78 2.22 173 1,140 1,313 13.19% Niobrara, WY 166 2.18 362 2,179 2,541 14.24% Weston, WY 263 2.29 602 6,556 7,158 8.41% Crook, WY 313 2.34 732 6,452 7,184 10.20% Secondary Area Total: 4,714 25 11,054 193,472 204,526 5.40% Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2009-2013 Race The population of South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming is primarily White, representing 85.9 percent 86.1 percent and 92.7% of the population in 2010, respectively. American Indians and Alaska Natives are numerically the largest minority and accounted for 11 percent of the study area population. The majority of the remaining minority population in South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming is Hispanic. The majority of the remaining minority population in these states is African American (U.S. Census, 2010). The following tables show the racial compositions of the counties in the primary and secondary study areas.

Table 5: Racial compositions of the counties in the primary and secondary study areas. Total Hispanic White Black or American Asia n Native Other population or Latino alone African Indian and alone Hawaiian race(s) (of any American Alaska and Other race) Native Pacific Islander Dawes County, Nebraska 9,172 330 7,998 167 222 139 182 134 Sheridan County, Nebraska 5,390 183 4,495 14 418 41 0 239 Sioux County, Nebraska 1,229 54 1,164 0 0 0 0 11 Custer County, South Dakota 8,306 208 7,633 16 329 27 0 93 Fall River County, South Dakota 7,001 140 6,083 38 450 63 5 222 Lawrence County, South Dakota 24,305 700 22,362 73 720 192 0 258 Meade County, South Dakota 25,914 906 23,129 337 491 201 18 832 Pennington County, South Dakota 102,752 4,441 83,428 1,161 8,362 1,153 24 4183 Shannon County, South Dakota 13,829 150 517 20 13,116 1 0 25 Crook County, Wyoming 7,110 168 6,906 4 22 4 0 6 Niobrara County, Wyoming 2,495 67 2,288 13 6 10 0 111 Weston County, Wyoming 7,153 237 6,744 15 35 13 0 109

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Table 6: Racial compositions of the counties in the primary and secondary study areas. Total Hispanic White Black or American Asia n Native Other population or Latino alone African Indian and alone Hawaiian race(s) (of any American Alaska and Other race) Native Pacific Islander Primary Area Counties: Custer County, South Dakota 8,306 3% 92% 0% 4% 0% 0% 1% Fall River County, South Dakota 7,001 2% 87% 1% 6% 1% 0% 3% Secondary Area Counties: Dawes County, Nebraska 9,172 4% 87% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% Sheridan County, Nebraska 5,390 3% 83% 0% 8% 1% 0% 4% Sioux County, Nebraska 1,229 4% 95% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% Lawrence County, South Dakota 24,305 3% 92% 0% 3% 1% 0% 1% Meade County, South Dakota 25,914 3% 89% 1% 2% 1% 0% 3% Pennington County, South Dakota 102,752 4% 81% 1% 8% 1% 0% 4% Shannon County, South Dakota 13,829 1% 4% 0% 95% 0% 0% 0% Crook County, Wyoming 7,110 2% 97% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Niobrara County, Wyoming 2,495 3% 92% 1% 0% 0% 0% 4% Weston County, Wyoming 7,153 3% 94% 0% 0% 0% 0% 2% Total All Counties: 214,656 4% 80% 1% 11% 1% 0% 3% Source: U.S. Census, 2010

Nine American Indian reservations are located in South Dakota. The 2010 Census population of each reservation is displayed in Table 7. The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in the secondary Cottonwood/Cold Brook study area in Shannon County.

Table 7: The 2010 Census population of each reservation Reservation County Location Population in 2010* Cheyenne River Reservation Dewey and Ziebach 8,090 Crow Creek Reservation Buffalo, Hyde, and Hughes 2,010 Flandreau Reservation Moody County 418 Lower Brule Reservation Lyman and Stanley 1,505 Pine Ridge Reservation Shannon and Jackson 18,834 Rosebud Reservation Todd, Mellette and Tripp 1,587 Former Lake Traverse Marshall, Day, Grant, Codington, and Roberts 10,922 Standing Rock Reservation Corson 8,217 Diminished Yankton Reservation Charles Mix County 6,465 Total: 58,048 *Enrolled members living on reservation. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010. and South Dakota Office of Tribal Government Relations

Age In the primary counties, the weighted average median age, 51.3, is significantly higher than for the rest of the state, 36.9 years (U.S. Census, American Community Survey, 2009-2013).

For secondary counties in South Dakota, the weighted average median age is slightly lower than for the rest of the state, 36.2 vs. 36.9 years for the entire state. For secondary counties in Nebraska, the weighted average median age is higher than for the rest of the state, 39.9 vs. 36.3 years for the entire state. Finally, for the secondary counties in Wyoming, the weighted average median age is higher than for the rest of the state, 43.25 vs. 36.8 years.

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The following table shows the five year average median ages for the counties in the study area for 2009 and 2013, as reported by the U.S. Census, American Community Survey. 9 of the 12 counties in the study area experienced an increase in the median age; with the largest increase being Dawes County, Nebraska, with an increase of 6 years. Both counties in the primary study area experienced an increase in median age.

Table 8: Five Year Average Median Ages for Counties in the Study Area Median Age Median Age Increase/(Decrease) Subject 2009 2013 Years (5-year average) (5-year average) Primary Counties: Custer County, South Dakota 49.4 51.1 1.70 Fall River County, South Dakota 50.5 51.6 1.10 Total: 50.0 51.4 1.40 Secondary Counties: Dawes County, Nebraska 28.7 34.7 6.00 Sheridan County, Nebraska 46.2 46.5 0.30 Sioux County, Nebraska 48.2 49.9 1.70 Lawrence County, South Dakota 38.7 41.0 2.30 Meade County, South Dakota 36.0 35.8 (0.20) Pennington County, South Dakota 35.9 36.8 0.90 Shannon County, South Dakota 22.1 24.1 2.00 Crook County, Wyoming 43.9 44.1 0.20 Niobrara County, Wyoming 45.9 45.0 (0.90) Weston County, Wyoming 43.6 41.8 (1.80) Total: 38.9 40.0 1.05 Source: U.S. Census, American Community Survey 2009-2013

The following tables show the population breakdowns by sex and by age groups. The first table shows the numbers, and the second table shows percentages.

Table 9: The population breakdowns by sex and by age groups with actual numbers. Total Male Female 0-19 years 20-44 years 45-65 years 65 years Median Subject population and older age Primary Counties Custer County, South Dakota 8,306 4,205 4,101 1,713 1,673 3,002 1,918 51.1 Fall River County, South Dakota 7,001 3,483 3,518 1,409 1,393 2,528 1,671 51.6 Total: 15,307 7,688 7,619 3,122 3,066 5,530 3,589 51.4 Secondary Counties Dawes County, Nebraska 9,172 4,404 4,768 2,423 3,029 2,201 1,519 34.7 Sheridan County, Nebraska 5,390 2,633 2,757 1,334 1,229 1,567 1,260 46.5 Sioux County, Nebraska 1,229 615 614 252 293 401 283 49.9 Lawrence County, South Dakota 24,305 12,103 12,202 5,684 7,474 7,015 4,132 41.0 Meade County, South Dakota 25,914 13,459 12,455 7,124 8,489 7,062 3,239 35.8 Pennington County, South Dakota 102,752 51,330 51,422 27,597 33,361 27,599 14,195 36.8 Shannon County, South Dakota 13,829 6,689 7,140 5,813 4,638 2,552 826 24.1 Crook County, Wyoming 7,110 3,672 3,438 1,794 1,834 2,247 1,235 44.1 Niobrara County, Wyoming 2,495 1,213 1,282 518 729 763 485 45.0 Weston County, Wyoming 7,153 3,748 3,405 1,733 2,104 2,141 1,175 41.8 Total: 199,349 99,866 99,483 54,272 63,180 53,548 28,349 40.0 Source: U.S. Census. American Community Fact Finder. Five year average (2009-2013)

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Table 10: The population breakdowns by sex and by age groups by percentage. Total Male Female 0-19 years 20-44 years 45-65 years 65 years Median Subject population and older age Primary Counties Custer County, South Dakota 8,306 51% 49% 21% 20% 36% 23% 51.1 Fall River County, South Dakota 7,001 50% 50% 20% 20% 36% 24% 51.6 Total: 15,307 50% 50% 20% 20% 36% 23% 51.4 Secondary Counties Dawes County, Nebraska 9,172 48% 52% 26% 33% 24% 17% 34.7 Sheridan County, Nebraska 5,390 49% 51% 25% 23% 29% 23% 46.5 Sioux County, Nebraska 1,229 50% 50% 21% 24% 33% 23% 49.9 Lawrence County, South Dakota 24,305 50% 50% 23% 31% 29% 17% 41.0 Meade County, South Dakota 25,914 52% 48% 27% 33% 27% 12% 35.8 Pennington County, South Dakota 102,752 50% 50% 27% 32% 27% 14% 36.8 Shannon County, South Dakota 13,829 48% 52% 42% 34% 18% 6% 24.1 Crook County, Wyoming 7,110 52% 48% 25% 26% 32% 17% 44.1 Niobrara County, Wyoming 2,495 49% 51% 21% 29% 31% 19% 45.0 Weston County, Wyoming 7,153 52% 48% 24% 29% 30% 16% 41.8 Total: 199,349 50% 50% 27% 32% 27% 14% 40.0 Source: U.S. Census. American Community FactFinder. 2009-2013.

In the primary counties, 36% of the population is between 45-65 years. Nearly 60% of the population is over the age of 45.

In the secondary counties, the largest percentage of the population falls between the ages of 20- 44 years, with 32%. 27% of the population is 0-19 years, compared with 20% in the primary counties. Education Education levels in the primary counties seem to be relatively in line in comparison to state and nation-wide levels. 94% of the residents in Custer County and 91% of the residents in Fall River County had at least a high school diploma, compared with roughly 91% for the three-state area and 86% for the nation. 28% of the residents in Custer County and 22% of the residents in Fall River County had at least a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared with roughly 27% for the three-state area and 29% for the nation. So, it would appear that a slightly higher percentage of residents in the primary area have a high school diploma, and a slightly lower percentage has college degrees. The secondary counties seem to be largely similar; some notable variations are Shannon County, South Dakota, which has just 79% with high school diplomas and 12% with bachelor’s degrees, and, in contrast, Dawes County, Nebraska, which has 94% and 28% with high school and bachelor’s degrees, respectively. Shannon County, South Dakota is the location of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is 95% American Indian.

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Table 11: 2009-2013 percentage of persons, age 25 years + with high school diploma and percentage of persons, age 25 years + with bachelor’s degree or higher. High school graduate Bachelor's degree or or higher, higher, percent of persons percent of persons age 25 years+, age 25 years+ 2009-2013 2009-2013 Primary County Areas: Custer County, South Dakota 94% 28% Fall River County, South Dakota 91% 22% Secondary County Areas: Dawes County, Nebraska 94% 41% Sheridan County, Nebraska 90% 23% Sioux County, Nebraska 91% 27% Lawrence County, South Dakota 93% 29% Meade County, South Dakota 93% 20% Pennington County, South Dakota 92% 28% Shannon County, South Dakota 79% 12% Crook County, Wyoming 93% 21% Niobrara County, Wyoming 91% 19% Weston County, Wyoming 90% 17% States and Nation: Nebraska 91% 29% South Dakota 90% 26% Wyoming 92% 25% United States 86% 29% Source: U.S. Census. American Community Survey. 2009-2013.

It is noteworthy that education levels in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming have steadily increased between 1990 and 2012, and are expected to continue to increase. The percentage of residents with a high school diploma increased from 85% to 90% in South Dakota, from 87% to 91% in Nebraska, and from 88% to 92% in Wyoming. The percentage of residents with a college degree increased from 22% to 26% in South Dakota, from 24% to 29% in Nebraska and from 21% to 25% in Wyoming. The 1982-1983 Nationwide Recreation Survey (National Park Service, 1986) found that participation in outdoor recreation rises with increasing levels of education. High school graduates spent over twice as many days and college graduates over three times as many days on outdoor recreation activities as those who did not graduate from high school. Based on these findings, the increase in the percentage of high school and college graduates in South Dakota, Nebraska and in the primary area of influence would be expected to result in increased demand for outdoor recreation facilities.

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Labor Characteristics Employment The percentage of workers in each primary county, secondary county, South Dakota, Nebraska, and the United States employed in each general category of industry in 2013 is provided in Table 12.

It is notable that the percentage of workers in the industry category that includes recreation is higher for the study area counties when compared to the three state area and the nation. The categories “Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting and Mining” and “Public Administration” are also higher in the study area counties. This would suggest that recreation, such as that provided by the Cottonwood/Cold Brook areas are important to the study area counties.

Table 12: The percentage of workers in each primary county, secondary county, South Dakota, Nebraska, and the United States employed in each general category of industry in 2013. Primary Secondary South United Industry: Counties: Counties: Dakota: Nebraska: Wyoming: States: Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 14.8% 6.3% 7.0% 4.6% 12.5% 1.9% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 16.7% 12.9% 9.5% 7.8% 9.7% 9.3% Construction 5.1% 7.4% 6.4% 6.4% 7.8% 6.2% Educational, health and social services 22.6% 23.9% 23.9% 23.8% 22.8% 23.2% Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing 3.8% 5.8% 7.4% 7.5% 4.0% 6.7% Information 1.3% 1.9% 1.9% 2.0% 1.6% 2.2% Manufacturing 1.5% 5.3% 9.4% 10.7% 4.3% 10.5% Other services (except public administration) 3.4% 4.1% 4.4% 4.5% 4.6% 5.0% Professional, scientific, management, administrative 6.0% 7.5% 6.1% 8.2% 6.6% 10.8% Public administration 10.1% 6.4% 5.3% 4.2% 6.5% 5.0% Retail trade 8.3% 11.8% 11.6% 11.7% 10.9% 11.6% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 5.8% 4.3% 4.3% 5.9% 6.6% 4.9% Wholesale trade 0.6% 2.2% 2.7% 2.7% 2.1% 2.8% Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014. Unemployment According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2013 unemployment rate was 7.4 percent nationally, but was only 3.8 percent in South Dakota, 3.8 percent in Nebraska and 4.7% in Wyoming. In 2010, Nebraska had the 2nd lowest reported unemployment rate in the nation in 2010 (behind North Dakota), with South Dakota following as third in the nation.

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Table 13:The unemployment rate in 2003, 2010 and 2013 for primary and secondary areas. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014. Area 2003 2010 2013 Primary Area: Sum of 2013 Custer County, South Dakota Percent 3.9% 4.8% 4.3% Sum of 2013 Fall River County, South Dakota Percent 4.2% 5.5% 4.4% Secondary Area: Sum of 2013 Dawes County, Nebraska Percent 3.3% 4.4% 4.0% Sum of 2013 Sheridan County, Nebraska Percent 2.9% 3.3% 3.3% Sum of 2013 Sioux County, Nebraska Percent 2.7% 4.1% 3.7% Sum of 2013 Lawrence County, South Dakota Percent 3.5% 4.7% 3.9% Sum of 2013 Meade County, South Dakota Percent 3.6% 5.7% 4.1% Sum of 2013 Pennington County, South Dakota Percent 3.4% 5.2% 3.8% Sum of 2013 Shannon County, South Dakota Percent 9.1% 12.5% 12.9% Sum of 2013 Crook County, Wyoming Percent 3.9% 5.9% 4.6% Sum of 2013 Niobrara County, Wyoming Percent 3.9% 5.6% 3.7% Sum of 2013 Weston County, Wyoming Percent 4.1% 6.4% 4.3% States and Nation: Sum of 2013 Nebraska Percent 3.9% 4.6% 3.8% Sum of 2013 South Dakota Percent 3.5% 5.0% 3.8% Sum of 2013 Wyoming Percent 4.3% 6.4% 4.7% Sum of 2013 United States Percent 6.0% 9.6% 7.4% The unemployment rate in 2003, 2010 and 2013 are provided in the table below. The unemployment rate in the primary areas has increased from 2003 to 2013. It is also slightly higher than the rates of the states. However, it is lower than the nation as a whole.

The unemployment rates for the secondary areas tell Table 14: Unemployment Rate, South Dakota Tribal Reservations. a similar story. They were Area Unemployment Rate (2005) higher in 2013 than in Cheyenne River Reservation 88% 2003, slightly higher than Crow Creek Reservation* 58% the state-wide rates, and Flandreau Reservation** 38% lower than the national Lower Brule Sioux Tribe* 52% rates. The highest Pine Ridge Reservation 89% unemployment is Rosebud Reservation 83% experienced in Shannon County, which is the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux** 70% location of the Pine Ridge Standing Rock Reservation 86% Indian Reservation. Yankton Reservation 12% *Reservations within the Primary Counties. The unemployment rate in **2003 data used 2005 for the South Dakota Sources: American Indian Population and Labor Force Report, 2003; 2005 Native American reservations is provided in Table 14. Data from 2005 was the latest available from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which

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calculates unemployment on the reservations using a different methodology than the Bureau of Labor Statistics or Census. This methodology typically shows unemployment rates much higher than other sources report.

Wages Table 15: 2003 and 2013 avg. annual wages for primary and secondary Table 15 shows the 2003 and 2013 counties, 3-state area, and nation. Source: U.S. Census. American Community Fact Finder. 2003, 2013. average annual wages for the primary and secondary counties, area year wages % the three-state area and the nation. primary county These wages have been adjusted to Custer County, South Dakota 2003 $28,426 - 2013 dollars using the CPI-U Custer County, South Dakota 2013 $30,186 0.6% Midwest index (1982=100). The Fall River County, South Dakota 2003 $29,631 - average annual percentage change Fall River County, South Dakota 2013 $31,373 0.6% in real wages has also been secondary county included. For example, the average Crook County, Wyoming 2003 $31,729 - annual wages for Custer County, in 2013 dollars, have increased from Crook County, Wyoming 2013 $37,440 1.7% $28,426 in 2003 to $30,186 in Dawes County, Nebraska 2003 $25,345 - 2013. On a percentage basis, real Dawes County, Nebraska 2013 $28,571 1.2% wages have increased 0.6% a year Lawrence County, South Dakota 2003 $28,193 - during this period. Lawrence County, South Dakota 2013 $30,758 0.9% Meade County, South Dakota 2003 $32,680 - This data shows that in the primary Meade County, South Dakota 2013 $34,020 0.4% area, real wages have increased on Niobrara County, Wyoming 2003 $26,156 - par with the nation as a whole, but Niobrara County, Wyoming 2013 $33,802 2.6% slightly less than the state of South Pennington County, South Dakota 2003 $33,805 - Dakota. In secondary area, the Pennington County, South Dakota 2013 $36,625 0.8% wage increases were higher than Shannon County, South Dakota 2003 $33,200 - for the nation as a whole. The Nebraska secondary area counties Shannon County, South Dakota 2013 $35,426 0.7% grew at a higher rate than for the Sheridan County, Nebraska 2003 $22,992 - entire state; the South Dakota. Sheridan County, Nebraska 2013 $26,127 1.3% Sioux County, Nebraska 2003 $21,067 - Sioux County, Nebraska 2013 $27,447 2.7% Income Weston County, Wyoming 2003 $31,134 - Table 16 displays income and Weston County, Wyoming 2013 $36,245 1.5% poverty level data reported by the state and nation: 2009-2013 American Community Nebraska -- Statewide 2003 $37,857 - Survey. Nebraska -- Statewide 2013 $39,965 0.5% South Dakota -- Statewide 2003 $33,905 - South Dakota’s per capita income South Dakota -- Statewide 2013 $37,225 0.9% in 2008-2012 of $25,740 was about Wyoming -- Statewide 2003 $37,287 - 91 percent of the $28,155 for the United States as a whole. Wyoming -- Statewide 2013 $44,972 1.9% Nebraska’s $26,899 was about 95 United States 2003 $47,057 - United States 2013 $49,808 0.6%

2-19 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 percent of that total; and Wyoming’s $28,902 was 102%.

In the primary county area, Custer County has a higher median household income, per capita income and poverty level than Fall River County. The primary area as a whole has income and poverty levels similar to the state of South Dakota.

In the secondary county area, the Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming counties all had income levels that were lower and poverty rates that were higher than the state as a whole.

Table 16: Income and poverty level data reported by the 2009-2013 American Community Survey. Median household Per capita income in income past 12 months (in 2013 dollars), (in 2013 dollars), Persons in poverty, Area 2009-2013 2009-2013 percent Primary County Area: Custer County, South Dakota $50,074 $28,356 11.6% Fall River County, South Dakota $37,667 $23,624 16.1% Secondary County Area: Dawes County, Nebraska $40,359 $21,137 18.9% Sheridan County, Nebraska $38,548 $22,551 16.2% Sioux County, Nebraska $42,014 $31,517 13.2% Lawrence County, South Dakota $43,273 $27,498 13.6% Meade County, South Dakota $49,324 $25,375 9.8% Pennington County, South Dakota $50,833 $27,000 13.5% Shannon County, South Dakota $25,648 $8,768 47.4% Crook County, Wyoming $53,237 $28,212 8.5% Weston County, Wyoming $55,461 $28,764 10.2% Niobrara County, Wyoming $38,438 $26,797 15.8% States and Nation Nebraska $51,672 $26,899 13.2% South Dakota $49,495 $25,740 14.2% Wyoming $57,406 $28,902 10.9% UNITED STATES $53,046 $28,155 14.5% Source:U.S. Census, American Community Survey. 2009-2013.

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RECREATION ANALYSIS, FACILITIES, ACTIVITIES AND NEEDS This section of the MP describes the recreation resources available at the Projects and their usage. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are important to South Dakota’s economy. According to the 2013 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) prepared by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP), fishing and hunting are rated as two of the top outdoor recreational activities in the State of South Dakota (SDGFP, 2013a) Recreation Facilities Both of the Projects support a variety of outdoor recreation experiences including camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking (Table 17). Facilities Access to the day-use facilities is free, however camping fees are charged in accordance with the current user-fee schedule.

Table 17: Project Recreation Activities Cold Brook Lake Cottonwood Springs Park Size (acres)* 484 608 Water Surface (acres)** 36 42 Archery X Archery hunting * X X Shooting Sports Boating – No Wake X X Fishing X X Ice Fishing X X Camping X X Group Camping Hiking Trails X Biking Trails Wildlife Areas X X Horseback Riding Picnicking X X Swimming X

*refers to original acquisition acreages **refers to surface acres at the multipurpose pool

Specific facilities available within each of the Projects’ management units are described in Chapter 5, but generally include both higher intensity development and more dispersed low- density areas. Playgrounds, swimming beaches, and picnic areas are typically co-located, however both Projects also provide more dispersed recreational opportunities and facilities.

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Recreation Activities and Needs Fishing. Fishing is a primary recreational use at both Projects and the crystal clear water provides excellent opportunities. Shoreline fishing is popular and access at both Projects is provided via the day use recreation areas (Figure 7). The steep topography of Cottonwood Springs Lake somewhat limits shoreline fishing access near the dam, but there is considerable suitable shoreline frontage on the upstream portion of the reservoir. ADA fishing facilities are available at Cold Brook Lake on the west side of the Project and feature an accessible walkway and fishing pier.

Both Projects have boat ramps that provide season long access to the reservoir (May through September) (Figure 9 and Figure 10). Motorized boating is limited to electric motors only and all watercraft must

be clean and free of any aquatic invasive Figure 7: Shoreline Access at Cold Brook Lake (view species. While shoreline fishing is very looking downstream to dam). popular, boating provides the best fishing access at Cottonwood Springs.

Fisheries are stocked yearly at Cold Brook Lake with Rainbow Trout at a rate of about 5,880 per year and were identified as the most abundant species during a SDGFPs 2010 survey. Trout have not been stocked at Cottonwood Springs Lake since 2007. Other game species present at the Projects include black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), rainbow trout, and channel catfish.

Hunting. Archery hunting is permitted within the lands managed as Multiple-use: Wildlife Management Areas (see plates 1 and 2) during normal State seasons, however no firearm hunting is permitted. Additional restrictions may be applied and hunters are encouraged to check with the project office to verify. Figure 8: Boat ramp at Cold Brook Lake (view looking east). Camping. The Cold Brook Lake Campground (Figure 10) is a popular recreation facility for the local community in Hot Springs, SD and is at capacity nearly every weekend during the primary season. The campground, located at the northern end of the reservoir directly adjacent to the reservoir’s namesake water source (Cold Brook), has 11 non- electric camping pads with pull in access. A vault toilet, small playground, and horseshoe pit are located within the grounds.

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The Cottonwoods Springs Campground sports 17 non-electric camping pads with pull in access. The pads are paved and suitable for RVs or primitive camping. The site has a shower facility, playground, and potable water source. Visitor use of the site is typically lower than Cold Brook Lake Campground, likely due to the increased distance from Hot Springs, SD. While direct reservoir access is limited by the steep topography, the campground offers elevated views of the surrounding Figure 9: Cottonwood Springs boat ramp (view looking black hills landscape. east).

Swimming. A designated swim beach at Cold Brook Lake provides visitors with water access and the beach is a popular local attraction during the summer months. There is no designated swimming area at Cottonwood Springs Lake.

Trail Activities. There are no official trails at either project although this is a potential development opportunity at each. Day Use Facilities. Both projects offer excellent day use amenities for those visitors desiring an outdoor get away. Figure 10: Cold Brook Lake Campground (view looking Cold Brook Lake offers a popular complex west) of day use facilities on the western shore that includes picnicking, a swim beach, sun bathing, a playground, basketball court, and fishing pier. More dispersed picnic shelters are also available. Cottonwood Springs Lake offers a large open day use complex on the northern side of the reservoir. The grounds include four picnicking shelters with grills, a playground, flush toilets, a large open field suitable for outdoor sports, and scenic views of the surrounding hills.

Figure 11: Day use complex at Cottonwood Springs Lake.

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Zone of Influence Regions of socioeconomic or demographic significance with respect to Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes are the primary zone of influence (those counties adjacent to Cottonwood Springs and Cold brook); and the secondary zone of influence, which includes counties in the states of South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska. Table 18 below shows the historical and projected populations for these counties as well as for the states they fall within. Table 18: Historical and projected populations for these counties as well as for the states.

South Dakota 754,844 814,180 845,510 878,180 3.86% Nebraska 1,711,263 1,826,341 1,868,969 1,927,316 3.12% Wyoming 493,782 563,767 583,223 622,360 6.71%

Source: US Census Bureau, 1990; 2000; 2011, University of Nebraska at Lincoln Bureau of Business Research, 2007, and South Dakota State University, 2008, Wyoming Department of Administration and Information, Economic Analysis Division, October 2011 The primary zone counties are the two South Dakota counties of Custer and Fall River. According to the 2010 census figures, the counties have a combined total of 3,295 square miles, a total population of 15,310, for a population density of 4.6 persons per square mile (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). This represents an increase of 4.0% from the 2000 population of 14,728 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). The overall population for the primary zone is expected to be relatively flat, with population projected to decline -1.27% in Fall River County, SD and rise 2.36% in Custer, SD in the years 2013-2020.

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The secondary area demographic analysis includes the surrounding counties of Lawrence, Meade, Pennington and Shannon in South Dakota; Sheridan, Dawes and Sioux in Nebraska; Niobrara, Weston and Crook in Wyoming and the entire states of South Dakota and Nebraska. The secondary zone population is forecasted to increase by roughly 6% by the year 2020, with the Wyoming counties of Weston and Crook forecasting growth over 10%, and the Nebraska counties of Dawes and Sioux forecasting population declines. In 2010, South Dakota had a population of 814,180. This was an increase of 7.9% from the 2000 population of 754,844. In 2010, Nebraska had a population of 1,826,341. This was an increase of 6.7% from the 2000 population of 1,711,263. In 2010, Wyoming had a population of 563,767. This was an increase of 14% from the 2000 population of 493,782. According to the 2010 census figures, South Dakota consists of 75,885 square miles, with a population density of 10.7 persons per square mile, Nebraska has 76,872 square miles, and population density of 23.8 persons per square mile and Wyoming has 97,818 square miles and a population density of 5.76 persons per square mile (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000; 2011). Figure 12 below shows the primary and secondary zones.

Figure 12: Primary and Secondary Zones of Influence for Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes. There are no large cities in the Cold Brook/Cottonwood primary area counties. The closest town to the Cold brook/Cottonwood area is Hot Springs, with a 2010 U.S. Census population of 3,711. The town of Custer, in Custer County, SD, has a 2010 population of 1,987. In the secondary

2-25 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 area, Rapid City has by far the largest population, with nearly 70 thousand people. The table below shows the largest cities and towns Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes. Table 19: Largest cities and towns near the projects Primary/Secondary % of study area City Population County Area total Rapid City 69,200 Pennington, SD Secondary 35.77% Spearfish 10,585 Lawrence, SD Secondary 5.47% Box Elder 9,093 Pennington, SD Secondary 4.70% Rapid Valley 8,260 Pennington, SD Secondary 4.27% Sturgis 6,883 Meade, SD Secondary 3.56% Chadron 5,851 Dawes, NE Secondary 3.02% Ellsworth AFB 4,142 Meade, SD Secondary 2.14% Hot Springs 3,711 Fall River, SD Primary 1.92% Newcastle 3,532 Weston, WY Secondary 1.83% Pine Ridge 3,308 Shannon, SD Secondary 1.71% Custer 1,987 Custer, SD Primary 1.03% Gordon 1,612 Sheridan, NE Secondary 0.83% Lusk 1,567 Niobrara, WY Secondary 0.81% Sundance 1,182 Crook, WY Secondary 0.61% Harrison 251 Sioux, NE Secondary 0.13% Source: U.S. Census. 2010. Visitation Profile There are no recent surveys of the Project area’s visitor origin or destination. Based on general observations of visitor patterns, it is expected that most visitors to the developed recreation areas reside in nearby population centers, with the remainder split between South Dakota residents and nonresidents from Nebraska, Iowa, and other parts of the U.S. Recreation Analysis Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are important to South Dakota’s economy. According to the 2013 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) prepared by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP), fishing and hunting are rated as two of the top outdoor recreational activities in the State of South Dakota (SDGFP, 2013) A 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation by the USFWS indicates that fishing and hunting related expenditures totaled over $1 billion for South Dakota in 2011. A recent study conducted by the SDGFP (2010) estimated that the Lake Francis Case fishery had an estimated economic impact of nearly 8.6 million dollars to the state or local economy in 2010. Recreational Carrying Capacity The recreational carrying capacity of an area is thought of in two ways, resource and social capacity. Resource capacity is the level of use beyond which irreversible deterioration takes place or degradation of the resource makes it unsuitable or unattractive for recreational use.

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Resource capacity is usually a seasonal or long-term issue, as most areas will tolerate some short-term overuse without significant adverse effects. The resource capacity of the Projects is typically controlled by such factors as presence of erodible soils and steep terrain. Resource capacity must be accommodated in the design and location of facilities, as well as the regulation of use. Areas with low resource capacity may be classified as Wildlife Management or Environmentally Sensitive. In these land classifications, the area covered by minimally developed recreation facilities compared to the total area of the management and unit is typically much lower than the ratio for the area covered by existing and planned future developed recreation facilities in management areas with a land classification of High Density Recreation. Social capacity is the level of density beyond which the user does not achieve a reasonable level of satisfaction. For example, the social capacity of a given area is typically much greater for a swimming beach than a golf course. The social capacity at the Projects is most frequently limited by the level of recreational facility development, such as parking spaces and restrooms, or by the expectations of the different recreational users. Although there may be short-term periods of overuse during the summer holiday weekends, the social carrying capacity of these areas is rarely reached. The density of the existing facilities at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs is generally appropriate for the region, and social capacity limits are rarely reached. Areas with higher social capacity and accessibility ordinarily have a land classification of High Density Recreation. Implementation of recreation development included in each management area’s development needs in Chapter 6 will enable land managers and recreation facility operators to balance facility management, development, and supply with recreation demand. Balancing supply and demand avoids the potential for exceeding both the resource capacity (e.g., trails/roads, fencing, and signage to reduce trampling of vegetation) and the social capacity (e.g., expanding facilities that are often used to capacity where future growth in visitation is expected).

REAL ESTATE Acquisition Policy Under the authority of the Flood Control Act of 1941, the Corps acquired large acreages of land for the Projects. All project lands were acquired for operational purposes and no land was acquired for separable recreation or wildlife management use. There are no projected real estate acquisitions for the Projects. The projects are at full-build and there are no adjacent properties targeted for acquisition.

PERTINENT PUBLIC LAWS Civil Authority. Except as otherwise provided by Federal law or regulation, State and local laws and ordinances apply on project lands and waters. These include, but are not limited to, the following: • Operation and use of motor vehicles, vessels, and aircraft; • Hunting, fishing, and trapping; • Display or use of firearms or other weapons; • Camping, starting or tending fires, and use of fireworks; • Civil, disobedience, and criminal acts and;

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• Littering, sanitation, and pollution. Enforcement of State and local laws and ordinances will be handled by the appropriate State and local law enforcement agencies. Corps Authority. Rules and regulations governing public use of water resources development projects administered by the Corps are contained in Title 36, Part 327 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Persons designated by the District Engineer have the authority to issue citations for violations of rules and regulations governing public use of Corps water resource projects. If a citation is issued, the person charged with the violation may be required to appear before a U.S. Magistrate for trial. Federal Authority. The following Federal public laws, Executive orders, and cooperative agreements pertain to authorization of the project, present and future development, and operation of project lands and waters.

General Laws and Authorities

Public Law 98-534 (58 Stat. 887), 22 December 1944. Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended. In compliance. This act authorizes the construction of certain public works on rivers and harbors for flood control and other purposes. Section 4 authorizes providing facilities at reservoir areas for public use, including recreation and fish and wildlife conservation. As amended in 1962 by Section 297 of Public Law 87-874, the act authorizes the Corps to develop and maintain park and recreation facilities at all water resources projects controlled by the Secretary of the Army. The Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects are part of the flood control in the Fall River Basin. Public Law 84-1928 (70A Stat. 150), 10 August 1956. United States Code, Title 10 and Title 32. In compliance. Section 2667 of this law authorizes the Secretary of a military department to lease non-excess land when it is advantageous to the United States. Grazing leases are also authorized under this provision. Sections 2668 and 2669 authorize the granting of easements and rights-of- way for many purposes, including transmission lines and gas, water, and sewer pipelines. Public Law 88-578 (78 Stat. 897), 3 September 1964, Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LWCFA) of 1965, as amended. Not applicable. Planning for recreation development at Corps projects is coordinated with the appropriate States so that the plans are consistent with public needs as identified in the SCORP. The Corps must coordinate with the NPS to insure that no property acquired or developed with assistance from this act will be converted to other than outdoor recreation uses. If conversion is necessary, approval of NPS is required, and plans are developed to relocate or re-create affected recreational opportunities. No lands of the project were acquired with LWCFA funds. Public Law 89-72 (79 Stat. 213), 9 July 1965, Federal Water Project Recreation Act, as amended. Not applicable. This act requires that full consideration be given for recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement opportunities; that recreation planning be based on coordination of use with existing and planned Federal, State, and local recreation; and that non-Federal administration of recreation and enhancement areas be encouraged. It required that no facilities for recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement be provided without cost sharing except those

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justified to serve other project purposes or as needed for public health and safety. The views of the Secretary of the Interior regarding the extent to which proposed recreation and fish and wildlife development conforms to and is in accordance with the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan shall be included in any project report. NOTE: This public law did not apply to the project because the project was authorized prior to enactment of Public Law 89-72 and did not provide for retroactive application. However, as a matter of policy, the Chief of Engineers determined that the cost-sharing provisions of Public Law 89-72 would apply to the project and other similar projects even though they were not covered specifically by the law. Public Law 90-483 (82 Stat. 731), 13 August 1968, River and Harbor Act of 1968, as amended. In compliance. This act authorizes the construction, repair, and preservation of certain public works on rivers and harbors for navigation, flood control, and other purposes. Section 210 restricts the collection of entrance fees at Corps lakes and reservoirs after 31 March 1970 to users of highly developed facilities requiring the continuous presence of personnel. Because the Corps will be conducting any projects under the updated master plan, no authorization is required as the law specifically exempts the Corps from regulation under Section 10. However, activities by non-Corps entities in waters of the U.S. at the project are regulated under Section 10. Work such as a boat dock installation or water intake line requires a Section 10 permit. Executive Order 11644, 8 February 1972, Use of Off-Road Vehicles on Public Lands. Not applicable. This Executive order establishes a uniform Federal policy regarding the use of vehicles such as trail bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, and other ORV on public lands. Section 3 provides guidance for establishing zones of use for such vehicles. This order was amended by Executive Order 11989. Currently the Corps restricts ORV use on project lands. There are no authorized ORV areas on the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects. Public Law 99-662 (100 Stat. 4082), 17 November 1986, Water Resources Development Act of 1986. In compliance. This legislation sets forth non-Federal cost-sharing requirements for all water resources projects. Section 906 of this act supplements the responsibility and authority of the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. This section requires any mitigation for fish and wildlife losses to be undertaken or acquired before any construction of the project commences, or shall be undertaken or acquired concurrently with lands and interests in lands for project purposes. The Corps will coordinate with the USFWS when constructing any projects under the master plan and will address any fish and wildlife mitigation that is required before the construction of any project commences.

Environmental Quality Statutes

54 Stat. 250, 8 June 1940, Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended. In compliance. This act prohibits anyone, without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Interior, from taking bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. The act provides criminal penalties for persons who take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, transport, export or import, at any time or any manner, any bald eagle ... [or any golden eagle], alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof. The act defines ‘take’ as pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect,

2-29 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 molest or disturb. Individual projects proposed as a result of the master plan will adhere to the management guidelines developed by the USFWS to avoid disturbing bald eagles. Public Law 83-566 (68 Stat. 666), 5 August 1954, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act. Not applicable. This act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with States and other public agencies in works for flood prevention and soil conservation, as well as the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water. This act imposes no requirements on Corps Civil Works projects.

Public Law 85-624 (72 Stat. 563), 12 August 1958, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. In compliance. This law amends and renames the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 10 March 1934. The 1958 act requires that: (1) fish and wildlife conservation receive equal consideration with other features of water resources development programs; (2) proposals for work affecting any body of water be coordinated with the USFWS and the State wildlife agency; (3) recommendations of the USFWS and the State wildlife agency be given full consideration; and (4) justifiable means and measures for wildlife purposes, including mitigation measures, be adopted. It also requires that adequate provisions be made for the use of project lands and waters for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources, including their development and improvement. The act provides that the use of project lands primarily for wildlife management by others be in accordance with the General Plan approved jointly by the Department of the Army, Department of the Interior, and State wildlife agencies. When site- specific proposals are made under the master plan, the Corps will coordinate with the USFWS and NDGF or SDGFP.

Public Law 86-717 (74 Stat. 817), 6 September 1960, Conservation of Forest Lands in Reservoir Areas. In compliance. This law provides for the development and maintenance of forest resources on Corps managed lands and the establishment and management of vegetative cover so as to encourage future resources of readily available timber and to increase the value of such areas for conservation. Resource objectives and development needs for the management units at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects include planting trees and shrubs to increase the amount of woody vegetation for winter and nesting cover for upland and big game species; planting trees, food plots, native grasses, and/or marsh grasses to supplement the existing food sources for upland and big game species and/or waterfowl; and developing additional woody draw habitat

Public Law 87-88 (75 Stat. 204), 20 July 1961, Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1961, as amended. In compliance. Section 2 (b) (1) of this act gives the Corps responsibility for water quality management of Corps reservoirs. This law was amended by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment of 1972, Public Law 92-500.

Public Law 89-80 (79 Stat. 244), 20 July 1965, Water Resources Planning Act. In compliance. This act is a congressional statement of policy to meet rapidly expanding demands for water throughout the Nation. The purpose is to encourage the conservation, development, and use of water-related land resources on a comprehensive and coordinated basis by the Federal, State, and local governments; individuals; corporations; business enterprises; and others concerned. The Corps held public workshops attended by Federal, State, and local representatives and members of the general public (including members of the business community) and invited public input on

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the master plan and EA.

Public Law 90-542 (82 Stat. 906), 2 October 1968, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, as amended. Not applicable. This act establishes that certain rivers of the Nation, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Public Law 90-583 (82 Stat. 1146), 17 October 1968, Noxious Plant Control. In compliance. This law provides for the control of noxious weeds on land under the control of the Federal Government. Resource objectives and development needs for management units include the control of noxious weeds.

Public Law 91-190 (83 Stat. 852), 1 January 1970, National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In compliance. Section 101 of this act establishes a national environmental policy. Section 102 requires that all Federal agencies shall, to the fullest extent possible, (1) use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that integrates natural and social sciences and environmental design arts in planning and decision making; (2) study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommend courses of action in any proposal that involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources; and (3) include an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in every recommendation or report on proposals for major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An EA and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) have been prepared for the proposed action. An EIS is not required.

Public Law 91-224 (84 Stat. 114), 3 April 1970, Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970. In compliance. This act ensures that each Federal department or agency conducting or supporting public works activities which affect the environment shall implement the policies established under existing law. The Corps ensures that activities at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects are in compliance with existing laws.

Public Law 91-604 (84 Stat. 1676), 31 December 1970, Clean Air Act, as amended. In compliance. The purpose of this act is to protect public health and welfare by the control of air pollution at its source, and to set forth primary and secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to establish criteria for States to attain or maintain. Some temporary emission releases may occur during construction activities that are recommended under the master plan; however, air quality is not expected to be impacted to any measurable degree. Data from the SDDENR ambient air quality monitoring program indicate that pollutant concentrations are well within the Federal and State NAAQS set at levels to protect human health and welfare.

Public Law 92-500 (86 Stat. 816), 18 October 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, as amended. This law amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and establishes a national goal of eliminating pollutant discharges into waters of the United States. Section 404, to be administered by the Secretary of the Army acting through the Chief of Engineers, authorizes a permit program for the disposal of dredged or fill material in the Nation’s waters. This law was later amended by the Clean Water Act of 1977, Public Law 95-

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217, to provide additional authorization to restore the Nation’s water. The project is in compliance with this law. If any construction activities involve the temporary or permanent placement of dredged or fill material into any water body or wetland area at Lake Francis Case, a permit pursuant to Section 404 is required.

Public Law 92-574 (86 Stat. 1234), 27 October 1972, Noise Control Act, as amended. In compliance. This act establishes a national policy to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health and welfare. Federal agencies are required to limit noise emissions to within compliance levels. Noise emission levels at sites where development was proposed in the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Master Plan would increase above current levels temporarily during periods of construction; however, appropriate measures will be taken to keep the noise level within the compliance levels.

Public Law 93-205 (87 Stat. 884), 28 December 1973, Conservation, Protection, and Propagation of Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. In compliance. This law repeals the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. It also directs all Federal departments/agencies to carry out programs to conserve endangered and threatened species of fish, wildlife, and plants and to preserve the habitat of these species in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior. This act establishes a procedure for coordination, assessment, and consultation. This act was amended by Public Law 96-159. Corps management and construction activities proposed by the master plan would have no effects on federally or State-listed or candidate threatened and endangered species known to exist in Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project areas for which the Corps is responsible.

Public Law 93-523 (88 Stat. 1660), 16 December 1974, Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended. In compliance. This act amends the Public Health Service Water Act to assure that the public is provided with safe drinking water. This law states that all potable water at civil works projects will meet or exceed the minimum standards required by law. This act was amended by the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986, Public Law 99-339 of 1986, and Public Law 104- 182. The SDDENR works with all public water systems along Lake Francis Case to ensure they comply with this act.

Public Law 93-629, (88 Stat. 2148), 3 January 1975, Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended. In compliance. Section 15, added to the act in 1990, requires noxious weed control management on Federal lands and sets forth the process by which it is to be accomplished. Resource objectives and development needs for management units in the master plan include the control of noxious weeds.

Executive Order 11988, 24 May 1977, Floodplain Management. In compliance. This order outlines the responsibilities of Federal agencies in the role of floodplain management. Each agency shall evaluate the potential effects of actions on floodplains and should not undertake actions that directly or indirectly induce growth in the floodplain, unless there is no practical alternative. Agency regulations and operating procedures for licenses and permits should include provisions for evaluation and consideration of flood hazards. Construction of structures and facilities on floodplains must incorporate flood proofing and other accepted flood protection measures. Agencies shall attach appropriate use restrictions to property proposed for lease,

2-32 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 easement, right-of-way, or disposal to non-Federal public or private parties. Any development proposed in the master plan must be in compliance with Northwestern Division (NWD) Regulation 1110-2-5, Land Development Guidance at Corps Lake Projects, dated April 30, 2004. This regulation establishes NWD guidance for evaluating land development proposals within Corps Lake Projects with authorized flood storage allocations. In accordance with applicable Federal and State regulations the Corps has responsibility to ensure that the authorized project purposes are not compromised; that the public is not endangered; and that natural and cultural resources associated with project lands are not harmed. The criteria and procedures for evaluation of development proposals in this regulation are to assist in meeting these responsibilities and complying with applicable laws and directives. Existing structures are exempted from this policy. However, significant modifications and/or replacement of existing structures are subject to this policy.

Executive Order 11989, 24 May 1977, Off-Road Vehicles on Public Lands. In compliance. This Executive order excludes any fire, military, emergency or law enforcement vehicle when used for emergency purposes, and any combat or combat support vehicle when used for national defense purposes, from the definition of ORV. This order also directs agencies to immediately close ORV trails that are causing soil, vegetation, wildlife, wildlife habitat, or cultural or historic resources of particular areas or trails on public lands, to the type of ORV causing the adverse effects, until the effects have been eliminated and measures have been implemented to prevent future recurrence. Currently the Corps restricts ORV use on project lands. There are no authorized ORV areas at the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects.

Executive Order 11990, 24 May 1977, Protection of Wetlands. In compliance. This order directs Federal agencies to provide leadership in minimizing the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands. Section 2 states that agencies shall avoid undertaking or assisting in new construction located in wetlands unless there is no practical alternative. Prior to construction of any facilities proposed in the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Master Plan, a site-specific NEPA analysis, including an assessment of potential impacts to wetlands, would be coordinated with Federal and State agencies and Tribes. If a Section 404 permit is required, coordination regarding compliance with the Executive order would be accomplished prior to permit issuance.

Public Law 95-217 (91 Stat. 1566), 27 December 1977, Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended. In compliance. This act amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1970 and extends the appropriations authorization. The Clean Water Act is a comprehensive Federal water pollution control program that has as its primary goal the reduction and control of the discharge of pollutants into the Nation’s navigable waters. The Clean Water Act of 1977 has been amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, Public Law 100-4. Any action involving placement of fill in waters of the U.S. at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects by the Corps, a non-Corps entity, or any individual, with the exception of certain minor activities as discussed in 33 CFR Part 323.4, would require a Section 404 authorization and Section 401 water quality certification.

Executive Order 12088, 13 October 1978, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards. In compliance. The purpose of this order is to ensure Federal compliance with applicable pollution control standards. Section 1-4, Pollution Control Plan, in which each agency was required to submit an annual plan for the control of environmental pollution to the Office of

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Management and Budget, was revoked by Executive Order 13148, which was revoked by Executive Order 13423.

Public Law 95-632 (92 Stat. 3751), 10 November 1978, Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1978. In compliance. This law amends the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1973. Section 7 directs agencies to conduct a biological assessment to identify threatened or endangered species that may be present in the area of any proposed project. This assessment is conducted as part of a Federal agency’s compliance with the requirements of Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The Corps would conduct biological assessments on proposed projects when necessary.

Public Law 96-159 (93 Stat. 3751), 28 December 1979, Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. In compliance. This amendment expanded the act to protect endangered plants. This amendment requires the publishing of a summary and map when proposing land as critical habitat and requires Federal agencies to ensure projects "are not likely" to jeopardize an endangered species. In addition, it authorizes all those seeking exemptions from the act to get permanent exemptions for a project unless a biological study indicates the project would result in the extinction of a species. The Corps would ensure that any development or management activities proposed in the master plan are not likely to jeopardize an endangered species. Although there are currently no threatened or endangered plants at the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects, the Corps would protect any plants on project lands that are on the threatened and endangered species list in the future.

CEQ Memorandum, 10 August 1980, Interagency Consultation to Avoid or Mitigate Adverse Effects on Rivers in the Nationwide Inventory. Not applicable. This memorandum states that each Federal agency shall take care to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on rivers identified in the Nationwide Inventory (45 FR 59189). No portion of the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects, are listed on the Nationwide Rivers Inventory.

Public Law 96-366 (94 Stat. 1322), 29 September 1980, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980. In compliance. This law enables States to obtain funds to conduct inventories and conservation plans for nongame wildlife. It also encourages Federal departments and agencies to use their statutory and administrative authority to conserve and promote conservation in accordance with this act. The master plan promotes conservation at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects by including resource objectives and development needs that protect and enhanced wildlife habitat and reduce erosion.

Public Law 96-510 (94 Stat. 2797), 11 December 1980, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Not applicable. Typically CERCLA is triggered by (1) the release or substantial threat of a release of a hazardous substance into the environment; or (2) the release or substantial threat of a release of any pollutant or contaminant into the environment that presents an imminent threat to the public health and welfare. To the extent such knowledge is available, 40 CFR Part 373 requires notification of CERCLA hazardous substances in a land transfer. Compliance with this act is required on a case-by-case basis for real estate activities such as easements, grants, etc.

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Public Law 97-98 (95 Stat. 1341), 22 December 1981, Farmland Protection Policy Act. In compliance. This act instructs the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with other departments, agencies, independent commissions and other units of the Federal Government, to develop criteria for identifying the effects of Federal programs on the conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses. The master plan does not propose any changes to agricultural land.

Public Law 99-339 (100 Stat. 642), 19 June 1986, Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986. Not applicable. These amendments provide further regulation regarding national primary drinking water, enforcement of these regulations, and variances and exemptions to the act. These amendments also provide for the protection of underground sources of drinking water and provide grants to Tribes in addition to contract assistance to carry out the function of these amendments.

Public Law 100-4 (101 Stat. 7), 4 February 1987, Water Quality Act of 1987. In compliance. This act amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to not only provide for renewal of the quality of the Nation’s waters but also provide construction grant amendments, standards, enforcement, permits, and licenses. This act includes more provisions for monitoring non-point source pollution (contaminants that come from many different sources). The Corps has developed water quality management objectives for the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs projects, project that include intensive water quality surveys, water quality modeling, and preparation of reports that reflect current water quality conditions

Cultural Resource Statutes

Public Law 59-209, 59th Congress (34 Stat. 225), 8 June 1906, the Antiquities Act. In compliance. This act makes it a Federal offense to appropriate, excavate, injure, or destroy any antiquity, historic ruin, monument, or object of scientific interest located on lands owned or controlled by the United States without having permission from the Secretary of the department having jurisdiction thereof. Paleontological resources are regulated under this act. The Corps is working to coordinate with all law enforcement agencies to establish a network of individuals that would be able to respond quickly to incidents of looting and artifact collecting.

Public Law 74-292 (16 U.S.C. § 461 et seq.) 1935 Historic Sites Act: Not applicable. Section 1 declared the first national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance. Section 2, sub-parts (a) through (k) authorized the Secretary of Interior to make a survey of historic and archeological sites, buildings, and objects; operate and manage historic and archeological sites, buildings, and properties acquired under the act; enter into cooperative agreements; and develop education services in preservation. There are no compliance requirements under this act for the Corps.

Public Law 86-523 (74 Stat. 220), 27 June 1960, Reservoir Salvage Act, as amended. In compliance. This act provides for (1) the preservation of historical and archaeological data that might otherwise be lost or destroyed as the result of flooding or any alteration of the terrain caused as a result of any Federal reservoir construction projects; (2) coordination with the Secretary of the Interior whenever activities may cause loss of scientific, prehistorical, or archaeological data; and (3) expenditure of funds for recovery, protection, and data preservation.

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This act was amended by Public Law 93-291. Any construction proposed at the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects connected to operation and maintenance of the facility is reviewed in advance by the Corps’ Omaha District cultural resources staff. In all cases avoidance of historic properties is the preferred alternative. When such disturbance is unavoidable, suitable protection or data recovery will be implemented as required by the act.

Public Law 89-665 (80 Stat. 915), 15 October 1966, Historic Preservation Act, as amended. In compliance. This act states a policy of preserving, restoring, and maintaining cultural resources and requires that Federal agencies (1) take into account the effect of any undertaking on any site on or eligible for the NRHP; (2) afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation the opportunity to comment on such undertaking; (3) nominate eligible properties to the NRHP; (4) exercise caution in the disposal and care of Federal property that might qualify for the NRHP; and (5) provide for the maintenance of federally owned sites on the NRHP. All ground- disturbing activities proposed on Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project lands are coordinated in advance with the SHPO, ACHP, THPO, and any other interested parties under Section 106 of the act.

Executive Order 11593, 13 May 1971, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment. In compliance. Section 2 of the order outlines the responsibilities of Federal agencies in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Historic Sites Act of 1935, and the Antiquities Act of 1906. Section 3 outlines specific responsibilities of the Secretary of the Interior including review and comment upon Federal agency procedures submitted under this order.

Public Law 93-291 (88 Stat. 174), 24 May 1974 Preservation of Historical and Archeological Data. In compliance. This act amends the Reservoir Salvage Act, Public Law 86-523, to provide for the preservation of historical and archaeological data (including relics and specimens), which might otherwise be lost as the result of the construction of a dam. Section 3(a) requires any Federal agency to notify the Secretary of the Interior in writing when the agency finds, or is notified in writing by an appropriate historical or archaeological authority, that its activities in connection with any Federal construction project or federally licensed project, activity, or program may cause irreparable loss or destruction of significant scientific, prehistorical or archeological data. Section 7(a) requires any Federal agency responsible for a construction project to assist/transfer to the Secretary of the Interior such funds as may be agreed upon, but not more than 1 percent of the total appropriated project costs. The costs of survey, recovery, analysis, and publication shall be considered non-reimbursable project costs. The Corps will notify the Secretary of the Interior in writing if a Corps activity may destroy significant scientific, prehistoric, or archeological data.

Public Law 95-341 (92 Stat. 469), 11 August 1978, American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) of 1978. In compliance. AIRFA protects the rights of Native Americans to exercise their traditional religions by ensuring access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites. No proposals in the updated master plan would adversely affect the protections offered by this act. Access to sacred sites by tribal members would be provided. A memorandum from the Corps’ Northwestern Division dated 7 June 2004; “Use of Corps Lands by Federally Recognized Tribal Members in the

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Northwestern Division” provides guidance for access to Corps-owned lands for Tribal religious activities, including notification protocol and procedures.

Public Law 96-95 (93 Stat. 721), 31 October 1979, Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979. In compliance. This act protects archaeological resources and sites that are on public and Tribal lands, and fosters increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private individuals. It also establishes requirements for issuance of permits by the Federal land managers to excavate or remove any archaeological resource located on public or Indian lands. All persons proposing to engage in archeological excavation on Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project lands are required to apply for and obtain an ARPA permit.

Public Law 100-293 (43 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.) 1987 Abandoned Shipwrecks Act. In compliance. Section 6 Part (a) of this act asserts United States title to abandoned shipwrecks. Part (c) transfers that title to the State in or on whose submerged lands the shipwreck is located, and Part (d) transfers of any abandoned shipwreck in or on any Indian lands to the Indian tribe owning such lands.

Public Law 101-601 (104 Stat. 3042), 16 November 1990, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). In compliance. This act provides for the protection of Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items. It establishes a process for the authorized removal of human remains, funerary, sacred, and other objects of cultural patrimony from sites located on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government. NAGPRA requires Federal agencies and federally assisted museums to return specified Native American cultural items to the federally recognized Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian groups with which they are associated. Notification of all inadvertent discoveries of such items covered by the act is reported to the appropriate affiliated descendant or Tribe in order of precedence as set by the act. Any claims to such items are reviewed and the procedures within the act to repatriate are followed.

Executive Order 12898, 11 February 1994, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. In compliance. Federal agencies shall make achieving environmental justice part of their mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States. Development and management activities proposed in the master plan are not anticipated to disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations.

Executive Order 13006, 21 May 1996, Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties. In compliance. This Executive order requires Federal facilities, wherever operationally appropriate and economically prudent, to be located in historic properties and districts, especially those located in our central business areas. No activities under the master plan involve the development of Federal facilities that could be located in historic properties.

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Executive Order 13007, 24 May 1996, Indian Sacred Sites. In compliance. This Executive order requires that agencies avoid damage to Indian sacred sites on Federal land, and avoid blocking access to such sites for traditional religious practitioners. The Federal Government gives Tribes notice when an impact to a sacred site occurs. In 2004, the Commander of the Northwestern Division issued a memorandum stating that the Corps should accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners. In addition, the Corps would issue special use permits without charge, whenever allowable on Corps lands, to tribes and tribal members for ceremonial purposes. The memorandum also provides procedures that assist land managers with site protection as well as monitoring and investigation of any illegal activity regarding cultural resources.

Executive Order 13175, 6 November 2000, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. In compliance. This Executive order requires regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications, to strengthen the United States government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes, and to reduce the imposition of unfunded mandates upon Indian tribes. Section 3 establishes policymaking criteria when formulating and implementing policies that have tribal implications. Section 5 (a) says each agency shall have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications. Tribal representatives were consulted with as part of the Cold Brook/ Cottonwood Springs Master Plan and EA scoping and were provided copies of the Draft Master Plan and Draft EA for review.

Executive Order 13287, 3 March 2003, Preserve America. In compliance. This Executive order encourages Federal agencies to recognize and manage the historic properties in their ownership as assets that can support department and agency missions while contributing to the vitality and economic well-being of the Nation’s communities. This Executive order also encourages Federal agencies to seek partnerships with State, tribal, and local governments and the private sector to make more efficient and informed use of their historic, prehistoric, and other cultural resources for economic development and other recognized public benefits. The Corps has partnered with State, tribal, and local governments and the private sector by forming a steering committee that has provided input on the MP’s effects on cultural resources, including historic properties, and other public benefits.

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CHAPTER 3 RESOURCE OBJECTIVES Sound stewardship requires the development and management of project resources for the public benefit consistent with resource capabilities. As the steward of the lands and waters at Corps of Engineers water resource projects, the “Natural Resource Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations” (ER1130-2-540). The master plan provides resource objectives for the stewardship of project resources, both natural and manmade. Resource objectives are realistically attainable outcomes for the use, development, and management of natural and manmade resources. Resource objectives are developed with full consideration of authorized project purposes, applicable Federal laws and directives, resource capabilities, regional needs, plans and goals of regional and local governmental units, and expressed public desires. These objectives enhance project benefits, meet public needs, and foster environmental sustainability. Resource objectives for the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects include: • Continue the provision of project benefits, including flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation, throughout the life of the Project; • Provide the best combination of resource uses and project operations to meet the needs of the public; • Provide for the management of natural resources associated with the Projects to include the protection and preservation of native habitat, the protection of water quality, and the implementation of programs to manage wildlife species; • Promote the public’s use of the Project for both non-consumptive uses (e.g., hiking, wildlife viewing) and consumptive uses (e.g., fishing); and • Promote public education concerning the Projects’ man-made and natural resources. These resource objectives will be achieved through the implementation of the Resource Plan described in Chapter 5.

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CHAPTER 4 LAND ALLOCATION, LAND CLASSIFICATION, WATER SURFACE, AND PROJECT EASEMENT LANDS

This chapter presents the land use plan for the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lake Projects. In the plan, specific parcels of land are zoned into land use categories based on resource capability. Combined with the project-wide and site-specific resource objectives presented in this chapter and chapter 5, respectively, the land use plan provides a conceptual guide for the use, management, and development of all project lands. Together, these elements are the heart of this MP.

The Projects are divided into management units. Division of the Projects into individual units was an integral part of the planning processes and facilitated identification of the most appropriate land and resource uses of the various project areas. The boundaries of the management units are based on physical, administrative, and/or operational characteristics.

LAND ALLOCATION In accordance with Engineer Pamphlet (EP) 1130-2-550 land allocations identify the authorized purposes for which corps lands were acquired. There are four categories of allocation:

• Operations • Recreation • Fish and Wildlife • Mitigation

Land allocations identify the authorized purposes for which project lands were acquired. All of the project lands at Cold Brook (484 acres) and Cottonwood Springs (608 acres) are allocated to Operations; flood control is the only authorized project purpose for which land has been acquired. Other authorized project purposes are not separable elements and have not had project- lands acquired for their purposes. Recreation and fish and wildlife enhancement provide incidental project-benefits.

LAND CLASSIFICATIONS

All lands acquired for project purposes are classified to provide for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and other Federal laws. Land classifications are based on the primary purpose for which project lands are managed. There are six primary land classification categories and eight sub-categories. They are described below;

Project Operations. This category includes those lands required for the dam, spillway, switchyard, levees, dikes, offices, maintenance facilities, and other areas that are used solely for the operation of the Project.

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High Density Recreation. Lands developed for intensive recreational activities for the visiting public including day use areas and/or campgrounds. These could include areas for concessions (marinas, comprehensive resorts, etc.), and quasi-public development.

Mitigation. This classification will only be used for lands with an allocation for Mitigation and that were acquired specifically for the purposes of offsetting losses associated with development of the Project.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Areas where scientific, ecological, cultural or aesthetic features have been identified. Designation of these lands is not limited to just lands that are otherwise protected by laws such as the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act or other applicable statues. They may be, but are not limited to, areas that provide high aesthetic value, high quality wildlife habitat, or fragile habitat/landscape features. These areas must be considered by management to ensure they are not adversely impacted. Typically, limited or no development of public use is allowed on these lands. No agricultural or grazing uses are permitted on these lands unless necessary for a specific resource management benefit, such as prairie restoration.

Multiple Resource Management Lands. This classification allows for the designation of a predominate use as described below, with the understanding that other compatible uses may also occur on these lands. (e.g., a trail through an area designated as Wildlife Management.) Land classification maps must reflect the predominant sub-classification, rather than just Multiple Resource Management. Multiple Use: Low Density Recreation. Lands with minimal development or infrastructure that support passive public recreational use (e.g. primitive camping, fishing, hunting, trails, wildlife viewing, etc.) Multiple Use: Wildlife Management. Lands designated for stewardship of fish and wildlife resources. Multiple Use: Vegetative Management. Lands designated for stewardship of forest, prairie, and other native vegetative cover. Multiple Use: Future or Inactive Recreation Areas. Areas with site characteristics compatible with potential future recreational development or recreation areas that are closed. Until there is an opportunity to develop or reopen these areas, they will be managed for multiple resources.

Water Surface. If the project administers a surface water zoning program, then it should be included in the master plan. Water surface may be zoned as described below. Restricted. Water areas restricted for project operations, safety, and security purposes. Designated No-Wake. To protect environmentally sensitive shoreline areas, recreational water access areas from disturbance, and for public safety. Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary. Annual or seasonal restrictions on areas to protect fish and wildlife species during periods of migration, resting, feeding, nesting, and/or spawning. Open Recreation. Those waters available for year round or seasonal water-based recreational use.

Project Easement Lands. All lands for which the Corps hold and easement interest, but no fee

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title. Planned use and management of easement lands will be in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of the easement estate acquired for the project. Easements were acquired for specific purposes and do not convey the same rights or ownership to the Corps as other lands. Operations Easement. The Corps retains rights to these lands necessary for project operations (access, etc.) Flowage Easement. The Corps retains rights to inundate these lands for project operations. Conservation Easement. Corps retains rights to lands for aesthetic, recreation and environmental benefits.

Table 20: Land Classification Acreages, Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lakes.

Land Classification Cold Brook (acres*) Cottonwood Springs (acres*) Project Operations 88 88 High Density Recreation 31 36 Mitigation - - Environmentally Sensitive Areas - - Multiple Resource Management Lands 330 442 Low Density Recreation 172 79 Wildlife Management 157 363 Vegetation Management - - Future or Inactive Recreation Areas - - Water Surface (at multipurpose pool) 36 42 Restricted - 1 Designated No-Wake - - Fish and Wildlife Sanctuary - - Open Recreation 36 41 Project Easement Lands 0.3 Operations Easement 0.3 Flowage Easement Conservation Easement Total Project Area (absent easement areas) 484 608

* Acreages were originally calculated in ArcGIS and were then rounded for simplicity.

Project Operations Lands - Cold Brook. Project lands required for the dam, spillway, and outlet works are classified for operational purposes, consisting of approximately 88 acres. Low density recreation use is permitted within this classification provided that it will not conflict with safety or security practices. None of the area required for operational purposes will be outleased in the future. There are no historical or archeological sites located within this classification.

A second area consisting of Argyle Road from the intersection with Highway 385 to the Argyle Road entrance is also classified as Project Operations and occupies approximately 11 acres. This segment was originally acquired during project construction and was used as a haul/access road.

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Fee title interest remains with the Corps but the property has outgranted for the operation and maintenance of the highway.

Project Operations Lands - Cottonwood Springs. Project lands required for the dam, spillway, and outlet works, are classified for operational purposes, consisting of approximately 88 acres. Low density recreation use is permitted within this classification provided that it will not conflict with safety or security practices. None of the area required for operational purposes will be outleased in the future. There are also no historical or archeological sites located within this classification.

High Density Recreation - Cold Brook: High density recreation activities at Cold Brook include camp grounds, boat launch, fishing areas and fish cleaning stations, picnic areas, and parking areas. These areas are intensively used by the public and include structural enhancements such as toilets, overhead protection, paving, and signage. The total area of High Density Recreation Lands at the Cold Brook Lake Project is 31 acres.

High Density Recreation - Cottonwood: Approximately 36 acres located adjacent to the north shore of the lake and on the south cliffs overlooking the lake have been selected for recreation- intensive use (North Shore Picnic Area – 15 acres and the South Cliffs Camping Area – 21 acres). The two areas are particularly suited for intensive use recreation because of suitable terrain, vegetative cover, scenic views, natural beauty, accessibility, and ability to withstand heavy public use with a minimal impact on the environment.

The north shore area consists of a picnic area. Recreation facilities in this area include a flush- type toilet, an ADA accessible picnic shelter, a well, a paved circulation road, paved parking areas, and picnic tables. Tree cover is lacking in this area and the terrain is flat to rolling.

The south cliffs area consists of an existing camp area, Recreation facilities in this area include a flush-type toilet, a playground, paved camping pads, and a paved circulation road and parking lot. The area is heavily wooded with Ponderosa pine trees.

Mitigation. There are no lands classified as Mitigation at the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas. There are no lands classified as Environmentally Sensitive at the Cold Brook or Cottonwood Springs projects.

Multiple Resource Managed Lands • Low Density Recreation – Cold Brook. Approximately 172 acres have been classified as Multiple Use: Low Density Recreation. Topography within these areas varies from very flat in drainage valleys and upper plateaus, to steep on the rocky slopes on both sides of the lake. The steeper portions within these management units contains most of the available tree stands (Rocky Mountain juniper and ponderosa pine). The flatter areas have similar vegetation as that described in the High Density Recreation classification (see above). There are several known archeological sites located within these the areas, any ground disturbing activity requires clearance. The

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flatter terrain is suitable for recreation activities such as hiking and archery.

• Low Density Recreation – Cottonwood Springs. Approximately 79 acres have been classified Multiple Use: Low Density Recreation. These lands consist of all project lands which are not classified for project operations, wildlife management, or recreation-intensive use. This classification provides a buffer zone between the project boundary and the recreation intensive use areas and also includes the steeper areas of land on the project which are not suitable for intensive-recreation development or wildlife management. This classification is adaptable for recreation of the less concentrated type such as hiking, nature study, and bird watching.

• Wildlife Management Areas – Cold Brook. Approximately 157 acres have been classified as Multiple Use: Wildlife Management. These areas consist of the primarily undisturbed and undeveloped areas on the northern portion of the project area. The valley floor is covered with native grasses with tree cover found on the east and west slopes. Low density recreation activities are permitted on these lands when not in conflict with the primary classification.

• Wildlife Management Areas – Cottonwood Springs. Approximately 363 acres have been classified as Multiple Use: Wildlife Management. These areas consist primarily of level land except for a few steep slopes adjacent to the project boundary on the north and south sides of the valley. The valley floor is covered with native grasses with only significant tree cover found on the north and south steep slopes. Low density recreation activities are permitted on these lands when not in conflict with the primary classification.

Water Surface • Open Recreation – Cold Brook. The majority of surface acres (35 acres) at the multipurpose pool elevation are dedicated open recreation. Only electric motors are permitted.

• Open Recreation – Cottonwood Springs. The majority of surface acres (41 acres) at the multipurpose pool elevation are dedicated open recreation. Only electric motors are permitted.

• Restricted - Cold Brook. Areas surrounding the intake structure and swimming beach are classified as restricted. No watercraft are permitted within those zones.

• Restricted – Cottonwood Springs. A single acre (1 acre) is classified as a restricted safety zone around the intake structure.

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CHAPTER 5 RESOURCE PLAN INTRODUCTION This chapter describes in broad terms the way that project lands and water surface will be managed to fulfill the Resource Objectives identified in Chapter 3. Project lands are managed according to their land classifications as identified in Chapter 4. A wide variety of factors must be considered when developing project lands and resources. These factors include physical characteristics, land and lake access, compatibility with adjacent land uses, existing and projected visitation levels and visitor-use pattern, the economics of operation and maintenance, and Federal, State, and local initiatives. It is vital that any future recreational development not destroy the very features of the Projects that visitors come to enjoy. Therefore, the overall objective in development of the Projects lands is to provide recreational benefits consistent with the preservation of the area’s natural resources and scenic qualities.

MANAGEMENT UNITS This chapter identifies the 7 management units described at Cold Brook and 5 management units described at Cottonwood Springs. Division of the Projects into individual units was an integral part of the planning process and facilitated identification of the most appropriate land and resource uses of the various project areas. The boundaries of the management units are based on physical, administrative, and operational characteristics. The locations of the areas are shown in plates 1 and 2. The management area resource objectives reflect site-specific application of the project-wide resource objectives established in the previous chapter. Implementation of these objectives will help to satisfy identified regional needs and desires of other agencies and the public within the limits and capabilities of the projects resource base. The discussion of each management unit (MU) contains the following components. • MU number - This is a sequential number assigned to each MU associated with the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Lake Projects • Classification - The designated land use classification category for each MU. The five classification categories are described in detail in chapter 5. • Location - A brief description of the location of the area, including access to the area. • Description - A brief description of the area, focusing on the natural and cultural resources that affect use of the area. • Area Use - The predominant use of the area. • Resource Objectives (ROs) - A brief list of the objectives for each management unit. Each unit may have more than one resource objective and, if so, these objectives are not prioritized. • Development Needs - Summary descriptions of the techniques that can or should be undertaken to implement the area resource objectives. The concepts discussed under this component are not all-inclusive; rather, they convey an understanding of the range of

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management and development strategies that could be used to implement the resource objectives. The development needs will be further refined and detailed in subsequent planning and design documents, including the Operational Management Plan (OMPs). The ultimate decisions regarding the methods that are actually implemented will involve coordination between the Corps, State, Tribal, and local agencies, and the private sector, where appropriate and as opportunities arise. • Rationale - A discussion of the need for and the intent of the identified ROs and the development concepts recommended to implement them. • Special Site Conditions - This optional component is used when there are very specific issues that apply to the MU that may affect the overall management outcome of the unit.

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COLD BROOK LAKE PROJECT Dam and Operations Structures (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #1 Classification. Project Operations Location. This area is accessible by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road southeast of the dam. Description. This 77 acre MU includes the dam and spillway. The use of Project Operations lands largely consists of project operations and maintenance activities, with some areas, such as the top of the dam, closed to the public. This area is dominated by a mixed grass flora, including western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), needleandthread grass (Stipa comata), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). The steeper slopes are dominated by an open forest of ponderosa pine (Penus ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). Yucca plants (Y. glauca) and several varieties of sage (Artemisia) are also common. Area Use. This management unit is comprised of structures and facilities, including the project office, critical to the operation of the dam and reservoir. Most project lands, including the embankments and spillway are available for wildlife viewing and bird watching, although much of these activities must be conducted at a distance because of limited trail access. Resource Objectives. • Maintain the operational integrity of the dam and related facilities • Interpret the Corps’ missions for visitors • Maintain and promote ecological integrity and natural vegetation to the extent possible • Provide for low intensity recreation that does not hinder the operation or security of the project. Development Needs. • Thinning and prescribed burning where appropriate to achieve desired environmental stewardship management objectives • Implement programs for control and removal of invasive and exotic species • Control and remove organisms that pose a threat to the facility’s structural integrity • Provide the operational and maintenance support required to fulfill flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation project purposes • Manage vegetation and wildlife resources in a manner best suited to the operational needs of the project including removal of trees in spillway. Rationale. This area is classified as Project Operations because the facilities located here are essential for operation and maintenance purposes at Cold Brook project. Although operation of the project and concerns for safety are the primary aspects of management of this area,

5-3 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 compatible public use also is supported.

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Southeast Management Area (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #2 Classification. High Density Recreation Location. This area is accessible by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road southeast of the dam. Description. This management unit is 7 acres. This small MU includes lakeshore habitat with a very steep bank and upland habitat that is predominately vegetated with trees and shrubs. Current development includes visitor parking and a short trail terminating at an overlook at the north end of this parcel. Area Use. This MU receives visitors that enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, picnicking, and bird watching. Resource Objectives. • Control shoreline erosion • Maintain existing trail to overlook • Develop intensive use recreation facilities • Provide for ADA accessible recreation opportunities • Ensure safe access and use Development Needs. • Stabilize the bank as needed • Construct day use recreation facilities such as picnic shelters, playgrounds, and trails where appropriate • Install and maintain visitor assistance signage o Project rules and regulations o Directional signage to park facilities o Emergency information and contacts o Trail head signage • Ensure ADA accessibility is designed into facility rehab and new construction • Install interpretive features on overlook that focuses on dam history, history of Hot Spring, historic flooding, etc. • Develop circumnavigating trail and provide trailhead access and signage. • Install lighting around parking area. Rationale. This area is classified as Recreation – Intensive Use primarily because of the visitor parking and a trail terminating at an overlook are located in the north end of this parcel.

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Low Density Recreation Area (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #3 Classification. Multiple-Use: Low Density Recreation Location. Vehicle access is provided via the main project entrance by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road. Pedestrian and bike access can also be obtained from the north end of the project via the gate entrance at Argyle Road. Description. This MU is 172 acres and is divided by Cold Brook Lake. Both areas are characterized as steep, partially wooded hills ranging from elevations of 85-100 feet above the valley floor. The eastern portion contains more open rangeland and grass covered areas. The western portion is primarily conifer forest with steep terrain. The vegetation is predominately ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper with mixed grasses, both native and non-native. The south eastern corner of this MU also contains an archery range managed by a 3rd party archery club. Area Use. Visitation to this area is generally low. Area use includes unpaved primitive trails, an archery range, and undeveloped areas which may be used for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Resource Objectives. • Provide day use recreation opportunities • Maintain wildlife habitat diversity and manage existing vegetation to provide habitat for upland game birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife species • Maintain a safe archery range. Development Needs. • Install dispersed picnic tables, grills, and shelters • Manage vegetation to ensure ecosystem integrity consistent with environmental stewardship objectives for low density recreation areas by

o Conducting prescribed burns o Managing invasive and noxious species o Forest thinning and management Rationale. This MU has the classification of Low Density Recreation because of its hilly topography, minimal use, and dispersed development.

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North Wildlife Management Unit (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #4 Classification. Multiple-Use: Wildlife Management Location. Vehicle access is provided via the main project entrance by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road. Pedestrian and bike access can also be obtained from the north end of the project via the gate entrance at Argyle Road. Description. This MU consists of 157 acres with a fairly flat drainage valley east of the northern access road and steeper, tree-covered hillsides. The unit is bisected by a two-track project road commonly used by the public as a hiking/biking trail. It can also be used as alternative emergency access from Argyle Road. The road/trial is approximately 0.72 miles in length and occupies less than an acre within the management unit. Wildlife using the area include both white-tailed and mule deer as well as small furbearers. During the fall and spring migrations, geese and ducks may be found in the embayment. Area Use. The area is currently used for day use activities such as photography, bird watching, hiking, biking, and nature study. Hunting is permitted in this area subject to project office restrictions on firearms. Resource Objectives. • Provide non-consumptive recreational uses such as hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and sightseeing that are consistent with the Wildlife Management classification objectives • Promote ecological integrity and native habitat diversity and maintain quality habitat for native species • Protect any State or Federally listed threatened and endangered species that may periodically use the area • Maintain safe access to project area • Interpret USACE environmental stewardship missions • Connect the project to the regional trail network • Provide day use parking access to the trail separate from the adjacent camp ground. Development Needs. • Develop hiking trails where appropriate • Plant trees, shrubs, and food plots in the area to provide shade, increase winter cover and to supplement the existing wildlife food supply • Control invasive and exotic species • Develop a controlled burn plan • Manage vegetation to promote ecological integrity consistent with environmental stewardship objectives

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• Construct parking access separate from campground parking on southern end • Construct parking off of Argyle Rd. for pedestrian and bike access • Tie into regional trial system • Install interpretive signage and develop associated programs • Improve current road/trail to facilitate easier pedestrian and biking use

Rationale. This area is classified as Multiple Use: Wildlife Management because it serves as valuable wildlife habitat for a diverse assemblage of animals that utilize grassland, wooded, and riparian habitats. Low density, non-consumptive recreational development is appropriate when in-line with the primary management objectives.

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Argyle Road/Highway 16 (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #5 Classification. Project Operations Location. Argyle Road from the intersection with highway 385 to the Argyle Road entrance to the project. Description. This MU consists of 11 acres and wholly consists of the road and adjacent shoulder areas. Area Use. Primary public use is for east/west transportation on the north side of the project. Access to the project may be obtained off of Argyle Road via the project road that bisects Management Unit #4. This is primarily a public highway and is used as such. The road may be used as project access during emergency management situations. Resource Objectives. • Maintain safe access to the project. • Permit operation and maintenance of the public roadway under the terms of the easement. Development Needs. • There are no proposed development needs for this management unit. • The Corps may explore excessing the property in the future, however a declaration that there is excess property has not been made. Rationale. This area is classified as Project Operations to accommodate the potential of emergency operations access. Special Site Conditions. The area is currently managed under an Outgrant instrument.

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Camping Area (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #6 Classification. High Density Recreation Location. Vehicle access is provided via the main project entrance by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road. Pedestrian and bike access can also be obtained from the north end of the project via the gate entrance at Argyle Road. Description. This MU consists of 9 acres and includes of a primitive camp ground (11 pads), playground, and group picnic area. Vegetation consists of non-native grasses such as Kentucky Blue grass. Area Use. The campground is very popular among local and regional visitors and is often at capacity during prime recreation holidays. Resource Objectives. • Maintain campground facilities to ensure high quality recreation experiences • Expand camping opportunities • Facilitate barrier free access • Promote public health and safety Development Needs. • Provide potable water • Construct picnic shelters to enhance camper experience • Maintain and improve roads accessing and within the campground loop • Separate parking facilities for the campground and access to day use facilities/areas. Rationale. This area is classified as High Density Recreation to accommodate developed campgrounds. Special Site Conditions. The campground’s location along Cold Brook upstream of the reservoir leaves it vulnerable to potential flash flood events. A gage located north of Argyle Road is set up to trigger an alarm at the campground in the event that water levels rise sharply. The alarm system is integrated into an automatic dialer that notifies the county sheriff’s office, county emergency manager, the Corps ranger’s cell phone, and the Big Bend Project’s power house control room.

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North and West Lake Shore Day Use Recreation Areas (Cold Brook) Management Unit. MU #7 Classification. High Density Recreation Location. This MU encompasses several high density recreation areas on the north and west sides of the reservoir. Vehicle access is provided via the main project entrance by following Evans Street to Larive Lake Road. Pedestrian and bike access can also be obtained from the north end of the project via the gate entrance at Argyle Road. Description. The 15 acre MU is long, narrow and relatively flat. Vegetation consists of both native and non-native grass with occasional cedars and ponderosa pines. Facilities in the developed recreation areas include a single-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, fish cleaning table, vault toilets, picnic tables, and playground areas with a basketball court and equipment. Area Use. Visitation is high from spring to fall. Most of the visitors to this area participate in boating, fishing, and picnicking. Resource Objectives. • Provide lake access for boating and fishing • Provide for a variety of day use activities • Promote activities such as hiking, photography, and sightseeing • Promote ecological integrity through enhancement of fish and protection of wildlife habitat consistent with the overall high density recreation objectives Development Needs. • Construct additional boat ramps or replace/improve current • Provide potable water • Provide picnic tables and grills • Upgrade fish cleaning facilities • Construct shoreline access points • Construct winter ice fishing access for low water situations; • Install separate parking area near the gate leading to the wildlife management area for day use visitors • Install security light at the boat ramp • Install interpretive signage and other interpretive features along the trail on the natural history of the area, cultural resources, native wildlife, etc • Plant trees and shrubs in the area to provide shade and shelter • Install ADA fishing access platforms Rationale. This MU supports a land use classification of High Density Recreation because of the aesthetic qualities, suitable resources, and the diversity of the existing recreation

5-11 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016 facilities.

5-12 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016

COTTONWOOD SPRINGS LAKE PROJECT Dam and Spillway (Cottonwood Springs) Management Unit. MU #1 Classification. Project Operations Location. This area is accessible by Country Highway 17 southeast of the dam. Description. This management unit is 88 acres and includes the dam and spillway. The use of Project Operations lands largely consists of project operations and maintenance activities, with some areas, such as the top of the dam, closed to the public. This area is dominated by a mixed grass flora, including western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), needle-and-thread grass (Stipa comata), and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). The steeper slopes are dominated by an open forest of ponderosa pine (Penus ponderosa) and Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). Yucca plants (Y. glauca) and several varieties of sage (Artemisia) are also common. Area Use. This management unit is comprised mainly of structures and facilities critical to the operation of the dam and reservoir. Most project lands, including the embankments and spillway are available for wildlife viewing and bird watching, although much of these activities must be conducted at a distance because of limited trail access. Resource Objectives. • Accomplish flood control and maintenance of the project • Maintain the operational integrity of the dam and related facilities • Provide interpretive opportunities for visitors to learn about the Corps’ missions • Maintain and promote ecological integrity and natural vegetation to extent possible consistent with primary operation objectives. Development Needs. • Implement programs for control and removal of invasive and exotic species • Control and remove organisms that pose a threat to the facility’s structural integrity • Provide the operational and maintenance support required to fulfill flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation project purposes • Manage vegetation and wildlife resources in a manner best suited to the operational needs of the project Rationale. This area is classified as Project Operations because the facilities located here are essential for operation and maintenance purposes at the Cottonwood Springs Project. Although operation of the project and concerns for safety are the primary aspects of management of this area, compatible public use also is supported.

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Wildlife Management Area (Cottonwood Springs) Management Unit. MU #2 Classification. Multiple-Use: Wildlife Management Location. This MU surrounds the entire project to the east, north, and west; with the majority of the land located to the east/northeastern side of the lake. Access is obtained via project roads from the main entrance by following Highway 18 and turning north on County Road 17 (Memorial Road). Description. The topography of this 363 acre area varies with steep, heavily wooded draws on the east/northeastern and southern side of the lake to relatively flat, open bottomland to the northwest. Wildlife species inhabiting the area include white-tailed deer, pheasant, turkey, beaver, muskrat, rabbit, and many songbirds Area Use. Visitor use in the area is low, primarily for non-consumptive uses such as hiking and wildlife watching. Limited archery hunting is permitted in the northern sections of this MU and the area is a locally popular spot. Resource Objectives. • Protect any State or federally listed threatened and endangered species that may periodically use the area • Promote ecological integrity and native habitat diversity • Provide safe and managed access for archery hunting during specified seasons • Provide non-consumptive recreational uses such as hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, and sightseeing that are consistent with the wildlife management classification’s objectives Development Needs. • Develop hiking trails where appropriate • Control invasive and exotic species • Manage vegetation for optimum use of threatened and endangered species and other wildlife and fisheries • Develop a controlled burn plan • Conduct periodic biological site surveys to monitor the presence of any rare or endangered species and; • Prepare a management plan for long term invasive and exotic plant eradication/management. Rationale. A land use classification of Multiple Resource Management: Wildlife Management is assigned to this MU because the area is suitable for additional wildlife plantings such as trees, shrubs, or small food plots.

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North Shore Recreation Area (Cottonwood Springs) Management Unit. MU #3 Classification. High Density Recreation Location. This MU is located adjacent to the north shore of the lake. Description. This 15 acres MU consists of a flush-type toilet, a picnic shelter (designed especially for the handicapped), a well, a paved circulation road, paved parking areas, a boat ramp and gravel parking area, and picnic facilities. Tree cover is lacking in this area and the terrain is flat to rolling. This area is particularly suited for intensive use recreation because of suitable terrain, vegetative cover, scenic views, natural beauty, accessibility, and ability to withstand heavy public use with a minimal impact on the environment. Recreation activities adaptable are picnicking and camping. Area Use. The primary uses of this area include both water- and land-oriented recreation activities. Fishermen are prominent during early spring and late fall when fishing is at its peak. During the summer months the major recreational uses of the area are picnicking and fishing. Resource Objectives. • Provide lake access for water-oriented recreation • Provide day use recreation facilities for family and groups activities • Improve and upgrade public access • Provide potable water • Provide opportunities for educating the public about native ecosystems and wildlife • Enhance and protect fish and wildlife habitat for indigenous species through the integration of ecosystem and wildlife management into planning efforts and management practices Development Needs. • Construct a new boat ramp and upgrade parking area with security lighting, maintain existing boat ramp and create shoreline access • Construct ADA fishing platforms • Construct hiking trails linking other MUs together around the project backcountry camping area • Improve, replace, and construct comfort stations where appropriate • Install visitor assistance and interpretive signage Rationale. This area is classified as High Density because of the opportunities for consumptive resource uses such as fishing and for non-consumptive resource uses such as photography, sight-seeing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Many fishermen visit the management unit to access the shoreline to fish for walleye, northern pike, bass, catfish, and crappie.

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Special Site Conditions. During winter months road conditions restrict access. The most popular winter activity is ice fishing and the road accessing the lake is steep and unplowed during the off season. This requires that most winter visitors access the majority of the property on foot.

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Low Density Recreation Area (Cottonwood Springs) Management Unit. MU #4 Classification. Multiple-Use: Low Density Recreation Location. This MU is accessed from the southern end of the project via Country Highway 17. Description. This area is 79 acres and encompasses the majority of the land surrounding the lake itself. The immediate west side is steep, hilly and heavily wooded with trees such as ponderosa pines. The northeast portion is open mixed grassland nearly completely devoid of trees while the southwest portion is a mix of open grassland and wooded areas. Area Use. Visitation is moderate-to-high. Many of the visitors originate from Fall River County and surrounding communities. The area use is seasonal with the majority of the visitation occurring during the summer for shoreline fishing Resource Objectives. • Maintain the health and biodiversity of the short grass prairie habitat in the uplands • Enhance and protect fish and wildlife habitat for indigenous species through the integration of ecosystem and wildlife management into planning efforts and management practices • Manage invasive and exotic plant populations. Development Needs. • Conduct prescribed burns on Low Density Recreation lands • Plant trees, shrubs, and food plots in the area to increase winter cover and to supplement the existing wildlife food supply and; • Monitor and respond to with vegetation control techniques for successful invasive species management. Rationale. A land use classification of Multiple Resource Management: Low Density Recreation is assigned to this area because it has some potential for additional non-consumptive development. Special Site Conditions. • Public safety concerns during controlled burns, which are commonly used to invasive and exotic plant species; and • Roads are not plowed in the winter, travel throughout and access to various sites is at the visitor’s own risk

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South Cottonwood Springs Campground Management Unit. MU #5 Classification. High Density Recreation Location. This MU is accessed from the southern end of the project via Country Highway 17. The South Cottonwood Springs Campground is located on the west side of the lake. Description. The south cliffs area consists of 21 acres and includes an existing camp area and recreation facilities. The area includes a flush-type toilet, a playground, paved camping pads, and a paved circulation road and parking lot. The area is surrounded by is wooded areas consisting mostly of Ponderosa pines. Area Use. Visitor use of the area is moderate to high seasonally and is mostly used for camping, picnicking, hiking, and bird watching as there is no shoreline access. Most visitors are from Fall River County. Resource Objectives. • Maintain recreation facilities to ensure high quality recreation experiences and public health and safety • Promote barrier free access where feasible • Provide additional recreational infrastructure • Provide a potable water source • Provide opportunities for educating the public about native ecosystems and wildlife through the use of interpretive signage in order to increase enjoyment and understanding of these resources • Provide opportunities for environmental program partnerships, such as volunteer opportunities and group events Development Needs. • Construct hiking trails and comfort stations • Control the introduction of invasive and nuisance species and monitor for their appearance Rationale. A land use classification of High Density Recreation is appropriate for this area to meet camping demand created by the construction of the project.

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CHAPTER 6 SPECIAL TOPICS This chapter discusses items that are unique to the projects and are not discussed in prior chapters.

REAL ESTATE There are currently two potential real estate issues at Cold Brook Lake that may impact the project in the future.

First, a significant portion of the road that leads to the Corps office and maintenance yard is actually located on private property. To date, only verbal permission has been granted by the current landowner and no issues have arisen. However, in the event property ownership transfers to another individual the Corps may lose convenient road access to the office. There is an alternative road that leads down from the lake overlook but it is unpaved and would need significant improvements if it were to be used as the primary access. The project office should consider acquiring less than fee title interest in the current access to avoid future issues.

Second, there is a private residence on the northern side of the project that uses project roads as their sole access. There is no formal real estate agreement in place and the current arrangement may impact the Corps ability to close the project road during maintenance or emergency activities. Furthermore, the Corps does not preform winter snow removal on that segment of road.

SEASONAL STAFFING Both project offices are run by a single permanent seasonal Natural Resource Specialist who reports directly to the Big Bend project office. Because of the seasonal presence at the projects there is no consistent supervision of the resources during the late fall to early spring months. Currently the project has a law enforcement contract with the local jurisdiction but they only patrol during the normal recreation season. During the winter months access is at the public’s own risk. Staff from the Big Bend Project Office do make a monthly trip to both projects to conduct dam safety inspections.

FLASH FLOODING The campground at Cold Brook Lake is susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rain events upstream. An auto dialer and alarm system are connected to a monitoring station upstream of Argyle Road to provide early flood warning. In the event the monitoring station is triggered the auto dialer calls Falls County emergency management staff, local law enforcement, and the Corps of Engineers at the Big Bend Project. An alarm is also triggered at the campground notifying visitors they need to evacuate.

LARIVE LAKE WATER RIGHT Larive Lake is small private lake just downstream of the Cold Brook Lake Dam. They have an

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existing water right that is senior to the Cold Brook Dam impoundment. The Corps releases water up to 1.1 cfs at their request to maintain the lake’s elevation.

MOUNTAIN PINE BARK BEETLES Mountain Pine Beetles are a native species normally considered to part of a functional ecosystem. However these species can reach damaging infestation levels during favorable climatic conditions, infesting and killing large swaths of forest. Although it is not known to currently exist within either of the Projects, they can spread rapidly and resource managers should be monitoring for their presence.

COLD BROOK CHANNEL RECONSTRUCTION From the initial construction of Cold Brook Dam in the early 1950s until 1994, the reservoir rarely filled to the top of the multipurpose pool, and outflows were at or near zero. Since 1994, groundwater conditions in the Black Hills have changed and there has been an increase in flow from springs in the area. This has resulted in pool levels at or slightly above the top of multipurpose pool and minor discharges of below 20 cfs have spilled through the lower port openings of the intake structure except for periods of artificial drawdown. Traditionally the releases from Cold Brook Dam had been absorbed into the bed of the outflow channel and did not pose a problem to downstream residents.

Beginning in December 1998, the outflow began to extend farther downstream on project property but still within the channel. After flow left the boundary of the Cold Brook Project, it extended into private land and a residential area in the northern part of Hot Springs, South Dakota. In about a one-quarter mile reach of private land below Cold Brook Dam, the channel had been completely filled in with homes, trailers, and outbuildings in the historic channel area and flood plain of Cold Brook. Because of the lack of a channel to convey flood flows, a significant area was flooded with only a small release from the project. In addition to potential for property damage, the warning time for high releases is very low, which resulted in the potential for loss of life in the residential area.

From 1999 through 2011, a summertime drawdown of the reservoir pool was initiated in order to provide additional warning time of releases and to provide a small amount of additional storage for small flood events. Each spring a deviation from the water control plan was requested to allow this drawdown. When it was first initiated in 1999 the plan called for maintaining the Cold Brook Lake pool at a level five feet (elevation 3580 ft) below the intake of the outlet works. The drawdown provided an additional 165 ac-ft of storage space in the reservoir to contain rainfall runoff. Because of impacts to recreation at the project, from 2000 through 2011 the lake was drawn down to a level only 3 feet (elevation 3582 ft) below the intake of the outlet works. This drawdown plan was continued as local authorities continued with initiatives to restore the downstream channel capacity.

The channel restoration on Corps land was completed in 2008. The city of Hot Springs completed restoring a channel through town in 2009 with capacity for the 100 year flow event. Fall River County is in the process of applying for assistance, and channel work has yet to begin.

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There are no structures in the county portion of the channel, but some driveways could be inundated with a large flow from Cold Brook; also trees, rocks and sloughing need cleaned out. The Corps funded the construction of a culvert on the county portion of the channel in fiscal year 2012. This culvert provides access to the reservoir during high flow out of the project.

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CHAPTER 7 TRIBAL, AGENCY, AND PUBLIC COORDINATION

Coordination with Tribal interests, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the general public is an integral part of the master planning process. Prior to any revision or plan formulation the Corps seeks input from potentially interested parties through both formal and informal scoping by seeking comments on regional needs from a variety of parties. The input collected during the initial scoping phases of the project are then used to inform the preliminary draft master plan.

Once drafted the preliminary draft master plan is circulated for review by Tribal interests, other federal agencies, as well as state and local government entities to ensure the plan complements local and regional plans. Again, the input collected is taken into consideration during the development of the draft master plan which is then posted for all parties to review and comment on.

The draft master plan and environmental assessment are posted for a review and comment period online and notices are published via press release, social media, and direct mail. Once input has been received and the review period is closed, the Corps revises the documents where necessary and moves to finalization and implementation.

TRIBAL COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION Coordination with Tribes began in September of 2013 with a meeting held in Hot Springs, South Dakota on September 16, 2013 at the Mueller Civic Center. Invitations were sent on August 23, 2013 informing potentially interested Tribes of the upcoming revision and scoping meeting. After a brief delay, an additional letter dated January 9, 2015 was sent to all parties on the Tribal contact list (see Table 21) requesting input to consider as the preliminary draft master plan was developed. Several responses were received (see Table 22). The preliminary draft was posted online for review by Tribal parties and notice was provided by letter, dated May 22, 2015. A meeting with Tribal parties will take place during the draft master plan review period, which is currently scheduled to run from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016. Comments received will be considered for incorporation as the Corps moves to finalization and implementation of the master plan.

AGENCY AND PUBLIC COORDINATION Coordination with other agencies and the public is an integral part of the master planning process. During the initial stages of the planning process, the Corps held a scoping meeting on September 16, 2013 at Mueller Civic Center, Hot Springs, South Dakota. Prior to the meeting, announcements were sent to individuals, organizations, and agencies on the Falls River county mailing list. Announcements also were posted in local newspapers, on Corps websites, and announced on local television and radio stations.

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In December of 2014, this master planning effort was reinitiated and a second round of preliminary scoping occurred. In May of 2015, a preliminary draft master plan was posted online and letters requesting input were again sent to those on the contact list (see Table 21).

Table 21. Agency Scoping Contacts Federal/ State/ Local Agencies Tribal Government/ Cultural Resource Entities US Forest Service* Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Natural Resource Conservation Service Cheyenne/Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma USFWS, South Dakota Ecological Services Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Field Office National Park Service Wind Cave National Eastern Shoshone Tribe Park Black Hills National Forest Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe South Dakota State Parks Lower Brule Sioux Tribe South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks* Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation Custer State Park Northern Arapaho Tribe South Dakota State Historical Society Northern Cheyenne Tribe South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Oglala Sioux Tribe Wildland Fire Division* Fall River County Emergency Management Rosebud Sioux Tribe* Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Yankton Sioux Tribe Sicangu Lakota Treaty Council Office Kiowa Ethnographic Endeavor for Preservation * indicates that a comment or a response was received from the agency

Table 22. Substantive Comments and Responses Substantive Comment (commenter) Response Corps could develop an interagency partnership to Interagency coordination will continue into improve efficiency of managing lands (US Forest the future and the Corps will continue to look Service) for opportunities to improve efficiencies in managing these projects. The EA needs to include, consider, and Continued engagement with Rosebud and/ or

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Substantive Comment (commenter) Response inquire as to the presence of, or comprehend other Tribal entities will further elucidate that Tribal knowledge of the Black Hills is comments and concerns so that they can be still intact. (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) directly addressed in the master plan. Consultation should occur and input from Concur. Native people should be incorporated into the EA. (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) There is concern regarding the extent of land The Corps will continue engagement in order encompassed within the project boundaries, to clarify these concerns and address them to particularly the Cold Brook project. the extent possible. There needs to be a process for utilizing water Noted. The Corps will continue to work with from both lakes for wildland fire suppression local firefighting agencies to assist with efforts on the Army Corps of Engineers land emergency response planning. as well as fire on state, and private lands as well as other federal land (South Dakota Department of Agriculture, Wildland Fire Division)

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CHAPTER 8 RECOMMENDATIONS

[This section will be developed during the finalization process]

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CHAPTER 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (SDGFP). (2005). South Dakota Statewide Fisheries Survey for Cold Brook Reservoir and Cottonwood Springs Reservoir. 2102-F21-R-43. SDGFP. (2013). South Dakota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Division of Parks and Recreation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). (1981a). Design Memorandum No. CY30.-1 Master Plan, Fall River Basin, Cold Brook Lake, South Dakota. Omaha District. USACE. (1981b). Design Memorandum No. CS-11C Master Plan, Fall River Basin, Cottonwood Springs, South Dakota. Omaha District. USACE. (1999). Engineering Regulation (ER) 1130-2-550, Project Operations – Recreation Operations and Maintenance Guidance and procedures, 15 November 1996 (change 1 dated October 1999). Retrieved from http://140.194.76.129/publications/eng-regs/er1130-2- 550/toc.htm USACE. (2010). Final Oahe Dam/Lake Oahe Master Plan, Missouri River, South Dakota and North Dakota, Design memorandum MO-224, USACE Omaha District, September 2010. USACE. (2010). Water Quality Conditions at Tributary Projects in the Omaha District. Omaha District. USACE. (2012). Big Bend Project, Cold Brook Lake – Final Level One Natural Resources Inventories and Big Bend Project, Cottonwood Springs Lake – Final Level One Natural Resources Inventories. Omaha District. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2014). Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. Retrieved March 30, 2015 from: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. U.S. Forest Service (2008), Description of the Ecoregions of the United States – M334 Black Hills Coniferous Forest Province. Retrieved March 30, 2015 from: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/ecosysmgmt/colorimagemap/images/m334.html, Rocky Mountain Research Station Updated August 22, 2008. Water Resources Council. (1983). Economic and Environmental Principles for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies. National Park Service (NPS). 1986. 1982-1983 Nationwide Recreation Survey. Recreation Resources Assistance Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. April 1986.

University of Nebraska at Lincoln Bureau of Business Research. 2007. Nebraska Population Projections. Available at the Web site: http://www.bbr.unl.edu/popprojections/index.aspx

South Dakota State University. 2008. South Dakota and County Population Projections. Available at the following Web site: http://www.sdstate.edu/soc/rlcdc/i-o/reports/upload/South-

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Dakota-State-and-County-Demographic-Profiles-B755.pdf

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment Situation Summary: 2014. http://www.bls.gov/cps/

U.S. Census Bureau. 2010. 2010 Census of Population and Housing: Summary Tape Files. Available at the following Web site: http://www.factfinder. census.gov/

U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. Census 2000: Summary Files. Available at the following Web site: http://www.factfinder. census.gov/

U.S. Census Bureau. 2014. 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5 Year Estimates. Available at the following Web site: http://www.factfinder. census.gov/

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APPENDIX A

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

A-1

PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Cold Brook &Cottonwood Springs Master Plans Update

Fall River County, South Dakota

Prepared By: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District Environmental Resources and Missouri River Recovery Program Plan Formulation Section Planning Branch, CENWO-PM-AC 1616 Capitol Avenue Omaha, Nebraska 68102-4901

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Authority ...... 1 1.2 Project Location ...... 2 1.3 Proposed Action ...... 3 1.3.1 Resource Objectives that would be Included in the Updated Master Plan ...... 4 1.4 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action ...... 4 1.3.2 Description of the Newly Delineated Management Units and Corresponding Developmental Needs...... 5 1.3.2 Management Strategies not Previously Considered under the 1981 Master Plans and Proposed for Inclusion into the 2016 Master Plan Update...... 10 1.5 Public Scoping ...... 12 2.0 ALTERNATIVES...... 14 2.1 Alternative 1 – No-Action ...... 14 2.2 Alternative 2 - Recommended Plan ...... 14 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...... 24 3.1 Environmental Setting ...... 24 3.1.1 Climate ...... 25 3.1.2 Geology ...... 26 3.1.4 Air Quality ...... 28 3.1.5 Water Quality ...... 30 3.1.6 Noise ...... 32 3.1.7 Wetlands ...... 33 3.1.8 Fisheries ...... 37 3.1.9 Vegetation ...... 38 3.1.10 Wildlife ...... 39 3.1.11 Threatened and Endangered Species ...... 41 3.1.12 Cultural Resources ...... 45 3.1.13 Recreational Resources ...... 46 3.1.14 Prime Farmland ...... 47 3.1.15 Socio-Economic ...... 50 3.1.16 Cumulative Impacts ...... 51

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

4.0 COORDINATION ...... 52 5.0 MITIGATION...... 52 6.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS ...... 53 7.0 CONCLUSION ...... 56 8.0 PREPARERS ...... 57 9.0 LITERATURE CITED ...... 58

List of Figures: Figure 1. General Project Locations in South Dakota...... 3 Figure 2 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Recreation Areas showing USACE-Owned Lands ...... 3 Figure 3. Wetlands Located at Cold Brook Reservoir (36.6 acres of aquatic bed, 2.6 acres of forested/shrub wetlands, and 1.4 acres of freshwater emergent wetlands)...... 34 Figure 4. Wetlands Located at Cottonwood Springs Reservoir (9.8 acres of aquatic bed and 5.7 acres of freshwater emergent wetlands)...... 35 Figure 5. Map detailing Soils at the Cold Brook Reservoir Project Area (Note: Hatched Area in the Upper Left-hand Corner of the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam - prime farmland if irrigated)...... 48 Figure 6. Map detailing Soils at the Cottonwood Springs Reservoir Project Area (Note: Green Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Norkool silt loam – farmland of statewide importance, Red Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam cool - prime farmland if irrigated, and Yellow Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam dry – farmland of statewide importance)...... 49

List of Tables Table 1-1 Scoping Comments and Responses ...... 12 Table 2-1 Summary of Potential Effects by Alternative ...... 22 Table 3-1: Federally-listed Species in Fall River, South Dakota...... 42 Table 3-2: Threatened and Endangered Species Effect Determinations and the USFWS Responses...... 44

APPENDICES

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

LIST OF ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS

APE – Area of Potential Affect BGEPA - Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act BMPs – Best Management Practices CERCLA - Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act CEQ - Council on Environmental Quality CFR – Code of Federal Regulations EIS – Environmental Impact Statement ER – Engineer Regulation EO – Executive Order EPA - Environmental Protection Agency FONSI – Finding of No Significant Impact HDR – High Density Recreational Lands MBTA - Migratory Bird Treaty Act MSL – mean sea level MPH – miles per hour NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act NHPA - National Historic Preservation Act NRHP – National Register of Historic Places NWD – Northwestern Division NWO – Omaha District PEA – Programmatic Environmental Assessment SHPO – State Historic Preservation Office TCP – Traditional Cultural Properties THPO – Tribal Historic Preservation Office TMDL - Total Maximum Daily Load USACE – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USFWS – U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COLD BROOK & COTTONWOOD SPRINGS MASTER PLANS UPDATE FALL RIVER COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Northwestern Division (NWD), Omaha District (NWO), has prepared this Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to evaluate the alternatives for potential impacts of revising the existing 1981 Master Plans for the Cottonwood Springs Dam and Reservoir and the Cold Brook Dam and Reservoir project areas, collectively referred to from this point forward as “the projects” or “project sites” unless otherwise stated.

Preparation of this PEA follows the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines for Effective Use of Programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Reviews (CEQ, 2014). It evaluates “a suite of ongoing, proposed, and reasonably foreseeable actions that share a common geography or timing, such as multiple activities within a defined boundary” as described in the CEQ guidelines. This document will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and to ensure that circumstances have not changed that would impact the analysis and conclusions reached in the document.

This PEA provides the necessary information to fully address the potential environmental impacts of implementing activities consistent with operation and maintenance of activities at the two project sites as required under NEPA of 1969, as amended (42 U.S. Code [USC} 4321 et. seq.); CEQ Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1500 – 1508) (CEQ, 1992); and the USACE Engineering Regulation (ER) 200-2-2 (33 CFR 230) (USACE, 1988). This PEA provides sufficient information on the potential adverse and beneficial environmental effects to allow the District Commander, USACE, NWO, to make an informed decision on the appropriateness of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The finding of the PEA determines whether an EIS is required. If the PEA indicates that no significant impact is likely, then the agency can release a FONSI and carry on with the proposed action.

In order to reduce redundancy between the updated 2016 Master Plan and this PEA, content within the 2016 Master Plan is incorporated by reference into this PEA where noted. For more detailed information, please see the corresponding sections in the 2016 Master Plan.

1.1 Authority

The Cold Brook Dam and Lake Project and the Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake project are part of the comprehensive Fall River Basin project authorized for construction by the Flood Control Act (Public Law 228, 77th Congress, 1st Session), 18 August 1941, which states in part:

“Section 3. The project for the improvement of Fall River and tributaries, South Dakota, for flood control is hereby authorized to be constructed substantially in accordance with

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

the recommendations of the Chief of Engineers in House Document No. 655, Seventy- sixth Congress, third session, at an estimated cost of $1,050,000”.

The Fall River Basin project included channel improvement in the town of Hot Springs and the construction of the Cold Brook Lake and Cottonwood Springs Lake projects. Development of recreational facilities at Cold Brook Dam was authorized by Section 4 of the Flood Control Act of 1944 (Public Law 534, 78th Congress), 22 December 1944.

Cottonwood Springs Lake Project was placed in the deferred for study category in 1954. In August 1961, a restudy of the project was authorized to address the changed economic and physical conditions which occurred after the original authorization. The authorized restudy was completed in December 1964 and titled “Economic Re-Evaluation of Cottonwood Springs Creek Dam and Lake.” The purpose of the restudy was to reevaluate the economic feasibility of the authorized project under current conditions and to recommend any modifications required as a result of physical and economic changes since the plan was authorized. The restudy proposed a dam and lake with a slightly greater storage capacity than the authorized project.

1.2 Project Location

The Cottonwood Springs Dam is located on Cottonwood Springs Creek approximately 0.5 mile upstream from its confluence with Hot Brook, a tributary to the Fall River of the Cheyenne River basin. Cottonwood Springs Dam is located approximately 4.5 miles west of the town of Hot Springs, Fall River County, South Dakota.

The Cold Brook Dam is located on Cold Brook Creek, approximately 1.25 miles north of the confluence of Cold Brook and Hot Brook. Cold Brook Dam is located approximately one mile north of Hot Springs, Fall River County, South Dakota. For general project locations, see Figure 1. For more specific project locations and project boundaries, please see Figure 2.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Figure 1. General Project Locations in South Dakota.

Figure 2 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Recreation Areas showing USACE-Owned Lands (Blue Shaded Areas)

1.3 Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action, the 1981 Master Plans for Cottonwood Springs and Cold Brook would be updated into one single Master Plan. The single revised Master Plan would provide Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

updated management guidance in a programmatic sense for future operation and maintenance activities to replace the existing outdated management guidance found in the 1981 documents. The updated Master Plan would include: adding new and reaffirming existing resource objectives, reaffirming some existing management units, and re-delineating others to meet contemporary resource objectives. The proposed action also would consider management strategies that were not previously considered under the 1981 Master Plans. The updated Master Plan guidance would be applied where necessary throughout both project areas as deemed appropriate by the project managers.

1.3.1 Resource Objectives that would be Included in the Updated Master Plan

Resource objectives are realistically attainable outcomes for the use, development, and management of natural and manmade resources. Resource objectives are developed with full consideration of authorized project purposes, applicable Federal laws and directives, resource capabilities, regional needs, plans and goals of regional and local government units, and expressed public desires. Resource objectives enhance project benefits, meet public needs, and foster environmental sustainability. Resource objectives for the two project sites would: • Ensure projects are managed in a way that is consistent with meeting the authorized purposes of flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation for the life of the projects; • Operate the project and manage the resources in such a way as to meet the needs of the public; • Manage natural resources associated with the projects in such a way as to protect, preserve, and enhance native habitat, wildlife resources, and water quality; • Manage and balance recreational uses of the park for both non-consumptive uses (e.g., hiking and wildlife viewing) and consumptive uses (e.g., fishing); and • Enhance use of the projects for public education concerning the projects man-made and natural resources.

1.4 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

The Master Plans for Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs were originally developed in 1954 and 1969 respectively, and both were updated in 1981. It is the USACE policy that each Master Plan be reviewed on a periodic basis and be revised as required. ER 1130-2-550 establishes the policy for the management of recreation programs and activities, and for the operation and maintenance of USACE recreation facilities and related structures at civil works water resource projects.

The purposes for the proposed action are to provide current management guidance for future development and maintenance of recreational opportunities at the two projects in order to better accommodate the existing and predicted future public uses of the projects; implement new management activities consistent with those updates; provide the greatest degree of protection, conservation, and enhancement of the natural environment at the two sites consistent with the project purposes of flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

The proposed action is needed because both existing Master Plans contain management activities and assessments that are out of date with current project use and management. Because Master Plans provide the basis for evaluating contemporary proposals, the 1981 documents do not account for the changes in land use that have occurred and/or need to occur. The existing Master Plans are capable of providing only minimal support to development and management of the projects. Future development decisions would therefore be assessed on an ad hoc basis without the benefit of a comprehensive assessment of recreation and natural resource conditions and opportunities at each project.

The updated Master Plan would establish resource objectives and development needs appropriate for Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects. The emphasis of the Master Plan update is on maintaining and upgrading recreational opportunities based on current needs, and providing Wildlife Management lands. High Density Recreation facilities at the projects are generally developed and substantial construction of new, or expansion of existing facilities is unlikely, although minor or low impact recreation development may occur. The broad intent of the Master Plan is to document guidelines and analyses that do the following: 1. Determine project resource uses and use level; 2. Provide guidelines within which the Operation Management Plan (OMP) and Annual Management Plans can be developed and implemented; and 3. Establish a basis on which outgrants and recreational development proposals can be evaluated.

1.3.2 Description of the Newly Proposed Management Units and Corresponding Developmental Needs. The 1981 Master Plan for Cold Brook categorized the lands and water within the project site as Land Allocations (3 types) and Water Allocations (2 types). Land allocations included: 1) Operations – Project Operations (15 acres), 2) Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use (40 acres), and 3) Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use (384 acres). Water allocations included: 1) Restricted Use for boat launches and ramps, maneuver area, swimming beach, and safety zone for intake structures (4 acres); and 2) restricted area except for size of motor on boats (32 acres). Overall, the Cold Brook project consisted of five allocation areas. The 1981 Master Plan for Cottonwood Springs categorized the lands and water within the project site as Land Use (4 types) and Water Use (2 types). Land Use included: 1) Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use (397 acres), 2) Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use (20 acres), 3) Operations – Project Operations (15 acres), and 4) Operations – Wildlife Management (134 acres). Water Use included 1) Open Water (41 acres), and 2) Safety Zone (1 acre). Overall, the Cottonwood Springs project consisted of six land use areas.

The updated Master Plan would result in seven newly delineated management areas at Cold Brook and five newly delineated management areas at Cottonwood Springs. The newly delineated areas would be identified as Management Units. Management Units would consist of: 1) Project Operations, 2) High Density Recreation, 3) Low Density Recreation, 4) Wildlife Management, 5) Operations Easement, and 6) Water. Newly delineated Management Units are Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

proposed because alternative uses for some lands have been proposed. Specifically, undeveloped Operations: Recreation - Intensive Use land areas and some Operations: Recreation - Low Density Use Land Use areas are no longer needed for those purposes. Thus, those lands would be reduced in size to allow expansion of both Wildlife Management areas and Project Operations areas.

Proposed Cold Brook Management Units and Developmental Needs

Management Unit 1. Project Operations. Project Operations lands include areas required for the dam, spillway, and outlet works. These lands are primarily used for operation and maintenance activities, although multiple resource use is permitted provided that use does not conflict with safety or security practices. Project Operations lands consist of approximately 15 acres under the 1981 Master Plan and would be increased to approximately 77 acres under the 20162016 updated Master Plan. The reason for the proposed increase in Project Operations lands is to provide one continuous tract of Project Operations land for better coordinated management of the area. For this expansion, undeveloped Operations: Recreation - Intensive Use lands and Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be re-classified as Project Operations.

For Management Unit 1, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Thinning and prescribed burning where appropriate to achieve desired environmental stewardship management objectives; • Implementing programs for control and removal of invasive and exotic species; • Controlling and removing organisms that pose a threat to the facility’s structural integrity; • Providing the operational and maintenance support required to fulfill flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation project purposes; and • Managing vegetation and wildlife resources in a manner best suited to the operational needs of the project including removal of trees in the spillway.

Management Unit 2. High Density Recreation. This High Density Recreation area would total approximately seven acres and would include a visitor parking lot and a short trail terminating at an overlook at the north end of the parcel. Operations: Recreation Intensive Use lands under the 1981 Master Plan included three areas totaling 49 acres. Under the 2016 Master Plan, High Density Recreation lands would include three areas but would be diminished in size to 32 acres total. The reason for reducing the acreage of the Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use lands at Cold Brook is due to the realization that the area has reached its limit of Recreation – Intensive Use development and that the land would be better suited for other purposes (e.g., Project Operations and Low Density Recreation).

For Management Unit 2, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Stabilizing the lakeshore bank erosion, • Constructing day use recreation facilities (picnic shelters, playgrounds, and trails), • Installing and maintaining visitor assistance signage (Project rules and regulations, directional signage to park facilities, emergency information and contacts, and trailhead signage), Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

• Ensuring American with Disabilities Act (ADA) recreation opportunities are provided, and • Installing interpretive signage on area history (dam, Hot Springs, and flooding).

Management Unit 3. Low Density Recreation. This Low Density Recreation area would total approximately 172 acres and would be bisected by Cold Brook Lake under the 2016 Master Plan update. Operation: Recreation - Low Density Use lands under the 1981 Master Plan totaled approximately 384 acres of land. The reason for reducing the size of Low Density Use lands under the 2016 Master Plan is to allow for development of Wildlife Management lands.

For Management Unit 3, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Installing day-use facilities (picnic tables, grills, and shelters), and • Managing vegetation to ensure ecosystem integrity consistent with environmental stewardship objectives for Low Density Recreation Areas (prescribed burns, invasive/noxious species management, and forest thinning and management).

Management Unit 4. Wildlife Management. This area would consist of approximately 157 acres and would be used to provide an area for wildlife that would be minimally disturbed. A Wildlife Management unit was not provided under the 1981 Master Plan. Some Low Density Recreation use such as photography, bird watching, hiking, and nature study would be allowed under this new designation. Under this proposal, Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to Wildlife Management lands.

For Management Unit 4, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Developing hiking trail where appropriate, • Planting trees, shrubs, and food plots in the area to provide shade, increased winter cover, and supplemental food, • Identifying and developing a primary wildlife viewing area, • Controlling invasive and exotic species, • Conducting prescribed burns, and • Managing vegetation to promote ecological integrity consistent with environmental stewardship objectives.

Management Unit 5. Project Operation. This area would consist of 11 acres that include Argyle Road from the intersection with highway 385 to the Argyle Road entrance of the project. Primary public use is for east/west transportation on the north side of the project. Access to the project may be obtained off of Argyle Road via the project road that bisects Management Unit #4. This is primarily a public highway and is used as such. The road may be used as project access during emergency management situations. The proposal would consist of a change in nomenclature; Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use to Project Operations.

For Management Unit 5, no Development Needs are proposed.

Management Unit 6. High Density Recreation. This area would be approximately nine acres in size and would consist of primitive camping grounds (11 pads), a playground, and a picnic area. Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Conversion of Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands to High Density Recreation is proposed to link two existing High Intensity Recreation areas into one continuous area for better overall management. This area would be part of the overall High Density Recreation land acreage as described above under Management Unit 2.

For Management Unit 6, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Providing potable water, • Constructing picnic shelters, and • Maintaining access roads accessing and within the campground loop.

Management Unit 7. High Density Recreation. This area would be approximately 15 acres in size and consist of a single-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, fish cleaning table, vault toilets, picnic tables, and a playground. The proposal would consist of a change in nomenclature; Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use to High Density Recreation.

For Management Unit 7, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Constructing additional boat ramps and installing lighting, • Providing potable water, • Maintaining recreational facilities (picnic tables, grills, and fish-cleaning tables), • Construction shoreline access points, • Constructing ice fishing access, • Constructing parking facilities, • Installing signage, • Conducting vegetation management, and • Installing an ADA fishing platform.

Proposed Cottonwood Springs Management Units and Developmental Needs

Management Unit 1. Project Operations. These lands are primarily used for operation and maintenance activities, although multiple resource use is permitted provided that use does not conflict with safety or security practices. Project Operations lands consist of approximately 15 acres under the 1981 Master Plan and would be increased to approximately 88 acres under the 2016 updated Master Plan. The reason for the increase in Project Operations lands is to provide one continuous tract of Project Operations land for better coordinated management of the area. For this expansion, Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to Project Operations land.

For Management Unit 1, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Controlling and removing invasive and noxious species; • Providing operational and maintenance activities to fulfill flood control, fish and wildlife, and recreation purposes; • Managing vegetation and wildlife resources in a manner best suited to the operational needs of the Project.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Management Unit 2. Wildlife Management. This area would consist of approximately 363 acres and is proposed to provide an area for wildlife that is minimally disturbed. Under the 1981 Master Plan, this area consisted of approximately 134 acres. Low Density Recreation would be allowed in this area (i.e., photography, bird watching, hiking, and nature study). Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use land would be converted to Wildlife Management lands.

For Management Unit 2, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Developing hiking trails where appropriate, • Controlling invasive and noxious species, • Managing vegetation for optimum use by wildlife species, • Conducting controlled burning, and • Conducting biological surveys to monitor use of the area by wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species.

Management Unit 3. High Density Recreation. Acreage of High Density Recreational lands are proposed to be increased under the 2016 Master Plan. The 1981 Master Plan designated approximately 20 acres as High Density Recreation. Under the 2016 Master Plan, this designation would be increased to 36 acres divided between two areas. Management Unit 3 would consist of approximately 15 acres and would contain the existing flush toilets, a picnic shelter, a well, a paved circulation road, paved parking areas, and picnic tables. A minor amount of Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use land would be converted to High Density Recreation to provide more lake shoreline access.

For Management Unit 3, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Constructing a new boat ramp with security lighting, maintaining the existing boat ramp, and creating shoreline access; • Constructing ADA fishing platforms; • Constructing hiking trails to link other Management Units together; • Improving, replacing, and constructing comfort stations; and • Installing signage.

Management Unit 4. Low Density Recreation. Low Density Recreation lands are proposed to be reduced under the 2016 Master Plan in order to provide additional lands for Wildlife Management and High Density Recreation. Under the 1981 Master Plan, Operations: Recreation Low Density Use lands consisted of approximately 397 acres. Under the 2016 Master Plan, Low Density Recreation lands would consist of approximately 79 acres.

For Management Unit 4, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Conducting prescribed burns, • Planting trees, shrubs, and food plot to increase winter cover and supplement wildlife food, and • Controlling invasive species.

Management Unit 5. High Density Recreation. This unit would consist of approximately 21 acres of land and would include the existing flush toilets, a playground, paved camping pads, and Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

a paved circulation road and parking lot. Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to High Density Recreation to provide better access linkage to the existing Intensive Use area.

For Management Unit 5, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Constructing hiking trails, • Constructing comfort stations, and • Control invasive and nuisance species.

1.3.2 Management Strategies not Previously Considered under the 1981 Master Plans and Proposed for Inclusion into the 2016 Master Plan Update.

New management actions may be needed throughout the project areas that weren’t relevant in 1981. Management actions that are being added to the 2016 Master Plan include mountain pine beetle monitoring and control, and zebra mussel/quagga mussel monitoring and control. The mountain pine beetle could pose a potential threat to native trees should their population increase and move into the area. Zebra mussels/quagga mussels could cause damage to pipes and outlet structures at the lakes. The developmental needs identified immediately below for mountain pine beetle, zebra mussel, and quagga mussel would be implemented in the Management Unit where the potential infestation would occur.

Mountain Pine Beetle Monitoring and Control

The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a bark beetle native to forests of western North America from Mexico to central British Columbia. It is responsible for the destruction of millions of acres of ponderosa, lodgepole, whitebark, Scotch, jack pine, and limber pine trees since 1996 (Ward). Normally, these insects play an important role in the life of a forest, attacking old or weakened trees, and speeding development of a younger forest. However, unusually hot, dry summers and mild winters within portions of the region during the last few years have led to an unprecedented epidemic.

Developmental Need: Monitoring techniques are relatively benign and include visual inspections of trees for pitch tubes on the trunk, boring dust at the base of the truck, and/or increased woodpecker use and feeding in particular trees. Other monitoring methods include Red/Green surveys [where aerial photos are viewed over time and injured (red colored) and healthy (green) patches of the forest are compared], and bark peeling of suspected trees (peeling bark off of suspected trees could reveal mountain pine beetle eggs, larvae and tunnels).

Controlling mountain pine beetles, once discovered, normally requires the removal of the infected tree or trees. Methods employed include sanitation harvesting (removing a single tree to control the spread), snip and skid (removing groups of infected trees scattered over a given area), fall and burning (felling infected trees and burning in place to prevent the spread), and pesticide use (spraying and wrapping individual infected trees to kill the species and try to save the tree; this technique is labor intensive and is best suited where individual trees occur).

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Zebra Mussel/Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are native to eastern Europe and western Asia, and are believed to have been introduced to the U.S. through commercial boat traffic in and around the Great Lake region in the 1980’s. To date, zebra mussels have spread throughout much of the country. The two main factors contributing to the quick infestation of the zebra mussel in the U.S. are: the lack of a natural predator and an incredibly fast reproductive cycle. While it is known that a few duck, crayfish and fish species (primarily catfish) will eat the zebra mussel, predation on zebra mussels in the U.S. has not been shown to have an impact on documented populations of mussels.

The reproductive cycle of zebra mussels is adapted for quick dispersal in water. The zebra mussel utilizes external fertilization which results in the free-floating planktonic veliger stage. Veligers are not visible unless viewed under a microscope. It may take up to 240 days to reach the adult stage: having a bivalve shell that is attached to substrate with byssal threads. The byssal threads allow zebra mussels to attach to any hard substrate such as rocks, boat docks, intake pipes, boats, animal shells, and other hard surfaces. As an adult, zebra mussels are prolific filter feeders and large colonies can filter a water body so that there are virtually no plankton or algae remaining and remove potential food for desired native species. A female zebra mussel can release as many as one million eggs during a single season which may result in 2 percent (as many as 20,000 eggs) becoming fertilized and reaching adulthood. Between 2000 and 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated that the approximate economic impact of zebra mussels on the Great Lake region alone has been approximately $5 billion.

Quagga mussels (Dreissena buggensis) are native to Ukraine, and like the zebra mussel, are believed to have been introduced to the U.S. through commercial boat traffic in and around the Great Lake region in the 1980’s. To date, quagga mussels have spread throughout much of the country. Quagga mussels cause many of the same problems as zebra mussel and also are able to rapidly colonize.

Monitoring techniques for these species include SCUBA diving, water-sample collection, deployment of artificial substrates for attachment, and water-quality sampling. A generally less- expensive and more definitive way for determining presence of these mussels is to simply monitor intake structures, boat ramps, or other submerged structures for attached specimens. Once these mussels presence is confirmed, swift action is required to prevent a wide-spread outbreak.

Developmental Need: Controlling these mussels can be difficult and labor intensive. Some control methods include the use of chlorine treatments, molluscicides, natural predation, physical removal, and partial or complete draining of the waterbody in areas where ice conditions could freeze and kill the species during the winter. The exact control method to be used is dependent upon a number of factors including the size of the affected waterbody, other species associated with that waterbody, the extent of the outbreak of these mussel, and funds available to control or eradicate the mussels. In many cases, prevention of the introduction of these mussels into the

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

waterway is the best solution and may be accomplished by informing the public ahead of time. Signage, mailings, and education are some methods for getting the information out.

1.5 Public Scoping

September 16, 2013. A Public Scoping Meeting was held at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Meeting attendees included the Mayor of Hot Springs; representatives from Fall River Emergency Management, Custer State Park, South Dakota State Parks, the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and members of the public. A Power Point Presentation was delivered to the attendees. The Power Point Presentation provided an overview of the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project areas and detailed proposed Master Plan updates. Comments from the public were received both orally and in writing and were incorporated into the Master Plan updates.

December 29, 2014. The Corps sent numerous scoping letters (see Appendix A) to federal, state, and local agencies, and Tribes. The Scoping Letters provided maps of the lake areas and requested input to the Master Plan updates. Those contacted included:

Resources Agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Natural Resources Conservation Service; South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks; U.S. Forest Service; National Park Service; Fall River County Emergency Management; South Dakota State Parks; Custer State Park; State of South Dakota State Wildlife Office; and South of South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression.

Tribes: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe; Cheyenne/Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma; Crow Creek Sioux Tribe; Eastern Shoshone Tribe; Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe; Kiowa Ethinographic Endeaver for Preservation; Lower Brule Sioux Tribe; Mandan, Hidatsa & Arikara Nation; Northern Arapaho Tribe; Northern Cheyenne Tribe; Oglala Sioux Tribe; Rosebud Sioux Tribe; Sicangu Lakota Treaty Council Office; Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska; Sisseton- Wahpeton Sioux Tribe; Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe; Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; and Yankton Sioux Tribe.

Table 1-1 Scoping Comments and Responses Comment Response Please provide ADA facilities. ADA facility installation is a proposed action at both project sites. Please expand trail systems. Trail system improvements are a proposed action at both project sites. Please provide additional recreational facilities (disc Recreational facility improvements are proposed golf, 4-wheeled ATV trails, equestrian trails, mountain actions at both facilities. bike trail, walking trails, etc.) Are additional lands surrounding the project sites being No additional land acquisitions are being considered. considered for acquisition? What is the extent of High Density Recreational (HDR) The USACE is proposing to change designation of lands and Traditional Cultural Properties (TCPs)? HDR lands not currently developed to low density or wildlife management areas. The USACE is aware of potential TCPs at the sites and is sensitive to those Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

areas. Review of proposed activities at the sites is vetted through State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). Inclusion of Traditional Tribal Knowledge (TTK) The USACE has, and continues to, gather TTK from should be included in the development of the EA. Tribal entities and incorporate such TTK in Planning Documents. There needs to be a process for using water from both Water for fire suppression is currently available for use lakes for Wildland fire suppression. at both project sites. Would the USACE be interested in purchasing two 40- No additional land acquisitions are being considered. acre Forest Service parcels?

July 1, 2016. The Draft Master Plan and Programmatic Environmental Assessment was placed on the USACEs webpage and notification letters were sent to agencies and tribal entities requesting review and input.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

2.0 ALTERNATIVES

Preparation of a PEA calls for the development of a range of alternatives that could reasonably achieve the need that the proposed action is intended to address. The alternatives to be considered in this PEA include the No Action Alternative, which consists of continuing to operate the projects under their respective 1981 Master Plans; and the Proposed Action, which consists of operating the projects consistent with the new updated Master Plans. The preparation of a PEA with only two alternatives (continuing to operate the projects without new Master Plans and operating the projects with new Master Plans) is appropriate because there are no other reasonable alternatives to consider for evaluation; there has been no comprehensive revision to the existing Master Plans in more than 30 years.

2.1 Alternative 1 – No-Action

The No Action Alternative being evaluated should be viewed as "no change" from current management direction or level of management intensity. Therefore, the No Action Alternative may be thought of in terms of continuing with the present course of action under the existing Master Plans. The 1981 Master Plans continued the management guidance for development and maintenance of project lands as they were originally designated following completion of the projects. Specifically, the 1981 documents maintained the boundaries of Intensive Use Recreation land knowing that the extent of Intensive Use Recreation facilities had already been built and no new Intensive Use Recreation facilities would be constructed. The 1981 Master Plans also maintained the minimal acres of Wildlife Management Areas and therefore, would not provide increased benefits (feeding, breeding, and sheltering habitats) to wildlife. Finally, the 1981 Master Plans do not plan for future outbreaks of noxious species that could adversely affect recreational activities and land use areas at the projects. Future development decisions under the 1981 Master Plans would therefore be assessed on an ad hoc basis without the benefit of a comprehensive assessment of recreation and natural resource conditions and opportunities at each project. Because the 1981 Master Plans would not meet the project’s purpose and need, this alternative was not selected as the preferred alternative. This alternative is carried forward however, in order to provide a baseline upon which the proposed action may be compared.

2.2 Alternative 2 - Recommended Plan

Under this alternative, both 1981 Master Plans would be updated and combined into one single Master Plan. The updated Master Plan would provide newly delineated Management Units to replace Land Use Allocations and better provide for the long-term management of the sites. An updated Master Plan would look to the future to assess and develop plans to address the outbreak of noxious species to prevent destruction of project lands.

The management actions proposed for at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs sites are subject to funding availability associated with site management. Order does not reflect priority or chronology. All proposed management actions are included in this PEA in order to provide NEPA coverage in the event that funds become available.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Cold Brook Management Units and Developmental Needs

Management Unit 1. Project Operations. Project Operations lands include areas required for the dam, spillway, and outlet works. These lands are primarily used for operation and maintenance activities, although multiple resource use is permitted provided that use does not conflict with safety or security practices. Project Operations lands consisted of approximately 15 acres under the 1981 Master Plan and would be increased to approximately 77 acres under the 2016 updated Master Plan. The reason for the proposed increase in Project Operations lands is to provide one continuous tract of Project Operations land for better coordinated management of the area. For this expansion, undeveloped Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use lands and Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be re-classified as Project Operations.

Management Unit 2. High Density Recreation. This High Density Recreation area would total approximately seven acres and would include a visitor parking lot and a short trail terminating at an overlook at the north end of the parcel. Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use lands under the 1981 Master Plan included three areas totaling 49 acres. Under this alternative, High Density Recreation lands would include three areas but would be diminished in size to 31 acres total. The reason for reducing the acreage of the Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use lands at Cold Brook is due to the realization that the area had reached its limit of Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use development and that the land would be better suited for other purposes (e.g., Project Operations and Low Density Recreation).

For Management Unit 2, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Stabilizing the lakeshore bank erosion, • Constructing day use recreation facilities (picnic shelters, playgrounds, and trails), • Installing and maintaining visitor assistance signage (Project rules and regulations, directional signage to park facilities, emergency information and contacts, and trailhead signage), • Ensuring American with Disabilities Act (ADA) recreation opportunities are provided, and • Installing interpretive signage on area’s history (dam, Hot Springs, and flooding).

update. Operations: Recreation Low Density Use lands under the 1981 Master Plan totaled approximately 384 acres of land. The reason for reducing the size of Low Density Use lands under the 2016 Master Plan is to allow for development of Wildlife Management lands.

For Management Unit 4, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Developing a hiking trail where appropriate to confine the public to a single area to minimize overall disturbance to wildlife in the area , • Planting trees, shrubs, and food plots in the area to provide shade, increased winter cover, and supplemental food, • Identifying and developing a primary wildlife viewing area to confine the public to a single area to minimize overall disturbance to wildlife in the area , • Controlling invasive and exotic species, • Conducting prescribed burns, and • Managing vegetation to promote ecological integrity consistent with environmental stewardship objectives.

For Management Unit 5, no Development Needs are proposed.

Management Unit 6. High Density Recreation. This area would be approximately nine acres in area and consist of primitive camping grounds (11 pads), a playground, and a picnic area. Conversion of Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands to High Density Recreation is proposed to link two existing High Intensity Recreation areas into one continuous area for better overall management. This area would be part of the overall High Density Recreation land acreage as described above under Management Unit 2. Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Cottonwood Springs Management Units and Developmental Needs

Management Unit 1. Project Operations. These lands are primarily used for operation and maintenance activities, although multiple resource use is permitted provided that use does not conflict with safety or security practices. Project Operations lands consisted of approximately 15 acres under the 1981 Master Plan and would be increased to approximately 88 acres under the 2016 updated Master Plan. The reason for the increase in Project Operations lands is to provide one continuous tract of Project Operations land for better coordinated management of the area. For this expansion, Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to Project Operations land.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

allowed in this area (i.e., photography, bird watching, hiking, and nature study). Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to Wildlife Management lands.

For Management Unit 2, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Developing hiking trails where appropriate to confine the public to a single area to minimize overall disturbance to wildlife in the area, • Controlling invasive and noxious species, • Managing vegetation for optimum use by wildlife species, • Conducting controlled burning, and • Conducting biological surveys to monitor use of the area by wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species.

Management Unit 3. High Density Recreation. Acreage of High Density Recreational lands are proposed to be increased under the 2016 Master Plan. The 1981 Master Plan designated approximately 20 acres as High Density Recreation. Under the 2016 Master Plan, this designation would be increased to 36 acres divided between two areas. Management Unit 3 would consist of approximately 15 acres and would contain the existing flush toilets, a picnic shelter, a well, a paved circulation road, paved parking areas, and picnic tables. A minor amount of Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands would be converted to High Density Recreation to provide more lake shoreline access.

Management Unit 4. Low Density Recreation. Low Density Recreation lands are proposed to be reduced under the 2016 Master Plan in order to provide additional lands for Wildlife Management and High Density Recreation. Under the 1981 Master Plan, Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands consisted of approximately 397 acres. Under the 2016 Master Plan, Low Density Recreation lands would consist of approximately 79 acres.

Management Unit 5. High Density Recreation. This unit would consist of approximately 21 acres of land and would include the existing flush toilets, a playground, paved camping pads, and a paved circulation road and parking lot. Operations: Recreation – Low Density Use lands

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

would be converted to High Density Recreation to provide better linkage to the existing Intensive Use areas.

For Management Unit 5, the following Development Needs are proposed: • Constructing hiking trails, • Constructing comfort stations, and Control invasive and nuisance species.

Management Strategies not previously considered under the 1981 Master Plans and Proposed for Inclusion into the 2016 Master Plan Update.

Due to the passage of time, new management actions may be needed that weren’t relevant in 1981. Management actions that are being added to the 2016 Master Plan include mountain pine beetle monitoring and control, and zebra mussel monitoring and control. The mountain pine beetle could pose a potential threat to native trees should their population increase and move into the area. Zebra mussels could cause damage to pipes and outlet structures at the lakes. The developmental needs identified immediately below for mountain pine beetle, zebra mussel, and quagga mussel would be implemented in the Management Unit where the potential infestation would occur.

Mountain Pine Beetle Monitoring and Control

The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a bark beetle native to forests of western North America from Mexico to central British Columbia. It is responsible for the destruction of millions of acres of ponderosa, lodgepole, whitebark, Scotch, jack pine, and limber pine trees since 1996 (Ward). Normally, these insects play an important role in the life of a forest, attacking old or weakened trees, and speeding development of a younger forest. However, unusually hot, dry summers and mild winters throughout the region during the last few years have led to an unprecedented epidemic.

Developmental Need: Monitoring techniques are relatively benign and include visual inspections of trees for pitch tubes on the trunk, boring dust at the base of the truck, and/or increased woodpecker use and feeding in particular trees. Other monitoring methods include Red/Green surveys [where aerial photos are viewed over time and injured (red colored) and healthy (green) patches of the forest are compared] and bark peeling of suspected trees (the peeling off of the bark reveals mountain pine beetle eggs, larvae and tunnels).

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

Zebra Mussel/Quagga Mussel Monitoring and Control

The reproductive cycle of zebra mussels is adapted for quick dispersal in water. The zebra mussel utilizes external fertilization which results in the free-floating planktonic veliger stage. Veligers are not visible unless viewed under a microscope. It may take up to 240 days to reach the adult stage: having a bivalve shell that is attached to substrate with byssal threads. The byssal threads allow zebra mussels to attach to any hard substrate such as rocks, boat docks, intake pipes, boats, animals, and other hard surfaces. As an adult, zebra mussels are prolific filter feeders and large colonies can filter a water body so that there are virtually no plankton or algae remaining and remove potential food for desired native species. A female zebra mussel can release as many as one million eggs during a single season which may result in 2 percent (as many as 20,000 eggs) becoming fertilized and reaching adulthood. Between 2000 and 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have estimated that the approximate economic impact of zebra mussels on the Great Lake region alone has been approximately $5 billion.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

waterway is the best solution and may be accomplished by informing the public ahead of time. Signage, mailings, and education are some methods for getting the information out.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

. Table 2-1 Summary of Potential Effects by Alternative Resource 1981 to Present Alternative 1 – No-Action, Use of Existing 1981 Alternative 2 - Preparation and Use of an Updated Master Plans Master Plan

No Impact. No Impact. No Impact. Climate No Impact. No Impact. No Impact. Geology No Impact. No Impact. No Impact. Environmental Justice Minor and Minor and Temporary Air Quality Impacts. No long- Minor and Temporary Air Quality Impacts. No long- Air Quality Temporary term impacts to air quality are anticipated. term impacts to air quality are anticipated. Impacts. Minor and Minor and Temporary Water Quality Impacts. No Minor and Temporary Water Quality Impacts. No Water Quality Temporary increases in water temperature would occur from increases in water temperature would occur from Impacts. proposed actions. proposed actions. Minor and Minor and Temporary Noise. No long-term noise Minor and Temporary Noise. No long-term noise would Noise Temporary would result from construction or maintenance result from construction or maintenance activities. Noise. activities. Unknown Potential Impacts. Since specific construction and Potential Impacts. Since specific construction and Extent but maintenance sites are not yet known, prior to the start maintenance sites are not yet known, prior to the start of

likely not of any activity, the USACE Regulatory Office in any activity, the USACE Regulatory Office in South Wetlands significant. South Dakota will be coordinated with to ensure Dakota will be coordinated with to ensure impacts are

impacts are avoided or minimized. Any impacts to avoided or minimized. Any impacts to wetlands would wetlands would be offset accordingly. be offset accordingly. Minor and Minor and Temporary Fisheries Impacts causing fish Minor and Temporary Fisheries Impacts causing fish to Temporary to temporarily vacate the construction/maintenance temporarily vacate the construction/maintenance site. Impacts. site. Upon completion of the activity, fish could Upon completion of the activity, fish could return to the Fisheries return to the area. area. Minor impacts to fisheries and aquatic resources during control of the invasive zebra or quagga mussel should they be discovered on site.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Minor and Minor and Permanent Impacts to vegetation from Minor and Permanent Impacts to vegetation from Permanent construction and maintenance activities. Long-term construction and maintenance activities. Long-term Vegetation Adverse benefits to vegetation resulting from new plantings. benefits to vegetation resulting from new plantings.

Impacts. Long- term benefits. Minor and Minor and Temporary Wildlife Impacts causing Minor and Temporary Wildlife Impacts causing wildlife Temporary wildlife to temporarily vacate the area. Wildlife could to temporarily vacate the area. Wildlife could return Adverse return once the activity has ceased. No impacts to once the activity has ceased. No impacts to nesting Impacts. nesting migratory birds including bald and golden migratory birds including bald and golden eagles. Wildlife Unknown eagles. Minor impacts to wildlife during control of the invasive Impacts to pine mountain beetle should it be discovered on site. Migratory Birds. Threatened and Unknown May affect, but not likely to adversely affect, Rufa red May affect, but not likely to adversely affect, Rufa red Endangered Impacts. knot, northern long-eared bat, and Sprague’s pipit. knot, northern long-eared bat, and Sprague’s pipit. Species USFWS concurrence received on May 6, 2016. USFWS concurrence received on May 6, 2016. No Significant Potential for unearthing cultural resources during Potential for unearthing cultural resources during Impacts. construction or maintenance activities. Should construction or maintenance activities. Should cultural Cultural Resources cultural resources be unearthed, activity would cease resources be unearthed, activity would cease and SD and SD SHPO would be consulted before proceeding. SHPO would be consulted before proceeding. Minor and Minor and Temporary Recreational Impacts to Minor and Temporary Recreational Impacts to Recreation Temporary recreationalist. Long-term overall benefits to recreationalist. Long-term overall benefits to Resources Impacts. recreationalists. recreationalists. No long-term Potential for minor and long-term impacts to Prime Potential for minor and long-term impacts to Prime Prime Farmland permanent Farmlands. Farmlands. conversion. Minor Benefits. No adverse effects. Proposed activities to improve No adverse effects. Proposed activities to improve Socio-Economic recreational opportunities would generally result in recreational opportunities would generally result in Resources minor long-term benefits to the local area’s minor long-term benefits to the local area’s socioeconomic condition. socioeconomic condition.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plans Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers July 2016 Omaha District

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

This chapter contains a description of relevant resources that could be impacted by the project. The important resources described in this section are those recognized by laws, executive orders, regulations, and other standards of National, state, or regional agencies and organizations; technical or scientific agencies, groups, or individuals; and the general public.

This chapter is organized by resource topic and combines a description of the “affected environment” with an analysis of the “environmental consequences” of each alternative. Each section describes the environmental setting as it relates to that specific resource topic; the direct and indirect effects that could result from implementation of the alternatives; and mitigation measures that would avoid, reduce, or compensate for substantial adverse effects of the alternatives.

An assessment of the environmental consequences provides for the scientific and analytic basis for alternative comparison. Impacts are quantified whenever possible. Qualitative descriptions (i.e., magnitude and duration) of impacts are explained by accompanying text where used. Cumulative impacts and adverse effects that cannot be avoided are provided as separate sections within this chapter. A summary of the environmental consequences of the alternatives is provided in Table 2-1above.

Impacts have been qualitatively analyzed in this document in terms of both magnitude and duration:

• Magnitude o No effect – resource not measurably impacted o Minor – noticeable impacts to the resource in the project area, but the resource is still mostly functional o Moderate – the resource is impaired, so that it cannot function normally o Major – the resource is severely impaired so that it is no longer functional in the project area

• Duration o Short term – temporary effects caused by the construction and/or implementation of a selected alternative o Long term – caused by an alternative after the action has been completed and/or after the action is in full and complete operation

3.1 Environmental Setting

Cold Brook: Cold Brook Dam is located within the Missouri River watershed. It lies in Fall River County, South Dakota in the southwestern part of the state, south of the Black Hills. It is situated about one and one half miles north of Hot Springs, South Dakota. The earthen dam was constructed in 1953 with a height of 127 feet and a length at its crest of 925 feet. The dam impounds Cold Brook Creek for flood damage reduction. The reservoir it creates, Cold Brook Lake, has approximately 1.5 miles of shoreline, a water surface of 36 acres at the multipurpose

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

pool elevation of 3,585.0 feet mean sea level (msl), and a maximum capacity of 7,200 acre-feet. The watershed is a combination of public and private land. The U.S. Forest Service administers 23,784 acres of land in the northern portion of the watershed. The National Park Service accounts for 1,560 acres of land that make up the Wind Cave National Monument. The USACE owns and operates approximately 484 acres of land and water at the Cold Brook project site. The remaining 19,244 acres is comprised of private holdings used primarily for pasture. Land use is 51 percent hay pasture/grassland and 46 percent forest. Recreation at the project is year- round and includes canoeing, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and camping. Winter activities include ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing.

Cottonwood Springs: Cottonwood Springs is located within the Missouri River watershed. It lies in Fall River County, South Dakota in the southwestern part of the state, south of the Black Hills. It is situated about four and one half miles west of Hot Springs, South Dakota. The earthen dam was constructed in 1969 with a height of 123 feet and a length at its crest of 1,190 feet. The dam impounds Cottonwood Springs Creek for flood damage reduction. The reservoir it creates, Cottonwood Springs Lake, has approximately 1.2 miles of shoreline, a water surface of 36 acres at the multipurpose pool elevation of 3,875.0 feet msl, and a maximum capacity of 11,635 acre-feet. The U.S. Forest Service administers 2,631 acres of land on the east central portion of the watershed, the USACE owns and operates approximately 608 acres of land and water at the Cottonwood Springs project site, and the remaining acres are comprised of private holding. The land use of the watershed is 84 percent hay pasture/grassland and 13 percent forested. Recreation is year-round and includes fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping. Winter activities include ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing.

3.1.1 Climate

Existing Conditions:

Both project areas have a relatively mild climate when compared to the surrounding northern Great Plains. This is due primarily to the sheltering effect the Black Hills has on these areas in blocking the northwesterly winds so common in the adjacent plains. Precipitation is heaviest in the spring and summer, occurring at the most opportune time for tree establishment and growth. Winters are generally mild and without heavy accumulations of snow. The average frost-free season spans about 132 days occurring approximately between May 16 and September 25. The average annual wind speed is about 11 miles per hour (MPH) with the prevailing direction from the northwest during the winter and from the southeast during the summer. Strong winds may occur during summer thundershowers. Tornados and similar violent storms are infrequent in these areas. These areas receive about 60 percent of annual possible sunshine. The highest percentage of possible sunshine occurs in July and August when it is about 70 percent of maximum.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Since development of the project sites, the construction, operation, and maintenance activities that have occurred have not affected the climate in the project areas as no reports of increased greenhouse gas effects have been reported in these areas. There would be no climate-related environmental consequences in the project vicinities from implementing the No Action Alternative because the continued operation and maintenance of the projects would not result in the release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels (campfires, while likely to continue in the long-term, are short term actions that add minor amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and these minor inputs are quickly mixed with the local atmosphere and dissipate) or significant releases of carbon monoxide from construction-related activities as no long-term construction operations would occur. Likewise, the Recommended Plan would not result in significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels or carbon monoxide from construction-related activities for the same reasons described for the No Action Alternative.

3.1.2 Geology

Existing Conditions:

Cold Brook: Cold Brook Lake is located in a deeply eroded geologic dome in which the geologic strata have eroded in a ring-like fashion around the central uplift. The project is on the inner boundary of the Red Valley which is part of the Spearfish Formation, inside the outer hogback ridges of the hills. The actual canyon in which the dam has been constructed is cut into thick limestone beds which form a bedrock highland surrounding the lake, with the actual streambeds and lake lying about 60 to 70 meters beneath the plateau top. The bedrock of the project area is composed of three major strata. These are, from top to bottom, the Minnekahta Formation, the Opeche Formation, and the Minnelusa Formation. The first two are composed of limestone and shale, respectively, while the third is made up of interbedded sandstone and limestone. Along the eastern boundary of the project, the Spearfish Formation is the major bedrock and is composed of red sandstone, shale, and siltstone with lenses of gypsum. The stream valleys are composed of an alluvial fill from the local bedrock and of sediments higher in the hills as well. The canyon walls form steep escarpments in most areas. The secondary drainages are intermittent with very steep gradients. At the present time, there are a few active springs in the project area; however, during periods of high precipitation, many springs are active for the better part of the year.

Cottonwood Springs: The Cottonwood Springs Dam site is located south of the Black Hills uplift and, therefore, the rock formations dip gently away from the Black Hills in a south- southeasterly direction. Local variations to this general dip at the site are attributed to local folding of the strata. Four distinct sedimentary rock formations are present at the site. They are, in ascending order: Minnelusa (Pennsylvania), Opeche shale, Minnekahta limestone (permian), and Spearfish shale (Permo-Triassic). Alluvial deposits cover the valley floor to depths ranging between seven and 22 feet. These deposits range in size from silt to cobbles and boulders, most

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

falling within the size range of sand and gravel, which is permeable. Talus deposits cover the lower parts of the valley walls. These consist of Minnekahta limestone blocks embedded in residual soil and weathered Opeche shale. Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

The long-term operation and maintence activities (vegetation maintenance and facility repairs) that have occurred at the projects since their construction have not caused significant impacts to the geology in the project areas as these activities did not result in major earthwork. There would be no significant environmental consequences on the geology in the project vicinities from continued implementation of the No Action Alternative as no major earthwork is anticipated from continued long-term operation and maintenance activities. Moreover, no earthwork for High Intensity Recreational development is anticipated as the limit of High Intensity Recreation development has been reached. Likewise, under the Recommended Plan, no additional High Density Recreational development would occur and the long-term operation and maintenance activities would not result in major earthwork.

3.1.3 Environmental Justice

Existing Conditions:

Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations directs federal agencies to incorporate environmental justice in their decision making process. Federal agencies are directed to identify and address as appropriate, any disproportionately high and adverse environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority or low-income populations.

The population in Fall River County, South Dakota is predominately white (87 percent). Native Americans and Native Alaskans represent the largest minority population and account for six percent of the population. The remaining population is made up of: other races (three percent), Hispanic or Latino (of any race; two percent), and Asian and Blacks (each reporting one percent). Within Fall River County, 16.1 percent of the population is living in poverty.

Additional census information (e.g., age, seasonal and permanent residency, education, and employment/unemployment) for Fall River County South Dakota is found within the Master Plans and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For more detailed information on these parameters, please see the corresponding sections within the 2016 updated Master Plan.

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

The operation and maintence activities that have occurred at the projects have not displaced or negatively affected minority populations in the project areas as the areas are Corp-owned land and do not contain residences of any kind. The long-term operation and maintenance activities

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

that provided continued flood control and recreational opportunities at the project sites have benefitted all races and income levels equally. Under the No Action Alternative, long-term operation and maintenance activities would continue as they have and no individual race or persons from any income level would be turned away from using the project sites. Thus, no minority or low-income populations would be displaced or negatively impacted. Under the Recommended Plan, future long-term operation and maintenance-related activities would continue. These activities would continue to provide long-term benefits in flood control and recreation that would in turn continue to benefit people of all ethnic backgrounds and income levels residing and working in the two areas. Therefore, no environmental justice issues would exist under the Recommended Plan.

3.1.4 Air Quality

Existing Conditions

The Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (40 CFR part 50) for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The Clean Air Act identifies two types of national ambient air quality standards. Primary standards provide public health protection, including protecting the health of “sensitive” populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. Secondary standards provide public health welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals, vegetation, and buildings.

The Environmental Protection Agency has set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six principal pollutants, which are called “criteria pollutants”. These include: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and lead. Fall River County, South Dakota is in attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for all criteria pollutants. Attainment means that an area is meeting or is below a given safe standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the particular criteria pollutant.

Both projects contain Land Use Allocations devoted to Intensive Use Recreation, or in the case of a Master Plan update, Management Units devoted to High Density Recreation. Intensive Use Recreational/High Density Recreational activities would result in the highest magnitude of manmade impacts since these areas are where large groups of humans would most-likely congregate; thus, the air quality impacts associated with the project sites will focus on these areas. Intensive Use Recreational/High Density Recreational activities include camping, boating, fishing, and picnicking. These areas are repeatedly used by the public and contain structural enhancements such as toilets, overhead protection, paved and unpaved roads, paved and unpaved parking, grills, fire pits, paving, and signage. All of these facilities would require upkeep and maintenance as deterioration occurs. The other Land Use areas are generally not maintained and left in their natural conditions.

Maintenance activities at the Intensive Use/High Density Recreational areas have occurred on an as-needed basis since development of the project sites, and would continue to occur well into the future under the updated Master Plans. Maintenance activities include vegetation management (mowing, thinning/removing trees, planting trees and shrubs, trail maintenance, controlled burns,

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

and noxious vegetation removal); structural repairs to recreational facilities (boat docks, overhead protection structures, comfort stations, and picnic tables); pest management using pesticides; road re-paving; signage installation; and shoreline erosion control (rock placement). Future activities also would include construction of additional recreational facilities as needed (ADA structures, boat ramps, lighting, and installation of potable water lines).

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

The High Intensity Recreational units have been regularly used. Impacts to air quality in the High Intensity units occurred mainly from the operation of automobiles during the arrival to and departure from the units, and from individual camp fires during recreationalist’s stays. Automobiles contribute minor increases in particulate matter (dust) and sulfur dioxide (exhaust), with the warmer months generating higher inputs of both pollutants due to increased use of the area by recreationalists over that of the colder months. Camp fires contribute minor amounts of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matters (PM 10 and PM 2.5), and camp fire use is a regular activity. The contributions in criteria pollutants from automobiles and camp fire use have not resulted in non-attainment or exceedances of air quality standards set by the EPA as noted in the EPAs Green Book on Current Nonattainment Counties for all Criteria Pollutants, dated October 1, 2016 (EPA Green Book) (http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/greenbk/ancl.html).

Maintenance activities have resulted in minor increases in dust and exhaust in the immediate areas, and were generated by the operation of power tools and construction equipment. Maintenance activities have not resulted in non-attainment or exceedances of air quality standards set by the EPA as noted in EPAs Green Book. Thus, no significant impacts to air quality have occurred from past operation and maintenance activities at either project.

Under the No Action Alternative, the continued use of the Intensive Use Recreational units and the continuation of maintenance activities would be similar to that which has occurred in the past and would likely result in similar minor adverse impacts to air quality. Under the No Action Alternative, continued use of Best Management Practice (BMPs) during construction and maintenance activities would occur. BMPs are techniques aimed at minimizing adverse effects to trust resources. BMPs that would likely be implemented during construction and maintenance activities would include, preparing the construction areas before activities occur to minimize dust, mulching or covering stockpiled material to prevent generation of excessive wind-blown dust, and avoiding idling construction and maintenance equipment when not performing needed tasks to minimize sulfur dioxide. With continued implementation of these BMPs, the temporary and minor impacts to air quality from construction and maintenance activities under the No Action Alternative would not be considered significant. Long-term but minor impacts to air quality would continue under the No Action Alternative through the continued use of automobiles and camp fires at the project sites.

Under the Recommended Plan, the use of the High Density Recreational units and the continuation of maintenance activities would occur. Continued minor, and non-significant short-

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

and long-term impacts to air quality would be anticipated since the High Density recreational activities are anticipated to be similar to Intensive Use Recreational activities.

3.1.5 Water Quality

Existing Conditions

Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states are required to submit a list of waters for which effluent limits will not be sufficient to meet all state water quality standards. The failure to meet water quality standards might be due to an individual pollutant, multiple pollutants, “pollution,” or an unknown cause of impairment. The 303(d) listing process includes waters impaired by point sources and non-point sources of pollutants. States also must establish a priority ranking for the listed waters, taking into account the severity of pollution and uses.

The South Dakota Department of Environment & Natural Resources compiles an impaired water list, or 303(d) listing. The 303(d) listing is composed of those lakes, wetlands, streams, rivers, and portions of rivers that do not meet all state water quality standards. These are considered "impaired waterbodies" and states are required to calculate Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) (i.e., a pollution prevention plan) for pollutants causing impairments.

South Dakota has classified Cold Brook Reservoir as a Category 5 water; impaired by a pollutant and in need of a TMDL. More specifically, South Dakota classifies the Cold Brook Reservoir as Category 5a; cause of impairment is due to a known pollutant. For Cold Brook Reservoir, Coldwater Permanent Fish Life Propagation Waters is the impaired use with water temperature being the cause or stressor (2014 Waterbody Report for Cold Brook Reservoir). This stressor was first identified by South Dakota in 2006 (2014 Waterbody Report for Cold Brook Reservoir) and results from natural warming of reservoir waters. This stressor still persists today. South Dakota has placed a low priority on establishing a TMDL for this stressor and proposes TMDL development in 2018. Cold Brook Creek, which flows into and forms the Cold Brook Reservoir, is not listed as being impaired. For a more in depth analysis of the water quality criteria for Cold Brook Reservoir, please visit: http://ofmpub.epa.gov/tmdl_waters10/attains_waterbody.control?p_list_id=SD-CH-L- COLD_BROOK_01&p_state=SD&p_cycle=2014.

Neither Cottonwood Springs Creek nor Cottonwood Springs Reservoir was listed on South Dakota’s 303(d) Listed Waters for Reporting Year 2014 (or previous years) nor addressed in The 2014 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment, prepared by South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Additional information on water quality and temperatures at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs reservoirs was compiled by the USACE in 2012 in the South Dakota Tributary Report (2012 USACE Report), and this information is found within the Master Plans and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For detailed information on the 2012 USACE Report for the two sites’, please see the corresponding sections within the Master Plans.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Summary of the 2012 USACE report.

The 2012 USACE Report indicated possible water quality concerns regarding water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and arsenic for Cold Brook Reservoir. Concerning water temperature, the USACE found that the warmer temperatures were due to natural conditions. Concerning dissolved oxygen, the USACE found that the lower dissolved oxygen concentrations occurred in the deeper part of the reservoir and were associated with the temperature gradient. Concerning arsenic, the USACE determined that the arsenic criterion for human health protection was extremely low, and the measured arsenic levels were all well below the criteria for protection of aquatic life. Over the 35-year period of USACE monitoring since 1980, Cold Brook Reservoir has remained in a mesotrophic condition (having a moderate amount of dissolved nutrients and being neither overly or under productive.).

For Cottonwood Springs Reservoir, the 2012 USACE Report indicated possible water quality concerns regarding dissolved oxygen. Concerning dissolved oxygen, the USACE found that the lower dissolved oxygen concentrations occurred in the deeper part of the reservoir and associated with the temperature gradient. Over the 13-year period of USACE monitoring since 2002, Cottonwood Springs Reservoir has remained in a mesotrophic condition.

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Minor and temporary impacts to water quality have occurred at both project reservoirs. These impacts resulted from maintenance activities designed to increase the recreational opportunities at the facilities. Maintenance activities included: construction and repairs to boat ramps, construction and repairs to boat docks, construction and upkeep of swimming areas, and bank stabilization to address shoreline erosion. During maintenance activities, slight and temporary increases in turbidity and slight and temporary decreases in dissolved oxygen occurred. This was due to clearing of aquatic vegetation near the swimming beach to enhance recreation, placement of rock riprap to address erosion, and repair/replacement of posts and deck boards on the boat and fishing docks. These minor and short-term maintenance activities did not cause significant long-term impacts to the water quality at either reservoir and no reports of adverse water quality impacts from these maintenance activities were found in literature searches. Additionally, no reports were discovered that showed that these maintenance activities resulted in any long-term increases in water temperatures or decreases in dissolved oxygen and, as such, these activities did not result in any increased water quality impairment.

Under the No Action Alternative, continued maintenance activities to repair boat ramps and boat docks, maintain swimming areas, and minimize shoreline erosion would occur. Similar to past maintenance, minor and temporary impacts (increases to turbidity and decreases in dissolved oxygen) to water quality would occur, and it is believed these activities would not be considered significant. Water quality sampling at both facilities would continue and the results of water quality reports generated from the sampling would be reviewed to ensure long-term adverse impacts do not result.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

The Recommended Plan would continue the maintenance activities described above on an as- needed basis. Like the No Action Alternative, the resulting impacts are anticipated to be minor, temporary, and not significant. Results of continued water quality sampling would be reviewed to ensure significant impacts do not result. Under the recommended Plan, it may be necessary to take drastic measures to control invasive aquatic species (zebra/quagga mussels) should they be detected within the reservoirs and an outbreak occur. Control methods could include the use of chlorine treatments, molluscicides, natural predation, physical removal, and/or partial or complete draining of the affected waterbody during the winter months in order to freeze and kill the species. The exact control method would depend on the severity of the outbreak.

Because the water temperature criterion at Cold Brook Reservoir is continually exceeded due to natural warming conditions, the USACE is considering reclassifying the Cold Brook Reservoir for either cold-water marginal fish life or warmwater permanent fish life propagation to better align with the temperature conditions and allow better fish management. Coordination with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and the EPA would be conducted before any final reclassifications occur.

3.1.6 Noise

Existing Conditions

Noise is defined as unwanted sound that interferes with normal activities or in some way reduces the quality of the environment. The proposed project areas have been established, in part, for a variety of recreational activities ranging from High Density Recreation (e.g., camping, boating, and picnicking) to Low Density Recreation (hiking, bird watching, and nature study). Sources of noise in the proposed project areas include human-induced sounds from automobiles, hunting and camping related activities, and power tool and construction equipment use. Noise also is generated from nature and includes wind, weather, and wildlife-related sounds.

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Minor and temporary increases in human-induced noise have occurred since the projects were constructed. Noise resulted from recreational activities, construction of recreational facilities, and maintenance of project lands. These activities likely resulted in slight inconveniences to the public engaged in outdoor recreation. To minimize the noise stemming from construction and maintenance activities, construction and maintenance activities were scheduled during the ‘off’ seasons when public use was low to the extent practicable.

Under the No Action Alternative, recreation, construction, and maintenance activities would continue, and minor and temporary increases in noise would occur. Noise would continue to minimally affect recreationalist during recreational activities, and construction and maintenance activities would continue to be schedule for the “off” seasons to the extent practicable. Under the No Action Alternative, the noise impacts would not be considered significant.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Under the Recommended Plan, recreation, construction, and maintenance activities would continue, and minor and temporary increases in noise would occur. Noise would continue to minimally affect recreationalist during recreational activities, and construction and maintenance activities would continue to be schedule for the “off” seasons to the extent practicable. The Recommended Plan would have no significant noise impacts.

3.1.7 Wetlands

Existing Conditions

The USFWS’s National Wetlands Inventory Database located at: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html was consulted to determine if any wetlands might occur within the proposed project areas. Information obtained from the database revealed that limited freshwater forested/shrub wetlands and freshwater emergent wetlands occur in areas adjacent to the shorelines of the Cold Brook Reservoir, and limited freshwater emergent wetlands occur in areas adjacent to the shorelines of the Cottonwood Springs Reservoir (See Figures 3 and 4 below for acres of wetlands at each site). These wetlands likely function as wildlife feeding, breeding, and sheltering habitat for resident and migratory wildlife species and as aesthetic areas for recreationalists that visit the projects. A special modifier noted as Diked/Impounded, has been attached to these wetland categories. This modifier indicates that these wetlands have been created or modified by a man-made barrier or dam which obstructs the inflow or outflow of water. The descriptors ‘diked’ and ‘impounded’ have been combined into a single modifier since the observed effect on wetlands is similar. Please see Figure 3 for wetland locations at the Cold Brook Reservoir site and Figure 4 for wetland locations at the Cottonwood Springs Reservoir site.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Figure 3. Wetlands Located at Cold Brook Reservoir (36.6 acres of aquatic bed, 2.6 acres of forested/shrub wetlands, and 1.4 acres of freshwater emergent wetlands).

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Figure 4. Wetlands Located at Cottonwood Springs Reservoir (9.8 acres of aquatic bed and 5.7 acres of freshwater emergent wetlands).

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Construction of the project sites created more wetlands within the valley than occurred previously. Management activities have filled portions of wetlands and have had an adverse impact on these important resources. Neither of the two existing Master Plans made mention of Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands that was signed in 1977, so it is likely that the protection of wetlands may not have been considered when conducting maintenance activities. It is difficult to assess the exact impacts to wetlands from past activities but it is believed that impacts would have been greater in scope at the Cold Brook site than at the Cottonwood Springs site. The locations of the wetlands at Cold brook are situated in close proximity to access roads and one of the High Density Recreation areas. Thus, it is likely that wetlands in these areas could have been inadvertently filled during the maintenance of the roads and recreational facilities. At the Cottonwood Springs site, the wetlands are situated where Cottonwood Springs Creek enters Cottonwood Springs Reservoir. There are no roads or High Density Recreation lands in this area so it seems that these wetlands would have remained undisturbed. Although adverse impacts to wetlands likely occurred at the Cold Brook site during the initial construction of project features, it is not possible to determine if significant impacts resulted.

Implementation of the No Action Alternative could result in adverse impacts to wetlands resources during operation and maintenance activities if wetlands are inadvertently filled. To avoid significant adverse impacts, resource managers would design construction activities (boat and fishing docks, widening of roads, and construction staging areas) and maintenance activities (shoreline modifications and the placement of rock riprap) to avoid the existing wetlands to the extent possible. If avoidance of wetlands was not possible, adequate offset would be provided as part of the operation or maintenance project description. The USACE authorizes impacts to wetlands under Nationwide, Regional, General, and Individual permits. Prior to any construction or maintenance activity that has the potential to impact wetlands; the USACE Regulatory Office in South Dakota would be contacted to ensure impacts are avoided or if impacts must occur, that appropriate authorization is obtained and appropriate mitigation is provided. This would ensure that no net loss to wetlands would occur and potential impacts would be less than significant.

Under the Recommended Plan, it is possible that wetlands could be impacted by construction and maintenance activities. At Cold Brook, two High Density Recreation Management Units lie adjacent to the forested wetlands. If wetland impacts are not properly assessed prior to construction activities, it is possible that road-widening activities, boat or fishing dock construction, or construction staging areas could intrude into these wetlands and result in minor but permanent impacts if the wetlands are filled. Thus, under the Recommended Plan, construction activities would be designed to first avoid the wetlands, and then offset any impacts that are unavoidable. Proposed construction activities also would be coordinated with the USACE Regulatory Office to ensure proper authorization is obtained and mitigation offset is provided, prior to the impact. The identified emergent wetlands on site remain within a Low Density Recreation Management Unit designation. Off-trail hiking by recreationalist could result in intentional or unintentional access into these wetlands. Exploration and nature study by recreationalist could result in the intentional entrance into these wetlands for the capture of small

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

wildlife species that use emergent wetlands to feed, breed, and shelter. It would be difficult to account for and track any adverse impacts resulting from these activities. It should be noted here that use of wetlands by the public for nature study is consistent with the authorized purposes of the projects so some minor wetland impacts are anticipated. Overall, the impacts to wetlands under the Recommended Plan are anticipated to be minor and not considered significant.

3.1.8 Fisheries

Existing Conditions

Fish species living within Cold Brook Lake and Cottonwood Springs Lake are a result of naturally occurring species that became impounded when the dams were constructed, and species continually stocked by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in order to establish recreational fishing. Special species of note at both reservoirs include: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and bluegill (Lepomis marochirus). These species are actively sought for sport as fishing is popular at both reservoirs. These species occur year-round in the lakes where they feed, breed, and shelter. No federally-listed threatened or endangered fish species occur at either site.

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Construction and maintenance activities, such as shoreline modification, the placement of rock riprap, aquatic vegetation control, and the construction of docks caused construction-relate noise and vibrations that likely caused fish species to vacate the immediate area where the construction or maintenance occurred. When these activities were completed, it was likely that the fish species simply returned to the area.

Under the No Action Alternative, continued construction and maintenance activities such as shoreline modification, the placement of rock riprap, aquatic vegetation control, and the construction of docks would continue to have minor and temporary adverse impacts on fisheries at both projects. Like conditions in the past, the construction-related noise and vibrations would cause the species to vacate the immediate area where the construction or maintenance would be taking place. Similarly, when the disturbance is completed, the fish species could return to the area. As such, continued construction and maintenance activities would have no significant impacts on fish at the project sites. Continued sport fishing would result in continued take of existing fish species.

The Recommended Plan would result in similar impacts to fish species as discussed for the No Action Alternative as similar construction and maintenance activities would occur. The Recommended Plan would allow continued fishing, which, like the No Action Alternative, would continue to result in the managed take of existing fish species. Like the No Action Alternative, adverse impacts to fisheries would not be considered significant.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

3.1.9 Vegetation

Existing Conditions

Terrestrial vegetation at Cold Brook Lake and Cottonwood Springs Lake is a mosaic of central shortgrass prairie and ponderosa pine. The project sites are separated by only a few miles and the vegetation at the two sites is very similar. Mixed prairie, evergreen forest, and evergreen woodland vegetation dominate the upland landscape, and eastern deciduous forest vegetation occurs along streams, in drainages, and along the lakeshores. A complete description of the vegetation at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs is found within the Master Plans and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For more detailed information on the vegetation at the two sites, please see the corresponding sections within the Master Plans.

Environmental Consequences:

The No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Since construction of the project sites, impacts to vegetation have occurred. These impacts resulted from the filling of the lakes and from project maintenance (mowing, trimming, and tree felling) activities used to remove vegetation from specific areas (the dams, rip rapped banks, spillways, and abutments) in order to maintain the integrity of project structures. Vegetation management is considered a project purpose impacts resulting from management activities were considered beneficial. Additionally, impacts to vegetation during noxious species control resulted in minor, but permanent impacts to vegetation and those impacts were considered beneficial. In some cases, construction-related activities required the permanent removal of minor amounts of vegetation to make room for new recreational facilities or to maintain roads and trails.

In other areas, native vegetation was planted to increase recreational opportunities in Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use areas. Trees and shrubs were planted to provide shade, separation between camping sites, and add an aesthetic quality to the area. The planting of this vegetation provided long-term beneficial impacts to vegetation at the projects. Overall, vegetation is managed to clear trees where they don’t belong (along the dam) and planted in areas conducive to vegetation, such as at recreational units.

Under the No Action Alternative, continued vegetation management (mowing, trimming, tree felling, and planting) activities would help to maintain project features, and minor, but permanent impacts to vegetation would result. These impacts would not be considered significant since vegetation management is conducted for the sole purpose of shaping the project sites to meet project purposes. Noxious vegetation control would continue to the benefit native vegetation as competition between to two would be reduced. On-going construction for the upkeep of recreational facilities would require the removal of minor amounts of vegetation to make room for new recreational facilities.

Native vegetation would continue to be planted to increase recreational opportunities in Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use areas. Trees and shrubs would be planted to provide

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

shade, separation between camping sites, and add an aesthetic quality to the area. The planting of this vegetation would be considered beneficial since a project purpose was to provide for recreational enjoyment.

Under the Recommended Plan, vegetation management (mowing, trimming, planting and tree felling) activities would be conducted to maintain project features, and minor, but permanent impacts to vegetation would result. These impacts would not be considered significant since it is done to enhance enjoyment of the project sites. Noxious vegetation control would continue to the benefit of native vegetation by reducing competition between the two, and controlled burning also would be considered as an option for noxious vegetation control, which would result in similar benefits to native vegetation. Controlled burning would be conducted with safety in mind and would be limited to specific areas where noxious weeds occur. On-going construction for the up-keep of recreational facilities would require the removal of minor amounts of vegetation to make room for new recreational facilities. These impacts, while adverse, would not be considered significant since a project purpose is to provide recreational areas and vegetation removal would be minimized to only what is necessary for construction.

Native vegetation would continue to be planted to increase recreational opportunities in High Density Recreation areas. Trees and shrubs would be planted to provide shade, separation between camping sites, and add an aesthetic quality to the area. The planting of this vegetation would be considered beneficial.

Pine mountain beetle monitoring would be conducted to determine infestation, and culling of infected trees would be conducted. The culling operations could result in the removal of a single tree, multiple trees, or numerous acres of trees depending upon the extent of the infestation. Culling of infected trees would be considered a beneficial impact as it would reduce the chances of infecting healthy trees in other areas.

3.1.10 Wildlife

Existing Conditions

Wildlife species common to both project sites include black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), swift fox (Vulpes velox), pocket mice (Perognathus spp.), and jumping mice (Zapus spp.) which rely on grasslands for food and cover. The woodlands at the project sites provide nesting and feeding sites for eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), and numerous migratory bird species. Large mammalian species found on the project sites include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Waterfowl such as, blue-winged teal, mallards, widgeons, scaup, and Canada geese, use the project areas as breeding and wintering grounds and for migratory rest stops.

A complete description of wildlife species found at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs is included within the Master Plans and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For more detailed information on the wildlife species at the two sites, please see the corresponding sections within the Master Plans.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

More recently, concern has grown over the potential presence of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) occurring in the project areas. This species of bark beetle is about the size of a grain of rice and is native to the forests of western North America from Mexico to central British Columbia. Outbreaks of this species during unusually hot, dry summers and mild winters throughout the region can result in the destruction of wide areas of pine forest. Although no mountain pine beetles have currently been identified at either project site, monitoring at both sites has been initiated. Should the species be identified, a management program potentially consisting of pheromone baiting, selective tree harvesting, ‘snip and skid’ harvesting (removal of groups of trees), fall and burn (felling beetle-infested trees and burning on-site), pesticides, or any combination thereof would be designed and implemented.

Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Construction and operation of the project sites have resulted in minor and short-term impacts to wildlife. Construction and maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion) that generated noise or resulted in human presence likely caused wildlife species to avoid the area during the human- induced disturbance. Species were likely forced to seek alternative feeding and sheltering habitat during these human-induced activities. Considering the large expanse of natural habitat surrounding the lakes, seeking alternative habitat during the disturbances likely did not cause undue stress to wildlife. When the disturbance had ended, wildlife likely returned to the area to again conduct normal feeding and sheltering activities.

Concerning migratory birds, it is unknown if surveys were conducted to determine the presence of nesting species prior to vegetation clearing. As such, the extent of impacts to nesting migratory birds is not known.

Under the No Action Alternative, minor and short-term impacts to wildlife would likely continue as maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion) continue. Species would be forced to seek alternative feeding and sheltering habitat if in the area of the human-induced disturbance. Because a large expanse of natural habitat surrounds the lakes, seeking alternative habitat during disturbances likely would not cause undue stress to wildlife. When the disturbance ends, wildlife could return to the area to again conduct normal feeding and sheltering activities. As such, no significant impacts to area wildlife are anticipated.

Concerning migratory birds, prior to any vegetation disturbance, (if conducted within the prime nesting season of migratory birds: February 1 through July 15); a survey would be conducted of the area where vegetation is to be cleared to determine if any nesting birds are present. If nesting birds are present, vegetation clearing would be postponed until such time as the species vacate the nest. If no nesting birds are noted, the project could proceed as planned. As such, no significant impacts to migratory birds are anticipated under the No Action Alternative.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

For construction or maintenance activities that have the potential to adversely impact bald or golden eagles, a pre-construction survey would be conducted to ensure no active eagle nests are within a quarter-mile or line-of-sight of the proposed construction/maintenance activity. If an active nest is noted, the proposed construction/maintenance activity would be postponed until the nesting activities have ceased. In the event where no active eagle nests are noted, the proposed activity could proceed as planned. As such, no impacts to bald or golden eagles are anticipated under the No Action Alternative.

Under the Recommend Plan, similar construction and maintenance-related activities as described under the No Action Alternative would occur, and similar minor and short-term adverse impacts would result. The species would likely seek alternative locations during the disturbance and return to the area once the disturbance has ceased. As such, no significant impacts wildlife is anticipated.

For the protection of migratory birds, pre-construction surveys would be conducted to determine presence of active nests, and if active nests are discovered, work would not be initiated until the nesting birds had vacated the nest. As such, no significant impacts migratory birds are anticipated.

Under the Recommended Plan, newly delineated Management Units are proposed. With these new delineations, Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use areas have been decreased and Wildlife Management areas have been added or expanded. These areas provide relatively undisturbed lands for the use of wildlife to feed, breed, and shelter. Low Density Recreation activities are permitted in the Wildlife Management areas provided the recreation activities are not in conflict with the primary use. Under the Recommended Plan, increased benefits would be provided to wildlife species as more habitat conducive to their use would be provided.

3.1.11 Threatened and Endangered Species

Existing Conditions

The USFWS’s website at: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/reports/species-by-current-range- county was consulted to determine which listed species occur within Fall River County, South Dakota. The website listed Rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), a threatened species; northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), a threatened species, and Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), a candidate species for listing as occurring in the county subject to this PEA. Affect determinations for these listed and candidate species are made below; thus, this PEA also acts as the Biological Assessment for Endangered Species Act compliance.

Rufa Red knot is a medium-sized shorebird. This species travels up to 9,300 miles twice a year in search of suitable habitat and food. Rufa Red knot breed in the arctic and after chicks fledge, migrate to southern Chile and Argentina to winter. Rufa Red knot feed on plant seeds, grass shoots, invertebrates, small snails, and crustaceans. Rufa Red knot may use the edges of Cold Brook Lake and Cottonwood Springs Lake as stop-over or resting habitat during their long migrations. However, Rufa red knot prefer migration corridors along the entire Atlantic coast

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

and are faithful to those specific sites. Thus, Rufa red knot would be considered extremely rare visitors to the project sites.

Northern long-eared bats roost behind loose pieces of bark, within cavities and crevices of live and dead trees, and occasionally in structures like barns and buildings during the summer months. They emerge at dusk to forage on insects and return to their roosts before dawn. In the winter months, northern long-eared bats hibernate in caves and in mines. In the spring and fall months, northern long-eared bats migrate in large numbers between their summer and winter habitats. Because northern long-eared bats do not seek a specific tree species or forest community to roost (rather selecting trees with loose or exfoliating bark), the northern long-eared bat could be found within the forested communities of the project sites that contain trees with exfoliating bark.

Sprague’s pipits are grassland specialists endemic to the mixed-grass prairie in the northern Great Plains of North America. Sprague’s pipits are a passerine species about 14 centimeters in length. They breed in the northern Great Plains, with their highest numbers occurring in the central mixed-grass prairie. Their breeding range is primarily in north-central and eastern Montana, to North Dakota and northwestern and north-central South Dakota. The diet of Sprague’s pipits during the breeding season is almost entirely comprised of arthropods with a small amount of vegetable matter. Sprague’s pipit may be found within the grassland communities at the project sites.

Candidate species receive no legal protection under the Endangered Species Act; however the USFWS works to implement conservation actions for candidate species that may eliminate the need to list the species as threatened or endangered.

Table 3-1: Federally-listed Species in Fall River, South Dakota.

Common Name Likelihood of Status (Scientific Name) Occurrence Preferred Habitat

Threatened Rufa Red knot May occur within Shorelines (Calidris canutus the project areas, but rufa) extremely rare.

Threatened Northern long- Likely to occur Cavities and crevices of live and dead trees = eared bat (Myotis within the project summer. Caves and mines = winter. Migrate = septentrionalis) areas. Spring and Autumn

Candidate Sprague’s pipit May occur within Mixed Grasslands (Anthus spragueii) the project areas.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

It is not known if Rufa red knot, northern long-eared bat, or Sprague’s pipit were affected in any way by the original construction of the two projects or by maintenance activities that immediately followed.

Under the No Action Alternative, there is a possibility that listed and candidate species could be affected due to their potential occurrence in the project areas. Proposed construction and maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion) could startle the species and cause them to vacate the area.

For the Rufa red knot, proposed construction and maintenance activities may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect this species, if present. Construction or maintenance activities likely would cause to species to vacate the immediate area where these activities are occurring. As such, should the species be seen at either lake, construction and maintenance activities would not commence, or would cease if already started, until the species has moved out of the area. This would avoid affecting the species.

For northern long-eared bats, proposed construction and maintenance activities may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect this species. Affects to this species could occur during construction or maintenance activities and cause to species to vacate the area. Tree removal may impact the species and its habitat. Thus, prior to any tree removal, a survey would be conducted of the area where the trees are to be cleared to determine acreage of trees removed and to ensure no roosting bats are present. The results of the survey would be coordinated with the USFWS. If roosting bats are present, tree clearing would be postponed until such time as the species vacates the trees. This would avoid affecting the species.

For Sprague’s pipit, proposed construction and maintenance activities may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect this species. Affects to this species could occur during construction or maintenance activities and cause to species to vacate the area. Activities conducted within grassland areas (vegetation removal and controlled burning) may scare the species and adversely affect its habitat. Prior to grassland disturbances, a survey would be conducted of the area where the vegetation is to be disturbed to ensure no pipits are using the area. If pipits are present, vegetation disturbance would be postponed until such time as the species vacates the area. This would avoid affecting the species.

Under the Recommended Plan, there is a possibility that listed and candidate species could be affected due to their potential occurrence in the project areas. Proposed construction and maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion) could startle the species and cause them to vacate the area.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Similar to the No Action Alternative, surveys of area proposed for construction or maintenance activities would be conducted prior to the disturbance taking place. If listed or candidate species are observed, no disturbance would take place until the species had vacated the area. This would avoid affecting the species.

Under the Recommended Plan, newly delineated Management Units are proposed. With these new delineations, Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use areas have been decreased and Wildlife Management units have been added or expanded. These areas provide relatively undisturbed lands for the use of wildlife to feed, breed, and shelter. Low Density Recreation activities are permitted in the Wildlife Management areas provided they are not in conflict with the primary use. Under the Recommended Plan, increased benefits could be provided to listed species as more habitat conducive to their use would be provided.

In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, the Corps contacted the USFWS by email on April 9, 2016, to inform them of the proposed Master Plan update and to request concurrence with the determination that the proposed project may affect, but not likely to adversely affect Rufa red knot, northern long-eared bat, and Sprague’s pipit. These affect determinations were made because these species may be found within the project areas. The USACE explained that if these species were present when construction or maintenance activities were to take place, the normal behaviors of these species might be disrupted and cause them to vacate the area. The USACE went on to say that should the species be present, activities would cease, or not be initiated, until such time as the species vacated the areas. Additionally, the USACE informed the USFWS, as part of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act that no impacts to migratory birds, their nests, or bald eagles or their nests would result from implementation of construction or maintenance activities.

The USFWS responded by email on May 6, 2016, and stated that they concurred with the USACE determinations.

Table 3-2: Threatened and Endangered Species Effect Determinations and the USFWS Responses.

Common Name USFWS Concurrence/No Concurrence with the NWO’s (Scientific Name) Effect Determination Determinations

Rufa Red knot May affect, not likely Concur (Calidris canutus to adversely affect rufa)

Northern long- May affect, not likely Concur eared bat (Myotis to adversely affect septentrionalis)

Sprague’s pipit May affect, not likely Concur (Anthus spragueii) to adversely affect

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

3.1.12 Cultural Resources

Existing Conditions

The USACE is responsible for identifying, protecting, managing, and enhancing cultural resources which are located on public lands, or that may be affected by the USACE undertakings on Federal lands, in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended. The procedures for compliance with the NHPA are outlined in regulation under 36 CFR 800. Cultural resources include archaeological, historic, and architectural properties, as well as traditional life-way values and/or traditional cultural properties important to Native American groups.

Common prehistoric archaeological site types in Fall River County South Dakota include rock art, artifact scatters, burials, bison or antelope bone beds, eagle-trapping pits, tool stone procurement and tool manufacturing sites. Also, Fall River County contains numerous rock cairns, rock shelters, stone alignments, stone circles, vision quest locales, and camp or occupation areas. Common historic archaeological sites are the remains of farmsteads.

A complete description of the cultural resources found at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs sites is included within the Master Plan and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For more detailed information on the cultural resources at the two sites, please see the corresponding sections within the Master Plans.

Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Project managers have been fully aware of the rich cultural resources that occur at each project site. Cultural resources have been identified and their locations have been mapped and recorded. Construction of the projects and subsequent maintenance activities have avoided contact with identified cultural sites.

Under the No Action Alternative, there is a possibility that cultural resources could be encountered during construction or maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion). In the event that historic resources are uncovered, work would be halted immediately and a District archeologist would be notified. The work would not be continued until the area is inspected by a District archeologist and an order to proceed is given. If the District archeologist determines that the cultural resources require further consultation, he or she will notify the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office. As such, no significant impacts to cultural resources are anticipated.

Under the Recommended Plan, there is a possibility that cultural resources could be encountered during construction or maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion). In the event that historic resources are uncovered, work would be halted immediately and a District archeologist would be

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

notified. The work would not be continued until the area is inspected by a District archeologist and an order to proceed is given. If the District archeologist determines that the resources require further consultation, he or she will notify the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office. As such, no significant impacts to cultural resources are anticipated.

3.1.13 Recreational Resources

Existing Conditions

Cottonwood Springs Dam offers primitive camping (no hookups), hiking, fishing, boating (only electric motors), and picnicking. Facilities include campgrounds, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, boat ramps, group picnic shelters, fish cleaning stations, and comfort stations. In 2012 there were 15,515 visits to the project area and visitors logged 178,889 visitor hours.

Cold Brook Dam, offers canoeing, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and camping. Winter activities at Cold Brook include ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing. Facilities include campgrounds, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, boat ramps, picnic shelters, archery ranges, basketball courts, swim areas, and comfort stations. In 2012 there were 66,542 visitors to the project area and visitors logged 116,976 visitor hours.

A complete description of recreational resources found at Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs is included within the Master Plans and is incorporated by reference into this PEA. For more detailed information on the recreational resources at the two sites, please see the corresponding sections within the Master Plans. Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Following construction of the two project sites slight disruptions to the enjoyment of recreationalist at the project sites have occurred. Construction and maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion) have caused temporary and minor amounts of noise, dust, and visual disturbances. These activities have generally been scheduled during the ‘off’ seasons in order to minimize the disturbances to the public. Additionally, the construction and maintenance activities had been designed to enhance public safety and enjoyment of the project sites in the long-term.

Under the No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan, slight disruptions to the enjoyment of recreationalist at the project sites would continue to occur during construction and maintenance activities (mowing, thinning and removal of trees, repairing recreational facilities, and placing rock to arrest shoreline erosion). These disturbances would continue to cause temporary and minor amounts of noise, dust, and visual disturbances, but also would be scheduled during the ‘off’ seasons or times of day to minimize impacts to the public. As such, the construction and maintenance activities would not have a significant impact on recreationalists. Additionally, as noted above, the construction and maintenance activities are

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

designed to enhance public safety and enjoyment in the long-term. As such, the construction and maintenance activities overall would provide long-term benefits to recreationalists.

3.1.14 Prime Farmland

Existing Conditions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers prime farmland to be land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics that is readily available for producing crops. Prime farmland has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Prime farmlands are not excessively erodible or saturated with water for a long period, and they either do not flood frequently or are protected from flooding.

There are approximately 26 acres of prime farmlands (Tilford silt loam - prime farmlands if irrigated) within the Cold Brook Reservoir project area. Please refer to Figure 5 below for a map depicting the prime farmland soils within the Cold Brook project area.

There are approximately 134 acres of prime farmlands (31.5 acres of Norkool silt loam - farmland of statewide importance, 93.8 acres of Tilford silt loam cool - prime farmland if irrigated, and 9.3 acres of Tilford silt loam dry - farmland of statewide importance) within the Cottonwood Springs Reservoir project area. Please refer to Figure 6 below for a map depicting the prime farmland soils within the Cottonwood Springs project area.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Figure 5. Map detailing Soils at the Cold Brook Reservoir Project Area (Note: Hatched Area in the Upper Left-hand Corner of the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam - prime farmland if irrigated).

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Figure 6. Map detailing Soils at the Cottonwood Springs Reservoir Project Area (Note: Green Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Norkool silt loam – farmland of statewide importance, Red Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam cool - prime farmland if irrigated, and Yellow Hatched Area in the Map Indicating Tilford silt loam dry – farmland of statewide importance). Environmental Consequences:

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Since construction of the two project sites, prime farmland areas have remained fallow and no conversion of those areas to a differing use has occurred.

Under the No Action Alternative, minor but long-term impacts to prime farmland soils could occur at the Cottonwood Springs project site. The impacts to prime farmlands soils could result from the permanent conversion of Tilford silt loam, cool soils to a differing use. Tilford silt loam, cool soils are found underneath an existing Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use area. The soils could be converted as part of Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use development. Construction of concrete pads at camping sites, road expansions or paving projects, parking lot development and paving could occur. In addition, recreational facility upgrades such as new restrooms and comfort stations could convert these soils. Although minor and long-term impacts to prime farmlands could occur at the Cottonwood Springs project site, it is believed that the minor conversions would not be deemed significant since these soils have not previously been farmed. No conversion of prime farmland soils would occur at Cold Brook as the farmland soils at this project are located in an Operations: Recreation Low Density Use unit and would not be developed.

Under the Recommended Plan, the Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use area described above under the No Action Alternative for the Cottonwood Springs project site is proposed to be reduced in size. The acreage taken out of Operations: Recreation – Intensive Use designation would be designated as Wildlife Management area. While this would reduce the potential for conversation of prime farmland to a differing use, some of the prime farmland area would remain in High Density Recreation. Like the No Action Alternative, the soils remaining within the High Density Recreation designation could be converted to concrete pads, paved roads, paved parking, restrooms, or comfort stations. While these minor conversions could occur, they would not be deemed significant since these soils have not been farmed in the past.

Under the Recommended Plan, the areas of prime farmlands that fall within the Wildlife Management unit could be returned to farm production in order to provide food plots for wildlife species. This could be considered a beneficial impact to prime farmlands in the immediate area.

3.1.15 Socio-Economic

Existing Conditions

The proposed project areas are located in Fall River County, South Dakota. The population of Fall River County was 6,971 in 2012, a 1.7%% decrease over the 2010 population of 7,094 (U.S. Census Bureau 2013). In 2012, 88.8% of Fall River County residents reported their race as Caucasian alone, 6.7% as American Indian and Alaska Native alone, while the remaining 4.5% consisted of other races or a mixture of races (U.S. Census Bureau 2013).

In 2011, Fall River County had a per capita income of $24,494 and in 2011 had a median household income of $34,948, compared to, $24,925 and $48,010 respectively, in the State of South Dakota (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013). In 2011, the percent of persons below poverty level

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

was 14.2% in Fall River County, compared to 13.8% for the State of South Dakota (U.S. Census Bureau 2012). The unemployment rate for Fall River County in 2013 was 3.9%, compared to the statewide unemployment rate of 3.9% (BLS, 2013).

Environmental Consequences:

No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan:

Under the No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan, minor long-term increases in area expenditures have, and would continue to occur. Increased expenditures in the area have, and would continue to result from increased usage of the recreational facilities provided at the project sites. This would be considered a beneficial impact.

3.1.16 Cumulative Impacts The combined incremental effects of human activity are referred to as cumulative impacts (40 CFR 1508.7). While these incremental effects may be insignificant on their own, accumulated over time and from various sources, they can result in serious degradation to the environment. A cumulative impact analysis must consider past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions in the pertinent area. The analysis also must include consideration of actions outside of the Corps, to include the actions of other State and Federal agencies. As required by NEPA, the Corps has prepared the following cumulative impacts assessment related to the Recommended Alternative being considered in this PEA.

a) Past Actions. Numerous cumulative effects to the environment have occurred in the project areas from construction of the two dams and from the impoundment of water behind them. The hydrology of Cold Brook Creek and Cottonwood Springs Creek was altered, the dams and reservoirs displaced natural vegetation, and human presence and construction impacted resident and migratory species. Cultural resources were unearthed and disturbed during the construction as well. These anthropogenic changes have caused cumulative adverse effects to fish, wildlife, and vegetative communities.

b) Present and Future Actions Associated with the Master Plan Alternatives. Continued recreation and project upkeep at the facilities would have an on-going minor adverse impact on fish and wildlife in the immediate area. Construction and maintenance activities would continue to develop noise and dust in the area and temporarily displace wildlife. Continued upkeep of the area, especially in the High Density Recreation units, would provide ongoing benefits to recreationalists. Future actions would assist in area monitoring of exotic species that have the potential to cause wide-spread destruction. Monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels at the project sites and taking action to inform the public of the nuisance species will assist in preventing their spread to waters of South Dakota. Monitoring for the pine mountain beetle will assist in preventing its spread and help protect area forests. Under the No Action Alternative and the Recommended Plan, incremental adverse impacts to fish and wildlife would result and incremental benefits to recreationalists would occur. Under the Recommended Plan, incremental benefits to area waters and vegetation would occur from exotic species monitoring.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

4.0 COORDINATION

Preparation of this PEA and draft FONSI was coordinated with appropriate Tribal, Federal, state, and local interests, as well as environmental groups and the regulated public. Coordination with these entities was conducted to ensure compliance with NEPA regulations. Correspondence letters are included in Appendix A. Coordination with Tribes began in September of 2013 with a meeting held in Hot Springs, South Dakota on September 16, 2013 at the Mueller Civic Center. Invitations were sent on August 23, 2013 informing potentially interested Tribes of the upcoming revision and scoping meeting. After a brief delay, an additional letter dated January 9, 2015 was sent to all parties on the Tribal contact list (see Master Plan Table 21) requesting input to consider as the preliminary draft master plan was developed. Several responses were received (see Master Plan Table 22). The preliminary draft was posted online for review by Tribal parties and notice was provided by letter, dated May 22, 2015. A meeting with Tribal parties will take place during the draft master plan review period, which is currently scheduled to run from July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016. Comments received will be considered for incorporation as the Corps moves to finalization and implementation of the master plan.

5.0 MITIGATION

The appropriate application of mitigation as defined by CEQ regulations is to formulate alternatives that first avoids adverse impacts, then minimizes adverse impacts, and lastly, compensates for unavoidable impacts.

Best Management Practices such as using silt trapping devices and would be employed to avoid inadvertent fill from entering the lakes and wetlands located adjacent to construction and maintenance areas. Avoiding the idling of machinery when not immediately needed would reduce noise in the project areas. Coordination with the USACE Regulatory Office would be conducted to ensure affects to wetlands are avoided, minimized, and offset as required. Pre- construction surveys for migratory birds, bald and golden eagles, and threatened and endangered species would be conducted prior to vegetation disturbances to avoid impacts to these species. Prior to vegetation removal, an assessment of the quantity and quality of vegetation to be removed would be made and offset plantings would be conducted as required following the construction or maintenance.

With implementation of these measures, mitigation would be provided to offset adverse impacts. The adverse impacts to fish and wildlife from construction and maintenance-related activities would be self-mitigating once the activity ceases; the fish and wildlife would simply return to the area and be able to resume normal activities.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

6.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668, 668 note, 669a-668d. In compliance. This Act prohibits the taking or possession of and commerce in bald and golden eagles, with limited exceptions for the scientific or exhibition purposes, for religious purposes of Indian Tribes, or for the protection of wildlife, agriculture or preservation of the species. Surveys would be conducted for bald and golden eagle nests within a quarter mile radius of where construction and maintenance activities are proposed. If active nests are present, the activity would be postponed until nesting and fledging are completed.

Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 185711-7. et seq. In compliance. Air quality is not expected to be significantly impacted to any measurable degree by construction, maintenance, or operations at either of the two project sites. No long-term impacts to air quality would result from the proposed projects.

Clean Water Act, as amended. (Federal Water Pollution Control Act) 33 U.S.C. 1251. et seq. In compliance. The objective of this Act is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters (33 USC 1251). The Corps regulates discharges of dredge or fill material into waters of the United States pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This permitting authority applies to all waters of the United States including navigable waters and wetlands. The selection of disposal sites for dredged or fill material is done in accordance with the Section 404(b)(1) guidelines, which were developed by the EPA (see 40 CFR Part 230). Proposed construction and maintenance activities would be coordinated with the South Dakota Regulatory Office to ensure impacts are minimized and offset as required. While the Corps does not permit itself, Corps projects involving the discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States shall be developed in accordance with guidelines promulgated under the authority of the CWA (40 C.F.R. 230). In addition to Regulatory authorization, Section 401 Water Quality Certification would be obtained as required. Section 401 ensures that a proposed water resources project is in compliance with established effluent limitations and water quality standards. Corps projects are required to obtain the appropriate authorizations and certifications.

Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). In compliance. Typically CERCLA is triggered by (1) the release or substantial threat of a release of a hazardous substance into the environment; or (2) the release or substantial threat of a release of any pollutant or contaminant into the environment which presents an imminent threat to the public health and welfare. To the extent such knowledge is available, 40 CFR Part 373 requires notification of CERCLA hazardous substances in a land transfer. No hazardous substances are known to occur on site.

Endangered Species Act, as amended. 16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq. In compliance. This project has been coordinated with the USFWS. An email, dated April 9, 2016, was sent to the USFWS explaining the proposed actions and requesting concurrence that the proposed actions would not impact bald eagles and migratory birds. Additionally, the email stated that the proposed project may affect, but would not likely adversely affect, Rufa red knot, northern long-eared bat, and Sprague’s pipit. The USFWS responded by email dated May 6, 2016, and stated they concur

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

with the Corps determinations that the proposed work may affect but not likely to adversely affect federally listed species.

Environmental Justice (E.O. 12898). In compliance. Federal agencies shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations in the United States. The project does not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations.

Farmland Protection Policy Act (Subtitle I of Title XV of the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981), effective August 6, 1984. In compliance. Compliance with this act also will satisfy the requirements set forth in Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Memorandum of August 11, 1980, Analysis of impacts on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands in Implementing NEPA. No prime farmland would be converted as a result of the preferred action. Some prime farmlands may be planted and used as food plots for wildlife. This would result in beneficial impacts to prime farmlands.

Federal Water Project Recreation Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 460-1(12), et seq. In compliance. The proposed construction and maintenance activities would have long term benefits on recreational use at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project areas.

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq. In compliance. A coordination letter dated December 29, 2014 and a follow-up email dated February 2, 2016, were prepared by the USACE and sent to the SDGFP. An email dated April 9, 2016 was prepared by the USACE and sent to the USFWS. These correspondences were designed to solicit comment on the proposed project. In an email dated May 6, the USFWS stated the proposed project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect listed species. The SDGFP did not respond. No further action under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act is required.

Floodplain Management (E.O. 11988). In compliance. The proposed construction and maintenance activities at the Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs project sites would be coordination with the USACE Floodplain Office prior to initiation.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 as amended, 16 U.S.C. 703-711, et seq. In compliance. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) is the domestic law that affirms, or implements, the United States’ commitment to four international conventions with Canada, Japan, Mexico and Russia for the protection of shared migratory bird resources. The MBTA governs the taking, killing, possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts and nests. The take of all migratory birds is governed by the MBTA's regulation of taking migratory birds for educational, scientific, and recreational purposes and requiring harvest to be limited to levels that prevent over utilization. Executive Order 13186 (2001) directs executive agencies to take certain actions to implement the act. The USACE will not impact migratory birds or their nests during construction or maintenance activities at either project site. Any removal of trees or grasses proposed during key nesting periods would be conducted only after surveys for migratory birds have been conducted, and only if migratory birds are not found nesting in the areas slated for disturbance.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. In compliance. This PEA has been prepared for the proposed actions and to satisfy the NEPA requirement. An Environmental Impact Statement is not required.

National Historic Preservation Act, as amended. 16 U.S.C. 470a, et seq. In compliance. There is always potential for an unanticipated discovery of cultural resources during construction activities. In the event that historic resources are uncovered, work would be halted immediately and a District archeologist would be notified. The work would not be continued until the area is inspected by a staff archeologist. If he or she determines that the resources require further consultation, he or she will notify the South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office.

Noise Control Act of 1972, 42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq. In compliance. While there will be some minor noise disturbances during construction and maintenance activities, there will be no long- term noise disturbances associated with the construction and maintenance activities. Some long- term but minor noise would result from recreational activities and the two sites, but this noise is anticipated and part of the operation of the facilities.

Protection of Wetlands (E.O.11990). In compliance. All construction or maintenance activities with the potential to impact wetlands would first be coordinated with the USACE Regulatory Office to ensure impacts are minimized and offset.

Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 U.S.C. 401, et seq. In compliance. A Section 10 permit is not required for Corps projects.

Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, 16 U.S.C. 1101, et seq. In compliance. Prior to any construction or maintenance activities, an erosion and sedimentation control plan will be provided as required. Best Management Practices will be implemented to minimize erosion and sedimentation potential.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

7.0 CONCLUSION

The updated Master Plan would provide guidelines and direction for future development and use of the project sites in accordance with authorized project purposes, USACE policies and regulations on the operation of USACE projects, responses to regional and local needs, resource capabilities and suitable uses, and expressed public interests consistent with authorized project purposes and pertinent legislation.

The NWO has successfully planned and executed actions to improve and maintain recreation at the Cold Brook Dam and Lake Project, and the Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Project for more than 50 years. Careful planning, sound engineering, appropriate coordination with resource agencies and effective execution have developed the recreational resources at the projects while protecting and enhancing the important environmental resources; these practices would be expected to continue.

Future development under the proposed updated Master Plan identifies a number of future actions to be implemented as funding becomes available. If and when these projects are implemented, localized and temporary construction-related impacts (e.g., diesel/gasoline engine emissions, noise, fugitive dust, vegetation clearing, etc.) would be the extent of the environmental consequences and may be considered for further NEPA evaluation on a case-by- case basis. Beneficial impacts associated with noxious vegetation removal, native vegetation replanting, exotic species monitoring, and an increased in recreational facilities would be realized.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

8.0 PREPARERS

This PEA and the associated draft FONSI were prepared by Mr. Matthew Vandenberg, Environmental Resources Specialist. The address of the preparers is: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, 1616 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68102.

Prepared By:______Date:______Matthew Vandenberg Environmental Resources Specialist

Approved By:______Date:______Eric Laux Chief, Environmental Resources and Missouri River

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

9.0 LITERATURE CITED

South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2014. South Dakota Water Quality Water Years 2008-2013 (streams) and Water Years 2004-2013 (lakes). The 2014 South Dakota Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Water Quality Conditions at Tributary Projects in the Omaha District. Water Quality Team, Water Control and Water Quality Section, Hydrologic Engineering Branch, Engineering Division, Omaha District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Omaha, Nebraska.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2014. Watershed Assessment, Tracking & Environmental Results, South Dakota 303(d) Listed Waters for Reporting Year 2014. Washington D.C. http://ofmpub.epa.gov/waters10/attains_impaired_waters.impaired_waters_list?p_state=SD &p_cycle=2014

Ward, Bob S. 2013. Colorado Wildfires are Linked to Global Warming. Huffingtonpost.com. Accessed July 13, 2016.

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

APPENDIX A

Coordination

Cottonwood Springs & Cold Brook Master Plan Update U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 2016 Omaha District

Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016

APPENDIX B

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

B-1 Cold Brook and Cottonwood Springs Dam and Lake Projects Draft Master Plan July 2016

LIST OF PLATES

MANAGEMENT UNIT PLATES 1 - 2