Dunaway Waterfowl Area Expansion Is a Mixture of Forested and Water Habitat and Thus Provide a Source for Uptake and Storage of Carbon

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area Expansion

Sumter National Forest Enoree Ranger District May 2013

Location of Action: Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District Type of Document: Environmental Assessment Lead Agency: US Forest Service Responsible Official: Elizabeth LeMaster, Enoree District Ranger Contact Person: Carrie Miller 3557 Whitmire Hwy Union, SC 29379 (864)427-9858

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720 -2600 (voice and TDD).To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 ...... 6

Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action ...... 6 1.1 Introduction ...... 6 1.2 Purpose and Need ...... 6 1.3 Forest Plan Direction ...... 8 1.4 Proposed Action ...... 9 1.5 Decision to be Made ...... 12 1.6 Public Involvement ...... 12 1.7 Issues ...... 12

Chapter 2 ...... 13

Alternatives ...... 13 2.1 Alternatives Including the Proposed Action ...... 13 2.1.1 Alternative A (No Action) ...... 13 2.1.2 Alternative B (Proposed Action) ...... 13 2.2 Monitoring ...... 17 2.3 Design Criteria ...... 17 2.4 Comparison of Alternatives ...... 20

Chapter 3 ...... 23

Environmental Consequences ...... 23 3.1 Physical Environment ...... 23 3.1.1 Soil Resources ...... 23 3.1.2 Water Resources ...... 26 3.1.3 Air Quality ...... 30 3.1.4 Climate Change and Carbon Storage ...... 31 3.2 Biological Environment ...... 33 3.2.1 Aquatic Communities ...... 33 3.2.2 Vegetation ...... 42 3.2.3 Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Forest Sensitive Species (PETS) ...... 44 3.2.4 Migratory Birds ...... 47

3.3 Social Environment ...... 50 3.3.1 Human Health and Safety ...... 50 3.3.2 Scenery and Recreation ...... 52 3.3.3 Heritage Resources ...... 54 3.3.4 Environmental Justice and Civil Rights ...... 56 3.3.5 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources ...... 57

Chapter 4 ...... 58

Consultation ...... 58

Chapter 5 ...... 59

References and Data Sources ...... 59

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area vicinity map Figure 2: Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area detailed map Figures 3-4: Photos of project area Figure 5: LiDAR map of project area

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation Appendix B – NRCS Consultation letter for Project Mitigating Design Appendix C—ESA Section 7 Consultation Appendix D-- Maps

Chapter 1 Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action

1.1 Introduction

This document has been prepared to identify and evaluate potential environmental effects of the proposed Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) Expansion project. The Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest seeks to expand upon the existing Dunaway WMA located in Union County, South Carolina (Figures 1 & 2). The Dunaway WMA is under the stewardship of the US Forest Service (FS), and is located south of Neal Shoals Rd (S-44- 389) in FS compartment 13.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), requires consideration of the environmental impacts for major federal actions. This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to ensure that the environmental consequences of the proposed project are fully considered and that the EA is provided to the public for their review and comment. This document has been prepared pursuant to NEPA in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations as contained in 40 CFR Parts 1500 to 1508, which directs federal agencies on how to implement the provisions of NEPA.

This EA documents two fundamental NEPA mandated requirements. One is a careful, complete and analytic study of the impacts of any proposal that has the potential to affect the environment, and alternatives to that proposal, well before any decisions are made. The other involves the mandate that agencies be diligent in involving any interested or affected members of the public in the NEPA process.

1.2 Purpose and Need

The proposed project would meet two primary objectives: (1) creating wetland habitat for game and nongame wildlife species, and (2) providing enhanced recreational opportunities for the public.

Most wetlands in the piedmont of South Carolina occur in riparian corridors and bottomland forests. These habitats have been severely altered by conversion to agriculture, unsustainable forestry practices and urbanization. Migration corridors of many waterfowl and shorebird species pass through the piedmont but suitable wetland habitat continues to dwindle at present. Issues such as invasive species, water demands, environmental contaminants, and global climate change present new problems that continue to threaten the quantity and quality of waterfowl habitats (NAWMP 2009). Wetlands in the piedmont provide critical breeding habitat for species such as wood duck (Aix sponsa), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), bald eagle

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and numerous species of neotropical migratory songbirds. Additionally, piedmont wetlands provide essential habitat for reptiles and amphibians and are used by post-breeding wood stork (Mycteria americana) migrations. Wood storks routinely migrate up the major piedmont river corridors from the coast. By expanding the Dunaway WMA, the Enoree Ranger District would provide additional habitat for species that use wetlands for breeding, foraging, wintering and migration stop-over areas.

Waterfowl hunting is popular among South Carolina’s sportsmen, and unique waterfowl hunting opportunities are typically only available to a small percentage of the hunting public. There are very few public waterfowl opportunities in the piedmont, but the proposed project would offer additional public hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. The US Forest Service and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) cooperatively manage four WMAs on the Enoree Ranger District. These areas are only open for waterfowl hunting on Saturdays during the hunting season, and receive a great deal of use by hunters. During the 2012-2013 waterfowl hunting season, 58 hunters from 6 different counties harvested 16 ducks (0.28 ducks/hunter) over the 10 days that hunting was permitted on the Dunaway WMA. The expansion of the Dunaway WMA would provide a greater opportunity for waterfowl hunting as well as other outdoor recreational activities (e.g., wildlife viewing).

On August 17, 2007, President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13443: Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation. The Order directs federal agencies “to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.” The Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan, as directed by Executive Order 13443, specifically states: “Authorize federal agencies to retain receipts from the sale of woody biomass to provide priority funding toward habitat restoration in areas impacted by harvest. The remaining receipts would be used to fund the Secure Rural Schools program, additional forest health projects and to provide access for hunting and other wildlife dependent recreation.” As stated in The Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan, “Hunting and recreational shooting with firearms and archery equipment are important elements of America’s outdoor heritage, and are uniquely dependent upon public access to federal, state, and private lands. Constraints on access have been identified as one of the leading impediments to sustaining and growing participation.” The proposed project is in alignment with Executive Order 13443 and The Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan.

According to the 2008 Francis Marion-Sumter Visitor Use Report, hunting was the number one activity selected by respondents as the main purpose of their forest visit (see p. 20 of the report). For Forest Service Region 8 as a whole, fishing was third most selected activity by respondents, and hunting was the fourth (see p. 22 of the Region 8 Master Report). Business generated by hunters is extremely important to rural communities in South Carolina. Nationally, it is estimated that over a half million jobs in America are supported by hunters. According the USFWS Trends in Hunting and Fishing 2001-2006 report, there were approximately 161,000 deer hunters,

64,000 turkey hunters, 30,000 rabbit hunters, 23,000 squirrel hunters, 32,000 duck hunters and 28,000 dove hunters in South Carolina alone. It is estimated that the total economic impact of fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing in South Carolina is over $3,793,000,000/year and these activities are directly responsible for approximately 44,672 jobs in South Carolina.

Of the Enoree Ranger District’s four WMAs, the Dunaway WMA is the smallest, making it a good candidate for expansion. By increasing the size of this area, more wetland habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities would be made available in the northeastern part of the ranger district. The topographic features of the surrounding site are also conducive to wetland expansion. The area in which the Dunaway WMA would be expanded is a flat, wooded site that would not impact any streams. Expansion is limited on the other WMAs because of topography or potential impact to the hydrology of adjacent tributaries.

Creation and maintenance of the expanded Dunaway WMA is anticipated to provide: 1) enhanced habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland associated species; 2) enhanced public hunting and recreational opportunities; and 3) the opportunity to accomplish goals, standards and objectives of the Forest Plan. In general, WMAs simulate natural non-forested and ephemeral wetland conditions via variable hydrologic periods. As such, these areas provide many of the natural history requirements for various wetland-dependent species.

1.3 Forest Plan Direction

The proposed project provides an opportunity to work toward the forest management goals as described in the 2004 Sumter National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Forest Plan guidelines relevant to the Dunaway WMA expansion project are summarized below:

Goal 9 Provide habitats to sustain the diversity and distribution of resident reptile and amphibian species as well as breeding, wintering, and migration staging and stopover habitat for migratory birds in ways that contributes to their long-term conservation.

Objective 9.01 Construct or restore wetlands on 600 acres in the riparian corridor on the piedmont over the 10-year planning period.

Standard FW-29 In artificial impoundments used by foraging wood storks, water levels are managed to provide for and encourage annual use by this species.

Goal 23 Where financially environmentally feasible, enhance the following opportunities: Hunting, fishing, wildlife, bird, and plant viewing opportunities.

1.4 Proposed Action

The proposed action involves expansion of the existing 12-acre Dunaway WMA by building an earthen embankment (dike) to create a shallow (18-24 inches in depth) impoundment of water to provide wetland habitat. The dike would be approximately 500 feet long and have a minimum top width of 10 feet with a 4:1 front slope, 6:1 back slope, and a height less than 3 feet. An emergency spillway would be located in the Broad River watershed upstream, east of and perpendicular to the dike. Natural Resource Conservation Service Regional Conservationist prepared a design specification for the proposed action which is included in Appendix B and was modified and approved by Forest Service engineers.

A dike with the above specifications and the natural topography of the land would result in the flooding of approximately 11 acres. Connected actions associated with this proposal would include an eleven acre timber sale. All trees would be removed within the estimated flooded area with the exception of scattered mast producing hardwoods. If the scattered mast producers present a management obstacle, they may be girdled and/or felled. The flooded area would be adjacent to the existing Dunaway waterfowl impoundment (Figures 1-3).

Material for construction of the dike would come from on site. Topsoil from the footprint of the site would be stockpiled for later use as the final layer on the dike and to facilitate re-vegetation of the borrow area. During and after construction activities, the site would be stabilized by seeding and/or mulching bare soil and using erosion control structures (e.g., fabric fencing).

The expanded WMA would be maintained by controlling water levels, using mechanical methods (mowing, disking, etc.), prescribed burning, and planting techniques (seedbed preparation, fertilizing, liming, seeding, etc.). Groundwater dams would be constructed and placed below and across the existing ditch to block the subsurface movement into the ditch on adjacent wetlands and additionally create ephemeral wetland habitats separated by shallow pools. The expanded WMA would be flooded during the dormant season when migratory waterfowl use is highest, and drawn down during the growing season. When water levels are drawn down, exposed soil may be mowed or disked with a farm tractor in order to stimulate production of natural moist-soil emergent vegetation or for preparation prior to the planting of desirable plant species.

1.5 Decision to be Made

The Responsible Official (i.e., Enoree District Ranger) will make a decision based on the review of this environmental assessment. The District Ranger will decide whether to implement the Proposed Action or the “No Action” alternative and whether or not the project will have a significant impact on the environment. If a determination is made that the impacts are not significant, then a “Finding of No Significant Impact” [NEPA 1508.13] would be made. Significant impacts on the quality of human environment would require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement [NEPA 1504 (C) and (E)]. The decision will be documented in a Decision Notice [Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, 43.2].

1.6 Public Involvement

Public scoping was conducted to identify potential issues related to the proposed action. On or about February 9, 2012, a scoping letter was mailed to interested individuals and agencies requesting their input on the proposed action. No comments were received in response to this letter. Pursuant to 36 CFR 215.3 and 215.5, a legal notice was published in The Newberry Observer, Newberry, South Carolina on February 14th, 2012. This legal notice requested comments on the proposed action and notified the public of the 30-day Notice and Comment Period. No comments were received.

1.7 Issues No issues were identified.

Chapter 2 Alternatives

2.1 Alternatives Including the Proposed Action

This section discusses the proposed action that the USDA Forest Service would take to meet the purpose and need discussed in the previous section. The No Action alternative is also discussed.

2.1.1 Alternative A (No Action)

The “No Action” alternative involves leaving the Dunaway WMA in its current state by not expanding the existing waterfowl impoundment. Therefore, this alternative is the continuation of existing conditions and activities. Waterfowl/wetland habitat would not be created or enhanced, and the Enoree would not provide additional enhanced recreational opportunities for the public at the Dunaway WMA. An evaluation of the “No Action” alternative is required by NEPA.

2.1.2 Alternative B (Proposed Action)

The proposal involves expanding the existing 12-acre Dunaway WMA by building an earthen embankment (dike) to create a shallow (18-24 inches in depth) impoundment of water to provide wetland habitat. The dike would be approximately 500 feet long and have a minimum top width of 10 feet with a 4:1 front slope, 6:1 back slope, and a height less than 3 feet (Figures 2 & 5). An emergency spillway would be located in the Broad River Watershed upstream, east of, and perpendicular to the dike.

A dike with the above specifications and the natural topography of the land would result in the flooding of approximately 11 acres. All trees would be removed within the estimated flooded area with the exception of scattered mast producing hardwoods. If the scattered mast producers presented a management obstacle, they may be girdled and/or felled. The flooded area would be adjacent to the existing Dunaway waterfowl impoundment (Figures 2 & 5).

Figure 3. Photo of central area to be flooded. Dominant trees to be removed are sweetgum & maple.

There are no perennial or intermittent streams located within the project area. The expanded impoundment would be flooded with water pumped from the existing WMA and from normal runoff and precipitation. A water-control structure (e.g., flashboard riser outlet device) would be placed in the dike to manipulate water levels and to drain the impoundment as needed.

The expanded WMA would be maintained by controlling water levels, using mechanical methods (mowing, disking, etc.), prescribed burning, and planting techniques (seedbed preparation, fertilizing, liming, seeding, etc.). The expanded WMA would be flooded during the dormant season when migratory waterfowl use is highest, and drawn down during the growing season. When water levels are drawn down, exposed soil may be mowed or disked with a farm tractor in order to stimulate production of natural moist-soil emergent vegetation or for preparation prior to the planting of desirable plant species. Ideally, native moist-soil plants and shrubs would be planted and encouraged within the project area (e.g., Cephalanthus occidentalis, Polyganum spp., Scirpus spp., Cyperus spp., Panicum spp., and Peltandra spp.). However, non- native annuals may be planted, especially if there is an inadequate response from native moist- soil plants. Actions are designed to establish and maintain plant species beneficial to waterfowl and other wildlife, as well as to provide enhanced recreational opportunities for the public.

2.1.3 Connected Actions

Connected actions associated with this proposal would include an eleven acre timber sale to remove merchantable volume. In addition, an adjacent wetland would have groundwater dams

constructed with compacted clay soils and placed below and across the existing ditch to block the subsurface movement of water into the ditch. There are existing ditches on the site that were created prior to Forest Service acquisition (Figures 4 & 5). These ditches are affecting the hydrology of the area. As such, ditches may be blocked with a series of groundwater dams that are separated by shallow pools to create ephemeral wetland habitats.

Figure 4. Photo of former agricultural ditch

Unmerchantable material within the project area would be harvested by biomass harvest treatment coinciding with the timber sale. Biomass mechanical treatments would contribute to implementation of the Sumter National Forest’s plan (RLRMP) by helping achieve vegetation objectives, retaining and restoring healthy Forest conditions, reducing the risk of insect outbreaks, and reducing fuel loading at critical locations around vulnerable communities. Additional Unmerchantable material within the project area would be disposed of by cutting/burning and/or chipping/grinding material on site. Access to the site would require improving approximately 1,580 feet of temporary road along the existing Dunaway WMA access road (Figure 2).

Once expansion is completed the dike would be mowed at least once a year to minimize the growth of woody vegetation, thus maintaining its structural integrity. The dike would not be utilized for daily or heavy vehicular traffic but only for occasional traffic associated with maintenance activities. The dike would be evaluated for signs of erosion following heavy or unusual storm events and repaired expediently.

2.2 Monitoring Activities and effects would be monitored to ensure compliance with Forest Plan standards. Forest Service personnel would administer integrated resource and timber sale contracts. This ensures resource protection and adherence to contract clauses including but not limited to heritage resources, riparian areas and streams and other site-specific design criteria.

Effectiveness of mitigation measures and a determination that Forest Plan and project objectives are being met would be done periodically on a forest-wide rather than on an individual basis. However, spot checks of effectiveness of design criteria and compliance with BMPs may occur on this project.

Other monitoring that would be done on the district would include annual air quality monitoring, impacts and spread of NNIS, annual bird monitoring surveys including MIS species, aquatic monitoring and BMP compliance checks.

2.3 Design Criteria Design Criteria that apply to all action alternatives are incorporated from the following documents:

The Forest Plan provides specific standards to ensure proper layout of units and during project implementation.

South Carolina’s Best Management Practices for Forestry (South Carolina Forestry Commission 1994).

Soil and Water Conservation Practices Guide, Southern Region, (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2002).

1. All applicable state and federal permits would be obtained prior to initiation of construction activities. The Enoree Ranger District collaborated with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to prepare the design specification for the proposed alternative. Charles Banks, NRCS Regional Conservationist, prepared a design specification for the proposed alternative which is included in Appendix B and was modified and approved by Forest Service engineers.

The NRCS specifications list several undesirable non-native plants for soil stabilization (e.g., serecia lespedeza, bahiagrass and fescue). As such, the proposed alternative would involve planting desirable native perennial and non- native annuals to mitigate soil disturbance. The following design criteria are as follows:

MATERIALS AND APPLICATION RATES

A. Fertilizer rate shall not exceed 400 lbs. per acre 10-10-10. B. Lime to 1,000 lbs. per acre (May be less, desired soil pH is between 5.5 and 6). C. To prepare soil: apply fertilizer and lime; rake to form a crumbly seed bed; apply seed with a drill seeder, hydroseeder, or broadcast spreader; then roll or “cultipac” to firm the seed bed and lightly cover seed with soil (1/4 inch to ½ inch soil optimal). PAM-12 may be applied at a rate of 400 lbs. per acre to increase soil/seed contact and to stabilize soil and would be lightly mulch. D. The following weed-free seed mixtures shall be used: September 1 to April 1 is the optimal window for seeding native species: 1). Nurse Crops Wheat/Oats/Grain Rye-- 80 lbs. /acre Crimson Clover-- 10 lbs. /acre

2). Native Perennial Grasses – Seed source SC, NC, or GA Preferred; KY (Sumter only) Big Bluestem-- 2 lbs. /acre Indiangrass-- 3 lbs. /acre Little Bluestem-- 5 lbs. /acre

3). Native Forbs/Legumes – Seed source SC, NC, or GA Preferred, KY (Sumter only) Blackeyed Susan-- 1.0 lb. /acre False Sunflower-- 1.0 lb. /acre

Lance Leaved Tickseed (Coreopsis) -- 1.0 lb. /acre Partridge Pea-- 1.0 lb. /acre Roundheaded Lespedeza-- 0.5 lb. /acre Spiked Blazing Star-- 0.5 lb. /acre

If seeding from April 2 to August 31: 1). Nurse Crop Brown Top Millet 30 lbs. /acre 2). Native Perennial Grasses/Forbs/Legumes – Same as above

E. Apply silt fencing, hay, straw, and/or wood cellulose fiber mulch immediately after seeding.

Additional Design Criteria:

2. Soils samples would be taken prior to application to insure the proper amount of either lime or fertilizers needed to obtain the desired condition.

3. The constructed dike or any other fill material would not be placed on any areas considered to be wetlands unless a Section 404 permit is obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Skid trails and log decks will be seeded, fertilized and mulched at the time each harvest area is closed. Seed mixtures will include native grasses and legumes or other desired non-native species beneficial to wildlife and native ecosystems and include local ecotypes and species native to Union County. Temporary roads and skid trails will be located in such a manner to roll with the terrain to reduce water concentrations. Drainage dips and lead-outs will be incorporated in construction of temporary roads. The spread of nonnative invasive plant species will be minimized by ensuring equipment cleaning provisions are met, that no non-native invasive species are planted and that invasive plant species are treated that have the potential to impact resource management objectives in the project area. Streams will be identified on sale area maps and protective measures will be specified in the timber sale contract.

2.4 Comparison of Alternatives The following table summarizes potential impacts of the two alternatives to significant resources.

Table 3.1-1 Comparison of Environmental Impacts by Alternative

Environmental Resource/ Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Component No Action Proposed Action

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT No anticipated impacts Temporary minor impacts from increased soil erosion in project area Temporary minor impacts on Soils log landings and skid trails from soil compaction, and increased erosion. Increased long term water infiltration and organic content

No anticipated impacts Possible temporary impacts from increased water yields Water Resources Possible temporary impacts from increased sediment yields Negligible impacts from nutrient runoff No impacts on air Temporary, minimal, localized, quality anticipated adverse impacts on air quality from equipment emissions Air Quality during treatment activities Temporary, minimal, localized, adverse impacts on air quality from dust generated by use of roads and ground disturbance BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT

No anticipated impacts Beneficial effects on overall health of waterfowl/avian habitat Vegetation Increased herbaceous wetland vegetation Change from forested condition, to herbaceous dominated wetland

Table 3.1-1 Comparison of Environmental Impacts by Alternative

Environmental Resource/ Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Component No Action Proposed Action

No anticipated impacts Minimal impacts, as the project area is a closed system Fisheries Resources and does not have a direct connection with a permanent waterbody. No impacts No direct effects on any TES species Beneficial indirect effects on habitats for Wood Stork No indirect effects on any other TES species are Threatened, Endangered, anticipated to result from the and Sensitive (TES) Species project No effects on federally listed species, since none occur in the project areas

No impact Improves habitat for waterfowl Less habitat available Improves habitat conditions for migratory waterfowl for migratory birds associated with mature pine and mixed hardwoods Habitat loss for migratory birds associated with mature Migratory Birds hardwoods and bottomland forest

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Continued lack of Short-term adverse impacts Transportation permanent access to from road erosion at and near some stands for land project area. management, law Minimal impact on roads;

Table 3.1-1 Comparison of Environmental Impacts by Alternative

Environmental Resource/ Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Component No Action Proposed Action

enforcement, and fire temporary roads would be control purposes closed and reseeded. No impact Temporary/short-term adverse Less opportunity for impacts from harvest hunting and wildlife operations due to the viewing in the area presence and use of equipment, increased truck traffic, and tree removal; Beneficial effects on visual Recreation and Visual resources and recreation from Resources significant increases in visibility, access, and addition waterfowl hunting/viewing opportunities. Promotes hunting, wildlife viewing and other recreational pursuits, thus increasing the number of individuals able to utilize the area. No economic benefit Net economic benefit Socioeconomics expected due to increased public use No disproportionate, No disproportionate, adverse Environmental Justice/ adverse impact on low- impact on low-income or Protection of Children income or minority minority populations or populations or children children

No impacts Temporary, minor potential for adverse impacts on worker Human Health and Safety and public safety during use of heavy equipment given strict adherence to safety measures

No Impacts No impacts

Cultural Resources

Chapter 3 Environmental Consequences

This section discloses the environmental consequences to the physical, biological and social environment relative to the alternatives. It also discusses the scientific and analytical basis for comparison of alternatives presented in the previous chapter. The action alternative is consistent with the Forest Plan.

3.1 Physical Environment The physical environment section consists of the Affected Environment and Effects write-up on Soil productivity, Water Quality and Air Quality. All disturbances to the proposed site would comply with Forest Wide Standards and Guidelines, which can be found in the Sumter Forest Plan.

3.1.1 Soil Resources

3.1.1.1 Affected Environment Soils at the project area were altered historically for farming. Many of the farming practices in floodplains included ditching, plowing and smoothing the land. These activities were used to farm the rich soils of the floodplains, and in the agricultural processes many wetlands were drained and farmed.

Farming practices in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s lead to excessive erosion of the upland areas across the piedmont of South Carolina. Upland soil was eventually washed into the waterways, leading to excessive amounts of sediment that have caused the streams and rivers to aggrade and some to become braded. Many of the floodplains in this area have risen in elevation over time due to excessive amounts of sediment being deposited on the floodplain during flood events. This sediment has also contributed to the filling of wetlands that were once in the floodplains.

A field examination of the site by US Forest Service personnel confirmed that this site has been drained filled, and, leveled to facilitate farming prior to National Forest designation. The ditches dug in the early 1900’s were found to be functioning today. However, this project area encompasses one small wetland despite the adjacent ditches.

Soil series in this project area include Toccoa, Chenneby, and Shellbluff. Toccoa series have sandy loam to loam textures, are well drained to moderately well drained, and are found on floodplains and natural levees. Chenneby soils are silt loam to silty clay loam in texture, are somewhat poorly drained, and are found on floodplains. Shellbluff series have silt loam to silty

clay loam textures, are well drained to moderately well drained soils that formed in fluvial sediments (NRCS soils survey staff).

3.1.1.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No Action The “No Action” alternative involves leaving the Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area in its current state. Therefore, this alternative is the continuation of existing conditions and activities. The “No Action” Alternative would not involve any construction or soil disturbance, and therefore, would not have any direct or indirect soil effects.

3.1.1.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action

This alternative would not produce any cumulative effects, as the Dunaway WMA would not be expanded. There are no other activities in the project area that would have impacts on soils.

3.1.1.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action This alternative introduces potential soil disturbances to the 15 acre project area and adjacent trail/unclassified road by creation of the new expanded Dunaway WMA. Such soil disturbances would result from tree removal, dike construction, hydrological restoration (groundwater dams in existing ditch) and proposed future management practices. There is minimal potential for soil erosion due to the fact that the project area has a slope of three percent or less and water can be impounded and allowed to settle before draining occurs. This would reduce the potential for soil erosion.

Flooding and drawdown of the impoundment would result in a higher frequency of water saturation during the winter, and drying of soils in the spring and summer. The small wetland within the project area would be fully functional once the project is completed since the ditch lines would be blocked. It is expected that the wetland area would have deeper water during the winter flooding of the impoundment but, during the rest of the year the wetland would function normally and water levels would be dependent on the year’s precipitation. The constructed dike or any other fill material would not be placed on any areas considered to be wetlands unless a Section 404 permit is obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Construction, operation and maintenance in accordance with the Forest Plan and South Carolina’s Best Management Practices for Forestry (BMPs) would minimize impacts to soils by limiting soil erosion, compaction and rutting.

3.1.1.5 Timber Harvesting Effects on Soils Timber harvesting involves various types and intensities of ground disturbing activities that can potentially affect the soil resource. Erosion hazard and steepness of slope are the primary soil concerns that could limit management activities. Soil concerns associated with logging and other

connected actions on these soils center around rutting, soil compaction, displacement/erosion, soil exposure and nutrient reduction. Soil disturbance and compaction during timber harvest vary depending upon both the type of soil and harvest method (Swank and others 1989). Timber harvesting can directly affect the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil (Swank and others 1989). Effects from this action may include immediate changes in soil and/or organic matter displacement, water infiltration rates and soil compaction.

Displacement of organic matter can result in disruption to nutrient recycling in the soil and reduced nutrient availability for trees and other plants. Nutrient removal varies with the intensity of the activities and degree those organic materials that are removed.

Compaction can limit root growth and development in the soil, decreasing tree growth (Swank and others 1989) and increase risk for blow down or tree stress. Where soil compaction is severe and unmitigated, soil productivity would be reduced due to loss of soil structure. Compaction is most likely to occur on those areas where heavy equipment operates repeatedly, especially when soils are wet. Areas subject to compaction include skid trails, temporary roads and log landings. While subject to many variables, it is estimated that about ten percent of a given area harvested by conventional logging equipment (rubber-tired skidders/forwarder) is impacted by skid trails, temporary roads and log landings. This is within effects described in the Forest Plan.

Water infiltration rates may be reduced due to compacted soils. Soil rutting and erosion can reduce soil productivity and result in permanent loss of soil. Follow-up treatments including disking and plowing would eliminate compaction and potential losses in soil productivity.

The potential effects of soil erosion, sediment yield, and compaction have a spatial and temporal context. The amount produced depends upon the topographic, soil, and climatic characteristics of the affected area along with the intensity of management practices being implemented. Erosion that results from timber harvest would be greatly modified through time in that disturbance would be temporary and generally a single pulse over a long period of time. Research has repeatedly shown that sediment production during timber harvest may accelerate temporarily to about 0.05 to 0.50 tons per acre per year (Patric 1976 and 1994). With proper mitigation applied, all effects of timber harvest on soil loss, sediment yield and compaction would return to precutting conditions within two to five years. If any areas suffer severe compaction, however, the effects of the compaction could last much longer. Impacts to soils would be reduced by following existing Forest Plan standards (USDA 2004a), and implementing South Carolina BMP’s.

Periodic wildlife management activities can cause excessive erosion and productivity losses. However, these adverse effects from erosion are normally within acceptable levels by limiting these activities to slopes less than ten percent in the project area. Annual to periodic disking

would be common in the impoundment. When soils are disked regularly soil organic matter can be reduced because decomposition rates are increased in the surface horizons. Incorporating the proper amount of lime and fertilizers would improve and maintain the soil productivity in these areas. Adding too much of either could prevent the desired vegetation from growing and could increase the amount of nutrients entering into the shallow water table. Soils samples would be taken prior to application of lime and fertilizer to ensure the proper amount is applied to get the desired plant growth and to prevent excess nutrients entering the water table..

Additional measures such as no till, contour farming, or vegetative strips can be used to further reduce soil exposure and/or concentrated flow that can cause soil erosion an sedimentation to streams.

Potential effects to soils from mowing activities would be compaction from heavy equipment if mowing is done during high soil moisture. There would be no nutrient removal from mowing. Overall, there would be minimal effects to soils from mowing activities.

3.1.1.5.1 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action The acreage affected by this alternative in relation to the surrounding landscape is extremely small. Within the immediate vicinity of the project area, most of landscape is in a forested condition. The only known projects in the immediate vicinity which have the potential to affect soil condition include management and maintenance activities of the existing Dunaway WMA and upcoming timber sales. When combined with past and present land disturbances within and adjacent to the project area, this project is not expected to produce significant soil compaction, erosion or displacement. As such, the proposed action is not expected to produce substantial adverse cumulative effects. Adverse cumulative effects from soil erosion and compaction would be minimized by following South Carolina Best Management Practices for Forestry (BMPs), use of construction design measures, and Forest Plan standards and guidelines.

3.1.2 Water Resources

3.1.2.1 Affected Environment The Enoree Ranger District is within the piedmont (Gulf Atlantic Rolling Plain physiographic province) of South Carolina. Conversion of forests and repeated cultivation practices caused most of the land to become eroded to severely eroded, resulting in the loss (typically 6-12 inches) of most surface soil. The sensitivities in the land do not preclude management, but they require maintaining soil cover on eroded areas. The low to moderate slopes of the project area make it a good choice for the proposed treatments. The legacy of unstable streams exists and is expected to continue for extended periods. Some stream sections in the project area are unstable while other sections have reached bedrock or otherwise have stabilized and the entrenchment is not as deep as to undercut the roots from the adjacent slopes. In these instances tree roots are

typically adding sufficient bank stability to protect them from changes in water yield associated with project activities.

Storms and storm sequences in the southeastern United States can be severe. From 5 to 8 inches or more rain can be generated from a severe tropical storm event. It is likely that the area would be exposed to one or more of these during any treatment recovery period. In addition, thunderstorms and frontal events are more frequent across the landscape, though typically not as severe.

Generally, precipitation averages 45 inches per year for the piedmont of the Sumter National Forest. Water yield averages about 17 inches, so about 28 inches is typically utilized by plants in transpiration, or evaporates. The highest potential for precipitation and associated runoff and flooding occurs in the winter and early spring when groundwater levels are higher and soils are moister. Winter rains are usually widespread and prolonged while much of the summer rains are localized thunderstorms of short duration. Stream flow behavior is described as “flashy” in headwater streams, meaning that the channels and their contributing stream networks are capable of rapidly delivering a high volume of water in response to sustained heavy precipitation events. Many of the channels are entrenched into the landscape due to gully development or resultant deposition and degradation due to recovery, down-cutting and entrenching. These headwaters do not typically have a floodplain where flood flows are partially detained and/or retained. The extensive networks of gully channels develop to be efficient for the delivery of flow and sediment. Partially because of this delivery efficiency of surface flow, base flow (or ground water contribution to surface flow) can be a minimal component of stream flow. As the watershed recovers, soils are able to absorb and maintain rainfall, bottomland channels cut through the deep alluvial deposits, and some of the former flow characteristics of base flow return to the landscape. Some of this return may also be due to better riparian management, fewer irrigation or other diversions, better watershed management and attention to BMP’s. However, many of the small channels are typically devoid of surface flow during the hot summer months (July through September).

Channeled ephemeral streams have a defined channel of flow where surface water converges with enough energy to remove soil, organic matter and leaf litter. Wetlands are seldom found along most of the streams because soils are well to moderately-drained.

Roads managed by private landowners or entities, Forest Service, state, county and other federal agencies are the most prominent feature on the landscape. On private land, roads are mostly native surface and are designed for periodic to permanent use in such activities as logging, farming, ranching, recreation and access to home sites. State, county and U.S. roads are mostly paved, whereas roads managed by the Forest Service are mostly graveled with some native surfaces depending on the distance from streams and maintenance level designation. Roads can

affect water quality and aquatic habitats by causing chronic soil erosion, resulting in sedimentation into streams.

The project area is within the hydrologic boundaries of the Broad River Basin within the 21,600 acre Hughes Creek-Broad River sixth level watershed. Elevations of potential treatment area range from about 340 to 350 feet above mean sea level. Snow is a minor component and seldom accumulates for long periods of time. Private land uses include some agriculture (farming and cattle). Management practices on national forest system lands consist of

3.1.2.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No-Action Normal geological and legacy erosion and sedimentation would continue related to current conditions. Impacts on water resources under alternative 1 would be limited to the effects of silvicultural activities covered under already existing project decisions, routine road maintenance, invasive species control and possible southern pine beetle control efforts. No other impacts are anticipated under this alternative.

3.1.2.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action Existing levels of erosion-based sediment were approximated from land use activities and delivered to small streams (methods summarized by Hansen et. al, 1994, Roehl, 1962). No substantial impacts to riparian areas, perennial, intermittent or ephemeral streams would occur under this alternative since BMPs apply to private land forestry practices as well. For the most part, prompt treatment of southern pine beetle spots has kept periodic outbreaks small and has limited overall mortality on both federal and private land. Soil loss and sediment yields would be associated with existing roads and ongoing land management activities. On private land, this is primarily associated with farming, livestock grazing and periodic timber harvesting.

3.1.2.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action The proposed action may produce minimal temporary adverse impacts. Muddy or sediment laden water generated during and after construction would be allowed to settle prior to discharge into surface waters. Impacts due to draining of the impoundment in the spring would be minimal, only possibly affecting water quality by increased input of sediment into the water column. In some cases, draining the impoundment may not be necessary, as it would dry up naturally. The potential for water resource degradation is temporary in duration and moderate on site, with elevated sediment concentrations for two to three years within the area. Tree removal would reduce normal water infiltration. However, because the project area is a closed system, soil and nutrient loss is expected to be minimal. Timber harvesting can cause increases in sedimentation, nutrient loading and water yield changes. However these effects are minimal due to site-specific design criteria and the size/location of the project area. Impacts on water resources from moderate increases in runoff, sediment, and nutrients would be

minimal based on forest-wide standards and guidelines and BMP’s implemented during timber harvesting and construction activities. Changes in water yields would occur in response to other activities within the watershed or natural processes such as storms or fires that may create canopy openings.

Planting of the project area in herbaceous vegetation would increase the amount of water uptake after tree removal and decrease the amount of stormflow. The development of understory vegetation after the timber harvesting and construction activities are completed would reduce the amount of stormflow caused by overstory tree removal. Surface water runoff and erosion impacts during timber harvests are typically short-term, lasting only until understory vegetation in the affected area reestablishes. Nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorous can enter water bodies attached to sediment, dissolved in water runoff, or through the air (USEPA, 2001). Nutrient losses tend to increase proportionately with sediment losses (Schultz, 1997). Increased nutrient runoff to streams can have either adverse effects (Lemly, 2000) or potentially beneficial effects, depending on the level of nutrient runoff, and the current nutrient content of the streams (Tank and Webster, 1998). Many aquatic systems are nutrient poor, and therefore, small increases in nutrients can improve their productivity (USFS, 1989b). The potential increase in sediment yields to the Broad River would be negligible overall.

3.1.2.5 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2:Proposed Action Other past, present and foreseeable future activities within the project area watershed, which have a potential to interact cumulatively to affect water resources, include herbicide release, SPB suppression and control activities, invasive exotic plant control, temporary road construction and maintenance, prescribed burning and gully restoration/rehabilitation. Due to the size, nature and location of the project area, cumulative negative effects are expected to be imperceptible.

3.1.3 Air Quality 3.1.3.1 Affected Environment Under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), as amended The CAA’s Six Criteria Pollutants in 1977 and 1990 (40 CFR 50), the USEPA has established air quality standards in regard to the types Carbon Monoxide (CO). A colorless, of air pollutants emitted by internal combustion odorless, toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of organic engines, such as those in aircraft, vehicles, and other materials used as fuels. CO is emitted as a sources. These National Ambient Air Quality by-product of essentially all combustion. Standards (NAAQS) are established for six Ozone (O3). A photochemical oxidant and contaminants, referred to as criteria pollutants, and a major constituent of smog. Ozone is apply to the ambient air (the air that the general public formed when two precursor pollutants, is exposed to every day). These criteria pollutants hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, react include: carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, chemically in the presence of sunlight. nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and lead. The NAAQS Particulate Matter (PM10). Fine particles include primary and secondary standards. Primary less than 10 micrometers in diameter. PM10 includes solid and liquid material Standards establish the level of air quality necessary to suspended in the atmosphere and formed protect public health from any known or anticipated as a result of incomplete combustion. adverse effects of a pollutant, allowing a margin of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2). A corrosive and safety to protect sensitive members of the population. poisonous gas produced mainly from the Secondary Standards establish the level of air quality burning of sulfur-containing fuel. necessary to protect public welfare by preventing Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). Poisonous and injury to agricultural crops and livestock, deterioration highly-reactive gases produced when fuel of materials and property, and adverse impacts on the is burned at high temperatures, causing environment, including prevention of reduced visibility some of the abundant nitrogen in the air to burn, as well. (USEPA, 2002). Lead (Pb). A toxic heavy metal, the most Areas where the ambient air quality does not meet the significant emissions of which derive from NAAQS are said to be non-attainment areas. Areas gasoline additives, iron and steel production, and alkyl lead manufacturing. where the ambient air currently meets the national standards are said to be in attainment. The entire Sumter NF is classified as being in attainment for all six criteria pollutants (USEPA, 2002; USDA, 2001c).

Under the 1977 CAA Amendments, areas designated as Class 1 are provided the highest degree of regulatory protection from air pollution impacts. Areas Classified as Class II are protected under the CAA, but are identified for somewhat less stringent protection from air pollution damage relative to Class I areas. The Enoree Ranger District is considered Class II under the 1977 CAA Amendments.

3.1.3.1 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No Action No adverse impacts on air quality under would be anticipated from the No-action alternative.

3.1.3.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Effects on air quality from timber harvesting and construction activities would be temporary; no long-term effects would result. Minor impacts due to vehicles moving on gravel surfaced roadways and movement of soils during construction would result in potential increased levels of dust in the air but these impacts would be considered minimal and of short duration. No changes to air quality are expected to result from implementation of the proposed action. Impacts from these sources are expected to be minimal under Alternative 2.

The proposed action is in compliance with Section 176 (c) of the Clean Air Act, as amended. A conformity determination is not required for the following reasons:

40 CFR 93.153 (b) of the CFR states, "For Federal actions not covered by paragraph (a) of this section, a conformity determination is required for each pollutant where the total of direct and indirect emissions in a nonattainment or maintenance area caused by a Federal action would equal or exceed any of the rates in paragraphs (b) (1) or (2) of this section." The area has been designated by the State of North Carolina as an attainment area.

3.1.3.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Other past, present and foreseeable future activities within the project area watershed, which have a potential to interact cumulatively to affect water resources, include herbicide release, SPB suppression and control activities, invasive exotic plant control, temporary road construction and maintenance, prescribed burning and gully restoration/rehabilitation. Other projects on the Enoree Ranger District generate emissions from equipment. When emissions from the proposed action are considered with other on-going work, no exceedance of air quality standards should occur. Cumulative adverse air impacts from these activities would not be significant.

3.1.4 Climate Change and Carbon Storage

3.1.4.1 Affected Environment On January 16, 2009 the Chief of the US Forest Service directed the national forests to consider climate change during project planning. National forests were directed to consider the impacts that climate change would have on meeting goals and objectives stated in Forest Plans and the effects that the project contributes to climate change. The US Global Changes Research Program published a 2009 report (USGCRP 2009) on climate changes on different regions. Predictions for the Southeast include: air temperature increases; sea level rise; changes in the timing, location and quantity of precipitation; and increased frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heat waves, droughts and floods. These predicted changes would affect renewable resources, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture, with implications for human health.

Human greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), are the main source of accelerated climate change on a global scale. The Template for Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Management Options (TACCIMO) was used to assess differences among three general circulation models for the Sumter National Forest. TACCIMO (USFS 2012) was used to create a report that summarizes the resulting climate change impacts. Climate change, especially climate change variability (droughts and floods), may alter hydrologic characteristics of watersheds with implications for wildlife, forest productivity and human use. This climate change variability may result in long-term and seasonal changes in temperature that Dunaway waterfowl management area could influence ecosystem health and function. These impacts result from both long-term warming and from shorter term fluctuations in seasonal temperature that may interrupt or alter temperature dependent ecosystem processes. The Dunaway waterfowl area expansion is a mixture of forested and water habitat and thus provide a source for uptake and storage of carbon. At the watershed scale and larger global scale it is not measureable.

The affected environment for climate change is two-fold. First, climate change may affect the natural resources on the Enoree RD and the objectives for the project area. Secondly, vegetation management activities may affect carbon storage ability. In this case the affected environment is global. Climate change scenarios to predict that increases in temperatures and drought occurrence in the Southeast could result in increased losses of carbon, possibly exacerbated by increased wildfire disturbance. The consequences of drought depend on annual and seasonal climate changes and whether the current drought adaptations of trees offer resistance and resilience to changing conditions. The seasonal severity of fire hazard is projected to increase about 10 percent over the next century over much of the US with a 30 percent increase in fire hazard for the southeast predicted.

3.1.4.2 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action Alternative 1 would result in no short term change to the current trend for carbon storage or release in the project area. If climate change occurs, studies on longleaf pine (Pederson, Varner, and Palik 2007) indicate that drought exacerbates mortality because increased evaporative demand reduces vigor, which predisposes trees to insect and disease. Peaks in wildlife fire activity would also add to this mortality. Extensive forests of loblolly pine now exist in areas once dominated by mixtures of hardwoods, shortleaf pine, and less abundance of loblolly pine forests. Declines in agriculture as a result of loss of soil productivity, led to the establishment of more loblolly pine across the piedmont. Past and present projects including periodic prescribed burning, woodland creation and thinning (pulpwood, and intermediate) have reduced hazardous fuels, improved growing conditions for trees, and increased diversity of habitat conditions including development of understory grasses, forbs and shrubs on portions of national forest system lands. The Canadian and Hadley climate scenarios are referenced in Climate Change

Impacts on the United States, The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change, by the National Assessment Synthesis Team, US Global Change Research Program, 2000. Dunaway waterfowl management area expansion is currently a mosaic of diverse stands and habitat conditions. Potential gains and losses of carbon would be subject to changes in land-use, such as the conversion of forests to agricultural lands. Increase urbanization is occurring on private lands around the forest. However, national forest system lands provide for the long-term management of forested areas to offset these other changes in the piedmont.

3.1.4.3 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Eleven acres within the project area would vary throughout the year from being flooded in late fall through winter to being dry in the summer. Trees being removed from the 11 acres would temporarily decrease (by a miniscule amount) the amount of carbon being sequestered, however once the area is flooded it will sequester more carbon than the trees that were removed. When the Dunaway project area is drained native grasses and crops would be planted which would build up the amount of carbon sequestered and also increase the amount of soil as the grasses break down during the fall when it would be flooded.

The waterfowl area would still be able to be flooded annually and grasses and crops could still be grown in a warmer and drier climate, still meeting the purpose and need established for the project area.

At a global or national scale, the short-term reduction in carbon stocks and sequestration rates of the proposed project are imperceptibly small, as are the potential long-term benefits. Other past, present and future projects on federal and private land, cumulatively would add very small amounts of carbon dioxide to the air and the effects would not be measurable at a global scale.

3.2 Biological Environment

3.2.1 Aquatic Communities

3.2.1.1 Affected Environment Watersheds on the Enoree Ranger District contain a warm water aquatic community that includes fish and macro invertebrates. The warm water aquatic community serves as a management indicator that is monitored to indicate the effects of management on riparian resources. Fishes, crayfishes, aquatic insects, and mollusks are all components of the community. Aquatic species that may occur in the project area watershed are listed in the following tables.

Table 3.2.1-1. Fish species known to occur in the Broad River watershed (Rhode, et al. 1994). Fish species sampled in two tributaries to the Tyger

River are denoted with *. Scientific Name Common Name Aphredoderidae Pirate Perches Aphredoderus sayanus sayanus Eastern pirate perch Catostomidae Suckers Carpiodes cyprinus Quillback Catostomus commersoni White sucker Erimyzon oblongus oblongus Creek chubsucker* Hypentelium nigricans Northern hog sucker Minytrema melanops Spotted sucker Moxostoma macrolepidotum macrolepidotum Shorthead redhorse Moxostoma robustum Robust redhorse Moxostoma rupiscartes Striped jumprock Centrarchidae Sunfishes Lepomis auritus Redbreast sunfish* Lepomis cyanellus Green sunfish Lepomis gibbosus Pumpkinseed Lepomis gulosus Warmouth Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill* Lepomis marginatus Dollar sunfish Lepomis microlophus Redear sunfish Micropterus dolomieu Smallmouth bass Micropterus salmoides Largemouth bass Pomoxis annularis White crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black crappie Clupeidae Herrings Alosa sapidissima American shad Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard shad Dorosoma petenese Threadfin shad Cyprinidae Carps and Minnows Clinostomus funduloides Rosyside dace Ctenopharyngodon idella Grass carp Cyprinella chloristia Greenfin shiner Cyprinella labrosa Thicklip chub Cyprinella nivea Whitefin shiner* Cyprinella pyrrhomelas Fieryblack shiner Cyprinella zanema Santee chub Cyprinus carpio Common carp Hybognathus regius Eastern silvery minnow Hybopsis hypsinotus Highback chub Nocomis leptocephalus Bluehead chub* Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden shiner Notropis altipinnis Highfin shiner Notropis cummingsae Dusky shiner

Notropis hudsonius Spottail shiner Notropis lutipinnis Yellowfin shiner* Notropis petersoni Coastal shiner Notropis procne Swallowtail shiner Notropis scepticus Sandbar shiner Semotilus atromaculatus Creek chub* Esocidae Pikes Esox americanus. Redfin pickerel* Esox niger Chain pickerel Ictaluridae Bullhead Catfishes Ameiurus brunneus Snail bullhead Ameiurus catus White catfish Ameiurus natalis Yellow bullhead* Ameiurus nebulosus Brown bullhead Ameiurus platycephalus Flat bullhead Ictalurus punctatus Channel catfish Noturus gyrinus Tadpole madtom Noturus insignis insignus Margined madtom Pylodictis olivaris Flathead catfish Lepisosteidea Gars Lepisosteus osseus Longnose gar Moronidae Temperate Basses Morone saxatilis Striped bass Percidae Perches Etheostoma collis Carolina darter Etheostoma olmstedi Tessellated darter* Etheostoma thalassinum Seagreen darter Perca flavescens Yellow perch Percina crassa Piedmont darter Stizosteddion vitreum Walleye Poeciliidae Livebearers Gambusia holbrooki. Eastern mosquitofish*

The robust redhorse is ranked as G1 by NatureServe (2008). This ranking indicates that the species is at a very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors. It is also listed as endangered by the American Fisheries Society (Jelks et. al. 2008) which indicates that the species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The snail bullhead, flat bullhead and Carolina darter are listed as vulnerable by the American Fisheries Society. This indicates that the species may become endangered or threatened by relatively minor disturbances to its habitat or that it deserves careful monitoring of its distribution and abundance in continental waters of the United States to determine its status. The Carolina darter is also ranked as G3 by NatureServe, indicating it is at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations 35

(often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.

The SC Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (Kohlsaat et. al. 2005) includes the South Carolina’s Priority Species List. These species warrant conservation concern to maintain diversity in South Carolina waters. The species are ranked in priority as moderate, high and highest. The quillback, Santee chub, seagreen darter, Piedmont darter and Carolina darter are ranked with a high priority. The greenfin shiner, thicklip chub, fieryblack shiner, highback chub, snail bullhead, white catfish, flat bullhead and striped bass are all ranked with a moderate priority.

During US Forest Service surveys from 2001 to 2005, 22 fish species were captured in Enoree Ranger District streams. Two of these species are considered nonindigenous or introduced species to the watershed (Warren et. al. 2000). The green sunfish was captured in two streams and the yellowfin shiner was captured in 12 streams.

. Table 3.2.1-2. Crayfish species known to occur in the Broad watershed (Eversole and Jones 2004) Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Status NatureServe State AFS Cambaridae Cambarus acuminatus Acuminate crayfish G4 S4 CS Cambarus howardi Chattahoochee crayfish G3 CS Cambarus latimanus Variable crayfish G5 S4? CS Cambarus reduncus Sickle crayfish G4G5 S4 CS Cambarus reflexus Pine savannah crayfish G4 S3 CS Cambarus spicatus Broad River spiny crayfish G2 S3 V Cambarus striatus Hay crayfish G5 CS Distocambarus carlsoni Mimic crayfish G2G3 T Distocambarus youngineri Newberry burrowing crayfish G1 S1 E Procambarus acutus Eastern white river crayfish G5 S5 CS Procambarus clarki Red swamp crayfish G5 CS Procambarus troglodytes Eastern red swamp crayfish G5 S4S5 CS

The Newberry burrowing crayfish is ranked as G1. The Newberry burrowing crayfish is also ranked as S1 by the SC Natural Heritage Program. The Broad River spiny crayfish is ranked as G2 and the mimic crayfish is ranked G2G3. The G2 ranking indicates that the species is at high risk of extinction due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines or other factors. The Chattahoochee crayfish is ranked as G3. The Broad River spiny crayfish and Pine savannah crayfish are rated as S3 by the SC Natural Heritage Program. American Fisheries Society status ranks (Taylor et al 2007) include CS (currently stable), V (vulnerable), T (threatened), E (endangered) and E* (endangered, possibly extinct). The V rank indicates that the species mat become endangered or threatened by relatively minor disturbances to its habitat and deserves careful monitoring of its abundance and distribution. The T rank indicates that a species is likely to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The E rank indicates a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant

portion of its range.

The SC Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy ranks the mimic crayfish, pine savannah crayfish, and Newberry burrowing crayfish as highest priority. The Broad River spiny crayfish is rated as high priority.

Table 3.2.1-3. Mollusk species known to occur in the Broad River watershed (Alderman 2007). Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Status NatureServe State AFS Corbiculidae Corbicula fluminea Asiatic clam Unionidae Elliptio complanata Eastern elliptio G5 SNR CS Elliptio angustata Carolina lance G4 SNR SC Pyganodon cataracta Eastern floater G5 CS Utterbackia imbecillis Paper pondshell G5 SNR CS Villosa delumbis Eastern creekshell G4 SNR CS

The majority of mollusk species are unranked by the SC Natural Heritage Program. A non-native clam species, the Asiatic clam, has widespread occurrence. American Fisheries Society status ranks are from Williams, et al. 1992.

The Eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata complex), Carolina lance and Eastern creekshell are ranked as moderate priority by the SC Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy.

Aquatic insect surveys have not been conducted, but incidental catch reveals a variety of insect order classes present.

3.2.1.2 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action There would be no direct, indirect or cumulative effects resulting from this alternative, as the aquatic community would remain in its present state.

3.2.1.3 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Due to the fact that the project area is essentially a closed system, and there are no perennial or intermittent streams within the project area, no perceptable impacts on the aquatic community are expected. Potential impacts from moderate increases in runoff, sediment, and nutrients would be minimal based on forest-wide standards and guidelines and BMP’s implemented during timber harvesting and construction activities. Blocking of existing ditches with a series of groundwater dams that are separated by shallow pools to create ephemeral wetland habitats would prove beneficial for the aquatic community, especially for macro-invertebrates, larval amphibians and crayfishes

3.2.2 Management Indicator Species

3.2.2.1 Affected Environment A wide variety of wildlife species occur throughout the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest. Wildlife habitat within and adjacent to the project area consists of loblolly pine stands of varying ages, hardwood inclusions, some open habitats, and wildlife openings.

Management Indicator Species (MIS) are representative of the diversity of species and associated habitats. MIS can be Management Indicator Species (MIS): A species whose presence in used as a tool for identifying specialized habitats and a certain location or situation at a creating habitat objectives and standards and guidelines. given population indicates a The MIS concept is to identify a few species that are particular environmental condition. representative of many other species, and to evaluate Their population changes are management direction by the effects of management on believed to indicate effects of MIS habitats. Both population and habitat data are used to management activities on a number monitor MIS on National Forests. The 2004 Sumter NF of other species or water quality. Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) lists 13 species as MIS; 12 are avian species and one is a mammal.

Trends in MIS populations are normally assessed relative to trends in their respective habitat. This section focuses on terrestrial MIS. Aquatic species are addressed in Section 3.3.2. Sumter NF MIS are listed in Table 3.3.2-1, along with general comments regarding their habitats. General discussions of these species and their relationship to monitoring can be found in the Forest Plan.

Table 3.2.2-1. Management Indicator Species for the Sumter National Forest Species General Comments Hooded Warbler Uses mesic deciduous forest with a shrubby understory; frequents dense thickets; fairly Wilsonia citrina common in upland and bottomland woodlands Scarlet Tanager Uses mature deciduous forest and some mixed conifer-hardwood forests; requires Piranga olivacea large areas of forest for breeding Pine Warbler Uses middle-aged to mature open pine forest; seldom in hardwoods; overwinters Dendroica pinus throughout much of its breeding range Acadian Flycatcher Uses mesic sites with a diverse canopy structure; found in heavily wooded deciduous Empidonax virescens bottomlands, swamps, riparian thickets, and in the wooded ravines of drier uplands Brown-headed Uses open, mid-late successional pine (age classes over 20 years); not common in Nuthatch dense stands of pines; would overwinter Sitta pusilla Prairie Warbler Frequents brushy old fields, open pine stands, and other early successional habitats Dendroica discolor Field Sparrow Uses woodland, grassland, and savanna habitats; fairly common in old fields, open Spizella pusilla brushy woodlands, and forest edge habitats American Woodcock Often found in shrub- and seedling-dominated regeneration areas in association with Scolopax minor riparian areas; requires moist soil conditions for feeding Pileated Woodpecker Uses mature and extensive forests, primarily in deciduous forests; occurs in both deep Dryocopus pileatus woods and swamps as well as in rather open and upland forests; excavates nesting and roosting cavities

Table 3.2.2-1. Management Indicator Species for the Sumter National Forest Species General Comments Northern Bobwhite Uses fields, grasslands, brushy habitats, and open woodlands; significantly declining Colinus virginianus over most of its range due to habitat loss and changes in farming practices Swainson’s Warbler Uses canebrakes and other early-successional riparian habitats Limnothlypis swainsonii Black Bear Trends in population indices and harvest levels would be used to help evaluate the Ursus americanus results of management activities on this high profile species Eastern Wild Turkey This species is most common in extensive bottomland forests where the understory is Meleagris gallopavo moderate; also occurs in extensive upland hardwood or mixed forests, less so in pine forests

Based on habitat within the Dunaway WMA project area and the biological requirements of the species, nine MIS are considered and analyzed in this EA. The remaining four species are not discussed in detail. Listed in Table 3.3.2-2 are the species that are excluded from analysis and the reason why they are not addressed for this project.

Table 3.2.2-2. Management Indicator Species excluded from analysis in the Dunaway Waterfowl Management Area Expansion project, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest. Species Reason for Exclusion from Analysis Northern Bobwhite This species is an indicator for trends in frequency of occurrence in fields, grasslands, Colinus virginianus brushy habitats, and open woodlands. Proposed management activities would not occur in this habitat so this species was excluded from analysis. Field Sparrow This species is an indicator for trends in frequency of occurrence in woodland, Spizella pusilla grassland, and savanna habitats; fairly common in old fields, open brushy woodlands, and forest edge habitats. Proposed management activities would not take place within riparian areas so this species was excluded from analysis. Prairie Warbler This species is an indicator for presence and trends in frequency of occurrence in Dendroica discolor brushy old fields, open pine stands, and other early successional habitats. Proposed management activities would not take place within preferred habitat so this species was excluded from analysis. Black Bear This species does not occur on the Enoree Ranger District so it was exluded from Ursus americanus analysis.

Vegetation manipulation changes the diversity and abundance of wildlife species in a given area. Planning regulations define diversity as “the distribution and abundance of different plant and animal communities and species within [an] area…” (36 CFR 219.3(g)). In general, forested areas that are in various stages of development and include periodic openings support a wide diversity of species and habitats. Management activities that result in different types of habitats, including prescribed burning and thinning, tend to increase wildlife diversity. Impacts beneficial to wildlife are typically greater with a combination of management activities versus any of the treatments separately. Table 3.3.2-3 lists the MIS that occur or have habitat within the proposed project area. These are the species that are analyzed in this EA. Following the table are effects to these MIS by alternative.

Table 3.2.2-3. Habitat associations of Management Indicator Species that occur or have habitat within the project area. Habitat Association Species Shrub- and seedling-dominated regeneration areas in American Woodcock, Swainson’s Warbler association with riparian areas

Mesic deciduous forests/riparian habitats Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler, Eastern Wild Turkey, Scarlet Tanager Middle-aged to mature open pine forest Pine warbler Mid-late successional pine (age classes over 20 Brown-headed Nuthatch years)

3.2.2.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No Action

Under this alternative, the Dunaway WMA would not be expanded and connected actions would not occur.

3.2.2.2.1 Direct Effects Direct effects are effects to the species known or assumed to occur in the proposed project area. They occur at the same time and place as the project activity.

All MIS in Table 3.3.2-3 There would be no direct effects to any of the MIS under this alternative since no activities would take place.

3.2.2.2.2 Indirect Effects Indirect effects include the consequences of management activities that result in the modifications of habitat and ecological conditions that affect food, water, shelter, and other life requirements for a species.

All MIS in Table 3.3.2-3 There would be no indirect effects to any of the MIS under this alternative since no activities would take place.

3.2.2.2.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action There are other projects being implemented and/or planned on the Enoree Ranger District that would continue under the No Action alternative. Projects include timber harvesting, prescribed burning for hazard fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement, road maintenance, and trail construction and maintenance.

With the No Action alternative, no additional activities would take place, so there would be no additional cumulative effects within the project area or across the District.

3.2.2.3 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Approximately 11 acres or about .00007% of the forest would be impacted by this project. MIS species could be directly affected by the proposed action. The pileated woodpecker breeding season extends from mid-March to late May, with the peak from mid-April to late April. Nests are nine meters from the ground and are mainly in forests well hidden. Acadian flycatchers breed from mid-May to mid-July with the peak from early June to mid-June. Nests are built out of limbs of conifers and hardwoods 4-15 meters from the ground. Hooded warblers breed from late April to late June with peak activity occurring in early to late May. Nests are typically 1.5 meters from the ground in shrubs or saplings. Eastern wild turkeys breed from late March to late May, with a peak from late April to mid-May. The nests are built on the ground in woodlands, well hidden under shrubs or other vegetation (Hamel, 1992). Scarlet tanagers breed from mid-May to early August, with a peak from late May to mid-June. Nests are typically 6-15 meters from the ground in hardwoods. American woodcocks breed from late February to mid-May and nest under shrubs or saplings in woodlands. Swainson’s warblers breed from early May to early July with a peak from mid-May to mid-June. Nests are typically 0.6-3 meters from the ground in saplings, shrubs, or vine tangles. Because of the highly mobile nature of avian species, any disturbance associated with this project could result in the temporary displacement of individuals to undisturbed area. It is possible that if project activities occur during the breeding season, nests and nestlings could be lost.

Habitat for the pileated woodpecker, Acadian flycatcher, hooded warbler, eastern wild turkey, American woodcock, Swainson’s warbler and scarlet tanager would be lost when the 11 acre impoundment becomes flooded. These species are highly mobile and would relocate to undisturbed areas if they were displaced by proposed activities.

The brown-headed nuthatch and pine warbler have habitat within the project area however their habitat consists of mature pine trees that is not within the 11 acres that will be flooded. This project would not have any direct or indirect effects to the brown-headed nuthatch or pine warbler.

3.2.2.3.1Cumulative Effects of the Alternative 2: Proposed Action Management activities would continue on the Enoree Ranger District. These activities include prescribed burning, timber thinning and harvesting, recreational activities including maintenance of trails and trail heads, road maintenance, wildlife opening maintenance, disking, planting, and establishment of native forbs and grasses.

The proposed action when added to other past, present and future projects on federal and private land would not result in any detectable effects on populations of American woodcock, Swainson’s warbler, pileated woodpecker, Acadian flycatcher, hooded warbler, eastern wild turkey, scarlet tanager, pine warbler, or brown headed nuthatch.

3.2.2 Vegetation

3.2.3.1 Affected Environment Most of the USFS lands surrounding the project area are dominated by even-aged stands of loblolly pine (70+ percent). Hardwood dominated stands comprise approximately <20 percent of lands in this area, and are primarily found along perennial stream courses and the Broad River. Hardwoods can also be found as small inclusions within predominately pine stands and in mixed stands, which contain a relatively even mix of pine and hardwood species. Major hardwood species include sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) and a variety of oaks (Quercus spp.).

Plant communities adjacent to the project area are common to managed loblolly pine forests. Species composition has been influenced in the past by timber harvest, prescribed fires, and altered soil conditions. Common shrub-subcanopy vegetation in these areas includes dogwood (Cornus florida), blackberry (Rubus sp.), sumac (Rhus sp.), hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) and blackgum (Nyssa sp.), as well as seedlings and saplings of overstory species, including red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), oak (Quercus spp.), and loblolly and some shortleaf pine (P. echinata). Understory vegetation varies from location to location depending on soil conditions, frequency of disturbance, and the level of available moisture. In general, the level of ground cover is most affected by the amount of light reaching the forest floor, with those sites having the least canopy cover capable of supporting larger woody plant communities. These conditions are common in areas that once served as old log landings in past harvests, as well as near roadsides. Understory vegetation in these areas may include greenbriar (Smilax sp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), blackberry, and beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), as well as a variety of grasses and legumes. The amount of hardwood seedling development in a given stand is directly correlated with the amount of crown closure and frequency of prescribed burns. Understory hardwood seedling development consists primarily of sweetgum and red maple, with a relatively smaller proportion of oak, depending on available seed sources. Sweetgum is the most common species, accounting for up to 60 percent of all woody understory production in the southern Piedmont of Georgia and South Carolina (Kormanik, No date). The majority of woody understory production in stands consists of soft mast and non-mast producing species.

Due to past land practices and the nature of invasive plants, non-native invasive plants occur throughout the Enoree District. Within the project area, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicere japonica), and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) was encountered throughout.

3.2.3.2 Direct and Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action Alternative 1 would allow natural succession to proceed. Communities dominated by shrubs and then by trees of the species listed above (3.3.3 Vegetation Affected Environment) would

eventually develop into bottomland hardwoods comprised of the trees species listed above along with water oak (Quercus nigra), willow oak (Quercus phellos), sweetgum (Liguidambar styraciflua), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and others.

Nonnative invasive (NNIS) plants in the area have been targeted for treatment under an existing Environmental Assessment, Non-native Invasive Plant Control on the Sumter National Forest and a Decision Memo, Enoree R-O-W Vegetation Restoration to replace nonnative invasive species along road rights-of-way with native vegetation. These decisions would specifically target NNIS that are threatening native habitats and species or would restore native vegetation once herbicide treatments are completed. Nevertheless, due to the abundance of non-native invasive plants they are expected to increase, particularly on adjacent private lands.

Cumulative effects associated with Alternative 1 (No Action alternative) may include a decrease in the productivity of forest stands as a result of competition for light, water, and nutrients. These effects would increase the potential for insect outbreaks, and the potential for outbreaks to spread to other NF areas and private lands. Although biodiversity would increase in the understory as a result of periodic prescribed burn treatments in some stands, diversity in the canopy and sub-canopy would likely remain at current levels.

3.2.3.2 Direct and Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Alternative 2 would result in most of the area being maintained in a grass/forb stage dominated by Cephalanthus occidentalis, Ployganum spp., Scirpus spp., Cyperus spp., Panicum spp., and Peltandra spp. Smartweed would continue to dominate the open area that is not disked. Portions of the area would develop into bottomland hardwoods where an adjacent wetland would have groundwater dams constructed. The extent of hardwood establishment depends upon the degree of drying of the soil during draw-down which would favor hardwoods and upon the amount of disking which would maintain early successional vegetation.

The removal of biomass on these 11 acres would be accomplished using all applicable design features included in the Dunaway WMA Environmental Assessment, and these units have no extraordinary circumstances that require additional mitigations.

Non-native invasive plants already present in the stands would be kept in check by existing decisions that are in place to treat NNIS or to restore native vegetation in areas already treated. The introduction and spread of non-native invasive plants within the project area would be monitored and the need for treatments evaluated periodically. A map of invasive plants in the project area and equipment would be inspected prior to entering or leaving an infested area. In general, cumulative impacts concerning the overall structure and condition of vegetation public lands in Dunaway WMA would vary. Vegetation management operations under Alternatives 2 would generally result in an increase in the health and vegetative diversity of the stand. Sites with proposed regeneration operations would provide age class diversity in Dunaway WMA, and promote the development of early successional species and habitats. Past

timber sales in the area have opened up stands encouraging the growth of grasses in the understory. As the sunlight reaches the forest floor, grasses and forbs would respond. Regeneration addresses the desired conditions in management prescriptions in the 2004 Sumter LRMP.

3.2.3 Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Forest Sensitive Species (PETS)

3.2.4.1 Affected Environment Several proposed, endangered, threatened and sensitive (PETS) plant and animal species occur throughout the Enoree Ranger District. Habitat conditions within the project area include mature mixed hardwoods-pine and mature hardwoods. Giant cane and inland sea oats are found on the higher sandy sites, along with other shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. The specific areas where the wetland would be expanded is primarily smart weed and buttonbush where there is minimal overstory. Based on the clay soils prevalent across the area, it is likely wetland habitats once occurred in pockets in the project area prior to it being drained for cultivation. The soils in this area are silty clay in texture, and the ditches from past agricultural practices are functioning. A Biological Assessment/Evaluation (BA/BE) was prepared to determine whether the Dunaway WMA is likely to affect any PETS species(Appendix A). This BA/BE is included in this Environmental Assessment as an appendix item and includes the list of PETS species for the SNF. All species on this list were considered for this BA/BE. Using a step-down process and best available science, species and potential habitat in the project area were identified by:

1) Evaluating the location and nature of the proposed project, 2) Considering the species’ range, life history, and available habitat information, 3) Reviewing District records of known PETS species occurrences, 4) Reviewing the USFWS Distribution Records of Endangered, Threatened, Candidate and Species of Concern (2011), and 5) Reviewing the South Carolina Heritage Trust Geographic Database of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (2011).

The species determined to occur, or assumed to occur due to the presence of potential habitat in this project are listed in Table 3.2.4-1.

Table 3.2.4-1. Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive (PETS) species that occur or are assumed to occur in the Indian Creek Project Area, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest, South Carolina Species Ranking Wood stork - Mycteria Americana Federally Endangered

Bald Eagle - Haliaeetus leucoocephalus Sensitive

Georgia aster - Symphyotrichum georgianus Sensitive; Federal candidate

Piedmont aster - Eurybia mirabilis Sensitive

There are no other PETS species or associated habitats that are known to occur or have the potential to occur in the proposed project area.

3.2.4.2 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action Under this alternative, additional management actions in this proposal would not be implemented. PETS species would not be affected since no management actions are proposed.

3.2.4.3 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action See the attached BA/BE for the analysis of direct, indirect and cumulative effects of the proposed action on PETS species.

Bald eagles are not known to nest in the proposed project area; however, individuals could use the adjacent Broad River for foraging and roost in trees located within the project boundary. Because bald eagles are highly mobile avian species, any disturbance associated with the project could temporarily displace them to undisturbed areas. The proposed action is not likely to have adverse direct effects on bald eagles.

The removal of trees within the 11-acre expansion area could result in the loss of potential bald eagle roost or nest sites. Considering the availability of suitable trees adjacent to the project area and taking into account that proposed activities would occur on a very small percentage of the total available habitat on the District, the project is not likely to adversely affect bald eagle habitat. Harvesting of biomass material from the 11 acre timber sale does not change the determination of effect for PETS species in the BA/E and would have no direct, indirect, or cumulative effect on MIS.

Ephemeral wetlands area located adjacent to the proposed impoundment. Project activities would most likely occur during the dry season (June through September). It is possible that post- breeding wood storks could use these wetland habitats at that time. Wood storks are highly mobile avian species, so if they were present during project implementation they would simply relocate to undisturbed areas. Wood storks would likely return once the disturbance is over. Direct effects are not likely to occur to this species.

Project activities are expected to improve habitat for wood storks by restoring the function of the drained ephemeral wetland. Improved wetland hydrology and increased hydroperiod would improve habitat suitability for this species.

No known Georgia aster sites occur in the project area; however, potential habitat does occur along the woods road that would be used as an access road. If this species did occur along the access road, individuals could potentially be run over during road construction activities and logging operations. The old woods road is shaded with dense amounts of invasive species and other woody vegetation, therefore it is highly unlikely Georgia aster would be present.

Habitat for Georgia aster would be expected to improve with the implementation of this project. Clearing the temporary road would improve habitat for this species by increasing the amount of sunlight within the road prism, providing the conditions necessary for the growth and reproduction of this species.

Piedmont aster is not known to occur within the project area; however, potential habitat may exist, although this is unlikely considering the historic level of disturbance that has taken place within the project area. If this species were to occur, individuals could be damaged or destroyed during project activities.

Floodplain habitat would be altered with the implementation of this project. Proposed activities could result in less potential habitat for piedmont aster.

Other management activities that have taken place on the Enoree Ranger District include prescribed burning, timber sales, precommercial thinning and release of timber, southern pine beetle control, drum chopping for site preparation and tree planting, recreation trail reconstruction and maintenance, seedling of roads, skid trails, firelines, and log decks, additional road maintenance (grading, brushing, and mowing) and road decommissioning. Most of these activities are expected to continue in the near future at approximately the same levels. Private lands within or adjacent to the proposed project areas are made up of timberland, home sites, pastures, and farmland. Intensive timber management activities on private lands, including thinning, regeneration cuts, and road building, have occurred heavily over the past 10 years within some of these areas.

3.2.4.4 Determination of Effects for the Alternative 2: Proposed Action Analysis in the BA/BE determined that the action alternative “may impact individuals but not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability” for bald eagle, Georgia aster and piedmont aster.

Analysis in the BA/BE determined that the proposed action was “not likely to adversely affect” wood stork or their habitats. There was an ESA Section 7 consultation with USFWS and it is attached in Appendix C.

3.2.4 Migratory Birds

3.2.5.1 Affected Environment The Dunaway project occurs within a geographic area known as the Piedmont in South Carolina. This area is associated with Bird Conservation Region (BCR) 29-Southern Piedmont. The following sources, along with an analysis of available habitats, were reviewed to identify priority migratory birds that are likely to occur in the project area: (1) Partners in Flight list of priority species and habitats for BCR 29, (2) US Fish and Wildlife Service list of Birds of Conservation Concern for BCR 29, (3) South Carolina Breeding Bird Atlas, and (4) “Status and Distribution of South Carolina Birds” (Post and Gauthreaux 1989). The results of this review produced the following table of priority migratory birds that are associated with and potentially affected by the Dunaway WMA Expansion Project.

Table 3.3.5-1 Migratory birds Associated with the Dunaway Waterfowl Project, Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District, South Carolina Habitat Altered? Habitat Created? Species Habitat Association Y/N Y/N Acadian flycatcher Bottomland Hardwoods Y N American redstart Bottomland Hardwoods Y N Black-and-white warbler Mature hardwoods Y N Blue-gray gnatcatcher Bottomland Hardwoods Y N brown-headed nuthatch Mature pine forest N N Canada goose Flooded bottomlands N Y Hairy woodpecker Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N Hooded warbler Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N Kentucky warbler Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N Louisiana waterthrush Mixed pine-hardwood Forest near river or stream N N Mallard Flooded bottomlands N Y Northern parula Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N Red-eyed vireo Mature hardwoods Y N Red-shouldered hawk Bottomland Hardwoods Y Y Scarlet tanager Mature hardwoods Y Y Swainson's warbler Bottomland Hardwoods with cane breaks N N Whip-poor-will Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N White-breasted nuthatch Mature hardwoods Y N Wood duck Flooded bottomlands N Y Wood thrush Mixed pine-hardwood Forest N N yellow throated vireo Mature hardwoods Y N Yellow-billed cuckoo Mesic deciduous forests Y N Yellow-throated warbler Mixed pine-hardwood forest N N

3.2.5.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No Action Under this alternative, the Dunaway WMA would not be expanded and connected actions would not occur.

3.2.5.2.1 Direct Effects Direct effects are effects to the species known or assumed to occur in the proposed project area. They occur at the same time and place as the project activity.

All migratory birds in Table 3.3.5-1 There would be no direct effects to any of the migratory birds under this alternative since no activities would take place.

3.2.5.2.2 Indirect Effects Indirect effects include the consequences of management activities that result in the modifications of habitat and ecological conditions that affect food, water, shelter, and other life requirements for a species.

All migratory birds in Table 3.3.5-1 There would be no indirect effects to any of the migratory birds under this alternative since no activities would take place.

3.2.5.2.3 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action There are other projects being implemented and/or planned on the Enoree Ranger District that would continue under the No Action alternative. Projects include timber harvesting, prescribed burning for hazard fuel reduction and wildlife habitat improvement, road maintenance, and trail construction and maintenance. Activities on private land consist of farming, ranching timber harvesting and homesites.Eisting levels of use are expected in the future.

With the No Action alternative, no additional activities would take place, so there would be no additional cumulative effects to species or habitat for migratory birds listed in Table 3.3.5-1 within the project area or across the District.

3.2.5.3 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Direct effects are not expected to occur to migratory birds. These highly mobile avian species that would relocate to undisturbed areas if they were displaced by proposed activities. However, it is possible that if any of these species are nesting during logging activities or connected actions, nests and nestlings could be lost due to the activities. These effects are considered minor since only 11 acres would be harvested. In addition, timber harvesting and connected actions would have to occur at the exact time when species are most vulnerable and also occur over successive years to have substantial impacts. This is unlikely given past management practices. In addition, avian species would re-nest multiple times throughout the nesting season. Bird monitoring is done on an annual basis to assess the presence/absence and frequency of occurrence of bird species by habitat conditions across the Sumter National Forest.

Migratory birds associated with mixed pine-hardwood forests (hairy woodpecker, hooded warbler, Kentucky warbler, northern parula, whip-poor-will, wood thrush and yellow-throated warbler) and mature pine (brown-headed nuthatch)

Mixed pine-hardwood associated species and mature pine species have habitat within the project area; however their habitat consists of mixed pine-hardwood and mature pine trees that is not within the 11 acres that would be harvested and flooded. This project would not have any indirect effects to these migratory bird species.

Migratory birds associated with bottomland hardwood forests (Acadian flycatcher, American redstart, blue-gray gnatcatcher, mallard, red-shouldered hawk, Swainson’s warbler, and yellow- billed cuckoo) and mature hardwood forests (black-and-white warbler, red-eyed vireo, scarlet tanager, white-breasted nuthatch and yellow-throated vireo)

Habitat for bottomland hardwood and mature hardwood forests associated species would be lost

when the 11 acre impoundment becomes flooded. These species are highly mobile and would relocate to undisturbed areas if they were displaced by proposed activities. Eleven acres would not be a substantial amount of habitat lost considering this type of habitat is common along the river bottoms across the district.

Migratory birds associated with mixed pine-hardwood forest near river or stream (Louisiana waterthrush)

Louisiana waterthrush could lose habitat from the expansion of the WMA with the removal of 11 acres of hardwoods. However expansion may increase the foraging area for Louisiana waterthrush. This species is highly mobile and would relocate to undisturbed areas if it were displaced by proposed activities. Eleven acres would not be a substantial amount of habitat lost considering this type of habitat is common along the river bottoms across the district.

Migratory birds associated with flooded bottomland hardwoods (Canada goose, mallard and wood duck)

The Dunaway WMA expansion project is expected to improve the habitat, foraging and nesting for species that use flooded bottomland hardwoods. A larger habitat would create better food sources, better nesting sites, and reduced distances to similar habitat on the landscape which translates into a greater likelihood of nesting success, greater reproductive rates, and better condition of individuals when they begin their migration.

3.2.5.4 Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action Management activities would continue on the Enoree Ranger District. These activities include prescribed burning, timber thinning and harvesting, recreational activities including maintenance of trails and trail heads, road maintenance, wildlife opening maintenance, disking, planting, and establishment of native forbs and grasses.

The proposed action when added to other past, present and future projects on federal and private land would not result in any detectable effects on populations of migratory birds.

3.3 Social Environment

3.3.1 Human Health and Safety

3.3.1.1 Affected Environment

3.3.1.2 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action

The Forest Service Handbook (FSH), Forest Service Manual (FSM), and the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, Sumter National Forest (Forest Plan) all provide guidance and

establish required measures to protect human health and safety during forest management activities. The Sumter National Forest also has a spill response program in place to contain and remove contaminants, such as herbicides.

This alternative would have no effect on human health and safety beyond current management actions in the area. Past, present and current activities in the area that have the potential to impact human health and safety include prescribed burning, road maintenance and herbicide applications for non-native invasive plants. All of these activities would comply with Forest Plan direction to protect public health and safety and also include project-specific design criteria. Adverse cumulative effects are not expected to human health and safety.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action

Timber harvesting activities, construction of the dike, periodic mowing and other associated activities to improve the waterfowl area would require the use of heavy equipment (such as dozers, skidders, log loaders, bush-hogs, tractors and trucks). The use of heavy equipment and the movement of trees and logs present the highest potential for safety risks during harvest activities. There is a risk of injury to contract workers, Forest Service personnel and recreationists. In accordance with Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11), these management activities require all Forest Service workers to wear safety equipment, including hard hats, eye and ear protection, chaps, and fire retardant clothes. Monitoring of compliance with the Forest safety code would be accomplished through on-site inspections and reviews of accident reports (USDA, 1989b).

For all mechanical treatments, equipment operators must demonstrate proficiency with the equipment and be licensed to operate it. In addition, a helper must direct the operator where safety is compromised by terrain or limited sight distances (USDA, 1989b).

The private timber sale contractor conducting the harvest would be responsible for adhering to safety specifications during the entire harvest process.

These requirements include the:

Installation of temporary traffic control devices on roads and trails open to public travel to warn users of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions;

Removal of logging slash from all trails open to the public;

Development of a specific traffic control plan; and

Installation of road closure devices, such as but not limited to barricades to control entry to the activity site (USDA, 2000a).

Any risks to workers or the public would be minor and temporary. Strict adherence to safety measures would minimize or eliminate adverse human health and safety effects. As stated on

page 10 of the VEG EIS, “With all mitigation in force, worker health risks from herbicides would be well below published health and safety standards.”

Road maintenance would improve safety conditions for Forest personnel and users during project activities. While this would have a beneficial effect on human health and safety, this effect would not be significant.

Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action

Past, present, and future actions in and adjacent to the project area would be required to comply with established standards in the Forest Plan. The implementation of other management actions would not increase the potential for cumulative adverse safety impacts. With adherence to required safety measures, no significant, cumulative impacts on human health and safety would occur.

The USFS conducts prescribed fire within and adjacent to the project area as part of its normal maintenance and general management of the Sumter National Forest. Threats to human health and safety during a prescribed fire are smoke inhalation and injury from the fire itself in the event that a controlled burn escapes the area. Various safety measures are in place to protect workers and the public from adverse effects during prescribed fires. A prescribed fire plan is required for each managed burn, which includes a smoke mitigation plan in the event that planned conditions change. Roads and highways are closed if the smoke impairs visibility enough to threaten public safety (USDA, 2000b). The public is notified through signs and closed roads, if necessary, and nearby residents adjacent to the Forest are notified prior to a prescribed burn. In addition, standards and guidelines and mitigation measures provided in the Forest Plan are adhered to during prescribed fires, which minimize or eliminate public human health and safety concerns resulting from smoke exposure and fire injuries. All burns are conducted by trained staff, supervised by an experienced burn boss, and monitored through review of burn plans, on-site inspections, and post-burn evaluations (USDA, 1989b).

There would be no impact to human health with Alternative 1. There may be temporary, minor potential for adverse impacts on worker and public safety during use of heavy equipment given strict adherence to safety measures.

3.3.2 Scenery and Recreation

3.3.2.1 Affected Environment

Scenery Resources The Enoree Ranger District (District) can be seen from many vantage points, from roads, trails, rivers and recreation areas. The more scenic landscapes are generally associated with or occur adjacent to bodies of water (rivers and streams and include the numerous waterfalls), rock formations and outcrops and hardwoods that produce spectacular fall foliage. Many areas of the District are viewed from the immediate foreground, meaning it is nearest to the viewer. Views

beyond the immediate foreground are influenced by terrain as well as vegetation type and density. The District is rolling piedmont and covered with an almost-continuous canopy of deciduous and coniferous vegetation creating a natural-appearing landscape character.

The scenic resource management direction is determined by the Landscape Aesthetics, A Handbook for Scenery Management (USDA, 1995). From that handbook, Scenic Integrity Objectives (SIO’s) were established for all lands in the Sumter National Forest (Sumter NF) in the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, Sumter National Forest (Forest Plan). SIO’s include: “low”, where management activities may dominate the landscape; “moderate”, where management practices are visually subordinate in the landscape; and “high”, where management activities are not evident to the casual observer and “very high” where ecological changes only are allowed. The SIO of the entire 11 acre project is moderate.

Vegetation management has the potential to significantly alter the landscape and impact the scenic resource. Vegetation management practices can cause long-term effects on scenery by altering landscapes through species conversion by reduction or increase in species diversity, forest structure, and alteration of opening size, location, and frequency. The potential effects may be positive or negative, depending on their consistency with the desired condition of the landscape.

Recreation Resources Visitors come to the District to participate in a wide variety of recreation opportunities and experiences in outdoor settings. The recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) classifies the types of recreation experiences available and can specify desired recreation experience in certain areas. The classes range from Primitive, where areas are essentially unmodified natural environments of fairly large size to Urban, where areas are the most modified urban environments.

The entire project area is within the Rural ROS class. In the more rural setting the areas are more modified to enhance recreation activities and to maintain vegetative cover and soil but harmonize with the natural environment and there will be facilities designed for larger numbers of people.

3.3.2.1 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1: No Action

The No-action alternative is not expected to have any adverse impacts on scenery or recreation. However, waterfowl and recreational use of the project area is expected to be lower than that produced by the proposed action.

3.3.2.2 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action

The proposed action would not result in permanent adverse impacts to scenery or recreation. Use of appropriate sustainable techniques would minimize temporary aesthetic impacts associated with construction and associated equipment. Sediment removal and alteration that may hinder the aesthetics of the area would also be reduced by applying appropriate erosion control techniques that are sequenced to minimize the exposure time of graded or denuded areas. Impoundment borders would be seeded with native mixtures that are attractive to wildlife. The

techniques used during the impoundment construction would reduce the aesthetic impacts. These impacts are considered negligible and temporary.

In some cases, the aesthetics of the project area would be enhanced by the presence of the waterfowl impoundment and the fauna that will utilize it. There would be an increase in biodiversity and fauna throughout the area, most notably when the impoundment would be flooded. Increases in noise may occur during construction of the waterfowl impoundment; however these increases would be minor and temporary. Impacts to noise may also be impacted in the winter by hunters in the area during certain hunting seasons, such as deer and duck seasons. During these times there may be increased noises associated with potentially higher numbers of individuals hunting. However, these impacts are considered minor and only during certain specific times of the year.

The project is surrounded by national forest system lands. Periodic prescribed burning is the only other activity immediately adjacent to the project area and is unlikely to cumulatively impact scenery or recreation in the area in the long term.

The Forest Plan SIO would continue to be met once vegetation is restored in the project area which is expected in less than a year. There would be minor short term impacts to recreation until the project is completed. In the long term, recreation activities would be enhanced with the project and would meet the Rural ROS.

3.3.3 Heritage Resources

3.3.3.1 Affected Environment Heritage resources include historic properties as defined in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources cultural items as defined in the Native American Graves Protection Act (ARPA): Statute that Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), provides for criminal and civil archaeological resources as defined in the Archaeological penalties for the excavation or Resources Protection Act (ARPA), sacred sites as defined damage of archaeological materials in Executive Order 13007, Protection and without a permit. Accommodation of Access to “Indian Sacred Sites,” to which access is provided under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), and collections. As defined by the NHPA, a historic property or historic resource is any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), including any artifacts, records, and remains that are related to and allocated in such properties. The term also includes properties of traditional religious and cultural importance (traditional cultural properties), which are eligible for inclusion in the NRHP as a result of their association with the cultural practices or beliefs of an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization. Archaeological resources include any material of human life or activities that is at least 100 years old, and that is of archaeological interest.

Section 106 of the NHPA (PL 89-655) provides the National Register of Historic Places framework for Federal review and consideration of (NRHP): A nation-wide listing of cultural resources during Federal project planning and districts, sites, buildings, structures, execution. The Advisory Council on Historic and objects of national, state, or Preservation (ACHP) has promulgated the local significance in American implementing regulations for the Section 106 process history, architecture, or culture that (36 CFR Part 800). The Secretary of the Interior is maintained by the Secretary of maintains the NRHP and sets forth significance criteria the Interior, National Park Service. (36 CFR Part 60) for inclusion in the register. Cultural resources may be considered “historic properties” for the purpose of consideration by a Federal undertaking if they meet NRHP criteria. The implementing regulations at 36 CFR 800.16(v) define an undertaking as “a project, activity, or program funded in whole or in part under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a Federal agency, including those carried out by or on behalf of a Federal agency; those carried out with Federal financial assistance; those requiring a Federal permit, license or approval; and those subject to state or local regulation administered pursuant to a delegation or approval by a Federal agency.” Historic properties are those that are formally placed on the NRHP by the Secretary of the Interior, and those that meet the criteria and are determined eligible for inclusion.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, The South Carolina Department of Archives and History and the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (November 14, 2000). It was developed to comply with the terms of the Programmatic Agreement concerning the management of historic properties on national forest lands in the Southern Region, which was executed on November 19, 1992 and to satisfy the National Forest’s responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The MOU establishes Categorical Exclusions for routine and recurrent activities that are unlikely to affect heritage properties, including prescribed burns and new fireline construction.

Heritage surveys were conducted for the project area, and a report was prepared and sent to the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) by the District Archaeologist. Concurrence from SHPO was received via letter dated October 6, 2009. The proposed action will have no effect on any National Register or eligible property.

3.3.3.1 Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects of Alternative 1

This alternative would have no effect on heritage resources.

3.3.3.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2 This alternative would avoid impacts to known Class 1 and Class 2 archaeological sites. Log landings, decks, log piles and temporary roads would not pass through or impact these sites. Concurrence from SHPO was received via letter dated October 6, 2009. The concurrence letter, 55

stated: “Based on the description of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) and the identification of historic properties within the APE, our office concurs with the assessment that no properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by this project.

3.3.3.3Cumulative Effects of Alternative 2 Avoidance of known sites combined with surveys of project areas and consultation with SHPO would avoid cumulative adverse impacts to heritage resources. Past pulpwood thinning sales and other site disturbing activities require heritage surveys prior to the start-up of activities. Activities categorically excluded under the MOU between the Forest Service and SHPO establish activities including pre-commercial thinning, mechanized chipping and fireline construction and reconstruction as not needing surveys prior to the activity taking place.

3.3.4 Environmental Justice and Civil Rights

3.3.4.1 Affected Environment Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations, requires Federal agencies to identify and address any disproportionate adverse human health or environmental effects of its projects on minority or low-income populations. According to this Executive Order, each Federal agency must conduct its programs, policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the environment in a manner that ensures that such programs, policies, and activities do not have the effect of excluding persons or populations from participation in, denying persons or populations the benefits of, or subjecting persons or populations to discrimination under, such programs policies, and activities because of their race, color, national origin, or income level.

An examination of environmental justice issues sets the stage for whether the action alternatives or the No Action alternative would pose disproportionate environmental, health, or safety risks to children or minority or low income populations.

Table 3.3.4-1 Percentage of Minority and Low Income Individuals/Families in Union County Compared to South Carolina

Category Minority % Low Income % South Carolina 33.9 14.1 Union 33.1 14.3

3.3.4.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 1: No Action

3.3.4.3 Direct and Indirect Effects of Alternative 2: Proposed Action The above data (census report from 2010) does not indicate that Union County qualifies as

environmental justice area. Therefore, no further analysis is required.

Since there are no disproportionate, adverse impacts regarding environmental justice or protection of children issues, neither one of the action alternatives would contribute to any cumulative effects in or around the project area.

3.3.5 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources

Irreversible commitments of resources are those resources that have been destroyed, removed or deteriorated to the point that renewal can occur only over a long period of time or at a great expense. Examples of this include the loss of a species endemic to a certain site or mineral extraction.

Irretrievable commitments represent resource opportunities that are foregone or cannot be realized during the planning period. These decisions are reversible, but the production opportunities foregone are irretrievable. Power line rights-of-way or a road that is kept clear of trees and other vegetation are examples of irretrievable commitments of resources.

Following design criteria disclosed in this EA, adherence to Forest Plan standards and guidelines, including use of BMPS, would minimize impacts to natural resources.

Chapter 4 Consultation

Federal, State, local agencies were contacted during the development of this environmental assessment. In addition, individuals were contacted based on the District-wide mailing list. This list is located in the project file.

4.1 Interdisciplinary Team

Jeff Magniez...... Zone Wildlife Biologist Jason Jennings ...... Soil Scientist Hector Socias ...... District Planner Carrie Miller...... District Wildlife Technician Chris Smith ...... Timber Management Assistant Chris Evans ...... Other Resources Assistant Tarri McKinney ...... District Wildlife Technician Mike Harmon ...... Archaeologist Larue Bryant ...... Forest Engineer Jeanne Riley ...... Forest Fisheries Biologist Robin Mackie ...... Forest Ecologist/Botanist Robbin Cooper ...... Forest Landscape Architect

4.2 Other Agencies Consulted USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service South Carolina Department of Natural Resources US Fish and Wildlife Service South Carolina History and Archives, State Historic Preservation Office No public comments were received during Scoping and the 30 day notice and comment period

Chapter 5 References and Data Sources

Adjuvants. http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/handbook.html

Alderman, J.M. 2007. Freshwater Mussel Surveys within the Broad River Basin for the US Forest Service, Enoree Ranger District. Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. Pittsboro, NC. 66pp.

Glyphosate, imazapic, imazapyr, triclopyr, adjuvants. http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/handbook.html

Glyphosate. http://extoxnet.orst.edu

Hamel, P.B. 1992. Land Manager’s Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Chapel Hill, NC.

Imazapyr. http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/handbook.html

Imazapyr. http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/REDs/imazapyr_red.pdf

Jelks, H.L, S.J. Walsh, N.M. Burkhead, S. Contreras-Balderas, E. Diaz-Pardo, D.A. Hendrickson, J. Lyons, N.E. Mandrak, F. McCormick, J.S. Nelson, S.P. Platania, B.A. Porter, C.B. Renaud, J.J. Schmitter-Soto, E.B. Taylor and M.L. Warren, Jr. 2008. Conservation status of imperiled North American freshwater and diadromous fishes. Fisheries 33 (8):372-407.

Kohlsaat T, L. Quattro, and J. Rinehart. 2005 South Carolina comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy 2005-2010. 2005. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Columbia, SC. 278 pp.

NatureServe. 2008. Nature Serve Explore: An online encyclopedia of life (web application). Version 6.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.

Newton, M.F., A. Roberts, B. Allen, B. Kelpsas, D. White, and P. Boyd. Deposition and Dissipation of Three Herbicides in Foliage, Litter, and Soil Brushfields of Southwest Oregon. J. Agric. Good Chem., 38; 574-583.

Non-native Invasive Plant Control on the Sumter National Forest Environmental Assessment, South Carolina. 2004 US Forest Service, Columbia, SC. 39pp.

North American Waterfowl Management Plan. 2009. http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/NAWMP/index.shtm

Patric, J.H. October, 1976. Soil Erosion in the Eastern Forest. Journal of Forestry. Pages 671- 677.

Patric, James. 1994. Water, Woods, and People: A Primer.

Pederson, Neil, J.M. Varner, and B.J. Palik. 2008. Canopy disturbance and tree recruitment over two centuries in a managed longleaf pine landscape. Forest Ecology and Management, Volume 254, Issue 1, 15 January 2008, Pages 85–95.

Porcher, R.D. and D.A. Rayner. 2001. A Guide to the Wildflowers of South Carolina University of South Carolina Press.

Rohde, F.C., R.G. Arndt, J.W. Foltz, and J.M. Quattro. 2009. Freshwater Fishes of South Carolina. The University of South Carolina Press. Columbia, SC. 430pp.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Official Soil Series Descriptions. Available online at http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html. Accessed [04/02/2013].

South Carolina Heritage Trust Geographic Database of Rare and Endangered Species. 2010. Online reference https://www.dnr.sc.gov/pls/heritage/species.login

Swank, Wayne, and DeBano, Leonard, and Nelson, Devon. 1989. Effects of Timber Management Practices on Soil and Water. Pages 79-106. From the Scientific Basis for Silvicultural and Management Decisions in National Forest System. General Technical Report WO-55.

Taylor, C.A., G.A. Schuster, J.E Cooper, R.J. Distefano, A.G. Eversole. P. Hamr, H.H. Hobbs III, H.W. Robison, C.E. Skelton and R.F. Thomas. 2007. A reassessment of the conservation status of crayfishes of the United States and Canada after 10+ years of increased awareness. Fisheries 32(8):372-389.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. South Carolina Distribution Records of Endangered, Threatened, Candidate and Species of Concern.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Candidate and Listing Priority Assignment Form (Aster georgianus). Online reference http://www.fws.gov/southeast/es/pdf/ga.pdf.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2007. Summary of Georgia Aster Monitoring, Sumter National Forest.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2001. Management Indicator Species Population and Trends. Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2004. Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, Sumter National Forest. Management Bulletin R8-MB-116A.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Francis Marion-Sumter National Forest. 2009. National Visitor Use Monitoring Results.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 1989. Vegetation Management in the Coastal Plain/Piedmont Final Environmental Impact Statement. Southern Region.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. http://www.epa.gov/region4/superfund/programs/riskassess/ecolbul.html

Warren, M.L, M.B. Brooks, S.J. Walsh, H.L. Bart, R.C. Cashner, D.A. Etnier, B.J. Freeman, B.R. Kuhajda, R.L. Mayden, H.W. Robison, S.T. Ross, and W.C. Starnes. 000. Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of the native freshwater fisheries of the Southern United States. Fisheries 25 (10); 7-29.

APPENDIX A Biological Assessment/Evaluation

(Please See Appendix_A.pdf)

APPENDIX B NRCS Consultation letter for Project Mitigating Design

(Please see Appendix_B.pdf)

APPENDIX C ESA Section 7 Consultation (Please See Appendix_C.pdf)

APPENDIX D Maps

(Please see Appendix_D.pdf)

Vicinity Map Aerial Photo View Project Map Topographic View Project Map Soils Type Layout Project Map