Draft Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests Forest Plan Assessment

9.0 Recreation

October 26, 2012

Table of Contents

9. Recreation ...... 1 9.1 Recreation Settings ...... 1 9.1.1 Existing Information ...... 1 9.1.1.1 Recreation Supply ...... 1 9.1.1.2 Recreation Demand ...... 4 9.1.1.3 Projected Demand: ...... 4 9.1.2 Informing the Assessment...... 5 9.1.2.1 Current Condition ...... 5 9.1.2.2 Trends ...... 35 9.1.2.3 Drivers...... 35 9.1.2.4 Access—Trends ...... 38 9.1.2.5 Access—Drivers ...... 38 9.1.2.6 What is the contribution of recreation to the socioeconomic landscape? ...... 38 9.1.2.7 Social and Economic Contribution ...... 39 9.1.3 Information Needs ...... 39 9.2 Scenic Quality ...... 43 9.2.1 Existing Information ...... 43 9.2.1.1 Supply ...... 43 9.2.1.2 Demand ...... 43 9.2.2 Informing the Assessment...... 43 9.2.2.1 Current Condition ...... 43 9.2.2.2 Trends and Drivers ...... 44 9.2.2.3 Scenic Character Contribution to the Socioeconomic Landscape ...... 44 9.2.3 Information Needs ...... 44 Literature Cited ...... 45

i List of Tables

Table 1. Clearwater National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings (Under development)...... 26 Table 2. Nez Perce National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings (Under development)...... 26 Table 3. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings ...... 26 Table 4. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Existing Trail Miles ...... 31 Table 5. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Existing Trail Miles within each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class...... 31 Table 6. Recreation Facilities - Number of Facilities by Site Type ...... 32 Table 7. Census Data for the Top Communities Identified During the National Visitor Use Monitoring that Visited the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in 2006 and 201136 Table 8. Under development ...... 40 Table 9. Winter Opportunities by Area Designation on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (Under development) ...... 41

List of Figures

Figure 1. Above White Sand Creek in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area ...... 18 Figure 2. Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness ...... 18 Figure 3. Area ...... 19 Figure 4. View of Seven Devils, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area ...... 19 Figure 5. Great Burn Proposed Wilderness Area...... 20 Figure 6. Meadow Creek...... 20 Figure 7. Red Cedar, West Meadow Creek ...... 21 Figure 8. Rapid River Drainage Wild & Scenic River ...... 21 Figure 9. The North Side of Gedney Mountain from Below the Summit of Peak 7,835 ...... 22 Figure 10. Musselshell Meadows ...... 22 Figure 11. Two Nez Perce Women, Elizabeth Wilson and Agnes Moses, Digging Camas Roots in Musselshell Meadows, Nez Perce National Historical Park, 1965. (Courtesy National Park Service, Nez Perce National Historical Park, Neg. 0452.) ...... 23 Figure 12. Western Centennial Trail Anderson Butte National Recreation Trail ...... 23 Figure 13. Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Idaho-Montana State Line ...... 24 Figure 14. Lochsa Historical Ranger Station ...... 24 Figure 15. Lochsa Historical Ranger Station (Inside View) ...... 25

ii Figure 16. View from the Elk River Backcountry Byway ...... 25 Figure 17. Bridge Creek Campground ...... 25

List of Maps

Map 1. National Forests Located within the State of Idaho...... 6 Map 2. Adjacent National Forests in , Montana, Oregon, and Washington...... 7 Map 3. National Visitor Use Monitoring Map for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest .9 Map 4. Land Ownership Map for Lands within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest ...10 Map 5. Land Ownership Map for Lands within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest ...11 Map 5. 1987 Forest Plan Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings ...... 28 Map 6. Existing Condition Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings ...... 29 Map 7. Inventoried Dispersed Recreation Sites on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests ...... 34

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Draft Forest Plan Assessment 9.0 Recreation

9. Recreation

9.1 RECREATION SETTINGS 9.1.1 Existing Information (Under development) Existing information to describe and assess recreation opportunities, settings, access, and infrastructure are listed below and categorized under the headings of Recreation Supply and Recreation Demand. Broad scale information is listed first, followed by Forest specific information. 9.1.1.1 Recreation Supply The available (past, current and/or predicted future) type, amount, and condition of recreation settings and opportunities.

Broad-scale Sources 1 • Regional Recreation Destination layer (R1 GIS Library)0F • Niche Map for National Forests in Idaho • Region 4 National Forest Visitor Guides for Idaho 2 • IPNF Visitor Guide1F • Idaho Tourism and Marketing Information (www.visitidaho.org) 3 • Idaho SCORTP2F • Clearwater National Forest Travel Planning EIS Idaho Trends in Motorized Use (pages3-184 through 3-191).

Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forest Sources Forestwide sources: • Combined Forest Niche Statement (2012) • Niche Setting Maps (Nez Perce Recreation Facilities Analysis [RFA], April 2008 and Clearwater RFA, August 2007) 4 • Nez Perce-Clearwater Visitor Guide3F ROS Maps (Region 1 GIS Library) • ROS Maps Developed for Columbia Basin Analysis

1 http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5364760.jpg 2 Currently under development, with a projected printing in Fall 2012. 3 Visitor demographic information. Every 5 years, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation goes through the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Tourism Planning process to identify outdoor recreation and tourism needs and inventory recreation facilities. SCORPT is an analysis of supply and demand, as well as an overview of outdoor recreation in the State. (http://dfm.idaho.gov/Publications/BB/StrategicPlans/SP2013/Parks%20and%20Rec.pdf) 4 Currently under development, with a projected printing in November 2012.

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• Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests maps illustrating Forest Plan ROS • ROS Map - Existing Condition for DRAMVU Travel Planning – Nez Perce National Forest Dispersed recreation sources: • Location (INFRA and GIS) • Type (INFRA) • Dev. Scale (0-2 in INFRA) • Resource Conditions (INFRA via R1 Inventory Protocol) Developed recreation site sources: • Location (INFRA and GIS) • Type (INFRA) • Dev. Scale (3-5 INFRA) • Campgrounds and Cabins on Reservation System (NRRS) • Deferred Maintenance Levels (RFA) • Operation and maintenace costs (RFA) Trails sources: • GIS (location/distribution) • INFRA data (miles, maintenance level, management objectives) Roads sources: 5 • Draft Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)4F 6 • Draft MVUM 5F • GIS (location/distribution) • INFRA (miles, maintenance level, management objectives) Other transportation sources: • Air strip mapping • Navigable waterways (motorized and non-motorized)— • Existing Scenic Integrity (Regional map in R1 GIS Library)(Forest level map) • Outfitter and Guided Service Opportunities • Type • Location 7 • Outfitted Opportunities6F on the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests

5 Currently being compiled for the Clearwater National Forest. 6 To be compiled post Designated Routes MVUM decision for the Nez Perce National Forest. 7 www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater

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8 • State-wide outfitters7F • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northern, Intermountain, and Pacific 9 Northwest Region Forest Service and Idaho Outfitter and Guides Licensing Board8F , updated and approved on April 22, 2011 Special area designations: • Wilderness Areas • Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness • Gospel Hump Wilderness • Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness • Wild and Scenic Rivers • Middle Fork Clearwater , including Lochsa and Selway Rivers • Salmon River • Rapid River • Proposed Wilderness • Mallard Larkins • Hodoo (Great Burn) • Selway Bitterroot Additions • National Historic Trails & Landmarks • Nez Perce/Nee-Mee-Poo National Historic Trail 40 • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail 25 • Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark Corridor • National Recreation Trails • Anderson Butte Trail 835 • East Boyd Trail 703—Roundtop Trail 310 and Glover Trail 704 • Meadow Creek Trail 726 • Colgate Licks Nature Trail #1091 • Elk Creek Falls Trail System #740 • Giant Red Cedar Trail #748 • Scenic Byways • Northwest Passage Scenic Byway-All American Road • Elk River Backcountry Byway • White Pine Scenic Byway • Gold Rush Scenic Byway • Other Special Areas/places (geologic, scenic, historic) • Jerry Johnson, Wier and Stanley Hot springs • Waterfalls (Selway Falls, Elk Creek Falls, and Rocky Bluff Falls)

8 www.ioga.org 9 oglb.idaho.gov

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• Lochsa Historic Station, Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Fenn Historic Visitor Center, Slate Creek Museum and Kelly Forks Visitor Center 10 • Papoose Cave9F Eastern and Western Idaho Centennial Trail10F 11Devoto Grove Interpretive Trail #789 • Boise Trail • East and West Idaho Centennial Trail 9.1.1.2 Recreation Demand This section describes the number of visitors and the needs and desires (past, current and/or predicted) of those visitors for recreation opportunities and settings within a defined time and location.

Broader Scale Sources: 12 • National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE)11F • NVUM (visitor use levels and satisfaction at the State, Regional, and National scales) • Idaho Department of Transportation (IDOT) Traffic CountsIdaho SCORTP Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests • NVUM) • Trail Use—Engineering Trail Traffic Counts • Roads Use—Engineering Road Traffic Counts • Developed Recreation Sites Occupancy (INFRA) 13 • Outfitter and Guided Service Opportunities12F • Resorts (proxy data on use) • Other Visitor Use Information (visitor center data and frontliner information) 14 • Lolo Pass Estimated Use13F • Lochsa Historic Visitor Center Sign-in log 9.1.1.3 Projected Demand: What type of recreation settings and opportunities will the public desire/need in the future? • Census data—community expansion or decrease • Idaho SCORTP predictions

10 A popular technical spelunking cave managed under a cooperative agreement with the Gem State Grotto National Speleological Society. 11 See Recreational Opportunities DRAMVU for a list of Forest Service trails on the Nez Perce National Forest. 12 http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/trends/Nsre/vsummary.htm 13 Use data from resorts, rafting, jet boating, wilderness hiking and backcountry pack trips and SUDS database. See Ecosystem Services section. 14 Estimated 80,000 visitors annually (door counter number, with the assumption of a larger number due to users that do not enter the Visitor Center.

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• National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE) predictions • Internet Research Information Series (IRIS) projections 9.1.2 Informing the Assessment 9.1.2.1 Current Condition North Central Idaho Recreation Activity Context The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (Forests), located in North Central Idaho, are part of a larger network of NFS lands that occupy over 20 million acres across the State. Map 1depicts all forests located within the state of Idaho and lists the niche for each forest. Map 2 depicts adjacent National Forests in North Central Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

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Map 1. National Forests Located within the State of Idaho.

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Map 2. Adjacent National Forests in North Central Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

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The Communities depicted in the User Communities on Map 3 how the most commonly reported zip codes from visitors to the Forests. This information was collected during both the 2005 and 2010 National Visitor Use Monitoring surveys that were conducted on the Forests. These communities include the following: Moscow, Lewiston, Missoula (MT), Orofino, Pullman (WA), Pierce, Potlatch, Lolo (MT), Clarkston (WA), Courd’Alene, Kamiah, Colfax (WA), Grangeville, Elk City, Cottonwood, McCall, Boise, Eagle, Stites, Bend (OR), Meridian, Caldwell, Pocatello, Kooskia, Elk City, and Riggins. Spokane (WA) is also included on the map due to visitor use observed by field crews and visitor information specialists. Maps 4 and 5 illustrate land ownership including, private, State, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within the Forests. These maps will be updated with a layer showing all BLM land within the Elk City Township.

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Map 3. National Visitor Use Monitoring Map for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

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Map 4. Land Ownership Map for Lands within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

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Map 5. Land Ownership Map for Lands within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

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Within the tapestry of national forests that span the state of Idaho, the Forests contribute in unique and distinctive ways. While many of the Idaho forests are accessible from interstate highways and are adjacent to urban areas (e.g., Boise, Idaho Falls, and Coeur D’Alene), the Forests are more remote and serve smaller, more rural communities (e.g., Grangeville, Riggins, Orofino, Elk City, Moscow, Lewiston, and Clarkston, Washington). The state of Idaho markets itself as “Adventures in Living” (www.visitidaho.org). The wildlands and wild rivers of the Forests are critical to delivering recreation adventures to residents, local communities, and visitors. The Forests’ settings, special places, and recreation opportunities were described in niche statements developed through the Forest Service Recreation Facilities 15 Analysis (RFA) process 14F . The niche product is useful in conveying how the Forests fit into the bigger context, in this case, the state of Idaho. Although not all of the recreation opportunities and settings are described, those that give the unit its identity, value, and uniqueness are captured. It begins to describe some of the distinctive roles and contributions the Forest have when viewed within a larger context. More recently, the niche statements from individual Forest RFA efforts were merged into one Forest Niche. The descriptions below are adapted from the combined Nez Perce-Clearwater Niche statement. The landscapes of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest begin in the jagged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains and flow to the deep canyons of the Salmon, Selway and Lochsa Rivers. Broad coniferous forests cover the mountains that stretch from the rolling hills of the Palouse Plateau to the Camas Prairie. Many wildlife and fish species also call these Forests home; including big game animals (elk, deer, and moose), high flyers (the and the osprey), and anadromous fish species (such as Chinook salmon and steelhead trout). Visitors can enjoy the slower pace and uncrowded spaces while learning about nature and the rich human history found here. For the more adventurous, the untrammeled land found in the wilderness provides recreation opportunities while preserving natural landscapes now and into the future. Across the Forests, nature provides an extraordinary scenic backdrop for camping, hiking, big game hunting, fishing, and boating. Visitors can travel extensive scenic byways, visit interpretive and educational sites that reveal the rich history of the region, reach areas of the backcountry on foot or in a vehicle, and view wildlife in their natural surroundings. Outfitters, guides, and other private partners also offer quality recreation experiences for users who require help with skills and equipment. A wide range of outfitted opportunities abound on the Forests. Fifty-eight outfitters provide guided opportunities including hunting, fishing (including for anadromous fish), whitewater rafting, kayaking, jet boating, hiking, photography trips, and equestrian trips (including overnight pack trips and day trail rides). Hunting for game birds, turkey, bear in the spring and fall, elk, deer, and predator hunting (including wolves) are available outfitted services. Two adjacent forests in Montana provide access to the Forests: The Lolo National Forest (bordering to the north) provides trailhead and hiking access to the Great Burn Recommend Wilderness. The Bitterroot National Forest (bordering on the east) provides trailhead and hiking access into the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Area. The Running Creek Trail and Bridge provides access to the Selway Bitterroot and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

15 The Nez Perce National Forest in April 2008, and the Clearwater National Forest in August 2007.

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areas. The bridge provides access to the west side of the and the Selway River Trail 4. Popular trailheads on the Bitterroot National Forest that provide access to the Nez Perce National Forest and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness include Lost Horse, Blogett, and Bear Creek. Paradise Boat launch, a popular put-in spot located on the Bitterroot, provides a floating opportunity (for those who draw a permit during control season May 15–July 31) on the Wild & Scenic Selway River through the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. Rafters take out at Race Tack boat launch east of the Fenn Ranger Station and Moose Creek Ranger District. The Magruder Road and Nez Perce Trail provides a popular primitive road route between Red River Ranger District in Elk City and West Fork Ranger District in Darby, Montana. The Magruder Corridor is unique in that it enables travelers to drive between two Wilderness Areas (Selway Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return) and two Idaho Roadless Areas (IRAs) (East and West Meadow Creek). The Salmon River is deeper than the Grand Canyon, second only in depth to the . Rafters and jet boaters are both under a permit season year-round and under a controlled permit season from June 20–September 7 for the Wild & Scenic Salmon River. Float boaters typically put in at Corn Creek on the Salmon-Challis National Forest and float through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area and take out at Carey Creek, the Vinegar Boat Ramps (located on the South side of the River on the ), or Spring Bar Boat Ramp (located on the North side of the river on the Forests). Vinegar Boat Ramp is the main boat launch/staging are utilized by jet boaters. These sites are managed by the Forests, but are outside the Wild and Scenic corridor. Rafters who are successful in drawing a permit also have the opportunity to access the Main Salmon and continue their float if they also obtain a separate permit to continue down the Main Salmon section. Float boaters access the Middle Fork section from the Salmon-Challis Forest at the Boundary Creek put-in. The Wild and Scenic Main Salmon is co-managed by the Nez Perce and Salmon Challis Forests, as defined in the 2008 Frank Church River of No Return Management Plan. The Hells Canyon portion of the Snake River is administered by the Wallowa Whitman National Forest out of Clarkston, Washington, and is North America's deepest river gorge. The Snake River is designated a Wild and Scenic River. The 31.5-mile section of the river between Hells Canyon Dam and Upper Pittsburg Landing is designated Wild and the 36-mile section of river downstream from Upper Pittsburg Landing to mile 180.2 is designated Scenic. These portions of Hells Canyon are also under a permit system similar to the Main Salmon and require permits year-round. All sections are utilized by float and power boats year-round and utilized for both day and multiple-day excursions. The upper portion of Hells Canyon from Pittsburg Landing to Hells Canyon Dam also has a river trail similar in nature to the Main Salmon River Trail. The “Island unit,” the country that lies between the Snake and Salmon Rivers west of Riggins and Slate Creek, is administered by the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. Pittsburg Landing Campground and Boat Landing provide rafting and jet boating access to the Snake River. Trailheads provide access into the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area and the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. The Payette National Forest also provides floating access to the Main Salmon River from the South Fork Salmon River, while the Forests provide jet boat access to the South Fork Salmon River from Vinegar Creek. A Primitive road route, Burgdorf Road 246 (locally known as the “fingers”) provides access to Salmon River Road 1614. Bridges at Campbell’s Ferry and Mackay Bar provide trail access from the Payette Forest to Salmon River Trail 96. Salmon River Trail

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#96 parallels the river (from Sheep Creek to Crooked Creek and from Rattlesnake Creek to Mackay Bar), and is located entirely on the north side of the river within the Wild and Scenic Corridor. Multiple trails from the north side of the river also access Salmon River Trail 96 and are most popular during the fall hunting season. “Discover North Central Idaho,” the official visitor guide for the area published by the North Central Idaho Travel Association, lists the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway as a “Top 10” scenic drive in the Northern Rockies. Points of interest along the route include the following: Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, Lewiston; Nez Perce National Historic Park, Spalding; Canoe Camp and , Orofino; Long Camp/River front Park, Kamiah; Heart of the Monster, Kamiah; Kooskia Crossing/Welcome Center, Kooskia; Eimers Park and Mammoth Exhibit, Grangeville; and the Fenn and Lochsa Historical Ranger Stations and Lolo Pass Visitor Center, both located on the Forests. As a result of the road construction to access National Forest and private lands in the Powell area, the majority of recreation is road-based. Dispersed camping, hunting, fuelwood gathering, snowmobiling, and mushroom and berry picking are the predominant recreational activities. The concentration of users along roads and in dispersed camping sites is moderate during fall hunting season and summer holiday weekends and is low the rest of the year. There are few controls over users except for gated roads and some road junction signs. There are no sanitary or interpretative facilities. Hunting season attracts the highest dispersed use in the area. Hunting use on the Forests and private checkerboard lands begins in the winter with cougar season. Many hunters access the road via snowmobile or snowshoes. This mode of access continues into the spring with bear hunting season. The fall deer and elk seasons see the largest number of hunters using the roads for access and setting up dispersed camping sites. Hunters and general recreationists set up camps at all elevations, depending on the weather. Campsites are usually found at the road junctions and along creeks. Intermingled ownership is widespread throughout the administrative boundary of the Palouse Ranger District. The majority landowner outside of the Forest Service is the Potlatch Corporation; however NFS lands mix with other landowners, including the State of Idaho, various other timber companies, and other individual, private landowners. Sharing of boundaries with these landowners (particularly with the Potlatch Corporation) creates challenges for recreationists, as they must regularly consult maps to remain cognizant of the land they are on and be aware of the rules and regulations that apply. Recreation allowed on Potlatch forestland ranges from low-impact activities such as hiking, picnicking, berry picking, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and just plain sight-seeing. Higher-impact recreation such as camping, hunting, fishing, target shooting, woodcutting, prospecting, plant gathering, and off-road vehicle use are also enjoyed. Some high- impact activities require permits from the company and must be obtained in advance. Other activities, including some low impact recreation, are restricted to certain areas or specific times of the year. Dispersed camping may be restricted to certain locations (Potlatch Corporation). A main access to the North Fork Ranger District includes a 25 mile segment of Beaver Creek Road 247, which begins near the unincorporated community of Headquarters, bisects ground owned by Potlatch, and leads to Aquarius Campground. The campground lies just one-and-a-half miles north of the Forests’ boundary. Likewise, Sheep Mountain Road 246 takes off from

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Headquarters and affords access to Camp 60, a popular dispersed camping area that borders the Sheep Mountain OHV loop trail system. The first 10 miles of Road 246 cut across property owned by Potlatch. The Dworshak Reservoir provides ample recreation opportunities along 184 miles of picturesque shoreline. Activities include boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking, along with hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Dworshak State Park management office and Big Eddy Recreation Area overlook the reservoir. An onsite boat ramp and handling dock provide easy launching most of the year, and a fish-cleaning station is nearby to help with the day’s catch. Both sites are managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation by way of a Parks and Recreation Lease Agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dworshak State Park, located 24 miles northwest of Orofino on the western bank of Dworshak Reservoir, is home to a sprawling, 105 campsite fee-based campground, complete with running water, flush toilets, showers, electricity, boat launching ramp, and a groomed beach. All campsites can be reserved by way of the NRRS. Three Meadows, a reservable group site, is located 3.5 miles from the campground. The camp’s 9 cabins, spacious and modern restrooms, and fully-appointed lodge kitchen can accommodate up to 100 people. The Dworshak Dam Project takes in the Big Eddy Recreation Area; Dworshak Dam Visitor Center; viewpoint; a resource office; the powerhouse; Bruce’s Eddy Boat Launch Site; Merry’s Bay Day Use Area and Canyon Creek and Dent Acres Campgrounds. The Project is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Canyon Creek Campground is developed, with a boat ramp, dock, outhouse and 17 campsites with a picnic table and fire pits. Although the campground is just 11 miles from Orofino, it seems remote due to the roughhewn condition of the roadways and campsites. The area is heavily forested and is situated right on the water. Dent Acres campground, on the reservoir’s eastern shore, 19 miles north of Orofino, features 50 full hookup campsites; shower facilities; a playground; sports field; boat launch and dump station. The Dent Acres Group Camp is located one mile south of Dent Acres Campground. The group camp can be reserved and provides a more conventional camping experience in a natural setting. Dent Acres Campground operates on a first come, first served basis; reservations are not accepted. However, a roomy sun shelter not far from the boat launch can be reserved for picnics and parties. The developed campgrounds flanking Dworshak Reservoir are very popular, particularly among campers who prefer the comforts of home. It’s common for these campgrounds to reach 100% capacity on weekends, especially when it’s close to summer holidays. Dispersed camping on Corps-managed lands is strictly prohibited, and motorized use is not allowed along the reservoir’s shoreline. Visitors must camp in developed campgrounds or in one of the 100-plus designated mini-camps. The mini-camps are accessed by boat, only. The Dworshak Dam complex provides a developed, rural/urban recreation experience that contrasts the back-to- nature camping opportunities provided by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The Bureau of Land Management in Cottonwood, Idaho, manages the section of the Salmon River known as the “Lower Salmon River,” beginning at Vinegar Creek, which is 25 miles above the town of Riggins. At Riggins, the river swings north and then west for 87 miles where it then meets the Snake River. The Lower Salmon Section from Vinegar Creek to Hammer Creek is roaded and popular with both float and power boats. This section is primarily used as a day stretch and accessed through multiple boat ramps along Highway 95 and Salmon River Road

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1614. The 53 mile stretch from Hammer Creek to the confluence of the Snake River is primarily roadless and is popular with multi-day float boaters in the summer months and jet boaters in the fall. This stretch is also accessed by Pine Bar and Eagle Creek roads that intersect the corridor. No trails parallel the Lower Salmon River stretch. Developed and dispersed camping opportunities are available along the Salmon River and Highway 95, with more sites available than what the Forests offer in the same general area. There is BLM land located within the Elk City township that offers dispersed camping and winter snowmobiling opportunities. The BLM snowmobile and summer trail systems connect and provide access to NFS trails. The Idaho Fish & Game manages the 314 acre Red River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located about 15 miles southeast of Elk City. The remote Red River WMA is the smallest of the 32 wildlife areas within the state of Idaho. White-tailed deer and moose graze in the meadow and utilize adjacent timbered edges for calving and fawning areas. From late March to late May, 100–200 elk can be seen in the meadow on the WMA. Canada geese and mallards nest in the meadow and a variety of birds (such as blue herons, shorebirds, sand hill cranes, and osprey) migrate through the area. Red-tailed hawks nest in lodgepole pine stands in the area. The Red River flowing through the center of the property was once prime spawning habitat for spring Chinook salmon and today provides habitat for steelhead, cutthroat, and bull trout. The viewing kiosk provides views of the meadowlands and it's wildlife community including elk, white-tailed deer, moose, geese, ducks, and many others. The kiosk is equipped for those visitors who may be physically challenged. The area provides access for stream fishing and is quite popular with fisherman and hunters. There is not a designated system trail within the area and the Red River WMA is closed to all motorized use, including snowmobiles. It is closed to all use May 1st thru June 15th during the Elk Caving Season. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is in the initial phase of updating the management plans for every WMA in the state of Idaho. Among the many discrete places that people recreate on the forest, four broad recreation areas are used to characterize the diversity of recreation settings, or the “niche,” found on the Forests. The recreation designations include Wilderness Expedition and Remote Backcountry, Wild River Corridors, Land to Roam and Ride, and Convenient Connections. Each broad recreation area and their associated recreation opportunities and activities are described in more detail below. • Wilderness Expedition and Remote Backcountry: The Selway-Bitterroot, Gospel Hump, Hells Canyon and Franck Church River of No Return Wilderness areas offer remote, wild settings for camping, hiking, packing, and hunting. The Mallard Larkins Pioneer Area and the Great Burn also provide vast areas of non-motorized back country with opportunities for solitude, self-reliance, and a sense of freedom found in few other places. Activities include backpacking and stock use on an extensive system of trails. Typical stays are multi-day expeditions that may include the use of back- country air strips and primitive camping. • Wild River Corridors: Wild and Scenic Salmon, Selway, and Lochsa Rivers provide high quality river recreation experiences for both remote and motorized use. Meandering Red River, the broad and deep North Fork of the Clearwater, or any of the rivers large and small found here provide unlimited river recreation opportunities. White water rafting and jet boating, primitive camping, and multi-day excursions are available here depending on the river you are visiting. Where access is allowed by passenger vehicle, primitive and developed camping are both available.

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• Land to Roam and Ride: Large, relatively undeveloped country offers visitors thousands of miles of designated roads and trails to drive, ride, hike, or pack on. Historic ridgeline corridors along the Lolo Trail and Magruder Corridor trace the paths of the Nez Perce, Lewis and Clark, and early traders. These large backcountry areas offer adventure, challenge, and opportunities to spend days exploring without ever following the same route twice. Hiking, horse packing, fishing, hunting, primitive and developed camping, motorized use on designated routes, and overnight stays in historic cabins are popular in this setting. • Convenient Connections: Areas closer to home can be found that provide connections to nature for local visitors. Many day use, overnight sites, and scenic drives are available within minutes of many small communities. Residents can escape to these areas for rest and relaxation near the beautiful mountains and rivers found here. These areas offer hiking, horseback riding and motorized riding on designated routes. Some campground can accommodate larger RVs, and there is rustic river access for whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, floating, and viewing spectacular river and forest scenery. Groomed snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing are popular as well. Overnight stays in historic cabins are also available here.

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings The 2012 Planning Rule defines recreation settings as follows: …the social, managerial, and physical attributes of a place that, when combined, provide a distinct set of recreation opportunities. The Forest Service uses the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) to define recreation settings and categorize them into six distinct classes: primitive (P), semi-primitive non- motorized (SPNM), semi-primitive motorized (SPM), roaded natural (RN), rural (R), and urban (U) (36 CFR 219.19). Similar to land use classifications (residential, industrial, rural, etc.) used in city or county planning efforts, ROS serves as a zoning framework for planning and managing recreation settings and opportunities (existing and desired) across National Forest system lands. ROS is a planning tool for both managers and visitors. By delineating recreation “habitat” for the different types of recreation opportunities, forests can manage the mix and distribution of settings that best address visitor demands while protecting the resource values important to delivery and sustainability of those recreation settings and opportunities. Specific ROS classes convey: the physical setting (scenic integrity, and other resource values), mode(s) of transportation, anticipated concentration of people, and levels of management and infrastructure. By zoning recreation settings, the forest can ensure a sustainable set of recreation opportunities for future generations and visitors can select where they recreate based on what they want to do, what equipment they want to bring, and the type of experience they want. The Forests contains the following ROS settings. Primitive (P) ROS settings of the Forests are managed for quiet solitude away from roads, people, and development. These backcountry settings are large, remote, wild, and predominately unmodified. There is no motorized activity and little probability of seeing other people. Most of the primitive settings coincide with designated Wilderness boundaries. Within Wilderness, no motorized or mechanized equipment is present. Portions of four Wilderness Areas fit into this

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category. They include the Selway–Bitterroot Wilderness (SBW) (Figure 1), Frank Church River of No Return (FCRNR) (Figure 2), the Gospel Hump (GH) (Figure 3) and Hells Canyon Wilderness Areas (Figure 4). The Hells Canyon Wilderness is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) and is managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Figure 1. Above White Sand Creek in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area

Figure 2. Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

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Figure 3. Gospel Hump Wilderness Area

Figure 4. View of Seven Devils, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

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Semi-Primitive Non-motorized (SPNM) areas of the Forest are managed for non-motorized use. Mountain bikes and other mechanized equipment are often present. Well maintained but rustic facilities are present for the primary purpose of protecting the natural resources of the area. These settings are not as vast or remote as the Primitive settings, but offer opportunities for exploration, challenge, and self-reliance. The Great Burn Idaho Roadless Area (IRA) (Figure 5) and Mallard Larkins Pioneer area as well as portions of the Gospel Hump, East and West Meadow Creek (Figure 6 and Figure 7), Mallard, West Crooked River, Clear Creek, Little Slate, and Slate Creek North IRA’s provide these types of opportunities. The Rapid River IRA (Figure 8) fits this category, though it is closed to mechanical uses.

Figure 5. Great Burn Proposed Wilderness Area

Figure 6. Meadow Creek

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Figure 7. Red Cedar, West Meadow Creek

Figure 8. Rapid River Drainage Wild & Scenic River

Semi-Primitive Motorized (SPM) areas of the Forests are managed for backcountry motorized use on designated routes. Routes are designed for Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and other high clearance vehicles. These settings offer visitors motorized opportunities for exploration, challenge, and self-reliance. Mountain bikes and other mechanized equipment are also sometimes present. Well maintained but rustic facilities are present for the primary purpose of protecting the natural resources of the area. SPM Areas on the Forests include portions of the Gedney (Figure 9) and the East and West Meadow Creek IRA. The following OHV routes are featured motorized opportunities on the Clearwater National Forest: Scurvy Lookout, Musselshell and Musselshell Meadows (Figure 10 and Figure 11), Old Sampson, Camp

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Moosehorn, Clarke Mountain, and Fish Creek. On the Nez Perce National Forest, featured motorized routes include the Anderson Butte National Recreation Trail (NRT) (Figure 12), East Boyd-Roundup-Glover NRT, Western Idaho Centennial/Milner Trail, Boundary Divide Trail, McComas Trail, and Nuggett Point Trail.

Figure 9. The North Side of Gedney Mountain from Below the Summit of Peak 7,835

Figure 10. Musselshell Meadows

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Figure 11. Two Nez Perce Women, Elizabeth Wilson and Agnes Moses, Digging Camas Roots in Musselshell Meadows, Nez Perce National Historical Park, 1965. (Courtesy National Park Service, Nez Perce National Historical Park, Neg. 0452.)

Figure 12. Western Idaho Centennial Trail Anderson Butte National Recreation Trail

Roaded Natural (RN) areas of the Forests are often referred to as front country recreation areas. These settings are managed as natural appearing with nodes and corridors of development that support higher concentrations of use, user comfort, and social interaction. The road system is well defined and accommodates sedan travel. System roads also provide easy access to undeveloped areas and dispersed recreation opportunities. A popular road within this category is the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway All American Road US Highway 12, providing access to Lolo Pass Visitor Center (Figure 13), Lochsa Historical Ranger Station (Figure 14 and Figure 15), Fenn Historical Ranger Station, and numerous campgrounds, trailheads, and river access sites along the River corridor. Private and guided whitewater rafting and kayaking activities are popular recreation activities on the between May and early July.

Elk River Backcountry and White Pine Scenic Byways provide access to trailheads and campgrounds (Figure 16 and Figure 17) in the northwest portion of the Forests. Highways 13 and 14 follow the South Fork of the Clearwater River, providing access to Elk City and the more primitive Magruder Road corridor. Idaho State Highway 95 is not located on the Forests but

23 9.0 Recreation Draft Forest Plan Assessment serves as an important connection for many access roads in the Salmon River Country. The Salmon River Road originates in Riggins and provides access to the Main Salmon River Corridor, including Carey Creek and Vinegar Creek Boat Ramps, both popular sites for rafting and jet boat recreationists.

Figure 13. Lolo Pass Visitor Center, Idaho-Montana State Line

Figure 14. Lochsa Historical Ranger Station

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Figure 15. Lochsa Historical Ranger Station (Inside View)

Figure 16. View from the Elk River Backcountry Byway

Figure 17. Bridge Creek Campground

Rural (R) areas of the Forests are typically adjacent to, or surrounded by, private lands. These

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areas provide valued open space and serve as a daily recharge area for local residents. High interaction among users is common and the sights and sounds of civilization are obvious. The Forests do not have any areas mapped as Rural or Urban. The Forests contains the spectrum of ROS settings from Primitive to Roaded Natural. Since the development of the Land and Management Plans (LMPs) in the 1980s, there have been changes in the quantity, mix, and distribution of the Forests’ recreation settings. For a comparison of past and current acres by ROS class (Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3 below, and Map 5 and Map 6). Table 1. Clearwater National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings (Under development) Clearwater National Forest ROS Semi- Semi-Primitive Roaded Timeframe Primitive Primitive Total Non-motorized Natural (acres) Motorized (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) 1987 Forest Plan Clearwater 413,855 517,130 15,952 881,585 1,828,522 Existing Condition Clearwater, 417,012 498,041 34,155 879,593 1,828,801 With Lochsa Face Decision Added

Table 2. Nez Perce National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings (Under development) Timeframe Nez Perce National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Setting Semi- Semi- Roaded Primitive Primitive Non- Primitive Total Natural (acres) motorized Motorized (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres)

1987 Forest Plan 838,166 438,143 226,362 637,474 2,140,145 Nez Perce Existing Condition 868,035 418,971 378,815 469,778 2,135,790 Nez Perce

Table 3. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Settings NEZ PERCE-CLEARWATER NATIONAL FORESTS ROS SETTINGS Semi- Timeframe Semi-Primitive Roaded Primitive Primitive Non- Total Motorized Natural (acres) motorized (acres) (acres) (acres) (acres) 1987 Forest Plans 1,252,021 955,273 242,314 1,519,059 3,968,667 Existing Condition 1,285,047 917,012 412,970 1,349,617 3,964,646

Assumption Recommended Wilderness on the Clearwater is non-motorized. Data from

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Clearwater Travel Planning Analysis. The Record of Decision Recommended Wilderness will be managed as non-motorized. This travel planning analysis uses the Forest Geographic Information System coverage for the 1987 Forest Plans and the Existing Condition Maps and tables. Calculations and numbers represent the GIS acreages for opportunity class. All numbers may have some rounding errors. The existing condition tables will need to be updated when Travel Planning Motor Vehicle Use Map(MVUM) Records of decision are implemented. The MVUM maps will be utilized to portray the existing condition for motorized road and trail routes.

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Map 5. 1987 Forest Plan Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings

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Map 6. Existing Condition Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings

The mix and distribution of the Forests’ ROS settings change dramatically when snow covers the

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landscapes. Several roads that are open in the spring/summer/fall are not maintained in the winter. There are other areas where snow enables snowmobiles to access lands that are completely inaccessible during other times of the year.

Winter Recreation Opportunities Five groomed cross-country ski trail systems provide Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non- Motorized opportunities at Fish Creek Recreation Area, Musselshell Meadows, Lolo Pass, Elk River Nordic Ski Trails, and Palouse Divide Nordic Ski Area. Park N’ Ski permits are required at Elk River Nordic Ski Trails and Fish Creek Recreation Area. Lolo Pass Visitor Center sells winter activities passes for parking to access the ski and snowmobile trail system. The 4 groomed snowmobile trail systems on the Forests include Fish Creek Recreation Area, Lolo Pass/Powell, Elk City/Dixie Area, and Elk River Snowmobile Trail system. Grooming is accomplished in partnership with Idaho Parks and Recreation, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Timberliners, and Missoula Snowgoers and Snodrifters Snowmobile clubs. Eight outfitted operations provide snowmobile trips for visitors. The winter opportunities described above offer cross-country skiing and snowmobiling backcountry experiences. Jerry Johnson, Wier and Stanley Hot springs are popular winter outing destinations on the Forests. Additional groomed snowmobile routes are located in the Moscow/Bovil area and the Winchester/Soldiers Meadow area. Winchester Lake Nordic Ski trail (located within the Winchester State Park) offers cross-country skiing opportunities and two yurts for rent. There are no down-hill skiing opportunities offered on the Forests. Within North Central Idaho, local down-hill skiing opportunities are provided at , Snow Haven, and . Cottonwood Butte Ski Area (located near Cottonwood, Idaho) offers 4 major groomed runs and several powder-filled trails served by a 3,000 foot T-Bar. is offered during the month of January. Snow Haven is a city-owned ski area (located 7 miles from Grangeville) which offers down-hill skiing on weekends and some holidays. Bald Mountain, managed by the Clearwater Ski Club (a local volunteer group), provides skiing and snowboarding in the Orofino area. Down-hill skiing opportunities on adjacent forests include Lost Trail Powder Mountain (located on the Continental Divide on the Montana–Idaho border on the Bitterroot National Forest) offers down-hill skiing fun and adventure 4 days a week (Thursday through Sunday) beginning each December. Brundage Ski Area offers down-hill skiing and guided snowcat skiing. (located 2 miles north of McCall) provides night skiing and snowboarding, plus 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails located at the new facility in Little Bear Basin. The down-hill skiing opportunities listed above complement the backcountry opportunities offered on the Forests.

Recreation Access An important aspect of ROS is the ability to zone and locate various uses so they are compatible with other resource values (e.g., water quality, wildlife, and fisheries). One of the defining characteristics of whether the recreation settings are compatible with other management objectives is the distinction between motorized and non-motorized settings. Table 4 and Table 5 identify the miles of motorized and non-motorized roads and trails within the ROS settings of the Forests.

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Table 4. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Existing Trail Miles Location Existing Miles of Trail Within Each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Class P SPNM SPM RN Unclassified Total Roads M NM M NM M NM M NM M NM M NM Clearwater National Forest 0 0 34 18 26 0 2,538 1,059 198 61 2,796 1138 Nez Perce National Forest(from DRAMVU 0 0 0 387 578 314 1,474 1,050 – – 2,052 1,751 Existing Condition Alternative 2) Total Miles Road Nez Perce-Clearwater 0 0 34 405 604 314 4,012 2,109 198 61 4,848 2,889 National Forestsa aMiles of motorized non-motorized unclassified ROS on the Clearwater National Forest were not assigned ROS opportunity classes. M – Motorized NM Non-Motorized - Assumption Recommended Wilderness on the Clearwater is non-motorized. Data from Clearwater Travel Planning Analysis. Decision Recommended Wilderness will be managed as non-motorized. These figures will need to be updated after MVUM implementation and Desired Future Condition Mapping. Table 5. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Existing Trail Miles within each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Class Location Existing Miles of Trail Within Each ROS Class P SPNM SPM RN Unclassified Total M NM M NM M NM M NM M NM M NM

Clearwater National 42 398 95 377 3 29 303 249 7 46 450 1,099 Forest Nez Perce National Forest(from DRAMVU 0 926 0 343 239 212 155 292 0 0 394 1,773 Existing Condition Alternative 2) Total Miles Trail Nez Perce-Clearwater 42 1,324 95 720 248 241 458 541 7 46 850 2,872 National Foresta aMiles of motorized non-motorized unclassified ROS on the Clearwater National Forest were not assigned ROS classes. M – Motorized NM Non-Motorized - Assumption Recommended Wilderness on the Clearwater is non-motorized. Data from Clearwater Travel Planning Analysis. Decision Recommended Wilderness will be managed as non-motorized. These figures will need to be updated after MVUM implementation. Table figures need to be verified.

The current Clearwater National Forest Travel Plan addresses access for both summer and winter seasons; the draft Nez Perce National Forest Travel Plan Designated Routes and Motorized Use (DRAMVU) does not address winter season access. Within the very current implementation guidance of the Travel Plans on both Forests, the Forest Plan revision may need to address the gaps both seasonally and by mode of travel (motorized, non-motorized, bicycle, other mechanized) left out of the Travel Plan decisions. Public airstrips on the Forests include, Dixie Airstrip at Dixie Guard Station, Orogrande Air strip in Crooked River, Cayuse Creek Airstrip, and Wilson Bar (located within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness near Mackay Bar). Shearer, Moose Creek, and Fish Lake Airstrips are also open to the public and located within the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.

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Recreation Facilities The majority of the Forest’s recreation facilities are located in the RN ROS settings. Exceptions include the remote cabins/lookouts offered in the Forests’ rental program. On the Clearwater National Forest, these rentals include Bald Mountain Lookout, Castle Butte Lookout, Cold Springs Cabin, Kelly Forks Cabin, Liz Butte and Liz Creek Cabins, Scurvy Lookout, Walde Mountain Cabin, and the Weitas Butte Lookout and Weitas Butte Cabin. On the Nez Perce National Forest, rental opportunities include the Adams Ranger Station, Jerry Walker Cabin, Lookout Butte Lookout and Meadow Creek Cabin (Meadow Creek is accessed by hiking or horseback). There is also motorized trail access for All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles on Meadow Creek Trail 726, Butte Creek Trail 809, and Kirk’s Fork Trail 830. Table 6 identifies the number of recreation sites by type on theForests. Table 6. Recreation Facilities - Number of Facilities by Site Type RECREATION FACILITIES TYPE Clearwater Nez Perce Nez Perce- Total Clearwater Total Facilities Faciltiies Number of Number of # Reservation with with Facilities Facilities System Fees Fees Campground 24 18 31 11 6 55 Camping Area (Level 2 Facility) 33 – 20 – – 53 Group Campground 1 – 2 – 1 3 Visitor Centers 2 – 1 – – 3 Picnic Day Use Site 6 – 6 – 1 12 Pavilion 2 – 1 – 2 3 Cabin/Lookout 12 8 4 3 12 16 Boat Launch – – 3 – – 3 a River Access/Boating Site 3 – 2 3 – 5 Trailheads 20 – 20 – – 40 Interpretive Sites 6 – 6 – – 12 Fishing Sites 1 – 2 – – 3 Snow Park/ Snow Play – – 4 – – 4 Total 110 26 102 17 22 212 aFee at boating site is for floating permit on Main Salmon River.

Dispersed Recreation Use The majority of recreation use on the Forests occurs in Primitive dispersed sites, rather than developed facilities. Dispersed recreation sites are typically concentrated in the Forests’ RN ROS settings. Most of these Primitive sites are established over time by reoccurring recreational use and tend to be located in areas with desirable characteristics, particularly those with easy access to forest system roads, relatively flat topography, and close proximity to water. Dispersed users are often seeking a more secluded camping experience without the rules and regulations typically associated with developed sites, and tend to be self-sufficient users. National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) Data from 2010 shows that 43% of overnight visitors camped in an undeveloped site and 35% stayed at developed campgrounds on the Nez Perce National Forest. The 2010 NVUM Data also shows that 21% of visitors stayed at an undeveloped camping area

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and 52% at developed campgrounds on the Clearwater National Forest. In 2009, USFS Region 1 began developing a standardized protocol for inventorying and monitoring resource conditions of dispersed recreation sites. The Forests supported a large, dispersed recreation program and assisted in the development of the inventory protocol. Since 2010, a majority of dispersed recreation sites across the Forests have been inventoried and entered in to the INFRA database. Areas that show particularly high concentrations of dispersed sites include the following: the North Fork of the Clearwater River and Kelly Creek on the North Fork Ranger District; The North Fork of the Palouse River and Elk Creek on the Palouse Ranger District; the Lochsa River corridor running through the Central Zone; Magruder Road, Crooked River and Newsome Creek on the Red River Ranger District; and the historic Florence area and Gospel Hump Road on the Clearwater Ranger District (Map 7).

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Map 7. Inventoried Dispersed Recreation Sites on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

The campsites in these areas are highly sought after for a variety of reasons, including the presence of amenities at various locations (vault toilets and fire rings in some cases), no cost for

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occupancy, fewer agency regulations, access to water-based activities (such as rafting, floating, swimming and fishing), and proximity to hiking, biking, and motorized-use trails. Many dispersed sites hold a significant value for families and friends that traditionally return year after year for activities such as hunting, fishing, horse packing, and OHV riding. These activities have resulted in much larger site footprints and numerous user-created trails connecting sites. With the concentration of dispersed use along popular waterways, there has been concern with the impact of this use in multiple locations, including in the case of Elk River within the boundaries of a municipal watershed. This concern has led to numerous improvements, and in some cases, to restrictions, on where visitors are allowed to disperse camp. This work has included embedding boulders to restrict direct access to riparian areas, reducing the useable area within dispersed sites, hardening sites with gravel to clearly identify parking locations for vehicles, and installing fencing. While rare, there have been occasions where dispersed sites were decommissioned and removed from use when riparian impacts were unable to be mitigated. 9.1.2.2 Trends Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Settings (Under development) As displayed in the above ROS table, there have been changes in mix and distribution of ROS settings across the Forests. Specific changes are most prominent in… 9.1.2.3 Drivers (Under development) Table 7 list the Census Data for the top communities identified during the National Visitor Use Monitoring that visit the Forests in 2006 and 2011. The table is sorted by population increase for a 10-year period.

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Table 7. Census Data for the Top Communities Identified During the National Visitor Use Monitoring that Visited the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in 2006 and 2011 Name of State Population Population Percent Percent Percent Community 2000 2010 Difference Responders Responders Population Nez Perce Clearwater Increase 2006 2011 2006 2011 Meridian Idaho 34,919 76,750 +119% – 1.9 – – Eagle Idaho 11,085 19,908 +80% – 1.9 – – Caldwell Idaho 25,967 46,237 +78% – 1.9 – – Bend Oregon 52,029 76,639 +47% – 1.9 – – McCall Idaho 2,084 2,991 +44% 3.0 2.8 – – Coeur d’ Alene Idaho 34,514 44,137 +28% – – – 2.0 Missoula Montana 57,053 66,788 +17% – – 27.5 24.8 Lolo Montana 3,388 3,892 +15% – – – 3.5 Moscow Idaho 21,291 23,800 +12% 4.6 – 19.4 14.4 Kamiah Idaho 1,160 1,295 +12% 8.0 3.7 4.8 – Boise Idaho 185,787 205,671 +11% 1.7 1.9 – – Spokane Washington 195,829 208,918 +6% – – – – Lewiston Idaho 30,904 31,894 +3% 13.9 16.7 15.1 17.8 Pocatello Idaho 51,466 54,255 +5% 1.7 – – – Potlatch Idaho 791 804 +2% 1.7 – 4.3 4.0 Pullman Washington 24,675 29.799 +2% – – 7.5 7.4 Riggins Idaho 410 419 +2% 1.7 – – – Unknown – – – – 2.1 4.2 5.9 5.4 Foreign Country – – – – 1.7 – 2.7 5.0 Colfax Washington 2,844 2,806 -2% – – 2.2 Clarkston Washington 7,337 7,229 -2% 3.0 – 4.8 2.0 Stites Idaho 226 221 -2% – 1.9 – – Grangeville Idaho 3,228 3,141 -3% 40.9 40.7 2.2 – Orofino Idaho 3,247 3,142 -3% – – 3.8 7.4 Cottonwood Idaho 944 900 -5% 3.4 5.1 – – Kooskia Idaho 675 607 -10% 10.5 6.5 – – Pierce Idaho 617 508 -18% – – – 6.4 Elk City Idaho 202 2.1 6.0 – –

The communities with the largest population growths are areas where visitors have longer travel distances to visit the forests. Lewiston is the only community that responded on both forests in both survey years. All of the above communities with decreasing populations are near the Forests. The 2011 NVUM Surveys show that in regard to Visitors traveling up to 100 miles to visit the forest, the Clearwater showed a 70% rate and Nez Perce showed a 65 % rate.

Recreation Access – Trends and Drivers As displayed in the Table 4 and Table 5 in the Access section, the forest contains 4,848 miles of motorized roads and 2,889 miles of non-motorized roads and 850 miles of motorized trails, and 2,872 miles of non-motorized trails. The Clearwater Travel Planning Record of Decision was

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published on January 12, 2012. Twenty-six appeals were received, including one from the Idaho State Snowmobile Association (ISSA) and one from the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA)/Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC)/BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC). The decision was upheld by the Regional Forester. On August 29, 2012, the ISSA and the BRC jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the Clearwater Travel Planning decision. Their complaint focuses primarily on the decision to remove mechanized and motorized uses from areas that were recommended for designation as Wilderness (Management Area B2) in the 1987 Clearwater Forest Plan. As of October 10, 2012, the Clearwater National Forest is in the process of responding to the ISSA/BRC complaint. The Nez Perce National Forest Plan and current Travel Guide provide regulatory and implementation guidance across the Nez Perce National Forest. The Designated Routes And Motorized Vehicle Use Analysis (DRAMVU) is currently being finalized with the decision expected in fall 2013. Access to recreational opportunities across the Forests is generally available to visitors interested in both front and back country setting. In both settings, both motorized and non-motorized access is available. The front country is where the developed campgrounds and most of the dispersed campsites are located. Recreational visitors usually arrive at these areas in larger vehicles and self-contained campers via county or Forest Service roads that are fairly well maintained. Many of these users bring OHVs for recreational use on these roads or roads and trails in close proximity to these camping areas. For the most part, the roads and trails open to motorized use in close proximity to these camping areas are maintained where they are open to OHV use. The back country (other than designated Wilderness) is primarily IRA. The access to these areas is primarily from dispersed campsites and trailheads that are maintained to various standards. Some roads to remote trailheads can be very challenging for vehicles pulling self-contained campers and horse trailers. Trails in the back country are generally single-track with narrow tread and in very remote areas can be quite challenging to motorcycle riders, horseback riders, and hikers. Some are open to motorized access while others are not. Access to the Forests in the winter season is limited and basically determined where partnership funding maintains access to trailheads and trails. There are areas in Latah, Clearwater, and Idaho counties where state and county funds maintain trailheads for parking and groom trails for snowmachine and cross-country ski access. Other than these areas, winter access is presumed unavailable across the Forests. The National Trail System Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-543) authorized creation of a national trail system comprised of National Recreation Trails, National Scenic Trails, and National Historic Trails. While National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails may only be designated by an act of Congress, National Recreation Trails may be designated by the Secretary of Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to recognize exemplary trails of local and regional significance in response to an application from the trail's managing agency or organization. National Scenic and Historic Trails and National Recreation Trails are listed above in the Existing Information Section above. White Pine Trail 224 and Lochsa River Historic Trail 2 are not shown within the trails’ infrastructure corporate data base. Verification of status of these trails is needed.

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9.1.2.4 Access—Trends The cohort of older visitors using motorized forms of access may be increasing; this increase appears to be especially true of those living in surrounding communities. The cohort of young people participating in OHV recreation is high compared to other areas of the country (Clw TP: 3-169-199) OHV technology is progressing to offer older visitors more comfort and ease of travel when visiting recreational settings. The cohort of visitors from surrounding communities may be increasing while visitors from communities farther away or from out of state may be decreasing. The cohort of big-game hunters in the spring and fall may be decreasing, while those that do hunt and come to Idaho from out of state may be using outfitted services more. The cohort of people using pack strings of 10+ animals to support extended duration backcountry progressive trips may be decreasing. Trail access from front country campgrounds and trailheads is remaining adequately maintained while decreasing budgets are causing more remote backcountry trails to be maintained to a lesser accessible standard with some trail access in very remote settings becoming unavailable. 9.1.2.5 Access—Drivers In regard to available time to recreate on the National Forests, a current trend for many visitors appears to be trips of shorter duration (2–5 days) where extended family/friend groups can gather at a campground/trailhead and experience either motorized/non-motorized day opportunities and then return to the central location as a group at the end of the day. It is less likely that visitors plan long duration (10–14 days) progressive trips either in front country campground settings or back country remote settings. Increasing fuel prices may be limiting visitors’ ability to travel to these remotely located Forests from larger cities. This may be why it appears visitor abundance is increasing from surrounding communities. In general, the retired population of surrounding communities is increasing. Many may be moving to this remote central Idaho location to retire and enjoy the vastness of the surrounding national forests. This may be why it appears more older/retired visitors are accessing the Forests with new OHV technology. The spring and fall hunting visitors appear to be decreasing, probably due to the trend in central Idaho of decreasing big game populations. This decrease in big game may also explain why many out-of-area hunters are increasingly using outfitted services when they do come, as access to popular/plentiful hunting areas can be remote and difficult (as it is primarily in the remote backcountry). Declining federal budgets that support recreational road and trail access are resulting in decreasing access, especially to the more remote back country areas. 9.1.2.6 What is the contribution of recreation to the socioeconomic landscape? See Socioemonic Assessment and cultural services recreation experiences section within the Ecosystems Services Assessment.

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Information to include: Hunting, fishing, rafting, Airstrips and Heritage tourism. Add Commercial Guide data by activity and river segments. Add River permit data for the Salmon, Upper Selway and Snake. Sources of information to consider: • http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/trends/index.html • http://commerce.idaho.gov/tourism-grants-and-resources/Research/ http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/trends/Nsre/vsummary.htm • http://warnell.forestry.uga.edu/nrrt/nsre/IrisReports.html 9.1.2.7 Social and Economic Contribution (Under development) The scale of relevance is primarily at the state or regional level, as these two Forests combined occupy a larger percentage of the central Idaho landscape. The Forests occupy a very large percentage of the central Idaho landbase in Latah, Clearwater, and Idaho counties. Recreational access is a primary driver across this landbase, providing the opportunity for both front country and back country recreational experiences. Maintaining adequate road and trail access to campsites, river access sites, and trailheads is important in supporting the economic contribution of national forest users to the surrounding communities. Without this access, visitors will choose to go elsewhere to engage in recreational opportunities such as camping, boating, trail riding (using motorcycles, OHVs, and animals), and trail hiking and biking. The remoteness of the Forests’ recreational settings encourages visitors to stop and buy groceries, gas, and other supplies to support their national forest visit and support their OHV, stock, backpacking, boating, and biking experiences before entering the Forest. While the following data is specific to the Clearwater Travel Plan; the economic analysis was done for Central Idaho in general and should be very applicable to the Nez Perce National Forest as well. The Economic Contribution Analysis of Recreational Access includes “Economic Contribution Analysis” discussion; this is a very good summary of the economic issue regarding recreational access. The following is the summarized conclusion: …employment and labor income attributable to recreation activities on the [Clearwater National Forest] accounted for roughly 0.3% of the total employment and 0.2% of total labor income in the 5 county economic impact area. Social Contribution: Strong preferences for specific recreation settings are leading to competition for the recreational resources available (English et al. 1999). The combination of increased use, diversified uses, and attachment to certain places, combined with the need to provide for healthy and sustainable environments given limited road and trail maintenance budgets, makes for a challenging balancing act. 9.1.3 Information Needs Updating of Road and Trail Infra data in order to display current access across Roads and Trails by mode of travel for motorized, non-motorized, and bicycles during both summer and winter seasons. The Clearwater National Forest Infra data bases need some work but are much more

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current due to the Travel Planning effort and the need to produce the MVUM in the next few months. Nez Perce National Forest Infra data bases, especially for Trails, need much more updating. All of this data is needed for the publishing of MVUM maps. Without this updating, spatial displays for access and ROS may be somewhat limited in what can be portrayed. Update Existing Condition ROS maps incorporating travel management decisions/MVUMs and Desired Future Condition. The Existing Condition maps also need to be reviewed and updated. Winter ROS mapping needs to be completed to be able to evaluate Winter ROS setting by Opportunity Class. Existing condition ROS uses Lochsa face decision for the Clearwater. When the MVUM is published for motorized system for the Clearwater Travel Planning ROD, a new ROS map will be run incorporating MVUM and Desired Future Condition. The Nez Perce ROS is Alternative 2 Existing Condition from the DRAMVU Analysis. The ROD is not published yet for the DRAMVU Travel Planning effort. When the MVUM is published for motorized systems for the Nez Perce DRAMVU Travel Planning ROD, a new ROS map will be created incorporating MVUM and MVUM and Desired Future Condition. Do not have ROS winter mapped for the Nez Perce. Table 8 is the mapping criteria format used for the Kootenai, Idaho Panhandle Zone (KIPZ) Forest Plan revision effort for winter ROS distinctions…a GIS exercise. Information can be compiled for the Clearwater National Forest from Travel Planning numbers. The Nez Perce National Forest would need to review winter recreation opportunities and then conduct the mapping exercise. Winter opportunities are not displayed within either current Forest Plan. Table 8 displays the acres of winter oppertunities by designation on the Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests Table 8. Under development WINTER ROS SETTINGS

P SPNM SPM RN Total Clearwater National Forest Nez Perce National Forest *

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Table 9. Winter Opportunities by Area Designation on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (Under development) 2012 WINTER OPPORTUNITIES Designated Idaho Roadless General Forest Total Wilderness Area (IRA) Area Clearwater National Forest Total IRA: Acres: 777,389 Includes: Selway Bitterroot Wilderness 261,329 788,665 FP Rec Wild: 196,036 1,827,383 IRA (outside RW) 581,353 Nez Perce National Forest Acres 559,699 Selway Bitterroot Wilderness 497,085 762,492 2,135,845 Frank Church River of No 110,773 Return Wilderness 205,796 Gospel Hump Wilderness Total Acres Nez Perce-Clearwater 1,137,597 1,274,447 1,551,157 3,963,228 National Forest

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(The remainder of this section is under development.) *Recommended Wilderness is assumed SPNM due to Forest Plan ROD. Unassigned ROS included in total figures. Work Collaboratively to produce Desired Condition ROS maps Analysis of differences in ROS mix, distribution and acres by ROS class. What, where, how much and why? Analysis of roads (total # miles by maint. level) - compare old plan with proposed MVUM conditions Analysis of motorized trails (total # mi.) - compare old plan with MVUM conditions Analysis of trails (total # miles) - compare old plan with MVUM conditions

Assess intersection of Existing Scenic Integrity with Existing ROS and special area designations. By overlaying the two, need(s) for change and a foundation for plan components may be identified. For example, if the existing scenic integrity in Primitive ROS settings, Wilderness, and “wild” Wild and Scenic Rivers is less than Very High, there’s a gap between existing and desired conditions. A way to access possible need for change will be a review of the integration of the opportunities, scenic qualities, settings, special places, and need for access across the landscape to identify need for change. Research National and State visitor trend data (#s, expenditures, activities, demographic info, etc.) and comparing that with Forest-level NVUM data. Coordinate with Socio Economic Analysis. Recreation Destination map in the R1 GIS library can be used to evaluate surrounding (non-Forest Service) destinations and facilities. This mapping tool is available if needed during the collaborative process.

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9.2 SCENIC QUALITY 9.2.1 Existing Information Existing relevant information regarding management of the scenic character can be described under the following two main topics: Supply (what services we have to offer) and Demand (what scenic quality the public expects the Forests to offer). 9.2.1.1 Supply • Visual Quality Objectives (VQO) maps from 1987 Forest Plan • Forest Plan amendments to add travel corridors to Forest Plan • Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) maps of opportunity settings (zoned and designated as Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-motorized, Semi Primitive Motorized and Roaded Natural) • Desired Landscape Character mapping • Constituent information—National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) user surveys • Recreation Facilities—point source locations for developed and dispersed sites • Recreation Facility Analysis—Use levels, deferred maintenance, cost to manage, and prioritization based on cost and investment • Trail Access and Use—Engineering Trail Traffic counts • Roads Access and Use—Engineering Road Traffic counts • Mapping of National Trails, Scenic Byways, Wild and Scenic, Wilderness, Inventoried Roadless Areas, National Historical Trails—mapping layers for all of these opportunities 9.2.1.2 Demand • National Survey on Recreation and the Environment—Cordell • Regional Recreation Destination layer • Niche—context for looking at opportunity needs and overview of our visitor • NVUM for Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests—sites used and satisfaction levels • Dispersed recreation sites by level of impact • Recreation Facility Analysis information to compare occupancy with capacity 9.2.2 Informing the Assessment 9.2.2.1 Current Condition The current condition of the scenic character varies across the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests (Forests). Large areas of the Forests contain naturally evolving landscapes where the scenery reveals the biophysical features and processes that occur in this geographic area with very limited human intervention. These areas include all the designated Wildernesses and several large expansive areas of Roadless Wilderness. Broad natural landscapes (such as the viewshed of the Lolo Trail National Historic Landmark) have been managed to maintain the VQOs laid out in the 1987 Forest Plan, and currently have a natural appearing character. Other areas of the Forests located in the more heavily roaded portion of landscape do have

43 9.0 Recreation Draft Forest Plan Assessment evidence of human habitation and management. Some of these areas have openings that appear natural, while others have openings that are obviously created by humans. These openings, while obvious, do not dominate the natural character of the landscape and appear in background views or are minor components of the foreground and middleground views from critical travelways or recreation areas. Some isolated areas have human impacts that dominate the landscape to the point that they do not meet the VQOs listed in the 1987 Forest Plans. These areas should be identified and improved through landscape restoration efforts. Since the 1987 Forest Plan, the Forest Service has updated the analysis tool presented in the Visual Management System to the Scenery Management System. The new Forest Plan will be developed using the concepts and terminology outlined in this new analysis system. 9.2.2.2 Trends and Drivers A trend to spend more time on the Forest exists. Much of the current promotional information describes the natural beauty of the forest environment. As more visitors are encouraged to enjoy the Forests, they will come to it with the expectation that it will look “natural.” Areas of insect and disease have expanded in many areas across the Forests. These areas, if left to complete their natural evolution, will die and fall over or will burn, which will create openings. Many of these areas have also been available for harvesting, which has also created openings. Past fire suppression has created large landscapes where the coniferous canopy appears natural, but that do not currently have a naturally evolving character because of the type of species and continuity of the canopy. These areas, if they had been left to their natural evolution, would probably have had more fire activity and therefore would probably have more natural openings and a more diverse species composition. 9.2.2.3 Scenic Character Contribution to the Socioeconomic Landscape When Forest visitors are surveyed, the most common activity the public participates in is driving for pleasure. It is important to maintain a natural appearing landscape character so the expectations of these visitors can be met by the Forests. This trend will continue on into the future as constituents continue to utilize the Forest for recreation and scenic viewing. 9.2.3 Information Needs The following information needs have been identified: • Scenic Quality Objective mapping using the new SMS system • Scenic character • Constituent information • Travel corridor, use area, and administrative areas • Trend Analysis—future for recreation opportunities and visitor concentrations

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Literature Cited (Under Development) • Idaho National Forests Niche map (Samantha Hammer, 2011) • National Forest Planning Rule, 2012 • ROS User Guide http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/ros.htm • 2012 Combined Forest Niche Statement • NVUM (2006, round 2 data and round 3) – requested reports from WO-they’re working on them…will incorporate NVUM discussion as soon as direction has been received – use numbers for Round 3 are low compared to Rounds 1 and 2. Adjustment have been made to Round 2 data. • R1 GIS library: www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r1/landmanagement/gis/?cid=stelprdb5297557&width=full • Idaho State Tourism Marketing site: www.visitidaho.org • Nez Perce-Clearwater Visitor Guide (Morai Helfen et.all, 11/2012) • Growing the Idaho Economy – Moving into the Future – Idaho Transportation Department • Off Highway Vehicle Access and Hunting in Idaho – Nick Sanyal and Ed Krumpe University Of Idaho preliminary results 7/2012 • Idaho Recreation & Tourism Initiative 2011 Annual Accomplishment Report • Outdoor Recreation Economy Outdoor Industry Association • Idaho Business Council statewide public opinion poll – [email protected] • • Discover Northwest Central Idaho Visitor Guide – North Central Idaho Travel Association • The Locals’ Guide to North Central Idaho – Idaho County Free Press • www.skiidaho.us • www.visitidaho.org • Nature Based Recreation Trends and Futures, A presentation to Idaho Conference on Tourism May 3-5 2011, Ken Cordell, US Forest Service R&D Southern Research Station Athens Georgia

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