McCrillis Path
United States Department of Agriculture Relocation Project
Forest Service
Eastern Region 30-Day Comment Report Town of Sandwich Grafton County, NH
Saco Ranger District July 2010
For Information Contact: Rod Wilson Saco Ranger District White Mountain National Forest 33 Kancamagus Highway Conway, NH 03818 Telephone: 603 447-5448 Ext. 120 FAX: 603 447-8405
White Mountain National Forest This document is available in large print. Contact the Saco Ranger District Phone: 603 447-5448 TTY: 603 447-3121
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program infor- mation (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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Printed on Recycled Paper McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
Contents Chapter 1 Purpose and Need ...... 5 1.1 Introduction ...... 5 1.2 Background ...... 5 1.3 Purpose of the Action and Need for Change ...... 7 1.4 Proposed Action ...... 9 1.5 Decision to be Made ...... 10 1.6 Public Involvement ...... 10 1.7 Issues ...... 10 Chapter 2 Alternatives ...... 12 2.1 Introduction ...... 12 2.2 Description of Alternatives ...... 12 2.3 Alternatives Considered But Not Analyzed In Detail ...... 13 2.4 Comparison of Alternatives ...... 14 Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences . . . 15 3.1 Recreation ...... 15 3.2 Wilderness ...... 17 3.3 Heritage ...... 21 3.4 Wildlife ...... 22 3.5 Endangered, Threatened, and Proposed (TEP) Species and Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) ...... 26 3.6 Rare Plants and Invasives ...... 27 3.7 Soil and Water ...... 28 Chapter 4 Preparation and Consultation ...... 31 ID Team Members and Forest Service Contacts ...... 31 Agencies Consulted ...... 31 Appendix A How to Comment and Timeframe ...... 32
3 White Mountain National Forest — Saco Ranger District
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4 McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
Chapter 1 Purpose and Need 1.1 Introduction The Saco Ranger District of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is seeking public comments on a proposal to relocate the McCrillis Path, in the Sandwich Range Wilderness in the Town of Sandwich, New Hampshire. This document is our invitation for interested persons to review the proposed action and, if interested or concerned, provide your written comments to us for our consideration. This report includes the Purpose and Need for the project, a description of the Proposed Action, a description of the Decisions to be Made, and information on how you can submit comments to the Forest Service. The enclosed map displays the proposed project area. 1.2 Background The Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1) is approximately 35,800 acres, located in Carroll and Grafton Counties, New Hampshire. This Wilderness contains several dominant peaks including the Tripyramids, Mt Whiteface and Mt. Passaconaway as well as several mountain ponds. The Sandwich Range has long been popular with hikers and backpackers. There are approximately 57 miles of trails within the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Like most Eastern Wildernesses, the Sandwich Range Wilderness includes lands that have been modified through past logging, historical trail uses, and other past human actions. All Wilderness Areas in the WMNF are managed in accordance with the Wilderness Management Plan, from the WMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (2005). That Plan directs that Wilderness is managed to allow natural ecological processes to dominate while managing human uses. The WMNF uses a zoning approach to manage Wilderness among many com- peting wilderness values. To do so, each Wilderness includes up to four zones ranging from low-use areas to high use areas. The WMNF Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP Appendix E) describes these zones as follows: • Zone A, defined as areas 500 feet or more from all trails. • Zone B, defined as areas within 500 feet of low-use trails. • Zone C, defined as areas within 500 feet of moderate-use trails. • Zone D, areas within ¼ mile of developed facilities or within 500 feet of high use trails. Areas without a designated trail or facility have been identified as Zone A. The McCrillis Path by definition is located in Zone B, with the surrounding area identified as Zone A (see Figure 1.1). Zone A lands are the least impacted lands, affording the greatest degree of solitude. They by definition do not contain trails.
5 White Mountain National Forest — Saco Ranger District
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6 McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
1.3 Purpose of the Action and Need for Change Need for a Trail Relocation The McCrillis Path is located in the south central portion of the Sandwich Range Wilderness, in the town of Sandwich, New Hampshire. Historically, the McCrillis Path was a dirt road used to travel between the towns of Wonalancet and Sandwich. It follows old roads in use since 1825 to travel between Ferncroft and Whiteface Intervale. Before the Civil War, this road supported a thriving community of farmers. When owned by John Tasker, whose house was a land- mark when the road was laid out in 1825, he and his neighbors were required to ‘make and repair’ this road as a form of tax… ‘a highway tax’. The property has been in various ownerships since then, and has remained a travel way, as a road, and eventually as a hiking route. Traditionally, the 2.9 mile McCrillis Path combined with the McCrillis Trail and the Blueberry Ledge Trail to provide an 11-mile loop opportunity beginning at Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. This Loop can be taken in either direction. It also provided access to a network of trails on both National Forest, and on other private lands via the Tilton Springs Path. The historic McCrillis Path included 1.1 miles on National Forest land and 1.8 miles on private land. The section on private land has been closed, eliminating the option to hike the McCrillis Path from the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead through to other trails and also eliminating the option to hike a loop back to a starting point. From the McCrillis Path, hikers could opt to use the 0.9 mile Tilton Spring Path to connect to a network of trails on private lands near Ferncroft. These lower elevation trails provide hikes on both the National Forest and private lands near Ferncroft. An adjoining landowner has offered to provide public access to McCrillis Path on an alternate route across his property, and is willing to grant a per- manent easement to the Forest Service. In fact, the landowner purchased the property in large part to help resolve the trail access issue. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this easement has been completed with the land- owner in accordance with policy outlined in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1586.03. This would reopen access to trails that allow through hikes to Ferncroft from Whiteface Intervale and to complete the loop hike described above. The trail relocation and easement onto private land would reestablish a historic travel route between the towns of Wonalancet and Sandwich. Along the McCrillis Path a number of cellar holes are visible indicating, along with historical data, its’ importance as a main travel route between towns. A large portion of the original route can still be traveled on foot. The purpose and need of the proposed action including trail relocation within the Wilderness is to provide permanent public access to the Sandwich Wilderness Area and to trails on private lands accessible from this historic trail. The restored McCrillis Path would reconnect this historic trail and its connectivity to these communities in the area, and to other historic trails on private property in the vicinity of Ferncroft.
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Forest Plan Direction The McCrillis Path is located within the Sandwich Range Wilderness (Management Area 5.1). The goal of MA 5.1 is to: • Manage the land as part of the National Wilderness Preservation system in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Eastern Wilderness Act and individual Wilderness enabling legislations. • Provide a range of Wilderness values including social, scientific, ecological, and recreational. Need for a Forest Plan Amendment The proposed McCrillis Path relocation is consistent with many Forest Plan goals and objectives for Wilderness, trail management and recreation; however during preliminary planning we identified two inconsistencies with wilderness management direction. The McCrillis Path would be relocated into what is currently identified as Zone A which by definition has no trails (see Figure 1.1). S-1 Zone A has no trails. Trails are prohibited. (Trail Construction, Reconstruction, and Maintenance, 3-16) Once the trail is relocated, a linear segment along the relocated trail would be rezoned from Zone A to Zone B, which extends 500 feet from low use trails. This proposal is inconsistent with another Forest Plan Standard: S-1 Management actions, such as dispersing use or increasing developments, must not result in a change along the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum or Wilderness Management zone scale from less- to more-developed. For example, management actions must not change a zone from A to B, B to C, or C to D. (Recreation, 3-13) Therefore an amendment to the Forest Plan is necessary. Preliminary analysis of the proposed action suggests that environmental effects would be minor and insignificant. The proposed site specific Forest Plan amendment is intended to allow the McCrillis Path relocation and a site specific adjustment to Zone B along the relocated section. The scope of this Forest Plan amendment is limited to this McCrillis Path relocation project. It would not change management of Wilderness anywhere else or the goals of maintaining existing development levels, so the site-specific Plan amendment would be non-significant. Need for a Trail Easement To secure permanent access for this trail, a trail easement through the available private property to National Forest lands is needed. Attaining an easement to facilitate National Forest programs and facilities is consistent with land management and National Forest access direction outlined in the Forest Plan. Forestwide direction states: • Access should be acquired, exchanged, or granted with other federal agen- cies, states, counties, towns, and private interests to assure management objectives are met for all ownerships.
8 McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
In addition, the Forest Plan directs managers to evaluate and track land adjust- ment activities. Priorities for acquisition, easements, and other adjustments are identified based on the following criteria: 1. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which have been directed by Executive or Congressional action. 2. Acquisition, exchange, or conveyance of lands needed to reduce expenses of both the Forest Service and the public in administration and utilization, including the consolidation of split estates. 3. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands which will ▫▫ provide a significant recreational experience or opportunity; ▫▫ improve riparian ecosystems on water frontage such as lakes and major streams; ▫▫ provide critical habitat lands needed for the protection of federally-listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive fish, wildlife, or plant species; ▫▫ provide for the protection of significant historical or cultural resources when management may be enhanced by public ownership; and ▫▫ protect or enhance watersheds, and wetlands. 4. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to implement other sched- uled management actions such as a campground expansion, road construction, or trail construction or reconstruction. 5. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands needed to enhance or protect facilities or programs surrounding National Forest System lands. 6. Acquisition, exchange, or interests in lands that will consolidate existing National Forest System lands, eliminate the need for right-of-way acquisition, provide access to existing NFS lands, or meet the goals and objectives of the management area surrounding the proposed acquisition or exchange. 7. Land conveyances or exchange of lands no longer needed or suitable to meet the goals and objectives of a management area, and serve a greater public need in state, county, town, or other federal agency ownership. The attainment of the McCrillis Path trail easement, for the relocation project meets three of the seven criteria identified in the Forest Plan (#3, #4 and #6). 1.4 Proposed Action The proposed action is to relocate a 0.5 mile section of the McCrillis Path onto National Forest land in order to connect the trail via a new trail easement on private land that then leads to the nearby Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. The relocated section of trail on National Forest land lies entirely within the Sandwich Range Wilderness, and would require a site- specific, non-significant Forest Plan amendment to adjust the area adjacent to the trail from Zone A to Zone B. An approximately 0.1 mile section no longer needed would be closed. Details of the Proposed Action are described in Chapter 2.
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1.5 Decision to be Made This analysis evaluates site-specific issues, discusses alternatives considered but not analyzed in detail, and analyzes effects of the Proposed Action and No Action. The scope of this project is limited to decisions concerning the McCrillis Path relocation, and will not contain direction or guidance for other trail projects across within the Sandwich Range Wilderness or the White Mountain National Forest. Based on this analysis, comments from the public and contributions from an interdisciplinary team, the deciding official will make the following decisions: 1. Whether or not the proposed action would best move the White Mountain National Forest toward the Desired Condition outlined in the Forest Plan, and best address the purpose and need identified for this project. 2. What level of environmental analysis is appropriate for this project. This would include consideration of whether the proposed project and amend- ment would have significant impacts that would require documentation in an environmental impact statement. 3. What specific resource protection or mitigation measures should be imple- mented as part of the project. 1.6 Public Involvement A scoping notice was sent to 54 parties comprised of abutters, recreation clubs, local officials, historical societies and people known to have interest in this project. The proposal was first published in the WMNF Schedule of Proposed Actions starting in April 2008 and the scoping report is posted on the Forest website at:
10 McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
• Current public access from a traditional access point at Flat Mountain Trailhead is restricted causing a loss in recreation opportunity. • Public use levels of the McCrillis Path may increase following its recon- struction, a trend that may have adverse consequences on Wilderness solitude. • The effect that hikers, wandering in search of the McCrillis Path in the closed (private land) section and within the Wilderness Area in an attempt to hike through to the other side of the closed section, would adversely affect soil and vegetation due to the eventual establishment of multiple user-created trails. • The trail reconstruction work, and the human presence thereafter, would adversely affect wilderness characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness.
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Chapter 2 Alternatives 2.1 Introduction This chapter provides a detailed description of the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives. The No Action alternative represents the existing condition and is used to compare the effects of the Proposed Action. 2.2 Description of Alternatives No Action The No Action Alternative responds to those who do not want a relocation of the McCrillis Path within Wilderness to occur. This alternative would continue the existing management of the McCrillis Path as is, meaning public access to the McCrillis Path would be limited to access from the Blueberry Ledge Trail or the Tilton Spring Path. This alternative would not restore the loop hike or reestablish connectivity in a semblance of the traditional trail. The McCrillis Path would terminate at the private land 1.1 miles from its junction with Blueberry Ledge Trail. There would be no change to the existing condition of the area except from natural occurrences and modifications on the landscape resulting from ongoing Wilderness recreation. Proposed Action The proposed McCrillis Path project has two distinct components. Both com- ponents are essential to the successful completion of this project, so both have been included in this description to provide clarity to the project proposal. 1. Relocate the McCrillis Path on NF land (Forest Service proposed action). The McCrillis Path relocation project proposes to construct approximately 0.5 miles of trail across National Forest land. The trail would connect the exist- ing McCrillis Path to the proposed trail easement location on private land at the nearest practical point using the shortest practical route. A one-tenth mile section of the existing trail that lies beyond the proposed relocation toward the closed section of trail on private land would no longer be needed and would be closed. 2. Relocate the McCrillis Path on private land (not part of the Forest Service’s proposed action). Based on field observation approximately ½ mile of trail would be constructed within a predefined trail corridor on the private parcel. The private landowner proposes to record a trail easement granting the public permanent trail access across his property. Parking for McCrillis Path will continue to be located at the existing Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead on the Whiteface Intervale Road. No additional parking capacity is proposed. The proposed McCrillis Path Relocation Project would require a non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan. The non-significant amendment would identify the McCrillis Path relocation as a site specific exception to direction found in the Land Management Plan for MA 5.1, and in the Wilderness Management Plan. This proposed non-significant Forest Plan amendment will identify and describe the McCrillis Path relocation as a site specific exception to the Plan.
12 McCrillis Path Relocation Project — 30-Day Comment Report
The amendment would add the following Standard to MA 5.1: S-1 The McCrillis Path relocation is a known exception to constraints on trail construction (To be listed unde — Trail construction, reconstruction and maintenance S-1, p 3-16) and increased development in Zone A (To be listed under — Recreation S-1, page 3-13, The completed trail relocation will be zoned as Zone B, consistent with the WMNF Wilderness management zoning process, and the map for the Sandwich Range Wilderness will be adjusted to reflect this change. Associated with this project is the attainment of a trail easement for the portion of the trail that would be constructed on the private parcel. The landowner has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US Forest Service, identifying his commitment to donate a trail easement to the US govern- ment for the purpose of preserving public access to National Forest Lands and the McCrillis Path in perpetuity. The lands process and procedures for attaining a permanent trail easement would be conducted prior to the commencement of the trail relocation. 2.3 Alternatives Considered But Not Analyzed In Detail Construct 1 mile of trail on NFS land to connect the McCrillis Path to the McCrillis Trail. This proposal would eliminate the need for a trail easement on private property, and would result in an additional 1 mile of trail in the Wilderness. It would contour westerly on National Forest, crossing two perennial brooks to reach McCrillis Trail, leading to Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead. This location is deter- mined to be not feasible due to these two crossings one of which is a steep drainage. To do so would require extensive and costly trail construction, addi- tional subsequent trail maintenance, and would increase the total new trail mileage in Wilderness. Locate an alternative route outside of Wilderness, entirely on private lands. An alternate route outside of Wilderness would require the cooperation of several landowners, one of which is the landowner who closed his land to public access. The Wilderness boundary extends to the private land in this area, so placing a trail route outside the Wilderness would not meet the purpose and need of the project.
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2.4 Comparison of Alternatives Detailed effects of the proposed action and no action alternative on resources are described in Chapter 3. A general comparison of the two alternatives is outlined in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 Comparison of Alternatives Table
Indicators No Action Proposed Action Public Access No change to the existing condi- Public access is restored to the McCrillis Path, provid- Adequate or tion. Public access remains ing a link to traditional trail uses of this historic trail. available (mea- difficult to limited for the general Historic connectivity is reestablished. sured by reason- public. able access) Public Use No change to existing levels of It is anticipated that there would be a minor increase Levels use. Use would continue to oc- in use of the relocated trail as compared to the past And Solitude cur at low levels on the McCrillis ten years. It is anticipated that use levels would mimic Measured by es- Path. historic use levels recorded prior to the closure of the timated number Some forest visitors would trail at the private land. These use levels are expect- of users continue to access National ed to remain in the low to moderate range. Forest and the McCrillis Path across private property (and see below). Resource Pro- Users familiar with the situa- The proposed action would direct foot traffic on a des- tection tion are likely to navigate cross ignated trail that has been thoughtfully designed and Estimated by country within the Wilderness to constructed to protect resources. A designated trail presence/ab- intersect the McCrillis Path. Off would focus the effects of foot travel onto one care- sence of user trail use over time may result in fully chosen location. trails, exposed “user-defined trails” that may not soil, or vegetation be located well and could cause trampling resource damage to soils and plants. Wilderness There are currently 77.6 miles Under the proposed action there would be 78.0 miles Character of trail in the Sandwich Range of trail in the Sandwich Range. The length of new Measured by Wilderness. No new miles of trail at approximately 0.5 miles is such that the there miles of trail in trail would be added. would be no permanent change to the character of Wilderness. The McCrillis Path closure has the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Trail construction Measured by been in place for nearly a de- would temporarily affect some Wilderness character- change from cade and may have reduced hu- istics, like solitude, during construction only. These existing Natu- man presence in this immediate effects would end soon after construction is complete. ral, trammeled area but other resource damage Foot traffic impact would be limited to a defined trail criteria is likely to occur. corridor and could be mitigated if needed with trail maintenance.
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Chapter 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences 3.1 Recreation Affected Environment Recreation opportunities near the McCrillis Path project area include a variety of trails used to access the larger Sandwich Range trail network. Historical maps of the area show a number of primitive trails that are no longer on the Forest Service system of trails and are not maintained. The recreation setting for this area is described by the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). ROS defines a range of unique recreation experiences as: Primitive, Semi-Primitive Non-motorized, Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural, and Roaded (Forest Plan, 2005, p.1-10 and Map 1-11). The lands within the project area are in Management Area 5.1, and the Semi- Primitive Non-Motorized (SPNM) ROS class. SPNM areas are characterized by a predominately natural or natural-appearing environment. Interactions between users are generally low, but are often evident. The McCrillis Path was historically used to travel between Ferncroft and Whiteface Intervale. In recent decades, hikers would hike a loop starting at Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead, and including McCrillis Trail, Blueberry Ledge Trail and the 2.9 mile McCrillis Path, returning back to Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead (see Figure 1.2). The McCrillis Path section, including 1.1 miles on National Forest land and an even greater distance of trail and dirt road on private land, completed this 11-mile loop. Tilton Spring Path, Red Path, Blueberry Ledge Cutoff, Tom Wiggin Trail, Dicey’s Mill Trail, Blueberry Ledge Trail, and others that stem from these named trails– all of which are accessible from the McCrillis Path as well as from a trailhead in Ferncroft. The southwestern portion of the McCrillis Path is currently closed to hiking at the private property boundary, removing the opportunity to hike through to Ferncroft from Whiteface Intervale, and eliminating the loop hike described above. Issues with public access on this trail where it enters private land have existed for over a decade. The Analysis Area for direct and indirect effects on recreation is defined as the McCrillis Path project relocation area (shown in red color on Map 1.2 in chapter 1). The time frame is 2 years based on the anticipated duration of the construc- tion phase of the project. This analysis area and time duration were selected because once the trail construction is completed the majority of adverse effects to recreation do as well.
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Direct and Indirect Effects No Action Alternative 1 would not alter current recreation opportunities because no change in the current condition would occur. Public access to the McCrillis Path would remain limited to access from the Blueberry Ledge Trail or via trails emanat- ing from Ferncroft. However, the hike down the McCrillis Path from these locations would be a ‘dead end’ hike. The potential ‘loop’ hike would remain closed, resulting in a lost opportunity for hikers to return to their point of origin and vehicle without backtracking. The connection from Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead to other popular trails on National Forest and private land would remain inaccessible. This Alternative does not meet the Purpose and Need for Action. Proposed Action This alternative would reconnect the loop by reconstructing a half mile section of new trail within the Wilderness. The connection to existing trails on private land and within the Wilderness would be restored through a permanent easement. The public benefits of this alternative are access to a series of trails within the Sandwich range Wilderness and trails on private lands near Ferncroft, via the relocated McCrillis Path. Hikers could use the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead and return via a “loop” hiking experience rather than backtracking. Loop hiking is more interesting to many, and disperses the hikers over more terrain, reducing resource impacts and increasing the feeling of solitude. Adverse effects from this alternative would be limited to short term noise, or visual contact to the occasional dispersed user, such as someone hunting, or orienteering. Cumulative Effects The affected recreation facilities and activities under this action are the trails and hiking opportunities accessed via private land and those in Wilderness. No other recreation facilities are affected by this project. Under the Proposed Action, trails named above would be made accessible from the McCrillis Path relocation. These seven trails add to over 10 miles of trail that would now be accessible from both Whiteface Intervale and Ferncroft. Two access points would disperse users, user parking, and may reduce visitor interactions. The frequency of meeting other hikers on a given trail would likely reduce. Because these same trails are accessible from Ferncroft, the use on them is not expected to increase, but the ‘apparent’ level of use or number of visitor interactions might actually decline. Under the Proposed Action users would have more trail options, therefore the recreation experience may be improved.
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3.2 Wilderness Affected Environment The Sandwich Range Wilderness encompasses 35,800 acres of diverse terrain, dense vegetation, a variety of landscape features and opportunities for solitude. Access is from the Sandwich Notch Road, the Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112), Route 16, and numerous secondary roads. Day hiking and backpacking are the predominant recreation uses. The most popular hiking routes are gen- erally focused on the 4000 foot peaks of the North and Middle Tripyramid, Passaconaway and Whiteface. Featuring mountain peaks and spruce-fir covered ridges, glacial valleys with pure streams, ponds, northern hardwood and mixedwood forests, the Sandwich Wilderness was established in 1984. The Wilderness Area was increased in size in 2005, although this project lies within the original designation. It is home to abundant wildlife, and is enjoyed by many back country enthusiasts. Wilderness values and characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness dimin- ish in direct correlation to distance from the Wilderness core. This is especially true as there are many visible human intrusions outside the Wilderness includ- ing homes, roads, power lines, timber management, fields and other temporary and permanent visual impacts. Opportunities for solitude are encumbered in many areas by road noise and in some areas by heavy visitor traffic. Within the interior of the Wilderness the opportunities for solitude are high along interior trails, and very high off-trail. Solitude is a bit limited during the high use summer season along trails connected to or nearby the McCrillis Path. Opportunities for solitude are highest in non-summer months, but can be affected by activities on adjacent private lands where recreation related uses may include snowmobiling and Nordic skiing. The McCrillis Path is on the very southern edge of the Sandwich Range Wilderness near White Face Intervale and Ferncroft, NH. This natural-appearing landscape is abutted by private land to the south. The private land is moder- ately developed, with evidence of recent logging and residential uses apparent. This section of the Wilderness shows indications of early human uses includ- ing remnants of early logging roads and hiking trails that provide visitors a direct connection to the long recreation history of the area, dating to the 1800’s. Approximately 57 miles of these trails are within the Wilderness. Whiteface and Ferncroft trailheads are the primary access points to the Sandwich Wilderness in the vicinity of the McCrillis Path. These access points lead to many connecting trails, some leading deep within the Wilderness Area. Mount Passaconaway, Mount Whiteface, and several smaller peaks are accessible from these trailheads. Importantly, low elevation trails and longer loop hikes have traditionally been available in this part of the Sandwich Range. Wilderness Characteristics Wilderness character is best described as the combination of biophysical, expe- riential, and symbolic ideals that distinguish wilderness from all other lands. The Definition of Wilderness from Section 2(c) of the 1964 Wilderness Act was
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used to identify four qualities of wilderness related to wilderness character (USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR-151. 2005 and USDA Forest Service RMRS- GTR-212. 2008). These four qualities of wilderness are: • Untrammeled — The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man,” and “gen- erally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature.” In short, wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern • Natural — The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is “protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions.” In short, wilderness eco- logical systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization. • Undeveloped — The Wilderness Act states that wilderness is “an area of unde- veloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation,” “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” and “with the imprint of man’s work substan- tially unnoticeable.” • Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation — The Wilderness Act states that wilderness has “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.” This quality is about the opportunity for people to experience wilderness; it is not directly about visitor experiences per se. These criteria are used to analyze the effects of a given project, to determine if proposed actions would affect the wilderness characteristics of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Use of these criteria is consistent with Monitoring Selected Conditions Related to Wilderness Character: A National Framework (USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR-151. 2005 and USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR-212. 2008). Direct and Indirect Effects The analysis area for direct and indirect effects on Wilderness is the immediate area within the Sandwich Range Wilderness (as shown on map). This analysis area was chosen because effects to wilderness characteristics would be spatially limited to within a reasonable distance from the project area. The timeframe for the direct and indirect effects analysis is the duration of the project – approxi- mately one summer season. This analysis area and time duration was selected because once the trail relocation is completed, the direct and indirect effects on Wilderness end. No Action Under the No Action Alternative the McCrillis Path would remain closed on each side of the private land, limiting public access to the Sandwich Range Wilderness and to other trails via the McCrillis Path. The McCrillis Path would continue to be used as a one-way out and back trail from Tilton Spring and Blueberry Ledge trails, officially stopping at the private land. It is expected that some users will find access cross-country around the private land closure of the McCrillis Path. These ‘Off Trail” uses would eventually generate one or more randomly located user-defined trails. User-defined trails tend to be poorly
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located causing unexpected resource effects and reducing the naturalness of the corridor, and increasing the “imprint of man”. The Sandwich Range Wilderness as a whole would retain its current degree of natural integrity and ecological functions and its undeveloped and primeval character. The No Action alternative would continue to limit access opportunities to the historic McCrillis Path, but not to the Sandwich Range Wilderness. This alterna- tive would not restore historical connectivity to formerly available trails. The opportunity for solitude would not change. Proposed Action This alternative would restore access to the historic McCrillis Path, and its’ historical connectivity to other trails, to the local communities, and to the Wilderness via established trails. The limited scope of this trail relocation project is not expected to have any effect on the long-term ecological processes within the Sandwich Range Wilderness. The Sandwich Range Wilderness as a whole would retain its current degree of natural integrity and ecological functions and its undeveloped and primeval character. Ongoing low to moderate uses of the McCrillis Path would likely resume to the levels that were occurring before the trail was closed. Little change in the uses on other connecting trails would be detected by users unless it was a reduc- tion in the concentrations of users on the McCrillis Trail, as now there would be an additional option of returning via a separate route (Blueberry Ledge and McCrillis Path) to the Flat Mountain Pond Trailhead. Some noise is expected in the immediate area when and where trail construction would occur. This would be associated with hand tool use during trail reloca- tion. Effects on solitude during construction would be of short duration and limited in intensity due to the nature of the trail placement on gentle ground, and in accordance with minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construc- tion techniques to be used. Beyond this short term impact to solitude, the natural and undeveloped char- acter of this part of the Sandwich Wilderness Area would not be affected. Conditions would change little because people currently use the open portion of the McCrillis Path as an out-and-back trail, or bushwhack to the McCrillis Path across private land that is not posted, such as the land where an easement for a permanent right of way has been offered to the Forest Service for this relocation project. The opportunity for solitude would not change once the reconstruction is complete. Cumulative Effects The analysis area for cumulative effects on Wilderness is the same as the analysis area for direct and indirect effects. The time frame for cumulative effects includes the past, the present and reasonably foreseeable future (2000-2020; 10 years past and future). This time frame was chosen because it is a reasonable length of time
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for comparing current conditions (closure of the trail across private land), with the expectations of the future scenario with a relocated McCrillis Path. Past projects in the area include trail maintenance, improvement to the Ferncroft Parking Area and the installation of an interpretive kiosk on private property. The parking area provides access to a number of trails and the interpretive kiosk was installed through a partnership agreement. In 2001-2002 Camp Shehadi, Camp Rich and Hermance shelters were removed. In 2006 and 2008, and con- tinuing in 2010 over five miles distant from this project, approximately 1.5 miles of the Lawrence Trail is being relocated to correct erosion issues. These projects are generally very limited in terms of soil impacts, and were proposed, designed, and implemented to manage existing recreation uses and impacts. No other trail construction or trail relocation projects are proposed or anticipated within the foreseeable cumulative effects analysis area or time frame. No Action The cumulative effect of the No Action Alternative on Wilderness character and on recreational hiking in conjunction with the Lawrence Trail relocation is negligible. The Lawrence Trail is not closed to hiking, minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construction techniques are being used, and overall long term resource impacts will be reduced. No other trails in the area are receiving heavy maintenance or relocation. Proposed Action The cumulative effect of the Proposed Action on Wilderness character and on recreational hiking in conjunction with the Lawrence Trail relocation is also neg- ligible. The Lawrence Trail is not closed to hiking, and minimum tool analysis and Wilderness trail construction techniques are being used. Long term resource impacts to each trail and cumulatively will be reduced. With the exception of the Lawrence Trail relocation, the other projects have been completed. Therefore, the cumulative effects are determined to be negligible. The proposed action would not dramatically change any of the characteristics of this portion of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Overall, the audible and ground disturbing impacts would be short term and limited in scope due to the limited size and duration of this action. The opportunities for solitude away from the immediate area of relocation would remain as they currently are. This 0.5 mile trail relocation would restore public access to the McCrillis Path. No other features or improvements are planned. Use levels are expected to remain low to moderate, as was the case prior to the closure. The undeveloped and untrammeled nature of the Wilderness would remain. In summary, the limited duration and localized effects of the McCrillis Path relocation, cumulatively with the other completed projects and the Lawrence Trail relocation would not have a significant human or environmental impact.
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3.3 Heritage Affected Environment The McCrillis Path is a historical travel route dating back to the early 1800’s. Portions of it pass through the National Forest, and other sections pass through private property. A large portion of the original route can still be traveled. Historical sites can be seen along some sections of the McCrillis Path including several cellar holes and an occasional stone wall. The trail relocation and ease- ment onto private land would reestablish this historic travel route between the towns of Wonalancet and Sandwich. Direct and Indirect Effects No Action The No Action alternative would not impact any cultural resources or change any conditions. Existing historical sites within the National Forest along the original route remain accessible via the McCrillis Path, in an out-and-back hike from the Tilton Springs Path, or Blueberry Ledge Trail. Proposed Action No cultural resources were identified along the proposed relocation route. Cultural resource surveys were conducted for cultural and historic sites that might be affected by this decision. No sites were found near the relocation cor- ridor. No existing sites along the original McCrillis Path would be indirectly affected by this project. The findings and recommendations from the inventory and report were submitted to the New Hampshire State Historic Preservation Office. That office concurred with our finding that there would be no adverse impacts to any cultural resources (project record). Cumulative Effects There are no cumulative effects of either the No Action Alternative or the Proposed Action on cultural resources in conjunction with the Lawrence Trail relocation because there are no direct or indirect effects. No other National Forest projects that involve or affect cultural resources are known or proposed. No actions on private lands that might affect cultural resources are known.
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3.4 Wildlife Affected Environment The proposed reroute includes mature softwood and mixedwood, and pockets of mature hardwood. Aspect faces south on a gentle slope. Wildlife sign includes deer, moose, bear, numerous birds, red squirrels, and chipmunks. Most likely the full array of wildlife species passes through or utilizes this habitat. No endan- gered, threatened or sensitive wildlife species are known to be present and it is unlikely any would exist here. Habitat exists for the northern bog lemming, however this location is on the extreme southern edge of this species’ range. Small-footed bats could forage in the area however the proposed trail reloca- tion would pose no impact to this species. The stream west of the proposed trail location is too fast and rocky for wood turtles. This project lies in the Whiteface Intervale area along Route 113A, within the Sandwich Wilderness. The land slopes gently south in this area and forested portions contain a mix of northern hardwood and softwoods. The adjoining private land is used for farming and forestry practices along with recreation. The private land McCrillis Path would go through has recently been logged but remains forested with a mixture of young to mature trees. The parcel that is closed to public access has been logged extensively in the past few years and can be described as an early successional habitat. There are pastures and areas of recently harvested timber on the private lands along with areas of similarly vegetated forested areas. No large wetlands exist in the project area. No permanent streams exist in the project area though there are some intermittent streams and a perennial stream near the proposed trail location on private land. The botanical report (project file) indicated no Threatened and Endangered Plant Species (TEPS) plants or Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) plants were observed during a field visit. Habitat appeared suitable for 1 TES plant but was not observed even after thorough searching. Wildlife in the area includes but is not limited to moose, black bear, white- tailed deer, fox, coyote, fisher, beaver, weasels, and numerous species of birds, amphibians, and reptiles.. Recent Concern White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a new condition recently found in northeast bats. Affected bats may have a white fungus on their noses and occasionally other hairless parts of their bodies including arms, wings and ears (
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a web site on WNS with some of the most recent scientific information on this syndrome (
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exists today, it incorporates the 0-9 year regeneration age class currently existing on these private lands and it is a long enough time period to determine effects of this project. These parameters will be used for both Alternatives. Direct and Indirect Effects No Action The No Action Alternative would cause no direct effects of trail relocation. No trees would be cut, no soils compacted, no potential erosion from relocation. There would be no direct effects of temporary displacement or interruption of established territories or travel patterns of wildlife species. No direct effects on wildlife are anticipated. The No Action alternative would retain the existing McCrillis Path as ‘closed’ at the landowner’s property. Occasional use that may be occurring may have the indirect effect of displacing some wildlife species temporarily while humans are briefly present. The project area would continue to supply a variety of habitat on private land where logging has occurred and where young regeneration is expected to move through successive stages of growth and provide varying habitat for wildlife over the next several decades. Mature forest on federal land designated Wilderness would continue in a natural state of succession. There would be no indirect effects to wildlife other than from natural processes on federal land. Proposed Action It is unlikely that very many trees would be cut to relocate the trail. The half mile of trail would occupy a total area of less than one acre. Trees that may need cutting would likely be understory trees, such that even the canopy would not change in any measurable way. The trail corridor would likely remain free of debris, on approximately a three foot corridor. This is not expected to impede wildlife movement in any measurable way. There is a section where trees would need to be cut on private land near the Forest Service boundary but the trail on private land generally follows existing former skid trails. A few individuals of species residing in or near these trees may be dispersed or even killed, but no population of a species would be in jeopardy. Relocation may require creation of waterbars and ground dwelling individuals could be impacted during hand waterbarring. The new trail section would become compacted from use and little vegetation would grow in the trail tread. Ground-dwelling individuals that reside in this immediate area may be impacted. These individuals may have to relocate if soil compaction in their immediate area becomes too severe. The overall amount would be minor however on a landscape scale. Species viability as a whole would not be influenced. Increased use of the relocated McCrillis Path is expected over current use levels. Few individuals hike the trail currently due to its closure. Increased human use of the trail would likely cause wildlife to relocate during daylight hours, or it may be that some individuals are stressed enough to vacate the area. Mobility patterns of individuals in a species may change. These effects would be minor in
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relation to the overall habitat conditions in the vast and primarily undisturbed landscape of this section of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. Cumulative Effects No Action There would be no cumulative effects to wildlife from the No Action alterna- tive as there would be no direct or indirect effects except what may occur on private land. Proposed Action The location of this project on the periphery of the WMNF abutting adjacent private land means there could be unforeseen actions over the next 10 years on private land. The federal land is designated Wilderness so no habitat changes are expected except that which may occur under natural circumstances. Other past and present actions in this area include human use such as Nordic skiing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and hunting. Human use appears to be low at this time. Expectations are both summer and winter use would increase under this Alternative. The landowner willing to accept the trail onto his prop- erty is a strong advocate for Nordic skiing. Expectations are that people would utilize his property at a relatively high level during the winter. However, no species is expected to have a viability concern with implementation of this alternative.
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3.5 Endangered, Threatened, and Proposed (TEP) Species and Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS) Analysis Area The Analysis Area for cumulative effects for the TEPS and RFSS species includes the project area as well as the parking area and the land in-between. This was selected because use of the trail would include use of the parking area for almost all visitors. The temporal scope for cumulative effects for TEPS and RFSS species is ten years in the past and ten years in the future (2000 to 2020). This is the approximate length of direction provided for by the Forest Plan as to the types of manage- ment that may occur in the Analysis Area. A good portion of the land included in the cumulative effects analysis area is privately owned land that has been logged resulting in various habitat types. The federal land involved with this project is designated wilderness (part of the Sandwich Range Wilderness). Direct and Indirect Effects No Action The No Action alternative would have no impact on any of the TEP or RFSS species. Proposed Action There would be no effect on Canada lynx because they are not present in the area. The Proposed Action would increase by a minor amount the net gain in over-the-snow routes however this would be negligible on a forest-wide scale and would not effect Canada lynx or its habitat. The Proposed Action would not affect small-whorled pogonia as following completion of another survey prior to implementation, any potential effects would be mitigated as the trail would be moved to avoid plants if found. The Proposed Action may impact individuals of northern bog lemmings, eastern small-footed myotis, Autumn coral-root, and nodding pogonia but would not likely cause a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability of these species. Cumulative Effects The Proposed Action would not likely cause a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability of any of these species cumulatively.
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3.6 Rare Plants and Invasives Affected Environment Surveys were conducted for TES plants, specificallyIsotria medeoloides, Triphora trianthophora, and Corallorhiza odontorhiza. The overall forest composition is suit- able for occupation by these species, but none were observed. No NNIS were observed during the field survey of the proposed trail relocation project area. There are numerous infestations of a variety of NNIS (Japanese knotweed, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet, etc.) along the roadside approaching the trailhead in Whiteface. There is a remote possibility that these species could be transported onto Forest System lands via human activities (hiking, hunting, etc,) or by wildlife (primarily birds.) The floristic diversity of this area was assessed as part of the site visit. The composition and diversity of species observed in the relocation corridor is typical northern hardwood and mixedwood forest types. No unique features, old growth, or exemplary natural communities were observed. The proposed project location was compared to the NH Natural Heritage Bureau database of rare and exemplary features. No previously existing rare or exemplary features are known in the project area. Direct and Indirect Effects No Action No change to the current condition and no effects would occur under the No Action alternative. Proposed Action Most of the proposed route is too mature to support individuals. It is possible that individuals of these species occur along or in the vicinity of the proposed route but given the overall rarity of these species, it is unlikely. Furthermore, impacts to unknown individuals of either Triphora trianthophora or Corallorhiza odontorhiza would have no effect on the viability of this species. Once the trail is exactly sited, and prior to construction, a second visit to the site at an appropriate time of year to search again for any of the three species mentioned above will be conducted. The discovery of any of these species at that time would not prevent the project from moving forward, but may neces- sitate the slight adjustment of the trail bed to avoid any discovered occurrences. Due to the minimal impact of the relocation, the primitive tools and techniques to be used, and the maintenance of a generally closed canopy over the trail relocation corridor there is little to no potential for the spread or introduction of NNIS due to the project. The proposed relocation, due to its small scale, poses no risks to species richness, diversity, or plant community composition. Cumulative Effects There are no direct or indirect effects so there are no cumulative effects on TES plants or NNIS regarding the McCrillis Path relocation project.
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3.7 Soil and Water Affected Environment The project area has soils common to the White Mountain National Forest, where soils are moderate to well-drained fine sandy loam or sandy loam on average. The project area is a mix of northern hardwood and softwood Ecological Land Types (ELTs). Roads and trails are a concern for soil erosion because they may expose mineral soil (Patric 1976). With any recreation trail, in this case the McCrillis Trail, the main emphasis is on protecting soil productivity adjacent to the trail. Surface soil erosion from trails can be reduced and its’ effect on streams largely eliminated by timely application of well-known best management practices (USDA-Forest Service 2005b, FEIS, p 3-29).” Analysis Area The analysis area for direct and indirect effects is a linear area approximately 0.5 miles in length and roughly 25 feet wide, though the relocated trail would be approximately three feet wide. This is the area the trail is to be re-located on within the National Forest. This area amounts to less than one acre and is selected because there would not be any effects outside this area. The analysis area lies within the Captain Neal Brook and Mill Brook watersheds. The tem- poral scope for the analysis of direct and indirect effects is the life of the project, 2-3 years because the effects of soil disturbance would not exceed that amount of time. Direct and Indirect Effects Desired soil conditions are considered here with respect to processes that affect long-term soil productivity (soil erosion, soil displacement, soil compac- tion, soil cover and nutrient cycling). The desired conditions are tiered to the Forest Service Soil Quality Standards (SQS) (USDA-Forest Service Handbook, Supplement R9 RO 2509.18-2005-1). Implementation of SQS and relevant BMPs in all phases of the project will ensure long-term soil productivity is maintained. No Action The No Action Alternative would have no effects on soil erosion, compaction or productivity. Field review of the project area currently shows no user created trails. However, there is the probability that user created trails would begin to occur and with them, detrimental effects on soil may occur. Under alternative one, erosion and impacts to soil productivity could be greater than under the proposed action because user created trails are expected to occur here over time. User created trails are not designed with resource considerations in mind nor using Best Management Practices. As these foot trail(s) occur, the No Action alternative may have more soil resource impacts than the Proposed Action would have. From a hydrology stand point, there is no increased disturbance expected because of the lack of surface water where the trail is to be re-located. No impacts to hydrology are expected.
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Proposed Action Alternative 2 proposes trail construction on approximately 0.5 miles with a 2 foot wide zone of surface soil compaction. As long as this trail exists, soil under the trail would be detrimentally impacted by compaction from hiker use. Localized impacts during trail construction would be minor and minimized by following BMP’s. Areas outside the trail tread would be back in production after the construction is complete. A 0.1 mile section of the former trail location on National Forest land would be closed, allowing compacted soils there to recover over time. This alternative has more impact to soils during the trail construction period than the No Action alternative, but less long term impact to soils than the antici- pated effects of visitors traveling through the area without a specified trail as in the No Action alternative. No stream crossings will be needed because of the lack of surface water on this site. Any wet areas in the project area would be avoided. No impacts to hydrol- ogy are expected. Cumulative Effects
Soil Productivity The analysis area for cumulative effects on soil productivity is the area includ- ing the project and the involved private lands immediately downslope from the project. This scale is large enough to accurately evaluate cumulative effects on soil resources, yet small enough to consider current effects from activities occurring on National Forest and private land. The temporal scope for cumulative effects on soil productivity is ten years in the past and ten years beyond the Proposed Action. These periods were chosen to consider present effects on soil resources resulting from any past soil disturbing actions, to allow time for the proposed activities to occur, and to consider any other foreseeable soil disturbing activities. This time frame allows consideration of multiple uses, and provides enough time for the expected recovery of soils resulting from the trail building. No additional trail building is planned on National Forest lands within the cumulative effects analysis area over the next ten years. There are no Forest clas- sified roads or permanent wildlife openings in the cumulative effects analysis area. No Action In this alternative, soil disturbance could continue indefinitely based on unman- aged use. Because user created trails likely would occur, they could have a detrimental effect on soil productivity from continued erosion and widespread compaction. This would have detrimental results to the soil resources. No impact to hydrology is expected. Proposed Action The effects of this alternative would be more detrimental to soil productivity during construction of the relocated 0.5 mile designated trail. In the long term, soil productivity cumulative effects would be less then Alternative 1 because the
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new trail would be designed and constructed in accordance with SQS standards using BMP’s. Therefore soil disturbance would remain low during construc- tion and soils are expected to stabilize within one to two years. No impacts to hydrology are expected.
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Chapter 4 Preparation and Consultation ID Team Members and Forest Service Contacts The following individuals participated in the development and analysis of the proposed action and the alternatives, as well as project design and preparation of the environmental assessment. Interdisciplinary Team NEPA Coordinator ...... Rod Wilson, Saco Ranger District Wildlife Biologist ...... Kathy Starke, Saco Ranger District Lands Specialist...... Lauren Oswald, Saco Ranger District Wilderness / Recreation...... Rod Wilson, Saco Ranger District Forest Service Consultants and Professionals District Ranger...... Terry Miller, Saco Ranger District Soils Scientist/Hydrology...... Andy Colter, White Mountain NF Botanist...... Chris Mattrick, White Mountain NF Archeologist...... Jana Johnson, White Mountain NF Forest Nepa Coordinator...... Stacy Lemieux, White Mountain NF Writer/Editor, Webmaster...... Dick Dow, White Mountain NF Agencies Consulted State Division of Historic Resources...... Elizabeth Muzzey
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Appendix A How to Comment and Timeframe A scoping period occurred in August, 2008. Over twenty persons or organiza- tions wrote comments during the scoping period. The interdisciplinary team coordinated with involved parties when developing the proposed action. We are now seeking comments on the environmental assessment. Copies of the Environmental Assessment (EA) are available for review at the Saco Ranger Station, 33 Kancamagus Highway, Conway, New Hampshire; and on the internet at
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