United States Parker/Wyatt Department of Agriculture Environmental Assessment Forest Service

Pacific Umpqua National Forest Northwest Region Cottage Grove Ranger District

January 2013

PARKER WYATT TIMBER SALE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Lane County, Oregon January 2012

Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest

Responsible Official: Alice Carlton, Forest Supervisor Umpqua National Forest 2900 NW Stewart Parkway Roseburg, OR 97471 Phone: (541)-672-6601 For More Information Contact: Leslie Elliott, Team Leader Cottage Grove Ranger District 78405 Cedar Park Road Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Phone: 541-767-5040 Email: [email protected]

Electronic comments can be mailed to: comments-pacificnorthwest-umpqua- [email protected]

ABSTRACT This Environmental Assessment (EA) documents the alternatives considered for commercially harvesting timber, treating activity generated fuels, conducting road improvement, reconstruction and road maintenance, and implementing connected actions within the Brice Creek Watershed on the Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District.

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

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale

TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE ------1 Purpose and Need for Action ------1 Introduction ------1 Environmental Setting and Relationship to Other Planning Documents and Analyses ----- 1 Need for Action ------8 Proposed Action ------11 Decision to be Made ------12 Scoping ------15 Issues ------15 Project-Level Forest Plan Amendment ------17 Project Implementation ------18 CHAPTER TWO ------19 Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action ------19 Introduction ------19 Alternatives Considered, But Eliminated From Detailed Study ------19 Alternative 1 – No Action ------20 Alternative 2 - Proposed Action ------20 Alternative 3 ------31 Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring ------35 CHAPTER THREE ------49 Affected Environment and Environmental Effects ------49 Introduction ------49 Activities That May Contribute to Environmental Effects ------49 Aquatic Conservation Strategy ------51 Social Environment ------54 Road Building and Access ------54 Economics ------57 Terrestrial Environment ------62 Forest Vegetation ------62 Soil Productivity ------81 Fuels ------87 Coarse Woody Debris ------100 Forest Wildlife ------109 Landbirds ------109 Herbicide Use and Wildlife ------113 Management Indicator Species ------118 Northern Spotted Owl ------119 Primary Cavity Excavators (Including Pileated Woodpeckers) ------122 Elk and Deer - Big Game Winter Range ------126 Survey and Manage Wildlife Species------130 Great Gray Owl ------134 Red Tree Vole ------135 Mollusk – Oregon megomphix ------136 Biological Evaluation of Wildlife Species ------137 Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) ------140

Pacific Fringed Tailed Bat ------156 Northwestern Pond Turtle ------158 Johnson’s Hairstreak ------159 Salamander Slug ------160 Botany ------162 Unique Habitats ------162 Invasive Plants/Noxious Weeds ------166 Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, Rare & Uncommon Plant, Lichen, and Fungi Species ------172 Aquatic Environment ------187 Beneficial Uses of Water ------190 Water Quality ------191 Herbicide Use and Water Quality ------195 Stream Flows ------198 Riparian Forest Conditions ------201 Stream Channels ------212 Erosion and Sedimentation ------218 Climate Change ------228 Effects Of Climate Change On The Project Area ------228 Effects Of The Project Area On Climate Change. ------229 Specifically Required and Other Disclosures ------229 Recreation ------229 Visuals ------231 Heritage Resources ------233 Smoke Management/Air Quality ------235 National Forest Management Act Determination of Significance ------236 Unique Habitats ------237 Wetlands and Floodplains------237 Potential Wilderness Areas ------237 Prime Farmlands, Rangelands, Forestlands, and Parklands ------238 Potential or Unusual Expenditures of Energy------238 Conflicts with Plans, Policies, or Other Jurisdictions ------239 Consumers, Civil Rights, Minority Groups, and Women ------239 Environmental Justice ------239 CHAPTER FOUR ------240 Consultation with Others ------240 Public Involvement ------240 Agency Consultation ------240 Interdisciplinary Team ------240 REFERENCES CITED ------243 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ------258

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Alternative 2 Unit Summary ------22 Table 2. Temporary Road Construction and Reconstruction for Alternatives 2 and 3 ------26 Table 3. Proposed Road Reconstruction ------26 Table 4. Proposed Road Inactivation ------27 Table 5. Alternative 3 Unit Summary ------32 Table 6. Comparison of Alternatives ------33 Table 7. No Thin TMDL Strategy Buffer Widths (USDA/USDI, 2010) ------38 Table 8. Unique Habitats and Design Criteria ------46 Table 9. Past Activities in Brice Creek ------49 Table 10. On-going and Reasonably Foreseeable Activities in Brice Creek ------51 Table 11. Aquatic Conservation Objectives ------53 Table 12. Summary of Road Activities Associated with Each Alternative ------56 Table 13. Economic Efficiency Analysis ------58 Table 14. Economic Impact Analysis ------61 Table 15. Reference and Current Forest Seral Stages in the Brice Creek Watershed. ------65 Table 16. Parker Wyatt Stand Conditions ------69 Table 17. Stand Summary for Proposed Parker Wyatt Thinning Units ------70 Table 18. Integrated Unit Prescriptions for Alternative 2 ------73 Table 19. Predicted Diameter Growth for Units 5 and 10 ------77 Table 20. Stream and Road Densities by Landform within Proposed Treatment Areas ------82 Table 21. Unacceptable Soil Disturbance Estimates ------85 Table 22. Natural Fire Regimes ------88 Table 23. Wildfires in the Parker Wyatt Area Between 1972 and 2010 ------92 Table 24. Fuel Consumption Estimates from Prescribed Burning ------97 Table 25. Summary of Fuels Treatment Acres and Effects ------97 Table 26. Tolerance Levels for Snags > 10" dbh/Acre and Snags > 20" dbh/Acre ------101 Table 27. Tolerance Levels for average cover at stand level for down wood > 4" diameter at small end ------101 Table 28. Focal Species in the USFS Landbird Strategic Plan ------110 Table 29. Management Indicator Species (MIS) ------119 Table 30. Primary Cavity Excavators and Population Trend Data ------123 Table 31. Elk Nutrition Outputs ------130 Table 32. Region 6 Sensitive Wildlife Species ------138 Table 33. Environmental Baseline: Action Area for Parker Wyatt ------141 Table 34. Pre-treatment Nesting, Roosting and Foraging Habitat Within the Parker Wyatt Action Area ------144 Table 35. Spatial Conditions of NRF for NSO NRF Habitat Within the NSO Home Range ------148 Table 36. Unique Habitats and Design Criteria ------163 Table 37. Noxious Weeds in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------167 Table 38. False Brome Herbicide Application Rate in Layng Creek Watershed ------168 Table 39. Project Assessment for Threatened, Endangered & Sensitive Plants ------174 Table 40. Project Assessment for Survey and Manage Species ------181 Table 41. Summary of the 7th Field Drainages ------190 Table 42. Water Quality 303(d) Listings in the Row River Watershed ------192 Table 43. Current Hydrologic Recovery Percentage ------200 Table 44. Summary of Thinning, Fuel Treatment and Logging in Riparian Reserves ------202 Table 45. Summary of Road Actions within Riparian Reserves ------209 Table 46. Instream Projects ------214 Table 47. Stream Channel Disturbance by Alternative ------215 Table 48. Summary of Riparian Reserve Actions and Effects ------216 Table 49. Distribution of Mapped Unstable Soils and Landforms within Planning Area ------219 Table 50. 50-Year Event Potentials for Runoff, Erosion, and Sediment Delivery ------224 Table 51. Acres and Standards for Implementation (Visuals) ------232

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Parker Wyatt Vicinity Map------2 Figure 2. Management Direction for the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------4 Figure 3. Parker Wyatt Landscape Areas ------8 Figure 4. Parker Wyatt Proposed Action West Half ------13 Figure 5. Parker Wyatt Proposed Action East Half ------14 Figure 6. Alternatives 2 and 3 Temporary Roads and Logging Systems West ------24 Figure 7. Alternatives 2 and 3 Temporary Roads and Logging Systems East ------25 Figure 8. Alternatives 2 & 3 Connected and Similar Actions West ------29 Figure 9. Alternatives 2 & 3 Connected and Similar Actions East ------30 Figure 10. Current Vegetation Structure in the Brice Creek Watershed ------64 Figure 11. Example of Existing Stand Conditions (2011) ------72 Figure 12. Example of Desired Stand Conditions in 50 years (2061) ------72 Figure 13. Comparison of the Development of Late-Successional Attributes Over Time ------79 Figure 14. Distribution of Landforms within the Planning Area ------84 Figure 15. Fire Regimes ------90 Figure 16. Fire Regime Condition Classes ------91 Figure 17. Landscape Distribution of >10 inch Diameter Snags ------102 Figure 18. Landscape Distribution of >20 inch Diameter Snags ------103 Figure 19. Comparison Tolerance Levels Based on Area-Weighted Landscape Distribution of Brice Creek Inventory Data and Weighted Unharvested Inventory Plot Data in DecAID ------105 Figure 20. Short and Long Term Changes to > 10" dbh Snags (Snags/Acre/Year) ------107 Figure 21. Short and Long Term Changes to > 20" dbh Snags (Snags/Acre/Year) ------108 Figure 22. Short and Long Term Changes to > 6" Diameter Down Wood ------108 Figure 23. Indigo Wildlife Management Unit Elk Population Trend ------127 Figure 24. Indigo Unit Blacktail Deer Population Trend ------128 Figure 25. NSO Action Area Land Allocation ------143 Figure 26. Suitable NRF Habitat, Activity Centers and Home Ranges ------146 Figure 27. Parker Wyatt Planning Area Disturbance Zones ------154 Figure 28. The Five Subwatersheds of the Row River Watershed ------188 Figure 29. Drainages within the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------189 Figure 30. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the West Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------204 Figure 31. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Central Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------205 Figure 32. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Northeast Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------206 Figure 33. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Southeast Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area ------207 Figure 34. Unstable Soils in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area West ------220 Figure 35. Unstable Soils in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area East ------221

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale

CHAPTER ONE PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION

INTRODUCTION This Environmental Assessment (EA) documents the analysis of a range of alternatives for timber harvest and associated activities in the 36,328-acre Brice Creek watershed of the Row River located on the Cottage Grove Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. Chapter One describes the purpose, need, and proposed action for the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale Project. This chapter also identifies the project area, outlines applicable management direction, addresses the scope of the decision, summarizes the scoping process, and lists the issues identified during scoping. The 12,447-acre Parker Wyatt planning area is located about 20 miles southeast of Cottage Grove, OR within the northern portion of the Brice Creek watershed. Brice Creek converges with Layng Creek, jointly becoming the Row River, which flows into Dorena Lake, above the Dorena Dam. The watershed is mostly National Forest lands, with about 12% in private ownership. The majority of these private lands are made up of patented mining claims in the Bohemia Mountain mineralized area in the southernmost part of the watershed. The Parker Wyatt planning area is located in portions of T21S, R1E, R2E, and T22S, R2E within Lane County, OR (Figure 1).

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND ANALYSES The 1990 Umpqua National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) and its amendments to date, including the 1994 Record of Decision (ROD) for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (referred to as the Northwest Forest Plan), provide broad management direction for the Umpqua National Forest (USDA 1990b; USDA/USDI 1994). The Parker Wyatt planning area is within Management Areas 10 (MA 10), 11 (MA 11), and 13 (MA 13) as established in the 1990 LRMP. The focus of MA 10 is to produce timber on a cost-efficient, sustainable basis consistent with other resource objectives. The focus of MA 11 is to provide big game winter range habitat and timber production consistent with other resource objectives. The focus of MA 13 provides additional emphasis for the orderly exploration, development, extraction, and production of mineral resources (Figure 2). Under the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP), about 7,300 acres of the planning area is in the Matrix land allocation, where the majority of timber harvest and silviculture treatments are to occur (Figure 2). About 5,000 acres of the planning area is in Riparian Reserves that are found along all streams, wetlands, ponds, lakes, and unstable and

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Figure 1. Parker Wyatt Vicinity Map

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

potentially unstable areas. These areas are where riparian-dependent resources receive primary emphasis. An important component of the Northwest Forest Plan is the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, which is a landscape-scale approach to maintaining or improving riparian health and water quality based on maintaining the natural disturbance regime (USDA/USDI 1994). Management activities may occur within Riparian Reserves in this project only if they maintain and restore the riparian dependent species and their requirements. Four one-hundred-acre Late-Successional Reserves (LSRs) are located within the planning area as well as a portion of the 508,000-acre LSR 222 (Figure 2). The objective of LSRs is to protect and enhance conditions of late successional and old growth forest ecosystems and their associated species. No harvest units are proposed within the 100-acre reserves while 208 acres are proposed within LSR 222.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Figure 2. Management Direction for the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Recommendations for management is also guided by the 1998 South Cascades Late- Successional Reserve Assessment, the 1997 Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (WA), the 2012 Brice Creek WA iteration, the 2003 Brice Creek Landscape Analysis, and the 2012 Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis. The South Cascades LSR Assessment (USDA/USDI 1998) provides context at a landscape scale for disturbance regimes, connectivity, and functional roles of different elements as they pertain to Late-Successional Reserves in the landscape. Used with other planning documents, the assessment provides a landscape strategy for implementation of restoration activities by prioritizing treatment areas and listing criteria for developing appropriate treatments. Silvicultural treatments in LSRs are subject to review by the Regional Ecosystem Office (REO). The Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (USDA 1997) provides descriptions of the reference, historic and existing conditions of the important physical, biological, and social components of the watershed. The WA analyzes activities and processes and recommends management activities based upon landscape and ecological objectives. The 1997 Brice Creek WA was updated in 2012 (USDA 2012) and expands upon the original WA by incorporating new information. The main changes are associated with a Forest-wide landscape analysis that established landscape areas and new recommendations related to the Aquatic Conservation Strategy based on recent literature regarding riparian area management. These new landscape areas were also used as the basis for updating recommendations for snags and down wood in conjunction with the results of an inventory of these habitat structures and the use of DecAID, a decayed wood advisor. The Brice Creek Landscape Analysis Plan (USDA 2003) provides an analysis that is more site-specific than the Brice Creek WA, and provides a link between disturbance, ecological units, and the development of silvicultural prescriptions and fuels management activities. Primary objectives include the maintenance of native species, ecosystem processes and structures, and long-term ecosystem productivity in the Brice Creek watershed. The 2012 Brice Creek WA update incorporated analyses and recommendations from this report. The Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis Report (USDA 2012) provides information on the current road system, describes road-related issues, assesses risks, and provides recommendations regarding the road system within the planning area.

LANDSCAPE OBJECTIVES A landscape analysis provides information about landscape scale disturbance and subsequent vegetation patterns. This information is useful in developing management strategies that consider the ecological effects of disturbance. This approach is based on the principle that when an ecosystem element moves outside of its normal range, the element, and those elements depending upon it, may not be sustained naturally. This is in keeping with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of restoring disturbance regime and managing landscape-scale features. The Brice Creek watershed consists of three broad landscape areas that are based on relationships between disturbance, ecological units, forest vegetation, climate, and physiography. The broad landscape areas are a synthesis of smaller landunits that represent areas that tend to have similar disturbance processes. Figure 3 shows the

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action planning area (outlined in black), the landunits (outlined in various colors) along with the delineated three landscape areas. The proposed units in the Parker Wyatt planning area fall into two of the landscape areas—the Northwest Landscape and East Landscape areas. General Landscape Recommendations Three general landscape recommendations from the Brice Creek WA iteration are relevant for the Parker Wyatt project:

1) Manage for late-seral vegetation primarily in areas with high site potential, warm/moist environments, and in areas of refugia from stand-replacing disturbance agents (especially fires and storms). 2) Distribute gaps of ½ to two acres in size throughout the area as one means of attaining structural diversity across the landscape. Thinning should be conducted when stands reach conventional density management criteria. Plan for up to four thinning entries. Use thinning to maintain desirable mix of species and to improve growth and health of stands. Conduct variable density thins to achieve diversity across the landscape. This includes small areas of unthinned trees. 3) Advance development of early seral into the mature structural (mid-seral) stage by pre-commercial and commercial thinning in a timely manner. Recommendations for Management in Riparian Reserves The 2012 Brice Creek WA iteration recommends applying silvicultural treatments in Riparian Reserves such as thinning, activity fuel treatments, and/or prescribed underburns when it is determined that such activities can benefit effective shade and other riparian functions over the long term, thus meeting the long-term objectives of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. Such treatments are recommended when: 1) Vegetation density is high and stand health will benefit from thinning and/or underburning.

2) Vegetation thinning in the outer portion of the Riparian Reserves will generally not result in less than 50% canopy closure. Exceptions to this will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis considering the scale and duration of the treatment and weighing the long-term benefits against short-term impacts.

3) Long-term bank stability and sediment delivery would not be substantially compromised, as determined by interdisciplinary site-specific evaluations. Recommendations Specific to Landscape Areas The following 2012 Brice Creek WA iteration recommendations are relevant in the proposed Parker Wyatt treatment areas to help achieve the desired conditions identified for each landscape area:

Northwest Landscape Area 1) Manage for a predominance of mature seral vegetation with some transitional and early seral with structure.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

2) Maintain and enhance the sugar pine component by releasing older trees from competition, by favoring sugar pine when thinning, and by planting genetically superior stock to protect against white pine blister rust.

3) Plan for moderate patch sizes.

4) Douglas-fir should be the dominant overstory species; manage for one to two canopy layers.

East Landscape Area 1) On the lower and upper elevations, manage for old growth and transitional (late seral) stages composed of multiple canopy layers and species.

2) Manage for mid-seral where conditions are drier and the fire return interval is more frequent (i.e. steep south facing slopes).

3) Maintain and enhance the sugar pine component by releasing older trees from competition, by favoring sugar pine when thinning, and by planting genetically superior stock to protect against white pine blister rust.

4) Manage for moderate to large patch sizes. At the higher elevations maintain sufficient overstory to protect against cold and wind damage. Protect soils and mitigate effects of cold temperatures.

Not every project would implement all watershed analysis recommendations and objectives, and the desired condition may not be reached with the implementation of a single project. In addition, some of the watershed analysis objectives may not be implemented consistently across the landscape. The Parker Wyatt project focuses primarily on the watershed analysis objectives and recommendations for stands in the stem exclusion stage of development.1

1 The stem exclusion stage typically occurs in 20 to 80 year old stands where new seedlings are not able to grow and some trees are dying from competition. This stage, however, can occur in stands up to 150 years old, depending upon site and past history conditions. Canopy closure is high (>50%) in these stands. Thinning accelerates stand development out of this stage. 7

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Figure 3. Parker Wyatt Landscape Areas

NEED FOR ACTION The purpose of this project is to: Improve stand growth, health, diversity and structure in stem exclusion stands. Enhance development of late-successional forest conditions within the Late Successional Reserve. Enhance big game winter range habitat. Provide wood products to the local community.

Past clear-cutting and fire suppression practices have resulted in young, dense forests that lack structural and species diversity. In some mature stands, this has resulted in crowded forests where trees are increasingly infected with diseases and stands are more at risk for losing important species components such as five needle pines. These crowded stands also lack understory vegetation important for winter range habitat. The difference between the existing and desired condition defines the need for action in terms of elements that can be measured. These elements are:

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

ELEMENT 1: STAND DENSITY AND HEALTH The 40-70 year old plantations in the Parker Wyatt planning area are densely-stocked and dominated by Douglas-fir trees of the same age class. These stands were clear-cut harvested and planted with primarily Douglas-fir seedlings at fairly close spacing. In some stands, a few shade tolerant species have seeded in and hardwoods have re- sprouted. However, in the stands that were previously thinned, shade tolerant conifers and hardwoods were routinely cut, leaving most of today’s stands in simplified conditions. Stand densities average over 500 trees per acre. Most stands lack natural canopy gaps and associated understory diversity. Some stands, located on the most productive and moist sites, have receding tree crowns and are susceptible to toppling. Some of the fire regenerated stands in the planning area consist of primarily even-aged Douglas-fir trees that naturally regenerated following stand and partial-stand replacement fire approximately 110 to 150 years ago. These dense stands lack understory diversity due to crowded conditions and slow growth is resulting in trees at risk of mortality due to increased stem diseases, bark beetles, and white pine blister rust. Loss of five needle pines, such as sugar pine, to white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle has dramatically reduced the amount of these species across the watershed and throughout their range contributing to a loss of stand and landscape diversity, and important habitat. The conditions described above occur in both the upland and riparian portions of stands.

The desired condition for both plantations and fire regenerated stands is a healthy, more diverse, fire resilient condition that approximates what would typically exist in a moderate severity fire regime. Removing some of the standing trees would reduce stand density and canopy closure, allowing the development of understory layers. Targeting specific tree sizes and species for thinning would increase both species and structural stand diversity. Lowering tree density will reduce the spread of infection and the likelihood of insect and white pine blister rust in sugar pines. Within Riparian Reserves this desired condition would improve species composition and structural diversity of plant communities in keeping with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.

Element 1 would be measured by: Acres of stands treated to enhance growth, species and structural diversity. Acres of stands with sugar pine treated to improve resiliency to insect and disease. Acres of Riparian Reserves treated to improve species composition and structural diversity of plant communities.

ELEMENT 2: ACCELERATE LATE-SUCCESSIONAL CONDITIONS The 50-60 year old plantations in the Parker Wyatt planning area within LSR 222 are densely-stocked as described in Element 1. These stands are simplified in structure, lack natural canopy gaps and associated understory diversity. The South Cascades LSR Assessment identified that dense, uniform conifer stands in managed plantations will be the primary focus for manipulating vegetation to provide the structural conditions associated with late-successional characteristics.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

The desired condition within the LSR 222 is stands on an accelerated trajectory for developing late-successional conditions by developing multiple canopy layers and larger trees.

Element 2 would be measured by: Acres of stands within LSR 222 treated to enhance growth, species and structural diversity.

ELEMENT 3: BIG GAME WINTER FORAGE ENHANCEMENT The area north of Brice Creek within the planning area has been identified as high value winter range habitat for both deer and elk. The area is dominated by stands that lack optimal winter forage due to a dense overstory and a minimal understory shrub component. The desired condition for stands within the big game winter range management area on the north side of Brice Creek is a more open condition with a mix of shrub and herb species in order to provide increased quantity and higher value forage.

Element 3 would be measured by: Acres treated within the big game winter range management area.

ELEMENT 4: TIMBER PRODUCTION There is a need for management within the project area to provide multiple-use benefits which includes an expected output of timber products. The Northwest Forest Plan recognizes the need to “maintain a sustainable supply of timber and other forest products that will help maintain the stability of local and regional economies on a predictable and long-term basis” (USDA/USDI 1994). There is also a need for timber sales to be economically viable and competitive in a tightening timber market. There is a need for this project to consider economic realities and be designed in a manner that provides the best opportunity for the sale to sell in an uncertain timber market. The desired condition would be to provide wood products to meet the long-term sustained yield capacity with multiple use objectives and meet environmental requirements.

Element 4 would be measured by: Board feet of timber produced. Cost-efficient timber harvest measured by benefit/cost ratio and net present value.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

PROPOSED ACTION The proposed action was designed to meet the purpose and need to improve stand growth, health, diversity and structure in stem exclusion stands, enhance development of late-successional forest conditions within the Late Successional Reserve, enhance big game winter range habitat, and provide wood products to the local community. Applicable Standards and Guidelines were applied to the proposed action (Alternative 2) and Alternative 3. The most relevant Standards and Guidelines are listed in Chapter Three of this EA; others are incorporated by reference. In Chapter Two of this EA, Alternative 2 is thoroughly detailed and terms used are defined. Alternative 2, the proposed action, includes: Commercial thinning of approximately 591 acres of timber stands including 28 1 1 1 acres of /10-, /4- and /2-acre gaps using ground-based, skyline and helicopter logging systems generating about 10.2 million board feet of timber (Figure 4, Figure 5). No treatment (or skips) would occur on approximately 128 acres within the stands proposed for treatment. These are riparian or unique habitat areas, where protection of rare plant species and soils are a concern, or where logging feasibility is a consideration. All perennial streams would include a no harvest protection buffer. Riparian Reserves are 190 feet wide on each side of all non- fish bearing streams and 380 feet on each side of fish bearing streams. For this project, no harvest buffers range from 50 to 85 feet on perennial streams and up to 30 feet on intermittent streams, depending upon slope, soil concerns and the height of the trees. See Chapter 2, Best Management Practices for further details. Outside of the no harvest buffers within plantations, 68% (185 acres) of the Riparian Reserves would be treated to improve species composition and structural diversity. Riparian Reserves within the older natural stands (Units 9 and 11) would not be harvested. Figures 30-33 in Chapter 3 show proposed treatment areas within Riparian Reserves. Treating activity-created fuels on approximately 108 treatment acres through a combination of jackpot burning, machine piling, and hand piling and burning. No new permanent (system) roads would be constructed. Approximately 1.0 mile of existing temporary roads would be used and another 0.14 mile of temporary roads would be created. All temporary roads would be obliterated after use. Road reconstruction work includes replacement of three ditch relief culverts and four stream crossing culverts. Road grading and ditch line maintenance would occur on 53.6 miles of existing road. The existing Blodgett rock pit would be the rock source for the road work. Implementing a number of similar and connected actions such as: road decommissioning, road inactivation, coarse woody habitat creation, invasive weed management, meadow enhancement and big game forage seeding.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Implementing one project-level amendment to the 1990 LRMP that would allow thinning up to the boundaries of rock outcrops, dry meadows, hardwood stands and within 50 feet of wet meadows.

DECISION TO BE MADE Based on the analysis documented in this Environmental Assessment, the Umpqua National Forest Supervisor would decide the following: To implement the project as proposed, to implement a modified version (alternative) of the project that addresses unresolved issues, or to not implement the project at this time (no action). If the project is implemented, which monitoring requirements, water quality best management practices, project design features and similar or connected actions are necessary to achieve the resource goals and objectives of the project. Whether to amend the Forest Plan as proposed. Whether there is a significant effect on the human environment that would require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Figure 4. Parker Wyatt Proposed Action West Half

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

Figure 5. Parker Wyatt Proposed Action East Half

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

SCOPING The Forest Service considered all input and addressed as many concerns as possible during development of the proposed action. Pre-scoping began prior to development of the proposed action. A preliminary field trip occurred in October 2011 with approximately 20 people in attendance. The meeting was designed to show likely treatment areas and discuss project goals. Formal scoping (a process used to allow issues to surface) began after the project was first listed in the January 2012 Umpqua National Forest Quarterly Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA). After development of the proposed action, a scoping notice and additional field trip announcement was published in the local paper and mailed to approximately 34 people/groups in May 2012 with the intent of introducing the proposed action and soliciting input. Comments and concerns were raised from both the pre-scoping and formal scoping sessions. Eight letters were received and follow-up consisted of phone conversations. The Parker Wyatt Project File contains a scoping summary that details the scoping comments received for the project.

ISSUES Issues associated with a proposed action are unresolved conflicts expressed in terms of cause and effect relationships. In an Environmental Assessment, issues can help drive alternative development, be resolved through the addition of mitigation measures or project design features, or are carried forward into analysis to better inform the responsible official. Scoping identified a number of issues and concerns (non-issues) related to the proposed thinning in the planning area.

ISSUES THAT DRIVE ALTERNATIVES The following issue was used to help drive the development of an alternative to the proposed action:

Issue 1: Adverse impacts on recreational use of Upper Trestle Creek Falls Trail. Several groups and individual citizens raised concern about logging stand 1044 (Unit 11) and the impacts on recreation. Forest Web states: “Logging Unit 1044 [11], which is close to hiking areas near Upper Trestle Creek Falls and Trestle Creek Falls, would have a detrimental impact on recreational use. This site is noted on both the Northwest Waterfall Survey and the World Waterfall Database, as well as listed on numerous sites as a scenic hiking destination for hiking aficionados, tourists, and the local community. Eco-tourism provides the community with income and though the forest is left standing an argument can be made that the stated need to provide wood products for the community is being met by this use of the land.” Mora Dewey, local community member, states: “Unit 1044 [11] is on too steep a slope and is too close to popular area hiking trails to be logged or thinned.” Our Forests states: 15

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action

“This unit [11] sits right above a unique relatively undisturbed creek with two waterfalls accessed by well-used and kept trails. It is a popular destination point for local people as well as visitors”. Although the resulting timber harvest would not be visible to hikers on Trestle Creek Trail, implementation of the harvest (using helicopters) would be seen and heard during the operations and the trail would likely be closed for safety during this time. To help quantify and track this issue through the analysis, the following indicator was developed: Days that Upper Trestle Creek Falls trail is closed for safety during logging operations.

ISSUES RESOLVED BY FURTHER DISCUSSION, BY CLARIFYING THE PROPOSED ACTION, OR ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES: Several other issues were resolved by clarifying the proposed action, by further discussing issues with the people who raised them, or by modifying the proposed action and mitigation measures. These issues did not require the development of an alternative to the proposed action. These are discussed below by category, and are also available in the analysis files at the Cottage Grove Ranger Station.

Slash is a resource instead of a liability Jim Delapp, a local community member, expressed concerns that slash treatments remove valuable nutrients from site. This issue was clarified in the proposed action and incorporating mitigation measures. The proposed action clarifies that 18% of the acres (108 out of 591 acres) would have fuels treatments. These proposed fuel treatments include a combination of jackpot burning and pile burning techniques so the percentage burned is actually less than 18% of the acres. In both action alternatives, all units require yarding to a minimum of three inch diameter top resulting in the majority of the nutrient rich needles and small diameter branches remaining on site.

Logging of natural stands is unwarranted There are two natural stands (Units 9 and 11), totaling 52 acres, that are proposed for harvest. The remaining stands are plantations that were previously clear-cut harvested. Several comments were received about the logging of Unit 11, a 150 year old fire regenerated stand. Cascadia Wildlands expressed concern that this unit is a unique, fire-regenerated forest that doesn’t need to be managed. Both Forest Web and Mora Dewey, local community member, expressed concerns regarding the steepness of slope, age of the stand, and proximity to hiking trails. Our Forests and Janine Nilson, local community member, expressed concern that logging this stand will not increase its diversity. In addition, Oregon Wild expressed concern about logging mature forests in general regarding carbon storage, climate change, suitable owl habitat and levels of dead wood. Unit 9, at 110 years old, is the only other fire regenerated stand proposed for logging. The issue of proximity to hiking trails did help drive the development of Alternative 3 where Unit 11 is dropped from consideration. Unit 9 is also dropped from consideration in Alternative 3. The remainder of the issues around Unit 11 and mature forests in general are addressed within the alternative development; within mitigation measures

16

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action regarding slope steepness and erosion control measures; and within the effects analysis regarding climate change, structural diversity, suitable owl habitat and dead wood.

Integrity of maintaining water quality is at risk by logging stands 917 (Unit 14), 1172 (Unit 12) and 1199 (Unit 15) Comments were received from Forest Web and Mora Dewey, local community member, about logging in these three stands and the potential effect on water quality. Both expressed concern that Unit 1172 [12] sits at the headwaters of Trestle Creek while stands 917 [14] and 1199 [15] are adjacent to Wyatt Creek and the harvest plan for these units needs to be considered with extreme caution. They expressed concern that logging will increase the sediment loads and run-off, causing degradation to the water quality of the creeks. This issue was addressed through careful logging systems planning, prescription development and design criteria for stream buffering. All three of these units are planned for skyline and helicopter logging, which help to minimize ground disturbance, and the proposed prescription for this stand is commercial thinning that will leave substantial forest in place for soil stability. All streams will be adequately buffered to minimize erosion and to protect the primary shade zone. No harvest buffers range from 50 to 85 feet on the perennial streams and up to 30 feet on intermittent streams, depending upon slope, soil concerns and the height of the trees. With the above measures, the risk of increased sediment loads and degradation of water quality is unlikely.

PROJECT-LEVEL FOREST PLAN AMENDMENT A project-level Forest Plan amendment is proposed to be implemented. Most of the standards and guidelines in the 1990 Umpqua LRMP were developed in the context of the even-aged harvest of most of the remaining old-growth forest. They were crafted to protect areas from major effects of logging and site preparation, and to retain areas of old growth timber to both help mitigate loss of habitat and to reduce risks associated with disturbance. The level of disturbance associated with thinning and gap creation in dense second growth stands is substantially less than that of clear-cutting and broadcast burning old growth. In this context, the following project-level Forest Plan amendment is proposed in order to meet the purpose and need in practical and cost-effective ways. The project level Forest Plan amendment would allow thinning up to the boundary of unique dry habitats (including hardwood stands, rock outcrops, and dry meadows) and within 50 feet of unique mesic to wet habitats (such as wet meadows, mesic hardwood stands, and other areas with seeps or additional moisture). (See proposed action in Chapter One). Currently, prescription C5-1 states that no timber harvest is permitted within 150 feet of inventoried openings, such as; natural meadows, rock outcrops, talus slopes, or other natural openings with high wildlife values (USDA 1990b, p. IV-200). Vegetation manipulation or structural improvement may occur if it is designed to enhance wildlife (USDA 1990b, p. IV-200). One purpose of the project is to restore species and structural diversity in stem exclusion stands (dense closed canopy forest). Thinning up to the boundary of unique dry habitats and within 50 feet of unique mesic to wet habitats would meet this purpose by allowing for the development of larger diameter trees, which would benefit wildlife habitat. Additionally, this treatment would reduce competition between hardwoods and conifers (favoring hardwoods) and hinder conifer

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter One Purpose and Need for Action encroachment into meadows, both of which would maintain habitats important for wildlife.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION Should one of the action alternatives be selected, the Forest Service would implement the timber harvest, road construction and reconstruction through timber sale contracts. Either action alternative would likely result in one timber sale contract. In the course of implementing complex harvest projects with several fuels treatments and connected actions, minor changes may be needed during implementation to better meet on-site resource management and protection objectives. For example, fuels prescriptions may be modified if site conditions dictate and other resource objectives can still be met. Minor adjustments to unit boundaries may be needed during final layout for resource protection, to improve logging system efficiency, or to better meet the intent of the resource prescriptions. Changes in logging systems, including locations of temporary spur roads, may be required to better facilitate logging systems and provide for resource protection. Many of these minor changes would not present sufficient potential effects to require any specific documentation or action to comply with applicable laws. In determining whether and what kind of further NEPA action is required to document any changes, the criteria for whether to supplement an existing Environmental Assessment (Forest Service Handbook 1909.15 sec. 18) would be followed.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

CHAPTER TWO ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION

INTRODUCTION The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires analysis of a proposed action and other reasonable alternatives, including no action. The no action alternative provides a baseline for estimating environmental effects. Three alternatives, including no action, are considered in detail in this document. The proposed action was developed to meet the purpose and need established by the District Ranger and would be approved by the Forest Supervisor. Alternative 3 was developed in response to a key issue identified during scoping. Other alternatives were considered, but eliminated from detailed study.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED, BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY Based on scoping comments received, one alternative was considered, but eliminated from detailed study for the reasons described below.

Develop an alternative that reduces negative carbon and climate change impacts The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has summarized the contributions to climate change of global human activity sectors in its Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC 2007). The top three human-caused contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (from 1970-2004) are: fossil fuel combustion (56.6% of global total), deforestation (17.3%), and agriculture/waste/energy (14.3%). IPCC subdivides the deforestation category into land use conversions, and large scale deforestation. Deforestation is defined as the removal of all trees, most notably the conversion of forest and grassland into agricultural land or developed landscapes (IPCC 2000). The Parker Wyatt project does not fall within any of these main contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. Forest land would not be converted into a developed or agricultural condition. Forest stands are being retained and thinned to maintain a vigorous forested condition that can continue to support trees and sequester carbon long-term. During scoping it was specifically requested the Forest Service develop an alternative that reduces negative carbon and climate change impacts by a) deferring harvest of older forests to store carbon and provide biodiversity and connectivity and (b) thin younger stands to increase forest resilience and diversity and connectivity. Due to other considerations, Alternative 3 does defer the harvest of older forest and focus on thinning younger stands. Since this project does not fall within the main contributors of greenhouse gas emissions and an alternative deferring older forest is already addressed, no additional alternative is being considered.

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

ALTERNATIVE 1 – NO ACTION Under Alternative 1 no thinning, fuel treatment, big game forage enhancement, road reconstruction, or other similar or connected activities including road decommissioning, road inactivation, coarse woody habitat creation, meadow enhancement and big game forage seeding would occur. No ground-disturbing activities would take place and no timber would be offered for sale. Future and on-going activities, including road maintenance, recreation use, and noxious weed control would continue to occur (Table 10).

ALTERNATIVE 2 - PROPOSED ACTION This alternative is the proposed action used in the scoping process and was designed to meet the purpose and need. Figure 4 and Figure 5 found in Chapter 1 display the proposed action. Alternative 2 includes the following: Commercial thinning of approximately 591 acres of timber stands including 28 1 1 1 acres of /10-, /4- and /2-acre gaps using ground-based, skyline and helicopter logging systems generating about 10.2 million board feet of timber. The specific treatments, on a unit-by-unit basis for Alternative 2 are displayed in Table 1, Figure 4 and Figure 5. No treatment (or skips) would occur on approximately 128 acres within the stands proposed for treatment. These are riparian or unique habitat areas, where protection of rare plant species and soils are a concern, or where logging feasibility is a consideration. All perennial streams would include a no harvest protection buffer. Riparian Reserves are 190 feet wide on each side of all non-fish bearing streams and 380 feet on each side of fish bearing streams. For this project, no harvest buffers range from 50 to 85 feet on perennial streams and up to 30 feet on intermittent streams, depending upon slope, soil concerns and the height of the trees. See Chapter 2, Best Management Practices for further details. Outside of the no harvest buffers within plantations, 68% (185 acres) of Riparian Reserves would be treated to improve species composition and structural diversity. Riparian Reserves within the older natural stands (Units 9 and 11) would not be harvested. Figures 30-33 in Chapter 3 show proposed treatment areas within Riparian Reserves. Treating activity-created fuels on approximately 108 thinned acres by jackpot burning, machine piling, and/or handpile and burning. Ten landings for helicopter logging would be used. All of the landings were constructed for past timber harvest and are located in previously disturbed areas. Each opening would be approximately ¾ acres. No new permanent (system) roads would be constructed. Approximately 0.14 mile of temporary roads would be created, and obliterated after use. These would be native surface roads (no rock added) constructed on side-slopes under 30% and would have grades under 10%. Temporary roads

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

are typically constructed with a tractor, and after logging, would be obliterated with an excavator equipped with a “winged ripper” that de-compacts the soil. Any excavated material, including soil and woody material, would be pulled back over the road to re-establish the original contour as much as feasible, and entrances would be blocked (Table 2, Figure 6, Figure 7). Approximately 1.0 mile of existing temporary road would be reused. Once logging operations are complete, these existing temporary roads would be restored in the same manner as the newly constructed temporary roads (Table 3, Figure 6, Figure 7). Road reconstruction work would include replacement of three ditch relief culverts and four stream crossing culverts. Road reconstruction on existing system roads would take place in order to meet Northwest Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines to accommodate flood flows, minimize the disruption of natural water flow pathways, and lessen risk of erosion, while providing for safe, cost-effective timber haul. Approximately 53.6 miles of road maintenance would be completed on 24 different road segments that would be used for timber haul (refer to the Project File for more details). This would include road-side mowing of vegetation, grading and shaping the road prism and ditch pulling and cleaning. The existing Blodgett rock pit would be the rock source for the road work. Implementing a number of similar and connected actions such as: road decommissioning, road inactivation, coarse woody habitat creation, invasive weed management, meadow enhancement and big game forage seeding (Figure 8, Figure 9). Implementing one project-level amendment to the 1990 LRMP that would allow thinning up to the boundaries of rock outcrops, dry meadows, hardwood stands and within 50 feet of wet meadows.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Table 1. Alternative 2 Unit Summary 1/4 or 1/2 Acre Gaps MBF Harvest Rx Fuels Unit Treatment Volume Unit (trees per (5-15% of Logging Systems Acres Acres Prescription2 acre left) treatment Removed area)

1 5 2 55-70 30 Downhill Skyline No Treatment

2 21 14 70-90 210 Skyline Hand Pile

3 12 11 55-70 163 Helicopter No Treatment

4 8 6 70-90 74 Downhill Skyline No Treatment

Downhill Skyline, 5 115 87 55-70 X 2391 Hand Pile Skyline, Helicopter

6 38 33 55-70 X 908 Helicopter Hand Pile

7 6 5 55-70 X 126 Skyline No Treatment

8 19 15 55-70 182 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

9 6 6 55-70 113 Skyline Jackpot Burn

10 43 31 70-90 347 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

1/10th ac. BA 120, SP openings 11 60 46 3 1276 Helicopter No Treatment Release around sugar pine

12 27 20 55-70 294 Skyline, Helicopter Hand Pile

13 28 27 55-70 348 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

Downhill Skyline, 14 32 28 70-90 476 Hand Pile Skyline

15 35 31 70-90 386 Helicopter Hand Pile

16 45 43 70-90 X 761 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

Downhill Skyline, 17 12 10 70-90 155 Hand Pile Skyline

18 41 31 55-70 427 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

19 28 22 70-90 X 249 Skyline No Treatment

2 Fuels related activities are further defined in the Glossary. 3 The harvest prescription for Unit 11 is focused of maintaining the health of the sugar pine in the stand by removing surrounding trees. This will result in a variable density thinning with an average of 120 square feet of basal area/acre remaining in the stand

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

1/4 or 1/2 Acre Gaps MBF Harvest Rx Fuels Unit Treatment Volume Unit (trees per (5-15% of Logging Systems 2 Acres Acres Prescription acre left) treatment Removed area)

20 34 29 55-70 373 Skyline, Helicopter Hand Pile

21 39 35 70-90 X 368 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

22 33 31 70-90 X 328 Skyline Hand Pile

Downhill Skyline, 23 32 28 70-90 253 Hand Pile Skyline DH Skyline – 56 ac; 108 ac fuel Skyline -- 320 ac; ~28 Acres treatment, Total 719 591 10,238 Helicopter – 151 ac; of gaps 483 ac no Ground based – treatment 64ac.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Figure 6. Alternatives 2 and 3 Temporary Roads and Logging Systems West

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Figure 7. Alternatives 2 and 3 Temporary Roads and Logging Systems East

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Table 2. Temporary Road Construction and Reconstruction for Alternatives 2 and 3

New Temporary. Road Unit No. Existing Temporary. Roads Reused (miles) Construction (miles) 5 0.14 0.34 8 0.00 0.15 16 0.00 0.30 18 0.00 0.21 Total 0.14 1.00

Table 3. Proposed Road Reconstruction

Road Milepost Current Condition Proposed Action No.

15-inch ditch relief culvert rusted out. The existing culvert Install an 18-inch culvert. 100 feet of 2232 11.3 will not facilitate log haul. A spot rocking in this area would also small fill slope failure exists just occur. east of the culvert.

18-inch culvert (class IV Install a 24-inch culvert. In addition stream) rusted out and water is to the new pipe, construct a drivable flowing under the existing dip to mitigate diversion potential. 2232 11.6 culvert. Diversion potential 100 feet of spot rocking in this area exists. The existing culvert will would also occur. The average fill not facilitate log haul. cover is 5 feet.

15-inch ditch relief culvert 2232 11.66 rusted out. The existing culvert Install an 18-inch culvert. will not facilitate log haul

Pipe failed in 2008 (class IV Install a 24-inch culvert. The average 2232 11.7 stream) and was repaired but fill cover is 4 feet. is in need of being replaced.

18-inch culvert (class IV Install a 24-inch culvert. In addition to stream) is rusted out and water the new pipe, construct a drivable dip 2216 2.3 is flowing under the existing to mitigate diversion potential. The culvert. average fill cover is 8 feet.

18-inch ditch relief culvert 2216 4.75 Install an 18-inch culvert rusted out.

36-inch culvert (class III stream) is rusted out and water Install a 36-inch pipe. Construct a drivable dip to mitigate diversion 2216 5.95 is flowing under the culvert. The existing culvert will not potential and rip rap at the outlet. facilitate log haul. There is a Average fill cover is 12 feet. 10 foot drop to a scour pool at

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Road Milepost Current Condition Proposed Action No. the outlet. Diversion potential exists.

Connected and Similar Actions Connected actions (actions closely related to the proposed alternatives and similar regarding timing and geography) must be considered when determining the combined effects of a project. Connected and similar actions, financed either by funds appropriated from Congress or by funds collected from the sale of timber, may be used for the improvement of renewable resources. The projects listed below would be implemented as funding becomes available. Three roads would be removed from the road system within the planning area: 2200-730, 2216-505 and 2200-337 for a total of 0.90 miles. These roads are no longer needed for providing access to implement resource management objectives within the planning area. Roads 2200-730 and 2200-337 have already been decommissioned but not removed from the road system. Road 2216-505 would be decommissioned (Figure 8, Figure 9). Inactivate 5.73 miles of road (removing culverts, installing water bars, and blocking entrances): 2.85 miles high priority, 0.87 miles moderate priority, and 2.01 miles low priority (Table 4, Figure 8, Figure 9).

Table 4. Proposed Road Inactivation

Miles of Road Road No. Priority Inactivation

2232-806 0.25 High

2232-846 0.56 High

2232-850 1.00 High

2232-790 1.04 High

2216-444 0.33 Moderate

2232-111 0.54 Moderate

2216-733 0.50 Low

2216-808 0.10 Low

2232-091 0.20 Low

2232-095 0.21 Low

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Miles of Road Road No. Priority Inactivation

2232-510 0.10 Low

5850-205 0.30 Low

5850-962 0.40 Low

5850-968 0.20 Low

Total 5.73 Miles Low

Create coarse woody habitat within harvest units by girdling up to 1,770 trees. Treat 195 acres of noxious weeds within harvest units, along roads and other areas of disturbance for up to three years following sale closure. The majority of weed treatments are mechanical or manual. Additionally, 0.10 acres of existing false brome and meadow knapweed populations would be controlled with herbicide. Management of these high priority noxious weeds by early detection and rapid response methods would include the ability to treat new infestations that may be found in the planning area over time (not to exceed an additional 1 acre/year) (Figure 8, Figure 9). Revegetate approximately 10 acres of bare ground for weed control as needed in areas such as landings, temporary roads, etc.

Enhance three acres of meadow within the proposed no harvest Riparian Reserve buffer of Unit 10 by pulling non-native weeds and planting shrubs such as elderberry and chokecherry.

Plant a big game forage seed mixture on 55 acres on a combination of openings, revegetated temporary roads, and helicopter landings.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Figure 8. Alternatives 2 & 3 Connected and Similar Actions West

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Figure 9. Alternatives 2 & 3 Connected and Similar Actions East

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

ALTERNATIVE 3 Alternative 3 was developed to meet the purpose and need, address the key issue of adverse impacts on recreational use of Upper Trestle Creek Falls Trail, and address harvesting in mature older forest. Specifically, Alternative 3 differs from Alternative 2 in that it would withdraw the 52 acres of older fire regenerated stands, Units 9 and 11, from harvest. The remaining harvest units and silvicultural prescriptions associated with Alternative 3 would be the same as Alternative 2. Figure 4 and Figure 5 found in Chapter 1 display the proposed action, which is the same as Alternative 3, except for the removal of Units 9 and 11. Alternative 3 includes the following: Commercial thinning of approximately 539 acres of timber stands including 28 1 acres of ¼- and /2-acre gaps using ground-based, skyline and helicopter logging systems generating about 8.8 million board feet of timber. The specific treatments, on a unit-by-unit basis for Alternative 3 are displayed in Table 5, Figure 4 and Figure 5. No treatment (or skips) would occur on approximately 114 acres within the stands proposed for treatment. These are riparian or unique habitat areas, within Riparian Reserves of fire regenerated stands, where protection of rare plant species and soils are a concern, or where logging feasibility is a consideration.

All perennial streams would include a no harvest protection buffer. Riparian Reserves are 190 feet wide on each side of all non-fish bearing streams and 380 feet on each side of fish bearing streams. For this project, no harvest buffers range from 50 to 85 feet on perennial streams and up to 30 feet on intermittent streams, depending upon slope, soil concerns and the height of the trees. See Chapter 2, Best Management Practices for further details. Outside of the no harvest buffers within plantations, 72% (185 acres) of Riparian Reserves would be treated to improve species composition and structural diversity. Figures 30-33 in Chapter 3 show proposed treatment areas within Riparian Reserves.

Treating activity-created fuels would occur on 102 of the thinned acres through a combination of jackpot burning, machine piling and burning, and hand pile and burning. Seven landings for helicopter logging would be used. All of the landings were constructed for past timber harvest and are located in previously disturbed areas. Each opening would be approximately ¾ acres. No new permanent (system) roads would be constructed. Temporary road creation, existing temporary road use, road reconstruction work, road maintenance, and the use of the Blodgett rock pit are the same as described in Alternative 2. All connected and similar actions are the same as those listed under Alternative 2, with the following exception:

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

A reduction of planting of a big game forage seed mixture from 55 to 54 acres on closed temp roads, landings and helicopter landings would occur. Implementing one project-level amendment to the 1990 LRMP that would allow thinning up to the boundaries of rock outcrops, dry meadows, hardwood stands and within 50 feet of wet meadows.

Table 5. Alternative 3 Unit Summary 1/4 or 1/2 Harvest Harvest Acre Gaps MBF Fuels Unit Rx (trees Unit Unit (5-15% of Volume Logging Systems Acres per acre Prescription Acres treatment Removed left) area) 1 5 2 55-70 30 Downhill Skyline No Treatment

2 21 14 70-90 210 Skyline Hand Pile

3 12 11 55-70 163 Helicopter No Treatment

4 8 6 70-90 74 Downhill Skyline No Treatment

Downhill Skyline, 5 115 87 55-70 X 2391 Hand Pile Skyline, Helicopter

6 38 33 55-70 X 908 Helicopter Hand Pile

7 6 5 55-70 X 126 Skyline No Treatment

8 19 15 55-70 182 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

10 43 31 70-90 347 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

12 27 20 55-70 294 Skyline, Helicopter Hand Pile

13 28 27 55-70 348 Ground, Skyline Grapple Pile

Downhill Skyline, 14 32 28 70-90 476 Hand Pile Skyline

15 35 31 70-90 386 Helicopter Hand Pile

16 45 43 70-90 X 761 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

Downhill Skyline, 17 12 10 70-90 155 Hand Pile Skyline

18 41 31 55-70 427 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

19 28 22 70-90 X 249 Skyline No Treatment

20 34 29 55-70 373 Skyline, Helicopter Hand Pile

21 39 35 70-90 X 368 Ground, Skyline Hand Pile

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

1/4 or 1/2 Harvest Harvest Acre Gaps MBF Fuels Unit Rx (trees Unit Unit (5-15% of Volume Logging Systems Acres per acre Prescription Acres treatment Removed left) area) 22 33 31 70-90 X 328 Skyline Hand Pile

Downhill Skyline, 23 32 28 70-90 253 Hand Pile Skyline

DH Skyline-56 ac.; Skyline – 314 ac.; 102 acres fuel ~28 acres treatment, Total 653 539 8850 Helicopter – 105 of gaps ac.; 437 acres no treatment Ground based – 64 ac.

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES Table 6 compares the alternatives by the elements of the purpose, need, and issue indicators, and summarizes other activities, actions and effects that would occur.

Table 6. Comparison of Alternatives

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Element 1 – Stand Density and Health Acres of stands treated to enhance growth, species and structural diversity:

Acres thinned 0 acres 591 acres 539 acres

Acres of ¼- & ½-acre gaps 0 acres 28 acres 28 acres Acres of stands with sugar pine treated to 0 acres 46 acres 0 acres improve resiliency to insect and disease

Acres of Riparian Reserves treated to improve 0 acres 185 acres 185 acres species composition and structural diversity

Element 2 – Accelerate Late-Successional Conditions

Acres of stands within LSR 222 treated to enhance growth, species and structural 0 acres 208 acres 208 acres diversity

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

Alternative 1 Alternative 2 Alternative 3 Element 3 - Big Game Winter Forage Enhancement Acres treated within the big game winter range 0 acres 230 acres 170 acres management area

Element 4 – Timber Production

Million board feet (MMBF) of timber produced 0 MMBF 10.2 MMBF 8.8 MMBF

Benefit/cost ratio N/A 1.24 1.29

Net present value $0 $974,902 $986,241

Issue- Days of adverse impacts/closures on recreational use of Upper Trestle Creek Trail 0 36 0

Logging systems: Helicopter 0 acres 151 acres 105 acres Skyline 0 acres 376 acres 370 acres Ground based 0 acres 64 acres 64 acres

Acres of no treatment (skips) within units 0 acres 128 acres 114 acres

Riparian Reserves: Acres of treatment in Riparian Reserves 0 acres 185 acres 185 acres Total Unit Acres in Riparian Reserves 0 acres 273 acres 258 acres Fuel treatments: Jackpot burn 0 acres 6 acres 0 acres Handpile/burn 0 acres 69 acres 69 acres Machine pile/burn 0 acres 33 acres 33 acres No fuel treatment 0 acres 483 acres 437 acres Landings for helicopter logging: New landings 0 acres 0 acres 0 acres Existing landing use 0 acres 8 acres 5 acres Road building: New temporary roads built 0 miles 0.14 miles 0.14 miles Existing temporary roads reconstructed 0 miles 1.0 miles 1.0 miles

Road maintenance through timber sale contract 0 miles 53.6 miles 53.6 miles

Road reconstruction work: No. of ditch relief culverts replaced 0 3 3 No. of stream culverts replaced 0 4 4

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES, MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS, AND MONITORING The following measures address the laws, regulations and policies that relate to reducing potential environmental effects. These requirements apply to both action alternatives unless otherwise stated. Project Design Features are defined as actions that: avoid the impact all together (such as avoiding harvest on unstable land); minimize effects by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action; rectify the impact via rehabilitation or restoration activities; reduce the impact over time through recurring operations such as road maintenance. General Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) and project design features are symbolized by a (); these protect the beneficial uses of water and address water quality objectives as required by the Federal Clean Water Act (USC 2002) and the 1990 Forest LRMP. The BMPs are listed by codes used in the Pacific Northwest Region’s General Best Management Practices Guide (USDA 1988) and is available at the Cottage Grove Ranger District. Other management requirements not related to compliance with the Clean Water are indicated by a bullet (). Monitoring is delineated by a lightning bolt (). Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs) are listed where they apply.

LOGGING EROSION CONTROL MEASURES BMPs T-3, T-13, T-14, T-15, T-16; Forest Plan S&Gs IV-60-5, IV-68-2, IV-71-13, IV-72- 16. OBJECTIVE: Ensure any increase in sedimentation is minimized during and after logging or associated activities. Logging methods are described in the Project File. ACTIONS:  Stream course protection would be used on all stream classes.  Erosion control measures would be identified where project areas have the potential to produce erosion or sedimentation that may affect water quality and beneficial uses of surface waters. The installation and application of appropriate erosion control measures would be applied on designated soil gouges in skyline corridors, and on ground based equipment skid trails that may reroute or concentrate runoff, spread water and allow soil infiltration.  All water bars/cross drains would be located and identified on the ground by the Forest Service before construction.  Ground based equipment skid trails would be subsoiled as identified by the Soil Scientist and would have effective ground cover on them by the end of the normal operating season in which the road was used.  Cut-and-fill slopes would have all erosion control work completed the same year as constructed.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

 All required erosion control work shall be kept current starting September 15th of a given year and completed by end of normal operating season each year (October 31).

LOGGING PRACTICES BMPs T-11, T-12, T-1, T-16; Forest Plan S&Gs IV-60-5, IV-60-2, IV-67-1, IV-68-2. OBJECTIVE: Minimize timber harvest effects to water quality and soil productivity to the extent practical. ACTIONS:  To reduce the number of skyline corridors, skyline roads would be no closer than 150 feet at the outer unit boundary of all units, or as required in order to protect leave trees, soil resources and aquatic resources prior to felling.  Location of all ground based equipment trails, at an average of 100 feet apart would be agreed to prior to felling unless otherwise agreed to in writing. When possible, skid trail location should be in previously disturbed areas (i.e. on old skid trails).  Locate landings so that timber can be yarded with minimal disturbance to Riparian Reserves.  Landing size should be no larger than needed for safe, efficient yarding and loading operations.

CONTROL OF PURCHASER OPERATIONS BMPs T-5, T-10, T-11, T-13, T-14, T-15, T-18, T-19, T-21, T-22, R-3, R-19, R-20, W-4; Forest Plan S&Gs IV-83-3, IV-82-5, IV-61-9. OBJECTIVE: Enable the Forest Service to exercise control of operations to prevent effects which could have detrimental results to water quality. ACTIONS:  To prevent damage to water quality during harvest and logging operations period, restriction of equipment shall be enforced through the use of appropriate Timber Sale Contract (TSC) provisions when conditions for timber harvest, road construction, or road use are such that excessive damage would result. The kind and intensity of erosion control work done by the purchaser shall be adjusted to ground and weather conditions and the need for controlling runoff.  The Normal Operating Season will be from May 1 through October 31.  Restrict ground based equipment use to slopes under 25% and short pitches under 35%.  All ground based trail locations would be approved by the Forest Service prior to use.  Purchaser erosion control structures and maintenance work must be inspected prior to acceptance by the Forest Service, and would be specified in the TSC.  Pollutants from logging or road reconstruction equipment would be kept from entering waterways during servicing or refueling by selecting areas at least 100 feet away from wet areas and surface water, and by using berms around sites to contain

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

spills. If the volume of fuel exceeds 660 gallons in a single container or a total on- site storage of 1320 gallons, a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan is required, and necessary equipment would be on site during operations. The purchaser shall take appropriate preventative measures to ensure that any spill does not enter any stream. Any spill that occurs must be reported to the Contracting Officer.  Roadwork contractors would have spill prevention and recovery equipment on site during all road reconstruction operations as agreed to by the Forest Service.  No dust abatement would be applied on roads within 25 feet of perennial stream crossings.  All landing locations would be approved by the Forest Service prior to landing construction. Landing slash piles created by the purchaser would be placed on pre- disturbed (compacted) soil such as old skid trails, landings, or roads, and away from waterways, ditches and residual trees. Military training route IR-346 is directly above the Parker Wyatt planning area. It enters the Forest at T21S-R1E-19 SW/SW (43.43.5 N. Lat., 122.45 W Lon.) and proceeds directly east to exit at T21S-R2E-29 NE/NE (43.43.2 N Lat., 122.35.5 W Lon.). This line denotes only the centerline; the route’s width extends approx. 4 nautical miles both north and south of this line. Airspeed is subsonic above 360 knots ground speed, and allows operation by pilots visually (VFR) between 200 ft. above ground level (AGL) during the day, and 800 AGL at night. Navy aircraft may operate between 500 AGL and the minimum obstruction altitude regardless of weather, both day and night. It is essential that any activities related to this timber sale take this active route into consideration. This may include but is not limited to cables spanning canyons, yarders that protrude above the surrounding canopy or terrain, helicopter work or any activities that may include blasting.

RIPARIAN AREAS WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO CUTTING UNITS BMPs T-4, T-7, T-8; Forest Plan S&Gs IV-60-4, 5, 6; IV-33-5. OBJECTIVE: Establish riparian area protection zones to minimize stream temperature increases, protect channel bank structure, and provide a debris filter for sediment and debris which could enter the channels, and maintain a source of large woody debris for continued stream channel stability and structural diversity. ACTIONS:  Wetlands would be protected from microclimate change or ground disturbance by applying the following: a minimum of a 50-foot no-cut buffer, no yarding through the buffers or wetlands and not igniting fire in the buffers or wetlands during fuel treatment.  During ground-based logging, restrict equipment entry within 50 feet of a protected stream and wet area.  Apply no-cut buffers to all perennial streams by following guidance in the Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies (USDA/USDI 2010) to protect the primary shade zone from harvest. The site specific buffers have been

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mapped by unit. The following widths are from the TMDL implementation strategy (Table 7).

Table 7. No Thin TMDL Strategy Buffer Widths (USDA/USDI, 2010)

Height of Tree Hill Slope<30% Hill Slope 30 to 60% Hill Slope>60%

Trees < 20 feet 12’ buffer 14’ buffer 15’ buffer

Trees 21 to 60 feet 28’ buffer 33’ buffer 55’ buffer

Trees 61 to 100 feet 50’ buffer 55’ buffer 60’ buffer

Trees >100 feet 70’ buffer 75’ buffer 85’ buffer

 Apply no-cut buffers up to 30 feet to intermittent streams. The site specific buffers have been mapped by unit.  Burning within the riparian zone to reduce fuel hazard near stream channels would be carefully controlled. Low intensity fire may be allowed to back into the no-cut buffers (from previously ignited areas outside the buffers) in order to reduce fuel accumulations. It would be managed to minimize both fire intensity and mortality of fire-susceptible species such as hemlock, cedar and true fir.

FISHERIES/WATERSHED BMP R-14 OBJECTIVE: Minimize turbidity and other risks to water quality while implementing aquatic restoration projects. ACTIONS:  All road work that involves working in or around a stream channel, such as bridge and culvert replacements and culvert removals, would be completed during low flow conditions when the potential for delivery of construction-related sediment can be minimized.  The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in-water work period is May 15-November 30, unless otherwise approved by the ODFW District Fisheries Biologist.  To prevent erosion, all areas of exposed soils including landings, roadsides and waste areas would be seeded and or mulched with implementation occurring during the appropriate conditions, (usually between August 1 and April 1, depending on elevation) and not during the dry summer months.

TEMPORARY AND SYSTEM ROAD CONSTRUCTION, ROAD RECONSTRUCTION, AND ROAD MAINTENANCE BMPS R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-9, R-15, R-23; Forest Plan S&G IV-83-6. OBJECTIVE: To minimize sedimentation, the effects of water concentration on roadbeds, cut slopes or fill slopes, and subsequent production of sediment associated with the reconstruction of three 18 inch ditch relief culverts and four stream crossing

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives pipes and maintenance of approximately 54 miles for Alternatives 2 and 3. In addition, temporary roads would be constructed to facilitate harvest operations and then obliterated after logging is completed. Safety of the road system would be maintained. ACTIONS:  Develop an erosion control plan to be included in the Timber Sale Contract.  Additional erosion control measures (e.g. silt fences, weed-free straw/straw bales, etc.) will be implemented at sites where there is point-of-delivery sediment from roads or ditches that could be delivered to the stream network.  Seed and ground cover (certified weed free straw, chips, hydromulch, etc.) shall be applied to bare soil and drainage areas around landings (straw at 2 tons per acre). Seeding should be kept current, proceeding expected periods of rain. The seed mix to be used will be provided by the Forest Service or agreed to by the Forest Service.  Where appropriate, native-surfaced system roads would have water bars installed and road barriers placed to prevent damage after commercial use is complete. Aggregate surfaced system roads to be closed following use and would be barricaded and treated with water bars as needed to prevent drainage problems.  Avoid blading ditches that are functioning and effectively draining. Grading of roads would be done in accordance with maintenance specifications. Apply water during blading when sufficient moisture is not present.  During reconstruction activities, waste material shall be placed in areas agreed to by the Forest Service, as identified on the Sale Area Map. These areas shall stay outside riparian, fish, wildlife, cultural, and botanical resources and be located on stable areas.  Gravel would be placed as needed on access roads into water sources to reduce sedimentation to streams.  Utilize stable natural benches and ridges wherever possible. Avoid slumps, slides, and wet spots.  Provide relief culverts within 150 feet of any naturally defined channel to minimize the cumulative road drainage entering a stream-course.  Road re-construction activities that may expose new soil (including clearing, grubbing, excavating, and fill placement) would be limited to the Normal Operating Season. However, construction activities may be suspended anytime during wet weather to protect water quality of affected streams.  Surface rock placement may be done outside Normal Operating Season, as weather and road conditions permit.  All temporary roads would be blocked, before October 31, for the winter wet season. Earth-surface roads, including uncompleted roads to be rocked, would be cross drained before October 31.  All required erosion control work shall be kept current starting September 15th of a given year and completed by end of normal operating season each year (October 31).  When needed, road cut slopes, fill slopes, and ditch lines would be stabilized with grass or grass/forbs.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

 Heavy vehicles would be restricted to all-weather roads outside the Normal Operating Season. Commercial truck traffic may be suspended based on (1) road condition, and (2) turbidity increases in natural channels, as influenced by the truck haul route. Both conditions are defined in the Umpqua National Forest’s road rules (05/08/2012).  Over load permits will be required when hauling over weight loads across the Row River Bridge on the 1700 road at MP 0.30, Prather Creek Bridge on the 1700 road at MP 2.10, Layng Creek Bridge on the 1746 road at MP 0.02, Champion Creek Bridge on the 2200 road at MP 8.29, Brice-Wyatt Creek Bridge on the 2200 road at MP 10.89 and East Fork Brice Creek Bridge on the 2200 road at MP 13.8. Specific requirement for the above bridges can be obtained from the Umpqua National Forest Bridge Engineer.  Displaced soil from construction of all new landings and temporary roads will be bermed or temporarily pulled back in a way that it can be replaced over the soil surface when the landings and roads are being subsoiled and restored. It is assumed that the returned soil may contain logging slash. The objective of this action is to provide a fertile seedbed to the temporary road by returning the most developed portion of the soil to the road surface.  Water bars sufficient to disperse water shall be designated by the Forest Service to disperse surface water and prevent future traffic.  In order to initiate and finalize the restoration prescription, all temporary roads would be reviewed by the Sale Administrator prior to restoration activities. The effectiveness of the temporary road restoration prescription in preventing erosion and providing suitable plant habitat may be monitored by a resource specialist.  If hazard trees are identified along the haul routes (in compliance with the Biological Opinion (1-15-2006-F-0035)), they may be felled and left on site as needed to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.  No new temporary roads without previous ground disturbance will be constructed on slopes greater than 25% and short pitches under 35%. All sections of new temporary roads on slopes between 25 to 35% shall be identified during the planning process to receive special consideration for restoration, including surface soil pull- back and erosion control.

FIRE SUPPRESSION AND FUELS MANAGEMENT General Water Quality BMPs F-1, F-2, F-3; UNF LRMP S&Gs IV-25 (10); IV-33 (4); IV- 36 (2); IV-37 (6); IV-42 (1a); IV-60 (7); IV-67 (1d); IV-92-4, 5, 11; NWFP ROD S&Gs C 35-36, FM-1, FM-4 OBJECTIVE: Improve stand fire resiliency while reducing the potential water quality degradation, subsequent flooding, or soil displacement caused by prescribed or wildland fire. Reduce fuel loads to reduce wildfire effects to soil productivity, minimize erosion, and prevent ash, sediment, nutrients and debris from entering water bodies. ACTIONS:  Burn plans would include water quality objectives and burning would be carried out when fuel moistures are sufficient to ensure retention of effective ground cover where needed.

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 Levels and methods of fuels treatment would be guided by the protection and resource objectives within the management area. Burn plans would be prepared in advance of ignition and approved by the appropriate line officer for each prescribed fire. Air quality would be emphasized during prescribed fire planning. Project Design Features that would be considered shall include extending the burning season to spread emissions throughout the year. All burning would be planned and conducted to comply with applicable air quality laws and regulations and coordinated with appropriate air quality regulatory agencies. Burning would be conducted to meet air quality standards as outlined by Oregon DEQ. Air quality monitoring would be conducted by the DEQ.  General burning guidelines are designed to minimize erosion.  As needed, fire lines would require water bars at slopes greater than 30%. Fireline water bars would deflect surface run-off from the trail down slope onto stable material such as rock surface cover. Fireline would not be constructed through sensitive areas like unique habitats. Fire lines would be constructed in portions of Parker Wyatt Unit 9.  Equipment used to pile slash would be track mounted with ground pressure not to exceed seven pounds per square inch (psi) and would meet the following specifications: capability of reaching 25 feet; machine would be equipped with a brush grapple or articulating brush grapple mechanism. To further distribute weight and prevent soil displacement equipment shall operate on top of slash and on slopes under 25 percent and short pitches under 35%.  Equipment used to grapple pile slash would use existing skid trails, and temporary and permanent roads on slopes less than 35% as much as possible in units 10 and 13.  Soils would be protected in several ways; methods would include jackpot burning in the spring, creating well-constructed and covered hand piles that would burn quickly and completely, and developing burn plans that address desired fire intensity and duration in areas of particular concern.  The levels of effective ground cover would be monitored by the Forest Service as the project progresses. If monitoring determines that effective ground cover goals are not being met, site specific recommendations would be developed by the sale administrator, soils scientist or fire/fuels management. To determine if soil management objectives are being met, monitoring would include representative samples of each yarding method, fuels treatment, subsoiling mitigation, and tree mortality along treatment areas (S&G#11, USDA 1990b, p. IV-71). Ground skidded units shall be given high priority for soils monitoring).

SILVICULTURE AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT BMP T-20 OBJECTIVE: To manage and protect desired vegetation and to reforest all suitable land within five years of harvest.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

ACTIONS: Under the action alternatives the ½-acre gaps would be located in Units 16 and 19, and the ¼-acre gaps would be located in Units 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 22. The ½-acre gaps would include retention of 2 overstory trees per gap and the ¼-acre gaps would retain 1 overstory tree per gap for structural diversity. Do not locate gaps within the established no-cut buffers. In Unit 11 under the proposed action alternative, variable sized gaps would occur around all desirable 5-needle pines based on the diameter of the desired tree. Remove all trees between 7 and 31.9” dbh (except other 5-needle pines) within a radial distance equal to the dbh of desired 5-needle pine trees where the diameter in inches would equate to the radial distance in feet. These variable radius openings would reduce competition for resources on the remaining 5-needle pines improving pine health and provide structural diversity within the stand. Where falling or yarding of trees may physically injure the boles or crowns of desired 5-needle pines, do not remove the competing trees.  Under the proposed action, no harvest would occur within the Riparian Reserves within Units 9 and 11.  The Silviculturist would review marking guides and prescriptions with the presale crew prior to marking, and would monitor for quality on a sample of each type of prescription as funding and staffing allows. It is expected that the prescriptions would meet plus or minus 10% of the target. If not, remarking or amending the silvicultural prescription would be necessary. Minimize damage to residual live trees during the bark slippage period, which is the time during which the sap of trees is flowing and the trees are susceptible to logging operations damage (bark is separated from the connective cambium tissue). Protection measures would be required from April 15th through July 1st.

SOIL AND SITE PRODUCTIVITY BMP T-9, T-12; Forest Plan S&Gs IV-67-1, 2, 3, IV-71-12 OBJECTIVES: To prevent soil erosion, reduce soil compaction and improve site productivity. ACTIONS:  All new landings, skid roads and temporary roads used by the purchaser would be subsoiled to increase water infiltration and reduce surface water runoff to streams. Subsoiling would occur to a depth of 20 inches or to a rock limiting depth using an excavator with winged subsoiler attachments. The edge of the compacted road surface shall be fractured three feet beyond the edge of the prism, with the majority of the subsoiling made at an angle that crosses the road to disperse surface water runoff. Equipment shall not operate on top of the treated soil once it has been subsoiled. An exception may be given to areas where the sale administrator determines slash concentrations are too high to allow for subsoiling.  For ridge top roads, the soil depth associated with these roads are typically shallow, with some occurrences of moderately deep soil. Subsoil to a depth of at least 20 inches unless otherwise agreed to by the Forest Service. All subsoiling would be

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

covered with available harvest slash or other suitable organic material. Stabilization of soil surface with organic material is done to prevent resulting subsoiled surface from crusting.  Between November 1st and April 30th, no more than ½ acre of exposed soil (S&G#13, USDA 1990b, p. IV-71), including landings, skid trails, and temporary roads shall exist at any time.  Designate and locate skid trails to minimize the area affected by logging operations; use pre-existing skid trails whenever possible. Locate skid trails away from areas identified as having sensitive soils (Forest Soils Suitability Layer).  Monitoring Element 1: Determine the effectiveness of subsoiling, surface soil pull- back, slash cover, and soil amendments in obliterating the footprint and preventing erosion on new temporary roads.

BOTANY Only selected applicable goals, objectives, standards, and design criteria are listed below. For a more complete list of standards and Best Management Practices (BMP) that would be applied to this project, refer to the following: Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, FEIS Record of Decision, October 2005 (USDA 2005a) Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Umpqua National Forest Integrated Weed Management Project Environmental Assessment, 2003 (USDA 2003a) United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Timber Sale Contract, Division BT, June 2006, B6.35

Revegetation – Best Practices All revegetation requirements would be met using genetically local native species (USDA 2005a). Use weed-free straw and mulch for all projects conducted or authorized by the Forest Service, on National Forest System Lands (Standard #3).4 Native plant materials are the first choice in revegetation for restoration and rehabilitation where timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is not likely to occur (Standard #13). Use native revegetation techniques to re-establish native plants on sites where weeds are removed as well as in areas where exposed mineral soil provides optimal conditions for weeds to colonize.

Invasive Plants and Noxious Weeds GOAL: Minimize the creation of conditions that favor invasive plant introduction, establishment and spread during land management actions and land use activities.

4 All standards referenced in the Botany section are from the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, FEIS Record of Decision, October 2005 (USDA 2005a)

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Objective: Reduce soil disturbance while achieving project objectives through timber harvest, fuel treatments, and other activities that potentially produce large amounts of bare ground. Objective: Retain native vegetation consistent with site capability and integrated resource management objectives to suppress invasive plants and prevent their establishment and growth. ACTIONS: Actions conducted or authorized by written permit by the Forest Service that will operate outside the limits of the road prism (including public works and service contracts) require the cleaning of all heavy equipment (bulldozers, skidders, graders, backhoes, dump trucks, etc.) prior to entering National Forest System Lands (Standard #2). Require all ground disturbing machinery to be washed prior to entering and leaving the Forest, using the appropriate timber sale contract provisions and construction contract requirements (USDA 2003a). Inspect active gravel, fill, sand stockpiles, quarry sites, and borrow material for invasive plants before use and transport. Treat or require treatment of infested sources before any use of pit material. Use only gravel, fill, sand, and rock that are judged to be weed free by District or Forest weed specialists (Standard #7). Conduct road blading, brushing and ditch cleaning in areas with high concentrations of invasive plants in consultation with District or Forest-level invasive plant specialists, incorporate invasive plant prevention practices as appropriate (Standard #8). Areas known by the Forest Service to be infested with invasive species of concern will be shown on the sale area map. Purchasers will avoid activities that have the potential to spread weed seed in these areas or adhere to restrictions placed on such activities, as identified on the sale area map. When needed, the Forest Service will use flagging and/or marking posts on-the-ground to identify locations of invasive species of concern prior to work commencing. Purchaser shall adhere to the requirements with regard to cleaning “Off-Road Equipment” as stated in the BT6.35 provision. This includes that “prior to moving off- road equipment (all logging and construction machinery, except for log trucks, chip vans, service vehicles, water trucks, pickup trucks, cars and similar vehicles) from a cutting unit that is shown on the Sale Area Map to be infested with invasive species of concern to, or through any other area that is shown as being free of invasive species of concern, or infested with a different invasive species, the Purchaser shall clean such equipment of seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds…”. After harvest, treat infestations of noxious weeds (Figure 8, Figure 9) for up to three years following sale closure.

False Brome and Knapweed Herbicide Treatment Application of any herbicides to treat invasive plants will be performed or directly supervised by a State or Federally licensed applicator. Herbicide transportation and

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Two Alternatives

handling safety plans will be developed and implemented for all treatment projects that involve the use of herbicides (Standard #15). When using herbicide, herbicide formulations will be selected from the ten active ingredients listed in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, FEIS Record of Decision (Standard #16). Glyphosate and picloram is on this list. Prior to implementation of herbicide treatment projects, National Forest system staff will ensure timely public notification. Treatment areas will be posted to inform the public and forest workers of herbicide application dates and herbicides used. If requested, individuals may be notified in advance of spray dates (Standard #23). The Row River Valley Water District will be contacted and signs posted on-site at least one week prior to herbicide treatments. A pre-operations briefing will be required annually prior to treatment between a USDA Forest Service project coordinator knowledgeable about weed treatments and the lead contractor or employee who will be implementing the treatment. This session will be documented, and will serve to brief spray personnel on the location of sensitive resources (streams, lakes, wetlands, sensitive plants) and to review all operational details. The briefing will include safety issues, location, and timing of treatment, treatment method, herbicides approved for use, project design criteria, and other pertinent topics. The project-specific spill plan would be followed if any spills occur with this project. Contract application workers including personnel for the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Forest Service employees involved in the project will review the spill plan prior to beginning work. Spill kits will be required in Forest Service, Oregon Department of Agriculture and/or contractor’s or vehicles. (USDA 2003a). Application will not occur when wind speeds exceed 5 mph, when it is raining, or when the forecast has greater than a 70% chance of rain within 36 hours of spraying (USDA 2003a).  A 50-foot no spray buffer for picloram (USDA 2003a) and a 25-foot no spray buffer for glyphosate will be applied along all live stream courses. The 25-foot no spray buffer is consistent with Curran Junetta Thin Timber Sale Project (USDA 2007) and Rail 2 Timbers Sale Project (USDA 2011a) analyses and is addressed in the Aquatic Environment section of Chapter Three in both Environmental Assessment documents. A live stream course is one that is flowing water during the time that herbicide would be applied.

Treatment of known and future sites of false brome and knapweed will occur as necessary and funded on haul roads, landings, and skid roads prior to and following logging activities. Higher priority will be given to sites where there is a threat of moving seed from contaminated to uncontaminated areas.

Protection of TES/Survey and Manage Species Sites OBJECTIVE: To ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to loss of viability of any native or desired plant or contribute towards Federal listing of any species. (Forest Service Manual 2672.41). ACTIONS:

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100’ no-entry buffers (no thinning, no yarding, no fuels treatments, no burning, etc.) would be established around the following: o Five species of fungi within 3 proposed harvest units (one occurrence of Helvella elastica, one occurrence of Otidea leporina, two occurrences of Ramaria araiospora, one occurrence of Ramaria conjuntipes var. sparsiramosa, and one occurrence of Tremiscus helvelloides). o One occurrence of Peltigera pacifica (Pacific felt lichen) within a proposed harvest unit and one occurrence of Usnea longissima (beard lichen) within a proposed harvest unit.

As per Timber Sale Contract provision BT6.24, areas needing special measures for the protection of plants are to be shown on the sale area map and unless agreed otherwise, trees would not be felled into areas identified as needing special measures.

UNIQUE HABITATS Umpqua National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, 1990, Prescription C5- 1 (USDA 1990b, p. 200-201) amended with this project. OBJECTIVE: To provide maximum protection for areas of high wildlife [and plant] values (USDA 1990b, p. 200). ACTIONS: No activities would occur in unique habitats and buffers would be applied, as summarized below in Table 8. This applies to commercial and fuels treatments. In order to favor lichen community richness, retain open-grown trees in thinning treatments where the trees occur within 20 feet of unique habitats. When layout crews encounter open-grown conifers with abundant large lower branches (low branches approximately 2 inches in diameter and less than 10 feet off the ground), the unique habitat no-thin boundary would expand to encompass these trees.

Table 8. Unique Habitats and Design Criteria Buffer Design Unique Habitat Within Unit #’s Acres Width Criteria (ft.) Mesic to Wet Meadows or 1, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, 19 9 no 50 - Shrublands entry 150

Hardwood Dominated 2, 5 11 no 50 Inclusions entry

Rock Outcrops/Talus 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14,16, 22, 23 14 no 0 entry

Dry Meadows/Balds 3, 12, 15 9 no 0 entry

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WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE: To provide habitat for viable populations of all existing native wildlife species and to maintain or enhance the overall quality of wildlife habitat across the forest. ACTIONS: During treatment (harvest and burning) retain and protect all snags, and existing down wood greater than six inches diameter (on small end), to the extent practical from disturbances that might otherwise destroy the integrity of the substrate. All trees damaged during harvest operation, such as intermediate support trees or line damage trees, would be retained to mitigate the decreased rate of snag recruitment caused by thinning and harvest activities. Leave all guyline tail-hold trees outside of unit boundaries. During treatment (harvest and burning) retain and protect all hardwoods and Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) trees greater than eight inches diameter to the extent practical from disturbances that might otherwise destroy the integrity of those trees. To achieve moderate levels of snags, retain three trees/acre (>15 inch dbh or greater) for snag creation. This applies to all units. Following the use of temporary roads and associated landings, and appropriate helicopter landings, utilize a native big game forage mix to seed when conditions are appropriate. This applies under all action alternatives. To reduce impacts to nesting landbirds, burning of hand piles and machine piles will occur in the fall/winter months and not in spring or summer. A portion of Unit 20 (approximately 4 acres) has proposed hand pile burning within this potential disturbance distance of .25 miles of the Northern spotted owl (NSO). Smoke-related disturbance during the critical breeding period could affect nesting owls at site ID 666. The hand piles within Unit 20 will be burned outside of the NSO breeding season (March 1 through September 30). To protect nesting spotted owls, for proposed and connected actions that create above-ambient noise levels (i.e. road maintenance, brushing, subsoiling, etc.), abide by the terms and conditions in the programmatic Biological Opinion (FWS-1-15-03-F- 0454). When possible, do not schedule these activities to occur between March 1 and July 15.

RECREATION, VISUALS, AND HERITAGE RESOURCES OBJECTIVE: To ensure that Forest Service actions do not cause safety issues to main travel routes during logging operations. In addition, protect potential historical and prehistoric sites if discovered during logging operations. ACTIONS: Safety signs would be maintained on the main travel routes during logging operations. In the event that an unknown historic or prehistoric site is discovered in the course of the project, the activity would be stopped and the appropriate measures would be

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taken to stop any adverse effects to the site. Any adverse effects, should they occur, would be mitigated.  Heritage resource field surveys indicated approximately 2% of the project acres should be monitored for heritage resources. Dense vegetation, downed timber, and duff in some units limited the efficacy of the primary field surveys. Implementation of the timber sales under this EA may expose soil, thereby providing better ground visibility than was typical during surveys.

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Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

CHAPTER THREE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

INTRODUCTION This chapter describes the components and scope of the human environment that may be affected by implementation of the alternatives outlined in Chapter Two. Chapter 3 discloses the potential consequences of implementing each alternative including the project design features, watershed best management practices and management requirements associated with each alternative. A complete description of each alternative is found in Chapter Two. This chapter presents the scientific and analytic basis for the comparison of alternatives. The effects are discussed in terms of social and environmental changes from the current condition and include quantitative assessments where possible as well as qualitative assessments. All discussions are tiered to the Umpqua National Forest Final Environmental Impact Statement, as amended. In addition, many of the discussions in this chapter use information found in supporting documents, such as the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (USDA 1997) and Brice Creek Landscape Analysis (USDA 2003b), and the 2012 Brice Creek Watershed Analysis Iteration 1.1 (USDA 2012c).

ACTIVITIES THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The tables below document the relevant past, present, and reasonably foreseeable activities that may contribute to cumulative effects for the Parker Wyatt project. Recently, the council on Environmental Quality issued a memo stating that agencies are not required to “catalogue or exhaustively list and analyze all individual past actions” (CEQ memo, June 24, 2005). Instead, agencies should use scoping to focus on relevant past actions and discuss their relevance in terms of the cause and effect they had on a resource. This direction is followed in this project; the following tables are displayed to summarize information known about the Brice Creek watershed.

Table 9. Past Activities in Brice Creek Activity Acres/Miles Decade Description and Extent of Activity Road building generally began in the 195 miles early 1900’s to provide access for Early 1900’s Road Building Road density of mining operations; roads built to through 2009 3.2/mi2 access timber sales occurred from 1940 through 2009. Regeneration 1152 1940’s A harvest method that removes most Harvest – Public 1404 1950’s or all trees in a stand. Lands 2112 1960’s

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Activity Acres/Miles Decade Description and Extent of Activity 1930 1970’s 2235 1980’s 733 1990’s 86 2000’s 9,652 acres 879 acres of regeneration harvest Regeneration since 2000 west of the District Early 1900’s Harvest – Private ~ 3,670 acres boundary; photos indicate currently through 2012 Lands ~600 acres of forest 100+ years of age and ~2340 acres 40+ years of age. 49 1970’s An intermediate harvest that reduces Thinning/Partial 5 1990’s stand density to improve growth Harvest 1058 2000’s and/or prepare for the development of 1,112 acres an understory. A harvest method that removes the 20 1960’s trees remaining from a partial harvest Shelterwood 354 1980’s that were initially left to provide seed Removal Harvest 38 1990’s and/or shelter for the understory 412 acres establishment. 861 1940’s 1235 1950’s Prescribed burning following timber 1427 1960’s harvest to reduce fuels and/or Burning/Fuels 2128 1970’s enhance tree seedling success. Treatment 2141 1980’s Primarily broadcast, hand pile and 2018 1990’s jackpot burning. 377 2000’s 10,187 acres 116 1960’s The use of fencing, tubing, bud caps, 509 1980’s seed caps, repellents, trapping, killing, Animal Damage 914 1990’s or otherwise controlling animals so as Control 44 2000’s to protect or enhance the growth and 12 2010’s survival of established tree seedlings. 1,595 acres 863 1940’s 1235 1950’s 1531 1960’s The establishment or re-establishment 2197 1970’s Planting of forest cover by planting tree 2200 1980’s seedlings. 1917 1990’s 150 2000’s 10,093 acres 103 1960’s The cutting or girdling of trees (usually 813 1970’s Precommercial less than 10” dbh) to reduce stocking 2169 1980’s Thinning to increase growth on the remaining 1593 1990’s trees. 1634 2000’s

50 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Activity Acres/Miles Decade Description and Extent of Activity 178 2010’s 6,490 acres The removal of side branches from Pruning 190 acres 1990’s standing live trees to improve future wood quality. 712 1970’s 306 1980’s The addition of nitrogen to increase Fertilization 760 1990’s tree growth and vigor. 67 2000’s 1,845 acres

Table 10. On-going and Reasonably Foreseeable Activities in Brice Creek

Activity Acres/Miles Description and Extent of Activity

Gumbo Timber Sale sold in 2006; lies Commercial Thinning/Partial Harvest: 221 acres south/southwest of the Parker Wyatt Gumbo Timber Sale planning area.

To continue as Installation of steel grates at the entrance Abandoned Mine Safety Closures needed for public safety.

To continue as Blading, ditch clean out, and maintenance Road Maintenance needed as budgeted.

Based on harvesting rates of the last decade expect regeneration harvests to Private Land Harvest ~100 acres/year average around 100 acres per year but is highly dependent upon market conditions.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The Riparian Reserve land allocation was established in the Northwest Forest Plan as part of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994). Riparian Reserves widths for this project on based on the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis and are 190 feet on non-fish bearing streams and 380 feet on fish bearing streams (USDA 1997).

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Relevant standard and guideline from the Northwest Forest Plan include: . TM-1 (c): Prohibit timber harvest except where silvicultural practices are applied to control stocking and to acquire desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. . FM-1: Design fuel treatment to meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives and to minimize disturbance of riparian ground cover and vegetation. Strategies should

51 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects recognize the role of fire in ecosystem function and identify those instances where fire suppression could be damaging to long-term ecosystem function. . FM-4: Design prescribed burning and prescriptions to contribute to attainment of Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives.

1997 BRICE CREEK WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS . Retain recommended Riparian Reserves standards from the ROD for all stream classes including reserve widths. Reserve widths average 190 feet for non-fish bearing streams and 380 feet for fish bearing streams. . Priority should be given to enhancement of large coarse woody debris habitat within Riparian Reserves. . Manage Riparian Reserves to enhance late-successional conditions; consider the impacts to microclimate and associated riparian species prior to management. . Maintain Riparian Reserves in a condition that reflects the natural range of successional vegetation and processes within the watershed. . Riparian silviculture treatments should be encouraged where thinning or planting could promote the growth of large conifers, except in floodplains, where hardwoods may be more appropriate.

2012 BRICE CREEK WATERSHED ANALYSIS ITERATION Along perennial streams, apply silvicultural treatments such as thinning, activity fuel treatments, or prescribed jackpot burning outside the primary shade zone when it is determined that such activities can benefit effective shade and other riparian functions over the long term and meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. Apply no treatment buffers based on the Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategy that was recently updated and replaces the 2005 direction (USDA/USDI 2010). Along intermittent streams, apply variable-width, no treatment buffers as needed to provide slope stability and lower sediment delivery associated with certain types of yarding. The size of no-treatment buffers would be prescribed based on site-specific conditions such as soil conditions and channel incision, and in the context of the proposed silvicultural prescription and logging system. On intermittent channels lacking substantial incision or other constraining characteristics, vegetation manipulation and fuel reduction are recommended throughout Riparian Reserves in order to maximize restorative treatments in the riparian area.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) was developed to restore and maintain the ecological health of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. This strategy is based, in part, on natural disturbance processes. Proposed riparian actions are assessed in relation to the watershed’s existing condition and any short or long-term effects to such conditions. The Parker Wyatt project would manage approximately 1% of the Riparian Reserves in the Brice Creek subwatershed at the stand scale to move ACS objectives toward restoration at the landscape scale. The harvest in outer portions of Riparian Reserves would occur for the purpose of restoration of species composition and structural diversity of plant communities to achieve the intent of the ACS objectives. Treatment is proposed within Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, and 13-23 for a total of 185 acres (Figure 30, Figure 31, Figure 32, Figure 33 in the Aquatics Section). Road reconstruction, maintenance, and inactivation within the Riparian Reserves would occur for the purpose of reducing the risk of potential impacts to riparian areas.

52 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Since the effects of Riparian Reserve management cross many discipline boundaries, this document addresses the ACS objectives by weaving the discussion throughout Chapter Three. Discussions regarding ACS objectives are found in the sections identified below (Table 11).

Table 11. Aquatic Conservation Objectives

Section(s) Addressing ACS Objectives ACS Objectives

Aquatics – Riparian Forest Conditions Aquatics – Water Quality 1. Maintain and restore the distribution, diversity, and complexity of watershed and landscape-scale features to ensure protection of the Terrestrial – Forest aquatic systems to which species, populations and communities are Vegetation uniquely adapted. Terrestrial – Coarse Woody Debris Wildlife

2. Maintain and restore spatial and temporal connectivity within and between watersheds. Lateral, longitudinal, and drainage network Aquatics – Riparian Forest connections include floodplains, wetlands, upslope areas, headwater Conditions tributaries, and intact refugia. These network connections must provide chemically and physically unobstructed routes to areas critical Aquatics – Stream for fulfilling life history requirements of aquatic and riparian-dependent Channels species.

Aquatics – Riparian Forest 3. Maintain and restore the physical integrity of the aquatic system, Conditions including shorelines, banks, and bottom configurations. Aquatics – Stream Channels

4. Maintain and restore water quality necessary to support healthy riparian, aquatic, and wetland ecosystems. Water quality must remain within the range that maintains the biological, physical, and chemical Aquatic – Water Quality integrity of the system and benefits survival, growth, reproduction, and migration of individuals composing aquatic and riparian communities.

5. Maintain and restore the sediment regime under which aquatic ecosystems evolved. Elements of the sediment regime include the Aquatics – Erosion and timing, volume, rate, and character of sediment input, storage, and Sediment transport.

6. Maintain and restore in-stream flows sufficient to create and sustain riparian, aquatic, and wetland habitats and to retain patterns of Aquatic – Stream Flows sediment, nutrient, and wood routing. The timing, magnitude, duration, and spatial distribution of peak, high, and low flows must be protected.

7. Maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of Botany – Unique Habitats floodplain inundation and water table elevation in meadows and

53 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Section(s) Addressing ACS Objectives ACS Objectives wetlands.

Aquatics – Riparian Forest Conditions 8. Maintain and restore the species composition and structural Aquatics – Stream diversity of plant communities in riparian areas and wetlands to provide Channels adequate summer and winter thermal regulation, nutrient filtering, Terrestrial – Forest appropriate rates of surface erosion, bank erosion, and channel Vegetation migration and to supply amounts and distributions of coarse woody debris sufficient to sustain physical complexity and stability. Terrestrial – Coarse Woody Debris

Botany – Invasive Plants Wildlife

Aquatics – Riparian Forest 9. Maintain and restore habitat to support well-distributed populations Conditions of native plant, invertebrate and vertebrate riparian-dependent species. Terrestrial – Coarse Woody Debris Wildlife

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

ROAD BUILDING AND ACCESS

EXISTING CONDITION The transportation system in the Parker Wyatt planning area includes 74 miles of roads, which equates to a density of 2 miles per square mile of land. The transportation system provides access for commercial users, including forest product harvesters. Recreation use focuses on providing access to hiking trails, waterfalls, hunting, fishing, and driving for pleasure, with the majority of the use taking place in the summer and early fall. A project-level roads analysis (RA) was conducted for the planning area (USDA 2012b, on file at the Cottage Grove Ranger District). A complete description of the current road system, and the risks associated with it, are listed in the RA, which is on file at the Cottage Grove Ranger District. The environmental effects of roads are disclosed in numerous places in this chapter including the sections on Forest Wildlife, Botany, Aquatics, and Mass Wasting. This section displays the overall effects of the alternatives in terms of miles of roads, access and economics.

54 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES (USDA 1990B) Road density should be the most economical system necessary to meet land management objectives. Evaluation of road development alternatives for planned uses would consider safety, costs of transportation, and the effects upon lands and resources. Assure short-term (temporary) roads are closed within one year of when the timber purchaser has completed contractual requirements for the portion of the timber sale served by the road. Re-establish vegetation cover to put land back into production within ten years of contract, lease, or permit termination on roads not remaining a permanent part of the Forest transportation system. Roads closed for one of the above reasons may be closed either seasonally or year-around. Seasonal closures are preferred over year-around closures wherever feasible, consistent with Forest Plan prescriptions, and where the objectives of the closure can be met. Forest development roads (system roads) would generally be open to use by vehicles licensed for highway travel, except when closed for one of the following reasons:  The mode of access causes unacceptable damage to, or negates adequate protection and management of, Forest resources.  Safety hazards to the road user exist.  Prescriptions in the Forest Plan recommend closures in elk winter range.  To provide security to contractors/cooperators, special use permittees, private land owners, and Forest Service administrative facilities.  Road maintenance costs to keep a road open are high compared to existing or expected use of the road.

WATERSHED ANALYSIS AND ROADS ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS The Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (USDA 1997) and the Project-level Roads Analysis (USDA 2012b) made several recommendations in order to improve the current condition. Specific recommendations for this project are noted below. Refer to Table 3 for more specific information. Replacement of an existing 15 inch ditch relief culvert with an 18 inch culvert on Road 2232 at mile post 11.3 would occur. A small fill slope failure exists just east of the culvert location. In addition 100 feet of spot rocking in this area would occur. Replacement of an existing 18 inch culvert (class IV stream) with a 24 inch culvert on Road 2232 at mile post 11.6 would occur. In addition to the new pipe, construction of a drivable dip to mitigate diversion potential and 100 feet of spot rocking would occur. Replacement of an existing 15 inch ditch relief culvert that’s rusted out with an 18 inch culvert on Road 2232 at mile post 11.66 would occur. Replacement of a 24 inch culvert (class IV stream) on Road 2232 at mile post 11.7 would occur. This culvert was repaired in 2008 but needs replacing. Replacement of an existing 18 inch culvert (class IV stream) with a 24 inch culvert on Road 2216 at mile post 2.3 would occur. In addition to the new pipe, construction of a drivable dip to mitigate diversion potential would occur.

55 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Replacement of an existing 18 inch ditch relief culvert that’s rusted out on Road 2216 at mile post 4.75 would occur. Replacement of an existing 36 inch culvert (class III stream) on Road 2216 at mile post 5.95 would occur. In addition to the new pipe, construction of a drivable dip to mitigate diversion potential along with placing rip rap at the outlet of the culvert would occur.

DIRECT/ INDIRECT EFFECTS The scale used in this analysis for direct/indirect effects is the planning area. As displayed in Table 12, both Alternatives 2 and 3 would build 0.14 miles of new temporary road and re-use 1.0 miles of existing temporary road. These temporary roads are the only proposed road construction for both action alternatives and would subsequently be obliterated after logging is complete. Temporary road obliteration involves subsoiling as appropriate, and pulling displaced soil and duff back over the road surface. Road reconstruction includes culvert replacement. Road inactivation includes the removal of culverts, cross ditching where necessary and blocking entrances. While decommissioning would remove culverts, outslope where necessary, subsoil and permanently remove the road from the Forest Transportation System.

Table 12. Summary of Road Activities Associated with Each Alternative

New temporary Existing Roads Road Total road temporary Road maintained decommissi Alt construction/ road use/ Inactivation by road oning obliteration obliteration purchaser miles (miles) (miles) (miles) (miles) (miles)

1 73.6 0 0 0 0 0

2 73.6 0.14 1.0 0.9 5.7 53.6

3 73.6 0.14 1.0 0.9 5.7 53.6

Under Alternative 1 the 1.0 miles of compacted temporary roads would continue to exist within the planning area. No new temporary roads would be constructed and no road reconstruction, inactivation or decommissioning would occur. The reconstruction identified for each action alternative in Chapter Two addresses the specific recommendations of the Watershed Analysis and Roads Analyses. Road reconstruction is generally intended to fix specific drainage concerns, perform deferred maintenance items, and bring the road surface to the design standard so it can facilitate timber haul. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 include replacement of three ditch relief culverts and four stream crossing culverts. Replacement of the four stream culverts would help to either eliminate the potential for stream diversion or to accommodate 100-year flood flows. Replacement of three rusted ditch relief culverts would help to continue to accommodate flood flows, lessen the risk of erosion and provide for safe road use. Alternative 1 provides for no purchaser maintenance. Road maintenance is important for user comfort and safety, and for the protection of resources and the road facility. The Umpqua

56 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Forest-level Roads Analysis (USDA 2003c) describes the current situation of declining budgets for road maintenance, the reduction in timber sale-related maintenance and the amount of maintenance that needs to be done on the Forest. The Project-level Roads Analysis estimated annual maintenance needs for the planning area at about $45,419 (USDA 2012b). Maintenance that would be performed by timber purchasers could provide a substantial portion of the total needs for several years. Alternatives 2 and 3 would provide similar amounts of maintenance and improve the road conditions in the planning area. The cost to the purchaser for both action alternatives would be about $20,650 annually for three years. Improved road maintenance results in higher degrees of user comfort and safety. In addition, well-maintained roads reduce the risk of road failures and the resulting ecological and economic effects. Under the action alternatives, the reconstruction and maintenance work would provide for safe and economical timber haul, as well as improved drainage capacity and reduced risk of failure.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The Parker Wyatt Planning Area is the scale at which cumulative effects are analyzed for roads. Several roads have received some level of road maintenance or reconstruction work in the past 10 years. This work includes road brushing, culvert cleanout, road grading, spot rocking, resurfacing with crushed rock, culvert upgrades and asphalt patching. Road 2232 has received road brushing, culvert cleanout, new lift of crushed rock (10 miles), road grading, and culvert upgrades in 2003 and 2008. Road 1746 received road brushing, culvert cleanout, spot rocking, road grading, asphalt patching and culvert upgrades in 2007. Road 17 road received road brushing, culvert cleanout and asphalt patching in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Road 2216 road received road brushing, culvert cleanout and road grading in 2005 and 2008. All of the roads listed above will receive periodic road maintenance into the foreseeable future as well. All past, present and planned road improvement projects did not or would not have adverse effects to access, condition, or economics of the transportation system within the planning area. Therefore, no cumulative adverse effects would occur as a result of this project. All road maintenance and improvement work incorporates specifications that meet applicable Standards and Guidelines and BMP’s (see Chapter Two).

ECONOMICS This economic analysis focuses on the direct, indirect, and induced costs and benefits of the alternatives described in Chapter Two. Net present value and benefit/cost ratio are the primary criteria used to compare the direct effects of the alternatives to the Federal Government, and are termed the economic efficiency analysis. Effects to the general economy of the area are modeled using IMPLAN Professional, an input/output model developed by the Forest Service (IMPLAN 2000). Assumptions regarding the economic analysis are footnoted where appropriate. Most timber sales from the Cottage Grove Ranger District are purchased and operated by individuals and companies based in Lane County. Total mill capacity in Lane County in 2001 stood at just over 1 billion board feet/year (Spelter and McKeever 2001). This number is used to estimate the contribution of each alternative towards meeting demand. Final demand is assumed to be wood products ready for shipment at the mill yards.

LANE COUNTY ECONOMIC SITUATION Total employment in Lane County is difficult to quantify exactly, as the Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS), Census Bureau, and IMPLAN use different criteria to measure

57 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects employment. Because of this, percentages and relative differences are used for analysis where possible instead of absolute numbers. The county has diversified its economy in recent years, particularly the manufacturing sector, as the timber industry has declined. Still, the forestry and wood products sectors provide 4.5% of Lane County’s employment, and 8.5% of the overall industrial output, according to the 2010 IMPLAN data. The trends in employment in Lane County continue to show a shift from logging and wood products manufacturing toward retail sales and service sectors. Although overall employment is expected to grow by 13.6% between 2002 and 2012, logging occupations are expected to decline by 3.6%. The average wages paid in the retail and service sectors ($21,465 and $23,020 respectively) are less than the logging and wood products average wage ($29,040 and $49,375 respectively) based on the 2010 IMPLAN data.

BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS Cost-efficient thinning measured by benefit/cost ratio and net present value is listed in Chapter One, under Element 4 (Timber Production). This measurement is discussed below. The direct effects of the alternatives in the context of the Benefit/Cost (B/C) analysis are displayed in Table 13. The standard criterion for deciding whether a government program can be justified on economic principles is net present value (NPV), which is the discounted5 monetized6 value of expected net benefits (OMB A-94). Both of the action alternatives produce revenue for the Federal Treasury and associated projects, and exceed the associated direct costs.

Table 13. Economic Efficiency Analysis

Economic Measure Alt 2 Alt 3

Timber Volume (MBF) 10,239 8,850

Acres by Harvest Method

Helicopter (acres) 151 105

Skyline (acres) 376 370

Ground based (acres) 64 64

Total Acres 591 539

Volume (MBF)/Acre 17.3 16.4

Total Present Value Benefits

5 Discounting is the process of calculating the present value of a future amount of money. 4% is the standard discount rate for long- term projects (OMB A-94).

6 Lit. “to give the character of money to.” A cost or benefit is monetized when it is expressed in terms of money.

58 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Economic Measure Alt 2 Alt 3

Gross Benefits $5,119,500 $4,425,000

Value/MBF $500.00 $500.00

Value/Acre $8,662 $8,210

Total Present Value Costs

FS Prep & Admin $282,414 $246,300

Logging $3,647,848 $3,004,486

Slash Disposal $122,663 $106,023

Road Work $91,673 $81,950

Reforestation $0 $0

Total Cost $4,144,598 $3,343,759

Cost/MBF $404.78 $388.56

Cost/Acre $7012.86 $6379.89

Net Present Value $974,902 $986,241

NPV/MBF $95 $111

NPV/Acre $1,650 $1,830

Stumpage $1,121,232 $1,098,638

Return to the Treasury $1,121,232 $1,098,638

B/C Ratio7 1.24 1.29

7 B/C Ratio is the benefit/cost ratio, another standard criterion for economic efficiency. It is the present value of benefits divided by the present value of costs.

59 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Forest Service planning costs are not included in the benefit/cost analysis since they are considered sunken costs (OMB A-94). It is estimated that this project has cost about $346,000 to plan over the last two years. Based on the expected return to the Federal Government shown in Table 13, both Alternative 2 and 3 would be above cost. Alternative 1 (not displayed) is considered below-cost since there would be no return to the U.S. Treasury, with expenditures for planning of about $346,000. Both action alternatives include area that would require helicopter logging. Either action alternative would be marketed as one individual timber sales. These sales would be offered in a public auction to achieve the highest return possible8. Based on the economic analysis it is anticipated that all post-sale requirements would be paid for by adequate stumpage9 from the timber sales. Both action alternatives are positive and would be considered advantageous to the U.S. government from an economic standpoint. Log prices fluctuate due to a variety of market forces, many of which are external to Lane County and Oregon. This analysis used log prices from the third quarter of 2012. Subsequent analysis for Alternative 2 shows that NPV stays positive even if log prices were to drop considerably. Log prices made steady gains 10 years ago and peaked in 2006. Between 2006 and 2009, the effects of a slowed housing market negatively influenced the log market and prices causing them to drop dramatically. This trend has stabilized over the last year with log values increasing slightly. This has improved the economic viability of both action alternatives and would increase a positive return to the Federal government.

ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS The economic impact analysis using IMPLAN considers changes in employment and income due to changes in the economic activity of the county from each alternative. In past periods of non-declining, even-flow of timber from federal land, an individual timber sale may not have substantially changed the overall economic activity of the county, since the total amount of volume would be sold each year. The conditions today, and into the foreseeable future, are not the same. The Umpqua National Forest has not sold a consistent level of volume, or levels approaching the probable sale quantity (PSQ) in the Forest Plan since 1990; however, over the past six years, timber sales have been offered at a level close to expected quantities. Overall, new timber sales can be treated as an actual increase in the raw material available for the local industry, allowing an increase in production up to the full level of mill capacity. Table 14 displays the results of the economic impact analysis by alternative. In general, the increase in timber volume to the local economy would result in increased employment in the logging and wood products manufacturing sectors, increases in forestry services (slash treatment, tree planting, etc.) and indirect and induced increases in many other sectors. The business taxes paid to Federal, State, and local governments would also increase. Other direct, indirect, and induced benefits are derived from temporary road construction, reconstruction, decommissioning and other connected activities described in Chapter Two that could possibly be funded by timber sale receipts. These work activities were not treated as costs in the benefit/cost analysis since they reduce the revenue to the Treasury, but they would

8 Individual timber sales would be appraised and offered at fair market value, or the minimum to cover reforestation costs and a $0.50/ccf return to the Treasury, whichever is higher.

9 Stumpage is the value of the timber “on the stump.” It is the timber sale contract minimum value and is determined by subtracting logging, road work, and slash disposal costs from the delivered log price. Timber sale purchasers may bid more in a competitive auction. The actual monetary return to the U.S. Treasury is determined by subtracting all post sale costs from the stumpage.

60 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects have economic benefits to the local community since most are contracted services if funding becomes available. These benefits are included in the economic impact analysis and in the numbers reported in Table 14. The spreadsheets that document the complete analysis by sector are kept on file at the Cottage Grove Ranger District Office.

Table 14. Economic Impact Analysis

Alt 2 Alt 3 Economic Measure Value* Value*

% of County Mill Capacity 1.3%

Change in Total Industrial Output +$7,285 +$8,643

Change in Employment +50 +60

Change in Employee Income +$3,141 +$3,746

Total Value Added +$3,870 +4,607

* Dollar values are in thousands of dollars. Employment is number of jobs. The numbers in Table 14 are not intended to be absolute. The analysis should be used to compare the relative differences of the alternatives. The value of each activity included in the impact analysis was estimated from the cost and benefit analysis spreadsheets. The value to the wood products manufacturing sector was estimated to be 40% of the delivered log price, reflecting the difference between end product value and log cost to the mill. This difference can be widely variable based on mill efficiency and the choice of end products, but it approximates the value given for all of Oregon in 1998 (Gebert et al. 2002). The percentage of value assigned to sawlog and veneer production is 95% and 5%, respectively, based on the 1998 data.

DIRECT, INDIRECT, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Alternative 1 is not shown in Table 14 since by definition it would not change the conditions or level of economic activity in the County. This alternative may, however, contribute to a decline in the local timber industry, since it would keep federal timber from the market, at least in the short-term. No attempt was made to quantify that impact, as it would be speculative to estimate the current and reasonably foreseeable timber supply in the local area. Both action alternatives would be economically viable with a positive B/C of 1.24 for Alternative 2 and a B/C of 1.29 for Alternative 3, thus meeting Element 4 of the purpose and need. Both action alternatives provide relatively small beneficial, direct effects to the local economy. The numbers shown for Proprietor Income indicate gains to the business owners, primarily in the veneer and plywood manufacturing sectors, since this timber supply would contribute to those businesses due to the size of the timber. In contrast, the action alternatives would have beneficial indirect effects to other local sectors, such as schools, through contributions in taxes to those sectors. Implementation of the action alternatives may contribute to a beneficial cumulative effect to the local economy, depending on implementation timelines. This project, when combined with the

61 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects overlapping implementation of the District’s Rail, Crawdog, Dinner Thin, Curran Junetta, Doris and Holland Moonsalt Timber Sales, and the reasonably foreseeable Quartz Timber Sale, may increase income and tax revenue to the Lane County and Cottage Grove area, which would help improve the economic outlook for the area. The need to provide multiple-use benefits which includes timber products was identified as an element of the purpose and need in Chapter One and is displayed in Chapter Two. Thousand board feet of timber produced was one of the measurements used to determine how each alternative meets the need. Table 13 displays the volume produced; Alternative 2 removes 10.2 million board feet and Alternative 3 removes 8.8 million board feet. By providing a supply of timber from, both action alternatives meet the need for action. No timber would be produced under Alternative 1; therefore, this alternative would not meet the purpose and need. Both action alternatives would have a positive return to Lane County treasury. Alternative 2 would generate approximately $1,121,232 and Alternative 3 would generate $1,098,638 in timber receipts for Lane County. An additional measure of the Purpose and Need is the cost-efficiency (as measured by net present value and benefit/cost ratio) of the thinning. Alternative 1, as described above, only expends money (sunk costs) and has a negative net present value and benefit/cost ratio; therefore, Alternative 1 is not a cost efficient alternative and does not meet the purpose and need. Alternatives 2 and 3 are cost efficient and thereby meet the purpose and need.

TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT A detailed description of the terrestrial environment can be found in the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (USDA 1997), its 2012 iteration (USDA 2012c), and the associated Brice Creek Landscape Analysis Plan (USDA 2003b). Site-specific field work and analysis for this project produced additional information, which is provided in the following sections.

FOREST VEGETATION Two spatial scales are used in the following discussion: (1) the landscape scale; and (2) the stand scale. The landscape scale focuses on larger scale conditions (such as forest vegetation patterns) across multiple drainages and watersheds as seen from an airplane. The stand scale refers to an area of 5 to 200 acres in size with similar vegetation conditions. Stand exam and other field data were used to characterize stand scale conditions. Existing and future conditions were quantified and modeled using the stand exam data and the Forest Vegetation Simulator Model (Donnelly and Johnson 1997). Chapter One outlines the relevant Brice Creek Watershed Analysis recommendations.

EXISTING AND DESIRED LANDSCAPE CONDITIONS The Brice Creek Watershed Analysis includes an examination of reference vegetation conditions back to around 1850 which was prior to the clear-cut harvesting and fire suppression that has shaped much of the watershed vegetation today. A comparison of these reference conditions to current vegetation conditions in the context of fire disturbance patterns has helped shape the desired future condition for the different landscape areas discussed in Chapter One. Forest stages that develop after disturbances such as wildfires, insects, or harvests are often used to characterize forest structural conditions. These stages can be equated to forest seral or successional stages of development. They are especially useful in analyzing broad landscape

62 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects scale vegetation and disturbance patterns, and are often correlated to the time it takes to develop the different stages following the initial major disturbance event. The following development stages were used in the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis and subsequent 2012 iteration 1.1: Establishment (early seral) - in this stage the stand is young and has an open canopy. New trees and shrubs are seeding in and growing as resources needed for vegetation establishment and growth are still available. This stage usually occurs between ages 0- 30 years. Thinning (early seral) - in this stage the stand has developed into a dense, closed canopy forest where new trees are prevented from establishing, and where existing live trees may die due to competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This stage equates to the stem exclusion stage referenced by Oliver and Larson (1996) and usually occurs between ages 31-80 years. Mature (mid seral) - in this stage the trees have reached their maximum height growth potential. This stage includes the “understory re-initiation stage” where the understory begins to develop in response to small openings in the canopy (Oliver and Larson 1996). This stage usually occurs between ages 81-150 years. Transitional (late seral) - in this stage the stand is typically between 151-300 years old and includes the “shifting gap stage” as defined by the Northwest Forest Plan. These areas are transitioning to old growth characteristics by the early stages of large wood accumulation and larger snag development. Old growth (late seral) - stand characteristics include large live trees, multiple canopy layers, high levels of coarse woody debris accumulation, and small gap-type disturbances (USDA/USDI 1994). These areas have been relatively free of large scale disturbance for over 300 years and have developed more diverse structure and species composition. Current Landscape Conditions The current vegetation structure in the Brice Creek watershed and its distribution across the different landscape areas are shown in Figure 10. As described in Chapter One, the watershed is divided into three primary landscape areas: the Northwest Landscape area, the Southwest Landscape area and the East Landscape Area. Table 15 lists the reference (1850) and current distribution of acres by seral stage for the three areas. The reference condition represents conditions prior to European settlement. The vegetation then was considered relatively healthy, growing well and provided adequate habitat for native species with minimal non-native species present. Today, throughout the watershed, there is a pattern of increased early and late seral stage forest relative to reference conditions. There is a corresponding decrease in the mid seral stage forest in all three areas. Various types of vegetation disturbance are what shapes forest structure and influences species development. Wildfire is the major disturbance factor in the watershed. Other common disturbances are root rot diseases (Phellinus weirii, Armillaria ostoyae), stem decay (Phellinus pini), rust (Cronartium ribicola), bark beetles (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, Dendroctonus ponderosae) and wind throw. Fire suppression has resulted in the absence of larger scale disturbance in mid seral forest and has allowed many of these areas to develop into Transitional stage forest that is not sustainable across the watershed. These areas have continued to develop into high density stands with

63 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects increased insect and disease occurrences. Many of these are located in dry, south facing, and steeper landscape positions that would typically receive more frequent and intense fire disturbance than has occurred due to fire suppression over the last century. Phellinus pini and Phellinus weirii are the most prevalent stem and root diseases infecting many of these mid seral stands. Infections result in more dead and dying trees in the stands that increase the risk of stand replacement fire and insect activity rather than partial stand disturbance. Insect activity can increase when stand density is higher and trees are under greater stress due to competition for resources. Western white pine and sugar pine are two species occurring in the watershed that typically grow under less dense forest conditions. Higher density stands in the watershed have put these species under greater stress for water and nutrients than normal. These conditions combine with a non-native rust pathogen (Cronartium ribicola) that infects the stem and branches, usually killing smaller trees, and adding stress to larger trees. The increased stress predisposes them to greater risk of mortality from mountain pine beetle attack. This pattern of infection and mortality is a significant problem for these species throughout their range and has been identified as a priority for treatment in the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis. Other mid seral stands were clear-cut harvested between the 1940s-1990s resulting in an increase in early seral forest and a reduction of mid seral conditions. These areas have also resulted in simplified stands with low species and structural diversity relative to early seral forest created from stand replacing fire disturbance.

Figure 10. Current Vegetation Structure in the Brice Creek Watershed

64 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 15. Reference and Current Forest Seral Stages in the Brice Creek Watershed.

Current Conditions Reference Conditions (1850) Seral Stage* (2003) Percent of Area Percent of Area

Northwest Landscape Area:

Early Seral (0-80 years) 11% 30%

Mid Seral (81-150 years) 82% 6%

Late Seral (151+ years) 7% 64%

East Landscape Area:

Early Seral (0-80 years) 13% 27%

Mid Seral (81-150 years) 36% 2%

Late Seral (151+ years) 51% 68%

Southwest Area:

Early Seral (0-80 years) 29% 39%

Mid Seral (81-150 years) 51% 19%

Late Seral (151+ years) 20% 40%

*Early seral represents both Establishment and Thinning stages; Mid Seral represents Mature stage; Late Seral represents both Transitional and Old Growth stages.

Two of the three defined landscape areas within the Brice Creek watershed are within the Parker Wyatt project area. The entire Northwest Landscape area and the East Landscape area north of Brice Creek are within the project boundary. Northwest Landscape Area - The reference vegetation pattern north of Brice Creek at low elevations was dominated by mid-seral (mature), even-age forest with relatively few small patches of early and late seral forest. Mid seral stands were maintained by frequent fire events. Currently mid seral vegetation exists at less than 10% of historic levels. Historic stand replacement fire occurred in areas dominated by steep slopes on south aspects in a moderate intensity fire regime. Mid to higher elevations on gentle terrain contained a mixed, complex pattern of early and late seral forest patches resulting from the moderating effect of gentle slopes and higher moisture environments on fire behavior. These are characteristics of earthflow terrain on north aspects.

65 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The current vegetation in the Northwest Landscape area is dominated by the Transitional stage of forest, as the Mature stage forest has further developed during a period of fire suppression. There is more early stage forest due to accelerated harvest from the 1940s-1980s, most of which is in the Establishment to early Thinning stages of development. The Old Growth areas that were located in low disturbance, moister environments in the reference condition have stayed relatively constant. East Landscape Area - At higher elevations, predominantly north aspects and steep slopes, the dominant vegetation structure under reference conditions was late seral forest (mostly Transitional stage). This vegetation pattern provided mid- to upper elevation refugia for late seral forest on both north and south aspects. Mature forest structure was also prevalent especially in the north and southeast portions of the area. The Thinning stage occurred in more contiguous blocks and the existence of the Establishment structure was relatively low. The current vegetation in the East Landscape Area is still predominantly in the Transitional stage of late seral. However, there has been an increase in early seral (Establishment stage) created from harvesting. This has resulted in a much more fragmented late seral forest than in reference conditions. Late seral Old Growth structure has stayed relatively constant in the south end of the Landscape area and in riparian areas more protected from large scale disturbance. Throughout the watershed, there has been a substantial increase in early seral development from reference conditions. This increase is greatest in the Northwest Landscape Area where early seral has nearly tripled since the estimates from 1850 (30% from 11% reference). In addition, the increase is largely the result of clear-cut harvest that has left stands in a more simplified state with less large snags and down wood than would have occurred from stand scale fire disturbance and less diversity of species. There is also an increase in late seral forest across all landscape areas as much of the reference mature forest has developed into the Transitional stage. The greatest increase is in the Northwest area where only about 7% of the area was in late seral (mostly the Transitional stage) in 1850 compared to over 60% today. Many of these Transitional stage areas are located where old growth refugia is not likely to develop before stand replacing fire is likely to return. High tree densities with increasing insect and disease conditions on drier more exposed landscape positions have increased the potential for those stands to burn with greater intensity when fire returns to these areas. Desired Future Landscape Condition The overall desired condition for the watershed is to bring the forested landscape in the different structural stages closer to their reference conditions both in amount and distribution in order to create the variety of forest structure that can be sustained across the watershed. Landscape Areas The desired condition for the Northwest Area would establish mid seral (Mature stage) development on mostly warm/dry environments and late seral forest (Transitional and Old Growth stages) on warm/moist environments more sheltered from disturbance including along Brice Creek and some other low elevation areas sheltered from prevailing winds and lightning. Stands will be healthy with adequate to very good growth. Much of the East Landscape area is also designated Late Successional Reserve. The desired condition for the East Landscape area would establish mid seral (Mature stage) development on warm/dry environments, and late seral (Transitional and Old Growth stages) mostly on

66 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects cool/moist environments in the upper elevations and warm/moist environments in the lower elevations in protected areas less prone to disturbance. Old growth late seral forest would be maintained in appropriate warm/moist environments in the Northwest area and in the higher elevation cool/moist environments in the East, in areas typically sheltered from stand scale disturbances. Late Successional Reserves Much of the East Landscape area is designated a Late Successional Reserve and management for late seral conditions is desired. Existing Transitional and Old Growth forest at lower and higher elevations protected from frequent large disturbance should be maintained. Although some Transitional forest occurs in areas that may not be sustainable due to the likelihood of disturbance, maintaining these areas while much of the early seral forest in more protected areas has time to develop late seral structure will help maintain habitat for late seral species. Winter Range The Umpqua Forest Plan also has designated much of the Northwest Landscape area and some of the East Landscape area as important to winter range habitat. These areas are important habitat areas for ungulates to find forage and usually maintain some cover for protection from snow while allowing understory development of forage. Many of the plantations have dense crowns that can intercept snow but branches are still relatively flexible and may not keep heavy snow loads out of these areas. In addition, the high level of light exclusion in these stands has left the understory in these areas devoid of healthy forage. The desired condition for winter range habitat includes larger diameter branches able to withstand large snow loads with enough light able to reach the understory to allow healthy shrub development beneficial for forage in the winter months. Planning Area Throughout the Parker Wyatt project area, the intent is to treat early seral forest with intermediate treatments that increase diversity and help stands develop into the mid seral stage faster with more diversity of structure and species. Existing mid seral forest should be maintained through intermediate treatments that promote forest health by improving growing conditions and enhancing structural and species diversity. These intermediate treatments should reduce the spread of pathogens and the risk of insect and diseases. Releasing Sugar pine would increase its health and vigor, promote natural regeneration of the species, and improve resiliency to insect and disease Aquatic Conservation Strategy The use of landscape areas in designing and analyzing vegetation treatments is in keeping with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of restoring disturbance regimes. It is also consistent with ACS objective #1, which calls for the restoration of the distribution, diversity, and complexity of landscape scale features (such as vegetation patterns). In order to provide a context for the current vegetation patterns, comparison to historic landscape patterns is useful. The use of reference ranges is based on the principle that when an ecosystem element moves outside its range, the element and those elements depending upon it may not be sustainable naturally. The Reference Vegetation (1850) map described in the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis and the Current Vegetation map (Figure 10) provide a comparison for existing and historic vegetation (Table 15). This comparison can then be used in conjunction with the landscape areas defined in the Watershed Analysis to determine where the different vegetation structures would most likely sustain themselves over time. The concept of “improvement” under the

67 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Aquatic Conservation Strategy relates to restoring biological and physical processes within their ranges of natural variability (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-10). The desired landscape condition would have larger patches in the different forest structure conditions compared to today’s pattern. Desired patch sizes would approximate the historic fire events that covered thousands of acres. The desired pattern of vegetation patches would be less fragmented, as was produced by the moderate (or mixed) severity fire effects. This landscape desired condition is consistent with the 1997 and 2012 WA recommendations listed in Chapter One, and with objective #1 of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, which calls for the restoration of the diversity and complexity of landscape scale features such as vegetation patterns.

EXISTING AND DESIRED STAND CONDITIONS Current Stand Conditions The plantations within the planning area are predominantly Douglas-fir with some western hemlock, incense cedar, and occasional western redcedar, western white pine, and Pacific yew. Giant chinquapin and occasional bitter cherry occur in the drier areas with bigleaf maple and red alder in riparian and other moist areas. Hardwoods comprise about 3% of the stands on average. The shrub layers are dominated by salal, rhododendron, vine maple, and dwarf Oregon-grape. These stands were created after clear-cut harvesting between 1945 and 1970. Clear-cut harvest removed virtually all trees from the stands and many were broadcast burned following the harvest to reduce the slash. Reforestation of primarily Douglas-fir seedlings at dense spacing (300-400 trees per acre) usually occurred within 1-3 years after harvest. Most of the stands were precommercially thinned between 14-20 years later to reduce competition among trees. Healthy Douglas-fir trees were usually selected for release during the precommercial thinning. Many stands were also fertilized with nitrogen to promote tree growth. The current stand conditions resulting from these activities consist of simplified structures of even-aged primarily Douglas-fir forest in the early (Thinning) seral stage of development. This stage is also referred to as the stem exclusion stage. Two additional stands (Units 9 and 11) consist of even-aged primarily Douglas-fir stands that were regenerated naturally as a result of fire. These stands are approximately 110 and 150 years old, respectively. Trees are larger in diameter than plantation stands (average overstory tree diameters 17”-22”). Species are predominantly Douglas-fir with some incense cedar, western hemlock, sugar pine, western redcedar and madrone. The understory shrub layer consists primarily of dwarf Oregon grape, Pacific rhododendron, salal, and swordfern. Similar to the plantations, the current stand conditions are even-aged primarily Douglas-fir forest that is simplified in structure. Due to their age they are classified into the mid seral (Mature) stage but understory development is minimal. Due to the current high overstory density and lack of understory, these two stands more accurately fit into the stem exclusion stage of development. Average stand elevations for all proposed thinning units range from 1,640-4,420 feet within the western hemlock zone which dominates the Westside Cascades of Northwest Oregon. Additional average stand conditions can be found in Table 16.

68 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 16. Parker Wyatt Stand Conditions Basal Total Stand Diameter Height Trees per Acre Area Elevation Trees per Condition (inches) (feet) ( ≥7” dbh) per Acre (feet) Acre (sq. feet) Average 14 93 204 656 221 3,160

Range 11-23 60-122 120-300 266-1300+ 146-400 1,640-4,420

In all stands, crowns are receding and diameter growth has slowed on codominant trees competing for resources. Suppression mortality of smaller diameter trees is beginning to occur, generally in trees eight to ten inches in diameter in the plantations at an average of six trees per acre. Scattered snags created by root rot and other pathogens, Douglas-fir and mountain pine beetle, various types of animal damage, and snow down can be found in the units. Understory tree development is relatively absent in the plantations and minimal in the natural stands due to shading of younger and/or smaller trees from the dense overstory. This shading of the understory has also left most of these stands with minimal shrub cover resulting in poor forage opportunities for winter range habitat. Natural stands are showing high levels of infection from pathogens including Phellinus pini. Some infection is also occurring in plantations. Unit 11 has significant mortality in the larger sugar pine that is most commonly a result of mountain pine beetle in combination with white pine blister rust. Infection from various pathogens usually increases in crowded stands with trees under stress due to limited resources. In general, the stands proposed for commercial thinning are fairly homogenous, even-age stands of Douglas-fir. They differ mostly with respect to elevation, aspect, soil productivity, and the condition of the understory tree and shrub layers. Units 9 and 11 are older and have larger diameter and somewhat taller trees. Previous commercial thinning in many of the stands has resulted in different spacing and stocking levels relative to the amount that was harvested (Table 16). As shown in Table 17, the stands fall into two landscape areas described in Chapter One. The landscape areas were delineated based on similar patterns using elevation, aspect and slope classes to facilitate understanding of vegetation types along moisture and temperature gradients (USDA 2012c). These physiographic properties are found to be the strongest indicators of the distribution of soils and vegetation types in Brice Creek and elsewhere in Oregon and Washington (Spies and Franklin 1991). Stands were categorized by their plant associations and related climatic regime based on field visits. Plant associations are a method of describing repeating patterns of plant communities that indicate different biophysical environments. Categorizing discrete associations provides a means to track and predict vegetation composition, structure and response to disturbance (McCain and Diaz 2002). This is useful in determining the areas on the landscape most likely to develop into, and sustain the various seral or successional forest stages described in the Existing and Desired Landscape Conditions. Groups of the most commonly occurring plant associations (Atzet et al.1996) in proposed harvest units are listed in Table 17.

69 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 17. Stand Summary for Proposed Parker Wyatt Thinning Units

Landscape Moisture/Temperature Plant Associations Units Area Regime

Western hemlock / vine maple- salal - SWO 1,2,3,4, Warm/Moist Western hemlock / salal-western 5,6,7 sword-fern – SWO Northwest

Western hemlock / Pacific rhododendron - salal – SWO Warm/Dry 8,9,10,11 Western hemlock / salal – Pacific rhododendron– SWO

Western hemlock / salal-western Warm/Moist 13,16 sword-fern – SWO

Western hemlock – Douglas-fir / East salal – SWO 12,14,15,17, Western hemlock / Pacific Warm/Dry 18,19,20,21, rhododendron - salal – SWO 22,23 Western hemlock / salal – Pacific rhododendron– SWO

A number of studies of old growth forest development in western Oregon suggest that today’s young managed stands have a much higher density, than historic early seral stands. The dominant old growth trees originally developed in stands of lower tree densities, allowing them to develop old growth structural conditions sooner than if they had developed under more crowded conditions. The fast growing young trees that eventually became the dominant trees in the old growth study stands developed at densities of about 40 to 50 trees per acre (Poage and Tappeiner 2002). The old growth study stands also developed by a gradual establishment of trees over time, probably in conjunction with intermittent disturbance. Thus, under historic conditions, evidence indicates that the regeneration of old growth in western Oregon occurred over a prolonged period, at lower tree densities, and with less self-thinning than managed stands today (Tappeiner et al. 1997).10 The climate in southwestern Oregon favors a frequent fire disturbance regime, resulting in very rare occurrences of climax vegetative conditions. Most natural forest stands have been burned several times, are multi-aged, and are commonly less than 300 years old (Atzet et al. 1996).

10 One study in western Washington (Winters et al. 2002) showed that at least some old growth stands developed under more dense early conditions. However this study was based on one site in western Washington while numerous other studies (Bailey 1996, Hershey 1995, and Spies and Franklin 1991) have suggested that lower densities were typical in early forest establishment of existing old growth stands.

70 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects In an inventory of late-successional stands on the Cottage Grove Ranger District, Zenner (2005) found that canopy gaps tended to be created by partial stand replacement fire effects in the past. In his model of forest succession, understory re-initiation in tree-size gaps of mature Douglas-fir stands was largely driven by wildfire events. Zenner’s premise is that in a moderate fire severity regime, fire was the primary disturbance agent that historically created gaps in older forests. Desired Future Stand Conditions An analysis of current and reference condition vegetation structure for each landscape area establishes the desired condition for the different areas as discussed in the previous section. Desired stand conditions would include more open canopies and larger, more fire-resilient trees. The added light would accelerate tree growth and understory development. Different thinning intensities and fuel treatments would restore the stand structure characteristic of a moderate severity fire regime. The Parker Wyatt planning area is spread across a large portion of the Brice Creek watershed including all of the Northwest Landscape area and the East landscape area north of Brice Creek. The action alternatives propose commercial thinning and gap creation in mostly early seral forest (Thinning stage). The additional thinning proposed would occur in mid seral (Mature stage) forest in two stands on 52 acres in the Northwest Landscape area. Thinning in these even-aged dense stands would help reduce stress on the residual trees and make them more resilient to insect and disease as well as stand replacement crown fire risk. These stands represent mid seral forest that needs to be sustained and increased in this area of the watershed. Thinning the early seral forest will hasten the development of those stands into the mid seral forest that is needed in both the Northwest and East Landscape areas. The existing and desired stand condition for Unit 20 is modeled in Figure 11 using FVS. In about fifty years, a second canopy layer would be well established and there would be more variability in the overstory canopy. Increased proportions of shade tolerant species will have been released in the understory promoting more species diversity in the stand (Figure 12). This sets the stage for accelerated development of late seral characteristics for Unit 20, which is located within the Late Successional Reserve. One treatment will not result in immediate old growth conditions but will expedite the natural succession toward old growth structure by promoting differentiation of the trees and light to the understory.

71 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 11. Example of Existing Stand Conditions (2011)

Figure 12. Example of Desired Stand Conditions in 50 years (2061)

72 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects PROPOSED THINNING AND GAP TREATMENTS Commercial thinning within the twenty-one managed and two natural stands is proposed to meet the purpose and need, achieve desired conditions, and fulfill several watershed analysis recommendations (summarized in Chapter One). The proposed thinning is designed to set a course for stand development that mimics fire disturbance and natural successional development. The use of landscape areas helps to tie to those disturbance processes and vegetation potentials. Emphasis is placed upon the creation of less dense, uneven, more diverse structure using canopy gaps, no-thin retention areas, and thinned areas to diversify homogenous stands. In addition, thinning in the natural stands will help retain healthy mid seral structure that exists at much lower levels than under reference conditions. These types of treatments set the stage for the development of late-successional conditions in Late Successional Reserves, begin a trend toward species and structural diversity in the Matrix and Riparian Reserve land allocations, and help provide for important ecological functions in the future as well as big game winter range and timber production in accordance with the Northwest Forest Plan direction (USDA/USDI 1994). Five treatments are proposed to achieve the following: reduce tree density; increase species and structural diversity; create openings in the canopy to diversify stand structure and allow more understory development, increase big game winter range forage habitat, and provide improved growing conditions for sugar pine (Table 18). All treatments thin from below focusing on removing smaller trees to result in either a target residual trees per acre (TPA), or to a designated basal area (BA) per acre. Some of the smaller diameter trees would be retained in some stands where these trees provide less competition to larger diameter trees, and leaving them would add to structural diversity within the stand.

Table 18. Integrated Unit Prescriptions for Alternative 2

Total Unit Treatment Prescriptions Units Acres* Acres

55-70 TPA - with gaps 5, 6, 7 159 125

55-70 TPA – no gaps 1, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 18, 20 172 141

70-90 TPA – with gaps 16, 19, 21, 22 145 131

70-90 TPA - no gaps 2, 4, 10, 14, 15, 17, 23 183 148

BA 120; Sugar Pine gaps 11 60 46

*Includes no-thin retention areas Total 719 591 within stands

Gaps are important structural components in older, natural stands (Coates et al. 1997). Gaps are prescribed in 8 of the 23 stands at an intensity of 5-15% percent of treated acres (Table 18). They are a tool used to promote diversity by providing variable density across the stands and allow greater opportunity for understory development. The smaller gaps in Unit 11 are also designed to release individual healthy sugar pine from competition. These gaps would be variable in size and be proportional to the size of the tree being released. The gaps around the sugar pines would contribute to maintaining healthy five-needle pine in the landscape and

73 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects enhancing species and structural diversity. Gap and forage opening characteristics would be implemented in the following ways:

Two sizes of canopy gaps, ¼ and ½ acres, are prescribed in the plantations for the action alternatives to mimic natural variation in gap sizes across the landscape. Within each ¼-acre gap, 1 dominant tree is retained in the center, and within each ½-acre gap, two dominant trees are retained. These trees are designed to promote the development of large diameter trees with deep crowns. Gaps would be allowed to naturally regenerate to maintain structural diversity and beneficial release to that tree. 1 Unit 11 includes variable sized gaps, averaging less than /10 acre in size, around healthy sugar pine. The estimated amount of gaps prescribed is less than one per acre of treated stand (<45 gaps, about 4 acres total). Variable size gaps surrounding released sugar pine would retain all trees greater than 32” diameter, all other sugar pine, and any trees that may injure the released sugar pine through removal. These include trees growing within the live crown or too close to the release tree or that have unacceptable lean toward the tree that may prevent safe falling of the tree away. No gaps are planned in stands where maintaining high canopy cover is an important objective for habitat purposes, or where the existing stands already have adequate openings due to variation in site conditions.

Landscape, silvicultural and other resource objectives were incorporated into the thinning treatments. See the other resource sections for specific information. Key considerations for integrated thinning treatments are listed below. Several prescriptions may occur within a given plant association and landscape area due to the existing structure of plantations that resulted from previous treatments and site conditions. Each prescription applied within the landscape area would best meet the objectives of the landscape areas for the different stands.

Tie prescriptions to landscape disturbance processes as identified in watershed analysis and specific planning area conditions. Desired stand conditions would have lower and more variable densities. In the Northwest Landscape area, low elevation, warm/moist stands closer to Brice Creek act as refuge from intense stand replacement fire and are more prone to surface fires. Small disturbances consist of localized disease infections including small root and stem rot pockets as well as wind throw pockets and snow-down. These stands are characterized by warm and somewhat moist plant associations that are less likely to incur stand replacement disturbances, and more likely to support late seral environments in the long-term. Most of these stands would be reduced to 55-70 TPA with small gaps to add structural diversity. In several stands, trees up to 10” would be retained to increase diversity and maintain a higher level of suppression mortality important for habitat. Two stands (units 2 and 4) would have a higher retention of 70-90 TPA with no gaps. These stands are on cooler, north and east aspects that retain higher moisture to support higher stand densities. In warm and dry stands on south and southwest aspects in the Northwest Landscape area, stand densities would be reduced to 55-70 TPA. These stands tend to be on less productive sites with shallow soils that support fewer trees. These stands are in areas that are more likely to have higher intensity disturbance that creates even-aged structure. Thinning will improve growth and stand resilience to disturbance and promote a faster transition from the early seral (Thinning) stage to mid seral (Mature) forest structure in these stands. Mature forest is the desired structure in these stands. Species selection will help diversify the composition of these stands as they are dominated by Douglas-fir.

74 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Two natural stands with warm/dry plant associations in the Northwest Landscape area are currently in the Mature structure stage. Lowering the density in Unit 9 to 55-70 TPA will help sustain this structure by improving growing conditions in the dense overstory. Soils are especially shallow in this stand and lowering the density will improve forest health. Unit 11 will also benefit from reducing density to maintain Mature structure and to release the healthy sugar pine trees that are growing in crowded conditions. Sugar pine typically grows in more open stands and many are larger trees have died in this unit. Small openings (up to 1/10 acre) created around healthy sugar pine would reduce competition for resources and help sustain this species. Reduction of the surrounding forest will also provide a longer-term release within this unit. Species selection will help diversify the composition in both of these stands as they are dominated by Douglas-fir. In the East Landscape area, there are two stands with warm/moist plant associations. One stand (Unit 16) is on a cooler east aspect that can sustain a higher density (70-90 TPA) while the other (Unit 13) is on a somewhat warmer east/southeast aspect. Both stands are located in areas less prone to intense disturbance. These stands may receive small, localized disturbance allowing them to develop late seral forest over time. Thinning to accelerate these conditions would also include small gaps in Unit 16 to increase structural diversity and promote the uneven structure expected in late seral conditions. Unit 13 has no gaps as it is located within an owl core area and maintaining canopy is a desired habitat feature. Most units within the East landscape area are warm/dry plant associations that would retain 70-90 TPA. Species selection will help diversify composition in these stands as they are dominated by Douglas-fir. Gaps would be created in some of the units. Successional development would be enhanced in these areas to promote Mature structure in a shorter time period than would otherwise occur. Many of these stands are within the Late Successional Reserve where the goal is to enhance late successional characteristics including species and structural diversity. A maximum 20” DBH harvest diameter is prescribed with LSR units. The largest diameter trees within stands would be retained to provide continued large tree structure through time. All hardwood and Pacific yew trees greater than eight inches in diameter would be retained. Residual tree emphasis would be placed on non- Douglas-fir species to promote species diversity in the residual stands increasing representation of more shade-tolerant western redcedar and western hemlock. Retaining these species would increase species diversity within stands and across the landscape. Reducing the density in Units 3-11 and part of 22 will promote big game winter range habitat by creating stronger crowns able to hold snow while allowing light to the forest floor for forage development. This combination of reducing winter snow loads and increased forage opportunity in the understory in winter is important for helping to achieve the management emphasis of big game winter range specified in the Umpqua LRMP. Thinning in the outer portion of the Riparian Reserves is prescribed in the plantations only. No harvest in Riparian Reserves will occur in the natural stands (Units 9 and 11).

A mixture of thinning intensities and gaps combined with no harvest buffers would diversify existing stand structure and species composition across the stands, and would provide diversity at the broader, landscape scale.

75 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects LATE SUCCESSIONAL RESERVE TREATMENTS Units 16-23 are within the Late Successional Reserve (LSR). The silvicultural treatments proposed within the LSR are consistent with the NWFP standards and guidelines within Late- Successional Reserves (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-12). This is based on utilizing the consistency review steps identified by the LSR workgroup on August 5, 2009; the exemption criteria identified in the 1996 Regional Ecosystem Office (REO) memos 694 and 801 (REIC 1996a, REIC 1996b); and the South Cascades LSR Assessment. The consistency is based upon:

An LSR Assessment was completed and reviewed by the REO in 1998. Since 1998, ecological conditions within LSR 222 have not changed to the extent they would alter the management proposed in the Assessment. The purpose of the proposed treatments is to accelerate the development of late- successional conditions. Timber volume production is only incidental. The proposed stands for commercial thinning within LSR 222 are less than 80 years old, overstocked and not structurally complex. Proposed treatments are an intermediate treatment resulting in 10% or more of the 1 stands’ acreage in unthinned patches and 3-10% in small openings (≤ /4-acre) or heavily thinned patches. Trees >20” dbh shall not be cut except for the purpose of creating openings, providing other habitat structure, elimination of a hazard, or cutting yarding corridors. Snag objectives are included by designing prescriptions that include developing large trees for potential future snag recruitment, retaining agents of mortality or damage, retention of snags, and leaving skips to allow currently competition mortality processes to naturally continue.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The immediate direct effects of the action alternatives would include reduced stand densities and canopy cover. Average stand canopy cover in the treated areas would move from an existing range of 61-81% in Alternative 1 to a range of 40-71% in Alternative 2 and 42-71% in Alternative 3. Average canopy cover for stands thinned to between 55-70 trees per acre would be 55%, except in lower elevation stands in the Northwest Landscape area closer to Brice Creek where additional understory trees will be left resulting in higher canopy cover of 63% (including gaps). Thinned overstory canopies begin to close at an average of two percent per year (Chan et al. 2006). With this in mind, the lowest residual canopy cover of 40% could reach 60% canopy cover in 10 years. Both action alternatives would enhance species and structural diversity. Thinning reduces tree density and opens the canopy. This allows additional light to the forest floor thereby promoting understory vegetation development and natural tree regeneration which can lead to multiple canopy layers and more structurally complex stands (Ares et al. 2009, Bailey and Tappeiner 1998, Bailey et al. 1998, Chan et al. 2006, Davis and Puettman 2009, Harrington et al. 2005, Muir et al. 2002). Alternative 2 would provide 591 acres of thinning while Alternative 3 would provide 539 acres.

76 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Both action alternatives would include 28 acres in gap treatments in second growth stands to further improve structural diversity. Gaps can introduce fine-scale variation in homogeneous forest canopies which can widen the range of understory light and microhabitat conditions suitable for understory diversity development (Aukema and Carey 2008). This creation of spatial heterogeneity in canopies can promote heterogeneity in understory composition and structure (Carey et al. 1999b). Alternative 2 would accomplish 46 acres of treatment in stands with sugar pine treated to improve resiliency to insect and disease. Alternative 3 would have no treatment to improve conditions for sugar pine. The No Action alternative would not improve stand diversity, structure or health. Both action alternatives would improve stand growth. Table 19 displays two stands where growth was modeled through time. The results show relatively average overstory stand diameter growth of the no thinning and the thinning treatments. Unit 5 is used as a sample of the older plantations (age 65) while Unit 10 is about 23 years younger. Both units are considered representative of the stands proposed for treatment in terms of species composition, tree size, and tree density. Thinning would remove smaller and mid-story trees to release co- dominant tree classes that dominate the stands and allow some smaller trees to remain for structural diversity. Diameter growth on the larger, dominant trees in the stand is compared for the different prescriptions. Table 19 shows that average diameter in the larger trees would increase more as a direct effect of either thinning treatment compared to the no thin treatment. Heavier thinning to the density of 55-70 TPA would increase diameter growth more than the lighter thinning to 70-90 TPA. Although both thinning levels would increase diameter growth on the larger residual trees, the heavier thinning would result in fewer large trees and promote growth on more residual smaller trees providing more diversity of stand structure.

Table 19. Predicted Diameter Growth for Units 5 and 10

Thin to 70-90 TPA Thin to 55-70 TPA Unit No Thin Trees ≥ 20” dbh Trees ≥ 20” dbh Trees ≥ 20” dbh

Unit 5 (217 trees per acre):

At age 66 in 2013 24.2” DBH 24.2” DBH 24.2” DBH

At age 84 in 2031 25.7” DBH 25.7” DBH 27.5” DBH

At age 104 in 2061 26.9” DBH 28.5” DBH 29.6” DBH

Unit 10 (182 trees per acre):

At age 42 in 2013 20.6” DBH 20.6” DBH 20.6” DBH

At age 60 in 2031 21.5” DBH 21.5” DBH 21.5” DBH

At age 80 in 2061 23.4” DBH 24.1” DBH 24.9” DBH

The stands are all similar in terms of tree size, structural and species diversity, and stocking level but vary in stand age from 40 to 150 years old. There are several studies that indicate although the growth response of older forests may not be as great as younger forests, there can

77 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects be a positive response to thinning stands even over 100-years old (Latham and Tappeiner 2002, Newton and Cole 1987, Steele 1948, Williamson 1982, Williamson and Price 1971). The No Action alternative does not improve stand growth. The long-term indirect effects of the action alternatives would include accelerated growth of residual vegetation and altered stand structure. Indirect effects are evaluated over the next 20 to 100 years. The average age of the plantation stands proposed for thinning and gap treatment is currently 49 years. During the next 30 to 50 years, stands of this age would typically transition from early seral (Thinning structure) to mid-seral (Mature structure) forest and late seral forest characteristics would be expected to begin developing in 100 to 120 years when stands are approximately 150 years old. The action alternatives would enhance development of late-successional condition within the Late Successional Reserve. At the landscape scale, the treatments would have the indirect effect of accelerating the development of mature structure, and would shift the landscape pattern of vegetation toward larger, mature and late seral patches. Unit 10 is a representative stand from the treatment area modeled over 100 years to show differences between the no thinning and thinning treatments in the development of four key attributes called a late- successional structure index. The four components of the late successional index include 1) large diameter living trees; 2) larger dead trees; 3) multiple canopy layers and; 4) larger woody material on the forest floor.11 Figure 13 indicates that reducing stand density accelerates the development of late-successional structures. Over the 100 year analysis period, both thinning options of the action alternatives obtain three of the four key attributes. There is insufficient shade tolerant species in this stand to meet the species diversity criteria in 100 years. It would be expected to eventually reach this attribute over time. Stands with warm/moist climate regimes are more likely to meet this element sooner as they usually support more western redcedar and western hemlock in the understory. The No Action alternative does not develop the multiple canopy layer attribute, and only obtains two of the four attributes.

11The definition of each, including supporting literature citations are as follows: 1) At least 8 trees per acre (TPA) over 31" in diameter (DBH) (Franklin et al. 1986); 2) at least 20 TPA of western hemlock or western redcedar greater than 7" DBH (Andrews et al. 2005); 3) at least 5 snags (>5m in height) greater than 10" DBH and at least 5 snags (>5m in height) greater than 20" DBH (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011); and 4) greater than 20 tons/acre of large wood that is > 3 in. diameter (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011).

78 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 13. Comparison of the Development of Late-Successional Attributes Over Time12

Under the action alternatives, the variation in thinning intensity and gap sizes would create variability in stand density and structure on the landscape. Alternative 1 (no action) would not accelerate the successional development needed to attain desired stand or landscape conditions, nor would improve conditions for species and structural diversity. Under Alternative 1, stands would remain densely stocked with a high level of canopy cover. There would be little change in species and structural diversity in the near-term and over the long term, the rate of individual tree growth would continue to decline. The action alternatives would also promote healthy forests that are more resistant and resilient to the effects of climate change. By thinning overstocked stands, potential mortality is reduced from drought, insects, disease and wildfire. Less inter-tree competition for nutrients, water and light would result in more vigorous residual trees. The different thinning intensities and gaps provide structural features at stand and landscape scales to meet the varying habitat requirements of plants and animals and leaves options open for the future. Both the Alternative 1 (No Action) and Alternative 3 would not thin sugar pine stands to improve forest resilience to insects and disease. Conditions for sugar pine would not be improved and large trees would continue to grow in heavy competition from densely stocked stands. The stress from crowding as well as added stress from white pine blister rust will continue to predispose these trees to mountain pine beetle mortality and other factors.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects to forest vegetation are addressed at the scale of the Brice Creek watershed. The current distribution of structural stages in the various landscape areas of the Parker Wyatt

12 The tallest bars attain three of four late successional attributes. Both thinning treatments accelerate the development of these late-successional attributes but do not reach the species diversity criteria within the 100 years.

79 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects planning area is skewed toward both late seral stage forest and early seral forest relative to the reference condition. Early seral stands have predominantly closed canopies in the stem exclusion or thinning structure stage. Approximately 30% of the Brice Creek watershed is in the early seral, closed canopy stem exclusion stage, compared to 14% in 1850 reference conditions prior to fire suppression and large scale clear-cut harvest. The late seral forest is has also increased from 37% to 63% in the watershed. These dramatic increases in early and late seral stage forest have resulted in dramatic reductions (from 48% to 7%) of mid seral forest that dominated the landscape especially in the Northwest area. Without thinning treatments, the proportion of early seral forest will continue at high levels while these stands slowly progress naturally through stand differentiation. Early seral forest is likely to increase with the abundance of overly dense mid seral and late seral forest accumulating higher levels of dead and dying wood and increasingly at risk of stand replacement fire and insect and disease. Disturbance is likely to cause many of these stands to enter the early seral stages while existing stem exclusion stands would not mature into the next stage in the same time period. This would cause early seral stage forest to exceed the natural range of variability within several decades. The action alternatives were designed, in part, to advance stem exclusion vegetation toward mature stages and to accomplish broad landscape objectives that consider natural disturbances. When combined with other past and current commercial thinning and partial harvest projects in the Brice Creek watershed, the action alternatives would have treated 40% of the early seral forest and would reduce the existing early seral stem exclusion vegetation by ten to fifteen percent in the next several decades. This would cumulatively help maintain the amount of stem exclusion within its natural range of variability. AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The action alternatives would move landscape patterns toward the natural range of variability by helping to advance an over-abundance of early seral stage (Thinning) forest toward mature vegetation. As such, the action alternatives are consistent with objective #1 of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of restoring landscape scale features such as landscape patterns. The 52 acres of thinning proposed in mid seral (Mature) forest would help sustain this structure on the landscape by improving its resilience to disturbance that may otherwise change this structure to an early seral stage. In addition, 46 acres of this thinning would help sustain sugar pine, a species that has been substantially reduced across the watershed and throughout its range. Sugar pine is an important contributor to species diversity and wildlife habitat. The action alternatives create uneven structure within stands and across the landscape using various thinning intensities, small canopy gaps, and no thin areas to diversity homogenous stands. This is in keeping with ACS objective #8 of maintaining and restoring species compositions and structural diversity of plant communities in riparian areas. The variable treatment within and across Riparian Reserves provides a balance of: Accelerating the development of large trees as well as species and structural complexity in the outer portion of Riparian Reserves. Retaining effective stream shade to provide thermal regulation. Eliminating from treatment wetland, floodplain and headwater areas that are critical to nutrient filtering. Minimizing risk to bank and channel stability by buffering the inner portion of Riparian Reserve where necessary. Continuing the development of coarse woody debris over time.

80 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

SOIL PRODUCTIVITY The maintenance of soil productivity during forest management activities is critical to maintaining a healthy forest. Consequently, soil productivity is addressed in the Umpqua Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) with several standards and guidelines. The primary focus of this analysis centers on past and predicted soil disturbances and the maintenance of ground cover.

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The most relevant standards and guidelines from the Umpqua Land Resource Management Plan (USDA 1990b) related to soil productivity include: Soil Productivity S&G #1, p IV-67: Requires that the combined total amount of unacceptable soil conditions in proposed activity areas (compaction, displacement of surface soil and severe burning) would not exceed 20 percent, including areas in roads and landings. Soil Productivity S&G #2, p IV-68, S&G #13, p IV-71: Requires maintenance of effective ground cover to prevent loss of topsoil through erosion. Soil Productivity S&G #3, p IV-68: Requires maintenance of ground cover for surface organic material (defined as litter, duff and wood) to maintain long-term soil productivity of the site. Soil Productivity S&G # 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 and other Northwest Forest Plan requirements also apply and are described in this section or are listed as best management practices, project design features, management requirements and monitoring in Chapter Two. Soil Suitability S&G #6, p. IV-44: Exceptions to harvesting only on suitable (regeneration) lands shall be documented during NEPA. Soil Productivity Standards and Guidelines and Best Management Practices were developed to limit management related impacts to soil tilth, soil carbon, surface organic matter, and large woody material to a level that provides protection of the soil hydrology, soil biology and flora and fungi, soil stability and erosion, and soil fertility.

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS Past timber harvest activities in the Parker Wyatt planning area utilized a combination of highlead, skyline, tractor and helicopter yarding methods. Highlead13 logging was used in the through the 1950s and 1960s on steeper slopes over forty percent. Unlike current cable logging (skyline logging) systems which suspends logs off the ground, there was little, if any, suspension in highlead resulting in deep furrowing of the slopes, severe soil displacement, and intercepted ground water. Generally, all non-merchantable material remained on-site, accumulating in large concentrations in swales and the lower third of steeper harvest units and in streams. Following harvest during this time period, prescribed fires to reduce this fuel concentration often resulted in relatively high intensity fall burns that left the upper slopes bare. Around 1975, skyline logging systems were primarily used to harvest the moderate to steeper slopes in the Parker and Wyatt subwatersheds, greatly reducing the soil disturbance to three percent or less of the harvest area, as well as reducing soil compaction. The effects of tractor yarding were reduced after 1985 by restricting ground skidding to designated skid trails over

13 Highlead logging was used up until the mid-1970’s. The system lacked a tall tower and typically lacked the ability to suspend any portion of the log off the ground. It has been replaced by skyline logging which typically gets one end of the log off the ground.

81 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects approximately 18% to 20% of the area harvested. During this period, skid trails were designated away from streams and saturated soils. Soil interpretations for the planning area were made using the Umpqua Soil Resource Inventory (SRI) (USDA 1976), field review, and further refined with GIS (Table 20, Figure 14). The SRI inventory provides landscape-scale soils information on broadly mapped areas (average size = 250 acres) that have distinctly unique geology, landform and soils that affect the growth and development of forest vegetation. This information was reviewed for each landform and provides useful information for sale planning. The geology of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area is associated with rock units of the Western Cascades, consisting of a complex mixture of highly fractured volcanic basalt (ridge and sideslope), weathered volcanic tuffs and breccia (dormant earthflows), and massive to fractured shallow rhyodacite (ridge and sideslopes).

Table 20. Stream and Road Densities by Landform within Proposed Treatment Areas

Percent of Stream Landslide Erosion Landform Treatment Area Density Density Risk

Dormant Earthflow / Slump Blocks 42% 6.1 0.001 Low to moderate

Ridge and Sideslopes with Massive Bedrock 45% 6.3 0.009 moderate

Ridge and Sideslopes with Fractured 13% 0.1 0.013 moderate Bedrock

Dormant Earthflow / Slump Block Complex: Forty-two percent of the proposed harvest and fuel treatments would occur on the gentle to moderately steep, moderately deep to deep dormant earthflow and slump block landforms. This landform is characterized by massive weathered bedrock that has a low groundwater storage capacity and low rate of water transmission. Drainage patterns are strongly expressed on lower slopes (6.1 stream miles per square mile) with deeply incised channels. Mass wasting hazard is rated stable to moderately unstable stable in clear-cuts and roads (0.001 unstable acres per acre of landform). Surface water erosion potential is low to moderate. Seven acres of this landform have been mapped as unstable. One thousand five hundred acres have been mapped as too rocky for planting trees and seedling survival. Precipitation contributes primarily to peak flows. Streams in this landform are moderately to deeply incised, often discontinuous, flowing over a bedrock and cobble streambed emerging from shallower soils on slopes greater than 35% and flowing subsurface in the deep flatter section with slopes under 35%. There is a low risk for rill and gully erosion, and a low to moderate turbidity hazard if surface water runoff is not effectively dispersed and becomes concentrated along roads, and skid trails. Grass competition can be high where the forest floor is opened up to light. Brush competition and wind throw hazard is considered to be moderate to high. Ridge and Side Slope with Massive bedrock: Forty-five percent of the proposed harvest and fuel treatments would occur on gentle to steep, shallow to deep ridge and upper side slope landforms. This landform represents a little over a third of the planning area. It is characterized by competent, massive tuff and shallow intrusive bedrock that has a low groundwater storage capacity and low rate of water transmission. Drainage patterns are strongly expressed (6.3 stream miles per square mile) with shallow to moderately incised channels. Mass wasting hazard is rated moderately unstable in clear-cuts and roads (0.009 unstable acres per acre of landform). Surface water erosion potential is low to moderate. Forty acres of this landform

82 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects have been mapped as unstable and unsuitable for harvest. Five hundred and seventy acres have been mapped as to rocky for planting trees and seedling survival. Precipitation contributes primarily to peak flows. There is a moderate to high risk for rill and gully erosion, and a moderate turbidity hazard if surface water runoff is not effectively dispersed and becomes concentrated along roads, and skid trails. Grass competition can be very high where the forest floor is opened up to light. Brush competition and wind throw hazard is considered to be moderate. Ridge and Sideslopes with Fractured bedrock: Thirteen percent of the proposed harvest and fuel treatments would occur on moderate to steep, shallow to deep side slope landforms. This landform represents a little under a fourth of the planning area. It is characterized by highly fractured basalt and andesitic bedrock that has a relatively high groundwater storage capacity and high rate of water transmission. Drainage patterns are weakly expressed (0.1 stream miles per square mile) with shallow to moderately incised channels. Mass wasting hazard is rated moderately unstable in clear-cuts and roads (0.013 unstable acres per acre of landform). Surface water erosion potential is moderate. Thirty-four acres of this landform have been mapped as unstable and unsuitable for harvest. Four hundred and thirty-five acres have been mapped as to rocky for planting trees and seedling survival. Precipitation contributes primarily to base flows. There is a low risk for rill and gully erosion, and a low turbidity hazard if surface water runoff is not effectively dispersed and becomes concentrated along roads, and skid trails. Grass competition can be low to moderate where the forest floor is opened up to light. Brush competition is low to moderate. Wind throw hazard is considered to be low. The desired condition for soils is to keep cumulative impacts of compaction and displacement to less than 20% of the treatment area and to maintain at least seventy to eighty-five percent effective ground cover of stable surface organic material for soil productivity and erosion control.

83 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 14. Distribution of Landforms within the Planning Area

84 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The direct and indirect effects are discussed at the scale of the original 719 acres analyzed for treatment within the Parker/Wyatt Planning Area. Alternative 2 is a result of this interdisciplinary team assessment. Alternative 2 would prescribe “no treatment” on 128 acres (18%) of the analyzed acres and some form of stand modification on the remaining 591 acres (82%). Alternative 3 would prescribe “no treatment” on 114 acres (18%) of the analyzed acres and some form of stand modification on 539 acres (19%). Alternatives 2 and 3 would provide fuel treatments to about 15% of the acres analyzed. Direct effects would occur immediately as a result of thinning, fuels treatment, and road work while indirect effects would occur in the future as a result of minor modifications to risks of potential wildfire. Under Alternative 1, legacy soil displacement and compaction would remain unchanged at around 65 acres of the analyzed acres (Figure 14). Overall legacy compaction units previously tractor logged averaged 25% to 30% compaction within the tractor logged areas. However, Alternatives 2 and 3 would not include these areas of concern (USDA 1990b, p. IV-68). The action alternatives would re-use 1.0 mile (approximately 1.0 acre) of previously compacted and abandoned temporary roads and landings. New compaction would occur from 0.1 mile (approximately 0.2 acre) of newly constructed temporary roads, and roughly 12 acres from landing and yarding disturbances.

Table 21. Unacceptable Soil Disturbance Estimates

Type of Soil Disturbance Alt 1 Alt 2 & 3

Legacy Compaction (skid trails and landings) 65 ac 65 ac

Legacy Compaction (abandoned roads) 6 ac 6 ac

New Compaction (permanent roads)14 0 ac 0 ac

Estimated New Compaction (temporary roads) 0 ac 0.2 ac

Estimated New Compaction (landings & logging 0 ac 12 ac disturbance)

Subsoiling (temporary roads) 0 ac 1.1 ac

Subsoiling (landings and skid trails) 0 ac 12 ac

Estimated Total Compaction After Subsoiling 71 ac 70 ac

The project design features for compaction using subsoiling has the direct effect of reducing disturbance, improving water infiltration, and decreasing the risk of erosion. Alternatives 2 and 3 would subsoil all temporary roads, landings, and skid trails within 200 feet of landings used by

14 New Compaction would be limited because legacy skid trails and landing would be used.

85 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects the purchaser as a normal operating procedure. This would treat roughly 13.1 acres of soil disturbance and have the potentially to move compacted soils towards a more acceptable condition with increased infiltration and permeability. Soil compaction would remain as a long- term effect (>50 years) if not treated. De-compacting damaged soil through subsoiling temporary roads, landings, and skid trails would increase the soils permeability, and help to disperse surface water runoff to decrease erosion delivery potential. Following harvest and subsoiling, all units in the action alternatives would meet soil standards and guidelines for acceptable levels of soil disturbance for both compaction and effective ground cover, thus complying with soils S&G #1 and erosion risk S&G #2 (USDA 1990b, p. 67-68). However, full recovery of soil productivity on these sites is a biological process that takes time (10+ years). Fuel treatments would occur under “spring like conditions” over approximately 15% of the original 719 acres that were analyzed for this project. Under these conditions grapple piles would potentially expose approximately 3% of the treated area, resulting in severely burned soil conditions over less than 2% of the area treated. Hand piles would result in even less disturbance. All stands would be logged with tops attached; this will prevent the majority of harvest-derived fuels from remaining in the units. Some units would be strategically treated by light hand pile and burning or by grapple piling and burning, further reducing surface fuels. Together, harvest and fuel treatments would maintain more than 80% to 90% or more effective ground cover. Effective ground cover is defined as all herbaceous or stable dead woody materials, synthetic materials and rock fragments >0.75” diameter that cover the surface of the ground and prevent soil surface erosion (USDA 1990b, p. IV-68). Minimum ground cover recommendations have been prescribed to address both the risk of soil erosion (S&Gs #2 and #3, USDA 1990b, p. IV-68) and the need to maintain soil organic matter for long-term site productivity. Carbon (standing and down woody material, litter, soil organic matter) is a critical element to site productivity and soil development. Most plant available nutrients are retained by the organic fraction in the upper ten inches of forest soils. Fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi activity occurs at the litter-soil interface and in the surface two inches of soil. Fine root development plays an important role in soil carbon sequestration (Lal 2005) and long-term soil fertility. Forest soils that are low in organic matter are also less productive. Increased carbon storage in forest soils can be achieved through forest management including site preparation, and fire management. The combined effects of harvest, landings, and fuels treatment would potentially expose soil over about 12% of tractor harvest unit acres and two to three percent of skyline units. Helicopter harvested area would receive little if any surface disturbance. The amount of potential disturbance anticipated to occur under the Parker/Wyatt alternatives would be considered acceptable for maintaining long-term soil productivity (USDA 1990b, p. IV-68). The action alternatives are expected to result in little to no effect on soil carbon. Therefore, disruption of natural processes would not be expected to occur under any of the action alternatives. The risk of wildfire would be a potential indirect effect of maintaining fine fuels and litter. Under Alternative 1, a future wildfire would potentially reduce the effective ground cover by 40% to 72%. This would increase the possibility for erosion and would potentially reduce long-term site productivity on less resilient sites such as portions of the steep side slopes with shallow soils. Under Alternatives 2 and 3, the potential risks from wildfire would remain the same over 92% of the acres analyzed in the Parker Wyatt planning area. Under the worst case scenario, all predicted soil disturbances created under Alternatives 2 and 3 would meet all long-term soil productivity standards and guidelines. There would be no

86 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects adverse direct, indirect, or cumulative effects associated with connected actions outside an acceptable range.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The Parker Wyatt planning area is in a moderate severity fire regime dominated by soils that are relatively resilient to disturbance. Both action alternatives are within the parameters of acceptable disturbance and therefore would not add to any past soil impacts that result in any adverse cumulative effects to soil. Considering recent and foreseeable activities in the Parker and Wyatt Creek subwatersheds, there would be a minor cumulative net beneficial effect to long-term soil productivity. Other sales that have been implemented in the subwatershed in the past ten years have addressed existing levels of legacy compaction, including decommissioning and subsoiling. In addition, fuel treatments have resulted in low impact, low intensity, and short duration burns that result in acceptable levels of soil disturbance15 while reducing the future potential wildfire risk. The action alternatives, along with other present, recent past and reasonably foreseeable timber sale thinning and fuels management activities within the Parker and Wyatt Creek subwatersheds may potentially reduce the risk of severe wildfire effects to soils and result in a beneficial cumulative effect. Conversely, because Alternative 1 has the potential to result in severe soil effects from a wildfire, it may continue to add to adverse soil impacts in the Parker and Wyatt subwatersheds, but because there is no action taken, no cumulative effects can occur.

FUELS

EXISTING CONDITION Fire is the dominant physical process affecting the landscape and resources in the Brice Creek watershed. The moderate fire regime that characterizes the watershed is complex due to the steep topography, range of elevations and mix of aspects and plant series. Prior to European- American settlement, large areas of the landscape burned with a variety of intensities and at infrequent intervals. Fire intensities tended to be low and/or moderate, though stand replacement episodes were not uncommon. This range of fire frequency and intensity resulted in mosaic patterns of vegetation such as found in south Brice Creek, or created large areas of even-aged stands such as along the Dinner Ridge area north of Brice Creek. In 140 to 200 year intervals high intensity, stand replacement fires covered large areas of the watershed (USDA 1997). Fire suppression policies in effect since the 1900s and timber harvesting since the 1940s have changed the distribution of fuels across the landscape. Slash burning was a standard post- harvest practice on both private and public timberlands in the Brice Creek watershed. Prescribed fire has been used in Brice Creek extensively with the objective of reducing risk of resource losses from catastrophic fire events. The Brice Creek Landscape Analysis (USDA 2003b) was developed to provide a framework for managing vegetation in the Brice Creek Watershed. The plan integrates results from the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis (WA) and a more in-depth historic fire disturbance analysis into a spatially and temporally specific management plan for the Brice Creek Watershed. The plan

15 Fuel monitoring fuels summaries from 1998, on file at the Umpqua National Forest.

87 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects specifically addresses prescribed fire priorities. This landscape plan supplements the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis.

Fire Regimes Fire regimes refer to a general classification of the role fire would play across a landscape naturally, meaning in the absence of modern human intervention such as aggressive fire suppression efforts. The fire regimes are classified based on fire return interval and fire severity. The Brice Creek watershed is best described as having a moderate severity fire regime. Fires occur infrequently (every 25-100 years). Many fires are partial stand replacement, though there are areas of high and low severities (i.e. stand replacement and understory fires) as well.

Table 22. Natural Fire Regimes

Fire Regime Fire Return Interval Fire Severity Percent of

(in years) Planning Area

I <35 Low 10 II <35 High 1 III <50 Mixed 33

IV 35-100+ High <1

V 200+ High 56

Fire Regime I. 0-35 years, High Frequency/Low Severity Surface fires are the norm with large, high severity fires rarely occurring (i.e. every 200 years). Approximately 10% of Forest Service land in the project area is within this fire regime. Fire Regime II. 0-35 years, High Frequency/High Severity Typical fire return intervals are 10-25 years. High fire severity occurs due to the presence of brushy vegetation. Approximately 1% of Forest Service land in the project area is within this fire regime. Fire Regime III. < 50 years, Moderate Frequency/Mixed Severity Fire severity is mixed with large, high severity fires occurring rarely (i.e. every 200 years). This fire regime exhibits fire behavior that results in mosaic patterns on the landscape with burned and unburned patches. Approximately 33% of Forest Service land in the project area is within this fire regime. Fire Regime IV. 35-100+ years, High Severity Stand replacement; greater than 75% of the dominant overstory vegetation replaced. Less than 1% of Forest Service land in the project area is within this fire regime. Fire Regime V. 200+ years, Low Frequency/High Severity High severity, stand replacing fires occur. Approximately 56% of Forest Service land in the project area is within this fire regime. Table 22 displays the Brice Creek fire regimes, which were mapped since the publication of the Brice Creek WA. Most evident is Fire Regime V, an infrequent, high severity regime which encompasses much of the planning area. Second most noticeable is Fire Regime III, a mixed

88 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects severity, moderate frequency regime. Fire Regime I, of high frequency and low severity, is interspersed among Regimes III and V. Most of Fire Regimes II and IV are found at the extreme northeast edge of the planning area. Fire regime condition classes16 (FRCC) are coarse-scale measures of the degree of departure observed from the natural fire regime. This departure results in changes to one or more of the following ecological components: vegetation characteristics, fuel composition, fire frequency, fire severity and pattern, or other associated disturbance processes. Departure from the natural or historic regime is measured in three broad classes: low (FRCC 1), moderate (FRCC 2) and high (FRCC 3). Low departure is considered to be within the natural range of variability, while moderate and high departures are outside of that range. In both FRCC 2 and FRCC 3, one or more fire return intervals have typically been missed. Areas of high departure increase the risk of losing key ecosystem components due to fire effects. It must be noted that the condition class system is of such coarse scale that it is not intended to be used at a unit scale. To be used exclusively as such, much finer spatial scales would be necessary (Stephens and Ruth 2005). The FRCC analysis used here is based at the Brice Creek watershed scale. The delineation of fire regime condition classes for the Parker Wyatt portion of Brice Creek identifies all three condition classes: areas of high departure (FRCC 3), areas of moderate departure (FRCC 2), and areas of least departure (FRCC 1). The majority of the Parker Wyatt planning area is identified as FRCC 2 and 3. In the planning area, the fire regime condition classes indicate that the natural fire regimes have been moderately to highly altered from their historical ranges. The risk of losing key ecosystem components is moderate to high. Fire frequencies have departed from historical frequencies by more than one return interval, and vegetation attributes have been altered from their historical range.

16 The use of FRCC in planning is a requirement of the 2003 Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA); it allows agencies to compare landscapes based on a standardized nation-wide process.

89 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 15. Fire Regimes

90 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 16. Fire Regime Condition Classes

91 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Fire History The limited size of fires due to aggressive fire suppression efforts illustrates the interruption of the natural fire regime. Since 1972, 98% of the fires were held to 10 acres or less and 100% were limited to less than 100 acres. The largest was the O-Four Fire in 1996, at 15 acres.

Table 23. Wildfires in the Parker Wyatt Area Between 1972 and 2010 Total Number of Fires Size Class Acres

43 A < .25 7 B .26 – 10 1 C 10.1 – 99

Fire Risk Current risk from fire to the planning area can be characterized in two main fuel profiles: surface and canopy. The first and most obvious is surface fuel loading which is a result of the accumulation of dead and dying woody debris. The second is forest canopy characteristics including canopy continuity, canopy base height/ladder fuel via subcanopy structure, and canopy bulk density. Existing forest structure is composed of fairly dense, even aged continuous canopied stands with some understory development and light to moderate surface fuel loadings. Existing surface fuels throughout the planning area are continuous enough to carry ground fire in some locations. Ladder fuels exist in abundance as well, which allow ground fire to transition to the crowns. Canopy closure in these stands is likely to contribute to sustained crown fire under the right weather conditions. The Forest Vegetation Simulator-Fire Fuels Extension (FVS-FFE) was used to obtain an estimate of surface fuel loading expected following harvest. FVS-FFE simulates fuel accumulation from stand dynamics and management activities, and the removal of fuel through decay, mechanical treatments and prescribed or wildfires. Harvest year fuel loadings, as modeled by FVS-FFE, range from 39.7 to 87.5 tons per acre, with an average of 66.4 tons per acre. (These figures include fuels >9 inches in diameter, and do not account for the possibility of yarding tops to landings, which would reduce the amount of fuel left in the units post-harvest.) After a simulated fuels treatment, the FVS-FFE fuel loadings range from 17.5 to 47.6 tons per acre, with an average of 26.7 tons per acre. Douglas-fir decay rates for the predicted loading of the 0-9 inch fuels were also calculated. The 0-3 inch fuels are the primary “carriers” of fire, and the 3-9 inch fuels contribute more to the residence time of a fire.17 The results are an estimate of how the fuels may change over time (i.e. natural decay) and how long it would take them to fall within the Umpqua’s Standards should the fuels not be treated. Overall, it would take 10-20 years for untreated fuels to decay to the point that they meet the Standards. Plots taken in several stands indicate the surface (pre-harvest) fuel loading ranges from 4.0 to 59.1 tons per acre, with an average of 21.1 tons per acre. High slash depth is 1.3-1.5 feet; desired is 0.3-0.5 feet (USDA 1990c). Bulk depth (compacted fuels) is 0.9-1.0 feet; desired is 0.2-0.3 feet. These plots do not include live fuel loading or ladder fuels (limbs), both of which would contribute to surface fuels thru harvest activities. The planning area has a moderate to

17 The length of time fire burns in an area of concentrated fuels is known as residence time.

92 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects heavy brush layer composed mostly of vine maple and rhododendron, which would contribute to post-harvest fuel loads. There is a moderate amount of large (>20 in. DBH) rotting logs scattered across the planning area as well, most of which were left after initial regeneration harvesting. The Umpqua’s Hazard Reduction Standards (USDA 1990c) were developed as a tool to use when determining the level of fuels treatment needed to protect the Forest resources in any given area from the threat of wildfire. The planning area includes a portion of all three-risk zones as defined in the Standards. The high risk zone takes into account primarily the private land to the west, while the moderate risk zone takes into account the Late-Successional Reserve (LSR) to the east. The low risk zone encompasses most of the area in the middle of the planning area. Weather, topography, fuels and predicted fire behavior are also factored into the Standards. The Standards recommend the following post-treatment fuel loadings in the 0-9 inch size class fuels: 0-1/4 inch: < 1 ton per acre ¼-1 inch: 4-8 tons per acre 1-9 inch: 7-12 tons per acre

The Standards state that, for an area of low risk, approximately 35-65% of that area should be treated to reduce fuel loadings. For an area of moderate risk, approximately 65-85% of the area should be treated and for an area of high risk, approximately 85-100% of the area should be treated. The main objective is to reduce fuels in the 0-9 inch size category to 12-21 tons per acre, with a fuelbed depth of 0.3-0.5 feet. Fuel loadings in some portions of the planning area approximate Fuel Model 8. In this timber model, fires are slow burning with low flame lengths. Fire may encounter “jackpots” of heavier fuels, in which case fire behavior would intensify. Fires burning under extreme weather conditions would also exhibit increases in intensity. Pre-harvest fuel surveys in other areas approximate Fuel Model 10. This is a timber model in which fires would burn in the surface and ground fuels with greater intensity than other timber models, due to the heavier loading of dead material on the forest floor. Crowning, torching and spotting are more frequent in this fuel situation, and can lead to control difficulties.

DESIRED CONDITION Fuels management seeks to find a level of fuel loading and structure that would allow disturbance (i.e. fire) to move through a stand without completely resetting forest function and structure. It is desired to instead set stands up so that future fire effects would emulate the effects of a moderate severity fire regime. The desired forest structure includes a range of conditions that reduce the likelihood of fire to reach tree canopies, and reduces the ability of fire to spread throughout the tree crowns. Fuels management of post-harvest slash is concerned with the manipulation of fuels via utilization, or the rearrangement or removal, either mechanically or by fire. Fuels activities for hazard reduction purposes are intended to reduce the size, cost, and damage from wildfire. The overall objective is to treat fuels in the planning area to the extent necessary to reduce fuel loadings to an acceptable level of risk relative to potential fire behavior. Fuels activities may also be carried out for other resource objectives, which may include those identified for ecosystem restoration, silviculture site preparation, snag creation or forest health.

93 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The overall objective is to develop and maintain structurally diverse and fire resilient stands that reflect the complexity of historic fire patterns within the Parker Wyatt planning area. Methods to achieve this objective include thinning and harvest of small openings, and the use of fire and mechanical manipulation of surface, understory and overstory fuels. For the Parker Wyatt planning area, the desired fuels profile upon completion of post-harvest activities would be:  Decreased canopy bulk density, crown closure, and crown continuity to lessen the potential of fire carrying through the crowns.  Reduction of ladder fuels that would facilitate tree torching into the crowns and that would also raise the height to live crown.  Decreased residual 0-9 inch fuels such that fires would remain on the ground (i.e. lessen potential for trees torching).  Decrease residence time that could cause tree mortality or allow ignition and consumption of coarse down woody materials greater than nine inches. This would be accomplished by reducing fuel bed bulk depth.18  Understory vegetation that would vary in density and vertical and horizontal continuity, especially in the thermal belt area.  Improved fire condition class.

PROPOSED TREATMENT METHODS What follows is a short discussion of treatment methods proposed for specific stands. This section identifies the preferred treatment methods from an interdisciplinary perspective. All units would require yarding down to a 3” diameter top. This is considered as an adequate fuels treatment for many of the stands. In others (shown below), hand piling, grapple piling, or jackpot burning is recommended. To determine how well these methods meet the intent of the Forest’s Hazard Reduction Standards, the fuels specialist would make post-harvest and post- treatment monitoring visits. Units not included below are not planned for further fuels treatment; Unit 2 (along private land); Unit 5 (along private land); Units 2, 5, 6, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, and 23 (along roads), o Hand pile fuels 100 ft. in along Forest boundary; handpile in gaps; handpile along roads as indicated on sale area maps to a depth of 100 feet off road prism. Unit 9 o Jackpot burn where indicated on sale area maps. Units 10, 13, and 8 o Grapple pile ground based harvest area to one inch on the large end, as indicated on sale area maps. Umpqua Fuel Hazard Reduction Standards would be addressed by proposing the above treatments in all three risk zones. All three zones would have harvest units where yarding is required down to a 3” inch top. Actual fuels treatments would also be considered over 97% of the unit acreage in the high risk zone along the private land. In the moderate risk zone, 14% would be treated, and in the low risk area approximately 32% of the unit acreage would be treated. Areas targeted for treatment are primarily along main roads.

18 The depth of untreated, compacted fuels is known as fuel bed bulk depth.

94 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects EFFECTS ANALYSIS The environmental effects discussed below display how fuel loadings, fire behavior characteristics and fire effects would differ among the three Parker Wyatt alternatives over the first 10 to 20 or more years after harvest.

DIRECT EFFECTS For fire and fuels, direct effects are those that would occur in the short term. Action alternatives affect the stand structure and forest structure across the landscape. Any reduction of surface fuels will slow the spread of ground fire and allow firefighters to suppress any fire starts quickly. Changes to canopy at the stand and landscape scale can affect the potential of ground fire to reach tree crowns and spread through the canopies as crown fire, that result in higher intensity fire that put resources at risk. Element #1 of the purpose and need measures acres of stands treated to enhance growth, species and structural diversity as well as acres of stands with sugar pine treated to improve resiliency to insect and disease. This would directly reduce the risk of crown fire by separating and opening up the canopy of treated stands and decreasing standing dead which would increase fire intensity in the event a fire were to enter the stand.

Alternative 1 Without commercial thinning and fuels treatments (i.e. no action), a fire occurring under typical summertime weather conditions would likely result in a mosaic pattern of understory, partial- stand replacing and stand replacement fires. However, crowded continuous canopy stand conditions would increase the risk of crown fire across the planning area. Surface fuel loadings would remain high and continue to grow at a slow, steady rate. Varying size classes would be added to the forest floor from needle cast, falling branches, wind throw and dead or diseased trees. Natural decay would continue at its present rate unless an event such as a wind storm or bark beetle infestation occurs; a considerable increase in fuels from such an event could delay the point at which the total fuel loading can be considered less of a hazard. Bark beetle mortality as well as pockets of root rot are present in several stands, which has already increased the dead standing and down fuel loading. Until tree growth is such that lower limbs are shed, trees in the planning area would continue to provide ladder fuels for fires to torch into crowns and potentially create crown fire conditions. Fire starts may also spread to or from the adjacent private land with relative ease. A wildfire in an untreated area could be somewhat difficult to contain and control. Although the fuel loadings within the Riparian Reserves are similar to stands upslope, normal fuel moistures in the Riparian Reserves are typically higher than those on the upper slopes, limiting fire spread.

Alternatives 2 and 3 Harvest treatments typically generate higher surface fuels from slash accumulation. These increased surface fuel loads elevate fire risk in the short-term. Action alternatives would treat surface fuels within many of the treatment units, focusing on primary travel routes. Treatment of surface fuels also reduces the intensity and residence time of ground fires; thus reducing the potential to kill residual trees and spread to crowns.

Both action alternatives would require harvest operations to yard trees to a 3 inch diameter minimum top on all harvest acres to remove much of the ≥3 inch material from the forest floor. This material could be removed and utilized by purchasers when viable markets exist. Otherwise it may be left on the landing for firewood gathering or burned at the landing. Some of

95 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects this material is expected to remain within treated areas as tops break during yarding operations. Surface fuel treatments (Table 25) would occur on approximately 18% of the harvest acres and be nearly identical between action alternatives, with a reduction of 6 acres of jackpot burning in Alternative 3. When these stands are thinned, the additional contribution to the fuels on the forest floor converts these stands to a slash model 11 or 12. In model 11 fuels, fires are fairly active in the slash and herbaceous material intermixed with the slash. In model 12 fuels, fires spread rapidly, with high intensities that are capable of spotting. Fires starting in these fuel types are generally sustained until some kind of change in fuels is encountered. Treatments under the action alternatives also maintain manageable fire behavior in surface fuels. Treatments are designed to reduce harvest generated fuels in the highest priority areas, such as within the thermal belt, along private property boundaries, and within gaps and forage units. In those units not receiving surface fuel treatment, it can be expected that surface fire danger would be elevated as a result of the additional fuel loading for up to 25 years until decay would reduce the hazard. Approximately 18% of the unit acres would not be thinned or treated for fuels. Loading and accumulation of fuels in these areas would be similar to the no action alternative. Many of these no harvest areas are comprised of riparian buffers and moist unique habitats that provide refugia from fire due to higher fuel moisture levels thus posing less potential for high intensity fire under all but the most severe drought conditions. Additional fuels from harvest activities would be added to the forest floor. This increased fuel loading, in areas not treated for surface fuels, would raise the potential risk of fire moving through these stands. Harvest of material down to a three inch minimum would be required in both action alternatives, reducing the >3 inch fuels expected. After harvest, untreated fuel loadings would continue to build at a slow, steady rate in a variety of size classes from needle cast, falling branches, wind throw and dead, damaged, or diseased trees. However, the rate of tree mortality would be reduced in the action alternatives due to the reduced level of tree competition. Trees would respond favorably to available resources reducing their susceptibility to dying from disturbance agents such as insects and wind throw.

Table 24 displays estimates of fuels burned by size and type through fuels treatment. These results display the general effects of broadcast burning that assumes complete consumption of small material. This model does not allow for site specific variables or variations in burning techniques; actual treatment methods and resulting consumption would be less than that displayed in the “percent reduced” column.

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Table 24. Fuel Consumption Estimates from Prescribed Burning

Postburn Consumption Fuel Component Pre-Burn Load Load Percent Loading Name Tons/Acre Tons/Acre Reduction Tons/Acre

Litter 2.5 2.5 0 100%

Wood 6.5 6.5 0 100% (0-1 inch)

Wood 5.3 4.66 0.64 88% (1-3 inch)

Wood (3+ inch) 16.2 3.32 12.88 21%

Duff 19 0 19 0

Herbaceous 1 1 0 100%

Shrubs 1 .6 .4 60%

Total Fuels 51.5 18.58 32.92 37%

Although harvest activities may reduce the potentials for fires to transition into crowns as well as crown to crown transfer, accumulations of fuels on the forest floor, would be such that in the case of a wildfire, tree mortality may instead be caused by heat stresses due to a fire’s prolonged residence time on the ground. Increased fuel loads can make wildfires more difficult to contain and control, and add to fire behavior characteristics that could preclude direct attack by hand. Post-harvest slash treatments would occur in both action alternatives to create fuel breaks across the planning area. Alternative 2 would treat 108 acres while Alternative 3 would treat 102 acres (Table 25) helping to reduce surface fuels strategically across the landscape. Fuel treatments are prescribed to lessen the risk of fire to and from private property, to reduce risk in areas more susceptible to fires (thermal belt), and are spatially distributed to reduce overall risk of spread (Table 25). Should a wildfire occur in portions of commercially thinned stands not receiving fuels treatment, it can be expected that effects to soil, duff or litter layers would occur to a greater extent than it would on unharvested stands. Overall, fire effects would be the most severe in harvested and untreated (for fuels) stands for a period of time up to 20 years or more as the slash decays naturally over time. Thus, there is a greater risk of negative fire effects to botanical sites and wildlife habitat over the short term where no fuels treatment is conducted as compared to either fuels treated areas or those receiving no harvest or fuels treatment.

Table 25. Summary of Fuels Treatment Acres and Effects

Treatment Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Effects of the Action Alternatives type Acres Acres Acres

Jackpot Burn 0 6.3 0 Beneficial - reduced 0-3” surface fuels both for the short-term (up to 5 years) and the long-term (Underburn) (greater than 5 years); increased stand

97 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Treatment Alt. 1 Alt. 2 Alt. 3 Effects of the Action Alternatives type Acres Acres Acres resiliency to potential wildfire effects.

Thinning & 0 482 437 Beneficial - Reduction of standing fuels; No Fuel separation of crown layers; short and long-term Treatment effect of reducing crown fire potential; long- term benefit of increased fire resiliency against crown fire. Adverse - increase in the 0-3” surface fuels with a short-term increased risk for loss due to potential wildfire.

Machine Pile 0 32.7 32.7 Beneficial - reduced 0-3” surface fuels both for & Burn the short-term (up to 5 years) and the long-term (greater than 5 years) and increased stand resiliency to potential wildfire effects.

Hand Pile & 0 69.3 69.3 Beneficial - reduced 0-3” surface fuels both for Burn the short-term (up to 5 years) and the long-term (greater than 5 years) and increased stand resiliency to potential wildfire effects.

INDIRECT EFFECTS Indirect effects are those that would occur at the landscape scale and later in time. In modeling future fire behavior, 50-100 years was used, based on the findings of the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis fire history study that best represents historic fire return intervals for the planning area.

Alternative 1 The risk of a fire starting in the planning area and spreading into private land would still be moderate-to-moderately high for the short as well as long term. The dense stands would continue to have tree mortality from competition as well as insects and diseases, resulting in increased fuel loadings that could extend fire risk another five to ten years. Under Alternative 1, this area would remain at a moderate to high risk for losses to key ecosystem processes from wildfire, according to FRCC modeling.

Alternatives 2 and 3 Thinning and fuels treatment in Parker Wyatt stands would help reduce the current moderate to severe risk of landscape-scale fire and improve the fire resiliency of the stand over the long- term. Natural decay would continue, but fuels generated from harvest activities that are left onsite would contribute an increase in fuels density that could delay the point at which the total fuel loading can be considered less of a fire hazard. The risk of a fire starting in the thermal belt and spreading through the planning area into private land or the unroaded area would still be moderately high for the next 20-30 years in areas not receiving fuels treatment and where yarding down to 3 inch diameter material results in breakage that leaves much of that material in units. After this time, natural decay would reduce the fuels near the levels of stands that receive

98 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects fuels treatment. In treated stands, the fire risk is greatly lowered immediately (see direct effects) and would continue for the foreseeable future. Thinning would reduce the number of trees in the stand, thereby decreasing the danger from diseased and dying trees susceptible to bark beetles during this time period. Thus, the potential for increased fire effects is decreased. According to FRCC values, the action alternatives continue to steer these stands toward a lower level of departure, with reduced risk of loss of key ecosystem processes from wildfire.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The analysis area for fuels is the 36,328 acre Brice Creek watershed and is of sufficient size to characterize landscape-level fire behavior and events. Between the 1920’s and present, there have been about 10,187 acres of the subwatershed (about 28%) that have been burned after harvest operations (Table 9). The effect of the past burning treatments was to reduce the total surface fuel loads on those sites. Between 1960 and present, there have been about 4,678 acres of precommercial thinning within Brice Creek subwatershed (Table 9). Precommercial thinning reallocated growing space to fewer individual trees, increased the horizontal distance between tree crowns, and increased the vertical distance between tree crowns and the existing ground fuels. These past practices have reduced fuel loadings over much of the drainage (when compared to natural unmanaged stands), reducing the risk of stand loss to potential wildfires, and changing the baseline surface fuel conditions of the managed stands, especially in those stands that were underburned post- harvest. Alternative 1 would not contribute to this beneficial cumulative effect of reducing fuels across the landscape, as no treatment would occur. As the forest ages and current suppression policies remain in place, fuels would continue to build over the landscape. Fires that escape control have the potential to become partial or stand replacement events; this would be especially true if a long period of time lapses before an event occurs. Effects detrimental to short or long-term forest health from such fires include loss of portions of the duff/litter layer and other nutrient sources, moderately to severely burned soils, some level of loss of winter range habitat, and degraded water quality where Riparian Reserves are affected. As the potential for an uncontrollable fire builds, especially within the thermal belt, the potential threat to the unroaded recreation and ecosystem study areas to the north also grows, and fire effects become more severe. If implemented, the action alternatives would overlap in time and space with the sold and ongoing Gumbo timber sale and portions of the Thomas timber sale. This project would result in one timber sales similar in size to these projects, and is scheduled to occur within the next three to five years. Together, these projects would have the beneficial cumulative effect of reducing surface and standing fuels, reducing fire risk, increasing stand resiliency to fire, and moderating future fire behavior potential on about 1,000 acres (about 3%) of the Brice Creek subwatershed. When taken together with the 250+ acres of treatment that have occurred with the recent Pinch, and Shrimp commercial thins, the current Gumbo commercial thinning sales, the FRCC would begin to improve at the watershed scale. From the fuels standpoint, Alternatives 2 and 3 harvest prescriptions best meet the need of reducing potential negative effects of future fires through silvicultural and fuels management prescriptions. Alternative 1 is least desirable because it does not allow for manipulation of fuels within the sale area and does not address fuels concerns across the landscape.

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COARSE WOODY DEBRIS

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The standards and guidelines in the Northwest Forest Plan were designed, in part, to maintain ecological components such as down logs, snags, and large trees (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-2) through time. The goal for management of forest stands in the matrix land allocation is for timber and other commodity production, while maintaining these ecological components at appropriate levels (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-6) well distributed throughout the landscape (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-40). Provisions for retention of snags and logs should normally be made, at least until the new stand begins to contribute coarse woody debris (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-8). When the Northwest Forest Plan was implemented in 1994, the standards and guidelines for snags and logs were meant to provide initial guidance (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-41). Future refinement of standards and guidelines was expected as new information became available (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C- 42 and p. E-12). More current information (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011, Rose et al. 2001) indicates that the biological population potential models (dating back to the 1970s and 80s) that most standards and guidelines were based on, may now be out of date. To supplement the Forest Plan standards and guidelines with more site-specific data, Pat Hochhalter (SW Area Ecologist on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest) and Jody Thomas (DRM GIS analyst) completed a mapping exercise for the Umpqua separating out the Forest into DecAID wildlife habitat types and structural conditions by 5th and 6th field watershed, and joined that data with 2010 Gradient Nearest Neighbor (GNN) habitat data for snags and downed wood. The GNN method uses multivariate direct gradient analysis to link field plot data, satellite imagery, and maps of environmental variables in a raster GIS database. Individual pixels are associated with forest inventory plots that have the most similar spectral and environmental characteristics. A suite of detailed plot variables is then imputed to each pixel, allowing simultaneous and consistent predicting of a wide range of vegetation attributes. The Northwest Forest Plan requires site-specific analysis and the application of models for computing down wood information (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-40) and snag recruitment (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-46) to take into account tree species, diameters, and falling and decay rates, to determine appropriate tree and snag species mixes and densities to achieve the objectives stated above. The Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator model (FVS v6.21, revision 09/15/10) was used to analyze existing and future levels of snags and down wood. This model recently incorporated the latest information on snag fall rates, decay rates, and height loss rates for the western Cascades. DecAID version 2.20 (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011) was used to determine what levels would be ecologically appropriate for the specific habitat and structure types in the proposed harvest units. DecAID is an internet-based synthesis and summary of the published scientific literature, research data, wildlife databases, forest inventory databases, and expert judgment and experience concerning snags and down wood. It provides information on estimating or evaluating sizes and densities or amounts of dead wood that provide habitat for many species and ecological processes (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). The results are used to refine management of coarse woody debris (CWD) in this area in accordance with the standards and guidelines in the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-41). A comparison of this data to unharvested reference plots from DecAID provides the bases for setting objectives for snags and down wood for the watershed and considering what maybe an appropriate CWD tolerance levels during project implementation.

100 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects DecAID version 2.20 Advice on Decayed Wood in the Westside Lowland Conifer-Hardwood Forest OR W Cascades, Small/medium and Large trees Vegetation Condition provides analysis of wildlife data on snag habitat under natural conditions based on the most recent research available (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). Tolerance levels given in DecAID (Table 26) are based on the best available wildlife data to maintain density of the snags for this specific vegetation condition. The ranges of wildlife data (cavity nesting birds through pileated woodpeckers, though the pileated woodpecker data, which represents the upper end of the 20” dbh snags came from studies on the Olympic Peninsula and coast ranges, not the West Cascades) were chosen to provide for the greatest number of species based on DecAID narrative, Synthesis and Management Implications section, and tables WLCH_S and L.sp-5, WLCH_S and L.sp.7: Tolerance levels indicate a level of assurance for providing habitat that meets the needs of the species. The higher the tolerance level is for the species, the more individuals in the population that are being provided habitat.

Table 26. Tolerance Levels for Snags > 10" dbh/Acre and Snags > 20" dbh/Acre

Percent Tolerance Levels Snags > 10 dbh/Acre Snags > 20 dbh/Acre

80 36.4 14 - 19 50 18.6 8.1 - 12 30 5.3 4.8 – 7.6

The following tolerance levels given in the DecAID narrative for both small/medium and large structure classes when the objectives are to manage for wildlife, ecosystem functions and natural conditions when based on the best available data to maintain down wood (≥4” dbh) specific to these vegetation conditions.

Table 27. Tolerance Levels for average cover at stand level for down wood > 4" diameter at small end

Small/Medium Structure Large Structure Class Percent Tolerance Levels Class (Percent Cover) (Percent Cover) 80 12.5 17 50 9 10 30 6.5 4.5

WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS The 2012 Brice Creek Watershed iteration (USDA 2012) utilized more site-specific data amending the snag and down wood recommendation found in the 1997 Brice Creek WA, (USDA 1997, p.179). Pat Hochhalter (SW Area Ecologist on the Rogue-River Siskiyou) and

101 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Jody Thomas (GIS analyst) completed a mapping exercise for the Umpqua separating out the Forest into DecAID wildlife habitat types and structural conditions by 5th and 6th field watershed, and joined that data with 2010 GNN habitat data for snags and downed wood. The data was used for comparing current landscape distributions of snags and coarse wood with DecAID summaries of unharvested plot data to compare current condition to "natural" or "unmanaged" habitat conditions of the same habitat types and structural conditions in the Brice Creek watershed. The results are used to refine management of coarse woody debris (CWD) in this area in accordance with the standards and guidelines in the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA/USDI 1994, p. C-41). Providing the bases to set objective for snags and down wood based on unharvested reference plots from DecAid for the watershed and provides bases for considering what maybe an appropriate CWD tolerance levels during project implementation.

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS The abundance of snags and logs varies substantially across forested landscapes in the Pacific Northwest (Ohmann and Waddell 2002). While the majority of the landscape usually supports moderate levels of snags and logs (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011), a fairly large portion (about one-third of the landscape in the Western Cascades of Oregon) can have little to no dead wood, while a smaller portion would have a great deal (Ohmann and Waddell 2002, White et al. 2002). The Brice Creek snag inventory data (USDA 2012a) was used for comparing current landscape distributions of snags and down wood with DecAID summaries of unharvested plot data to compare current condition to "natural" or "unmanaged" habitat conditions of the same habitat types and structural conditions in the Brice Creek watershed.

Figure 17. Landscape Distribution of >10 inch Diameter Snags A comparison of ≥10 inch dbh snag level results of the Brice Creek inventory and weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID, (Mellen- McLean et al. 2011) are shown Figure 17. The data indicates 49% of the local landscape is devoid of snags or have a snag density of 0 to 15 per hectare and about 37% of the landscape has moderate snag densities >15 to 60 snags per hectare. Fourteen percent of the area within the Brice Creek watershed support high density of snags, > 60 to > 150 snags per hectare. There is currently an excess of forested land in this area without snags or at a low density: 49% in the Brice Creek inventory (USDA 2012a) versus 38% of the landscape without snags or at a

102 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects low density across the landscape based on weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). Additionally there is a deficiency in areas with moderate to high snag densities: 37% of the landscape documented with moderate snag levels in the Brice Creek inventory versus 48% (Mellen- McLean et al. 2011) and 14% Brice Creek inventory and DecAID with high snag densities. A comparison of ≥20 inch dbh snag level results of the Brice Creek inventory and weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID, (Mellen- McLean et al. 2011) are shown Figure 18. The data shows 50% of the local landscape is devoid of snags or have a snag density of 0 to 5 per hectare and about 41% of the landscape has moderate snag densities > 5 to > 25 snags per hectare. 9% of the areas within the Brice Creek watershed support high density of snags, > 25 to > 65 snags per hectare. There is currently an excess of forested land in this area without snags or at a low density, 50% in the Brice Creek inventory versus 41% of the landscape without snags or at a low density across the landscape based on weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID, (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). Additionally there is a deficiency in areas with moderate to high snag densities, 41% documented at moderate levels in the Brice Creek inventory versus 44% and 9% (Brice Creek inventory) versus 15% high snag densities across the landscape based on weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots, in DecAID (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011).

Figure 18. Landscape Distribution of >20 inch Diameter Snags Management prescriptions should allow for these extremes because they are ecologically important (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011, White et al. 2002). Common natural disturbances that produce areas with high levels of dead wood include wildfire, insects and disease, and wind (blow down) events. These events are expected to be the source of patches of high snag densities in the future. A comparison of wildlife tolerance levels based on snag data results of the Brice Creek inventory and snags in natural conditions weighted by structural condition with the watershed based on vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011) are shown (Figure 19).

103 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The data shows that 43% of the local landscape does not support densities of ≥10 inch dbh snags to provide for assurance of species at the 30% tolerance level or greater. Approximately 35% of the watershed would provide species assurance at the 30% tolerance level and about 16% of the landscape at the 50% tolerance level, 6% at the 80% tolerance level of the areas within the Brice Creek watershed. There is currently an excess of forested land with the watershed that have low ≥10 inch dbh snag levels compared the natural range of snag densities that would support species at the 30%, tolerance levels described in DecAID. Brice Creek watershed has an area of 43% versus 16% of the landscape that support species at less than 30% tolerance level and a deficiency in area that would support species at the 30% tolerance level, Brice Creek inventory versus 35% and 61% across the watershed (Figure 18). The 50% and 80% tolerances level from the Brice Creek inventory coincides with the weighted structural condition class vegetation inventory data from unharvested plots in DecAID (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). The data shows that there is a large discrepancy between the Brice Creek inventory and DecAID natural condition inventory data for habitat consisting of ≥20 inch dbh snags to provide for assurance of species within the watershed. Approximately 80% of the local landscape does not support densities of ≥20 inch dbh snags to provide for assurance of species at the 30% tolerance level or greater. Approximately 14% of the watershed would provide species assurance at the 30% tolerance level and about 4% of the landscape at the 50% tolerance level, 2% at the 80% tolerance level of the areas within the Brice Creek watershed. There is currently an excess of forested land with the watershed that have low ≥20 inch dbh snag levels compared the natural range of snag densities that would support species at the 30%, 50% and 80% tolerance levels described in DecAID (Figure 19 Brice Creek inventory has an area of 80% versus 7% of the landscape that support species at less than 30% tolerance (Figure 19). Additionally, the watershed has a deficiency in areas with ≥20 inch dbh snags to support species at the 30% 50% and 80% tolerance level, Brice Creek inventory 14% versus DecAID’ s 32%, 4% versus DecAID’ s 47%, and 2% versus DecAID’ s 30% concurrently across the landscape (Figure 19). Conclusion of this analysis reveals there is a need for more area within the watershed to provide snag habitat at both the ≥10 inch dbh and ≥20 inch dbh snag size class. Within the ≥10 inch dbh snag group, an objective would be that larger portion of the watershed would achieve snag densities to meet 30% tolerance level. Within the ≥20 inch dbh snag group, an objective would be that larger portion of the watershed would achieve snag densities to meet all tolerance levels.

Within the stands proposed for treatment, stand exam data show current average snag densities 15.4 snags per acre for snags ≥10 inch dbh and .35 snags per acre for larger snags (≥20 inch dbh). Down wood levels are between 9.2 to 17.3 percent ground cover, with an average ground cover of 8.6%. In summary, when compared to the data in DecAID, current snag levels for snags ≥ 20 inch dbh are low, but snags ≥ 10 inch dbh and down wood (percent cover) is within the appropriate range.

104 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 19. Comparison Tolerance Levels Based on Area-Weighted Landscape Distribution of Brice Creek Inventory Data and Weighted Unharvested Inventory Plot Data in DecAID The main deviations in snag densities across the landscape are result of clear-cut timber harvesting and fire exclusion. Approximately 26% of the Forest Service administered lands within Brice Creek watershed has been clear-cut harvested; when including the private lands, 36.5% of the watershed has been clear-cut harvested (USDA 1997, p. 71). Generally these areas retained little or no snags. Approximately 62% of the watershed remains in a natural condition (USDA 1997). Assuming all reserved land allocations and unsuitable harvest acres are maintained or allowed succession development of snags and late-successional habitat, this eventually restores 60% of the watershed (USDA 1997, p. 148), 70% of National Forest lands. Parker Wyatt Timber Sale targets stands that have low snag densities and seral classes above reference condition (USDA 1997, p. 66, Figure 20 and 21). The Brice Creek coarse wood analysis indicates that the percent of the watershed acres that have snags densities of > 10 inch dbh ranging from 0 to 15 per acre is approximately five percent greater than data based on unharvested reference plots from DecAID (Figure 20). Because of this abundance of >10 in dbh snags in the watershed, the focus of the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale is to increase the diameter size of the existing living trees to be a source of larger diameter snags (>20 in dbh) in the future. Because the watershed inventory showed the whole watershed was low on snags the deciding official determined treatment units in this vegetation condition would not go below the 30% tolerance level with the goal of growing larger trees at a faster rate and larger diameter snags in the future. Leave areas, riparian and areas of higher density snags in the large tree structure; provide the higher densities snags at this time approximately on 10,172 acres or 28% of the watershed (Figure 20).

Direct and indirect effects The direct and indirect effects to CWD are analyzed at two scales: 1) within the stands being harvested (stand-scale), and 2) within the landscape of Brice Creek as described in 2012 Brice Creek WA iteration. The direct effects are the immediate changes that occur at these two scales. The indirect effects focus on how the alternatives would modify the stand CWD

105 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects dynamics over the next 100 years. The actions that would have the largest effect on CWD are timber harvesting and post-harvest fuel reduction treatments. The action alternatives cause a decrease in stand levels of snags and down wood because of incidental falling of snags for logging or safety reasons, and by consumption of down wood during the fuels reduction treatments. Harvest treatments would reduce the amount of suppression mortality within the treated portions of stands (591 acres), indirectly affecting future recruitment of CWD. Existing snags and logs would be protected to the extent practical and safe. However, it is probable that the action alternatives would lower levels of these structures (by approximately 3 snags per acre) through mechanical disturbance from tree falling and harvesting. This project would affect dead wood mainly in the small tree structural conditions. It is estimated that an average of approximately three snags ≥10 inches would be created from fuels treatments and potentially damaged from harvest operations within the harvest units during and after treatment. All trees damaged during harvest operations, such as intermediate support trees or line damaged trees, would be retained to moderate the decreased rate of snags caused by thinning and regeneration harvest activities. The baseline snags per acre averages 15 in the proposed units, with 6 to 7 snags per acre being lost to mechanical disturbance, and an additional three snags per acre being created as a result of the fuels treatment and harvest activities and additional three snags being created from girdling; resulting in post treatment snag densities of 14 snags per acre (which is on the upper end of the 30% tolerance level of 17 snags per acre (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). The changes to levels of snags and down wood at the stand-scale are shown in Figure 20, Figure 21, and Figure 22. These graphs show how the alternatives would change CWD trajectories over the next 100 years using the latest models. The changes vary with treatment type; the levels shown in these graphs are weighted stand averages. Under the action alternatives, levels of snags ≥10 inches are not predicted to drop below the 30% tolerance level as advised in DecAID (Figure 20) for the next 100 years. Over the next 100 years, the snag levels would begin to increase in the larger diameter class with a reduction in smaller diameter snags. The models indicate that snag and down wood levels remain within the levels advised for by DecAID, and are consistent with CWD levels found in Brice Creek. The action alternatives would have the effect of maintaining suitable habitat for wildlife, plants, fungi, liverworts, mosses, lichens, and ecological processes that require CWD. Large snag (≥20” dbh) densities within the stands are currently below the levels advised for in DecAID (5 snags per acre, 30% tolerance level, Mellen-McLean et al. 2011) in that there are currently approximately .35 snags per acre ≥ 20” dbh in the stands. The future snags that will eventually be created through stand mortality in the action alternatives will be larger in diameter than the snags that would be created as a result of the no action alternative. The No action and the action alternatives would achieve the same level of ≥ 20 dbh snags. However the action alternatives would have an overall lower stand density of snags when ≥ 10 dbh snags are included than compared to the no action alternative. Under the action and no action alternatives, the 30% tolerance level for snags of this size class will not be achieved for 35 to 45 years post treatment (Figure 21). Downed wood cover is expected to change, and will fall below the 4.5 -6.5 6% down wood cover range of the 30% tolerance levels described in DecAID (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011, Figure 22) in all alternatives. However, down wood inventory levels from adjacent Layng Creek subwatershed being used as a reference for Brice watershed are between 3.3 to 9.6 percent ground cover (90% confidence interval), with an average ground cover of 6.4 percent. When compared to local inventory data in unmanaged stands of similar age, the amount of down wood was twice that of the unmanaged stands (USDA 2005b). Therefore, these lower levels of down

106 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects wood are likely appropriate considering the condition of the subwatershed and the age of theses stands historically have low levels of down wood (Maser et al. 1988). The action alternatives would provide other ecological benefits by allowing trees within treatment units to grow larger and faster, and to develop other suitable wildlife habitat characteristics (e.g., large limbs, crowns, etc.) sooner than would occur with the no action alternative.

Figure 20. Short and Long Term Changes to > 10" dbh Snags (Snags/Acre/Year) The ranges of snags presented in Figure 20 were taken from DecAID, Integrated Summary of Wildlife Data and Inventory Data from Unharvested Plots section, and tables WLCH_S.sp-5, WLCH_.sp.7.

107 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 21. Short and Long Term Changes to > 20" dbh Snags (Snags/Acre/Year) The ranges of snags presented in Figure 21 were taken from DecAID, Integrated Summary of Wildlife Data and Inventory Data from Unharvested Plots section, and tables WLCH_S.sp-5, WLCH_.sp.7.

Figure 22. Short and Long Term Changes to > 6" Diameter Down Wood The percent down wood cover presented in Figure 22 were taken from Integrated Summary of Wildlife Data and Inventory Data from Unharvested Plots section, based on Table WLCH_S.sp- 24.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Substantial adverse effects to levels of CWD at both the stand and landscape-scale have resulted from past clear cut timber harvesting, road building, roadside salvage and fire exclusion. The Brice Creek inventory showed an overabundance of land area with no snags, and a deficit of land area with high snag densities. It would take several decades to restore snags to within the ranges advised for in DecAID for these two conditions throughout the watershed. Downed wood and snag levels would vary both in time and across the land, but should remain within the reference range. The action alternatives do not add to this existing condition at the stand level because they maintain snag and down wood levels within natural ranges as identified in DecAID and the Brice Creek inventory. At the landscape-scale, including past, current and future projects such as Crawdog timber sale, the action alternatives do not add to the cumulative loss of snags or down wood. AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The use of DecAID to assess relation to the watershed existing condition and reference ranges for CWD is consistent with the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of restoring structural and plant and wildlife species diversity. The Parker Wyatt project would manage approximately 1% of the Riparian Reserves in the Brice Creek watershed at the stand scale to move ACS toward restoration at the landscape scale. The harvest in outer portions of Riparian Reserves would

108 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects occur for the purpose of restoration of stand complexity and species diversity as well as large tree and snag development to achieve the intent of the ACS objectives #1, #8 and #9 of Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-11); therefore, proposed activities under both action alternatives are consistent with Aquatic Conservation Strategy.

FOREST WILDLIFE

LANDBIRDS Population declines of some landbirds have resulted in a Landbird Strategic Plan (USDA 2000) that sets management goals and actions for providing sustainable landbird habitat. A conservation strategy for landbirds in coniferous forests of western Oregon and Washington was developed to guide land management planning efforts and to help ensure functional ecosystems with healthy populations of landbirds (Altman 2000). These plans and strategy documents are not regulatory, but provide management recommendations for reversing declining population trends and achieving stable or increasing trends within the next couple of decades. A Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13186, signed January 10, 2001 required the Forest Service to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (signed January 17, 2001) to incorporate recommendations from these types of landbird conservation plans into forest planning. The species listed in Table 28 are the focal species described in the USFS Landbird Strategic Plan that are suspected to occur within the Brice Creek watershed. Their preferred habitat attributes and forest condition are shown. The Forest Plan has no specific recommendations for landbirds other than for cavity nesters (discussed in the next section), raptors (which are protected from human disturbance until nesting and fledging is complete), and federal laws that govern threatened or endangered bird species.

WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS There are no specific recommendations for landbirds in the Brice Creek Watershed Analysis.

EXISTING CONDITIONS The scope for analyzing effects to landbirds is at the Brice Creek watershed scale. There are two Cascade Mountain breeding bird survey (BBS) routes in this general area that have been used to monitor landbirds on an annual basis for many years. The Winberry BBS Route (69019) is located about 16 miles north of the Brice Creek watershed and has been monitored since 1968. The Warner Mountain BBS Route (69219), which is located about 12 miles to the east, has been monitored annually since 1992. The conservation strategy for the coniferous forests of western Oregon and Washington describes the conditions found within the proposed harvest stands as “pole forest - stem exclusion and Mature Forest - closed canopy”. The conservation strategy identifies focal bird species for the pole forest type; the black-throated gray warbler, Hutton's vireo and the hermit warbler, Hammond’s flycatcher, Wilson’s warbler, winter wren as a Mature/younger forest, closed-canopy associated species (Table 28). Monitoring data from the local BBS routes show increasing trends for the warblers and a stable to decreasing trend for the vireo in this area. Long-term (1966-2008) and short-term (1980-

109 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects 2008) population trends for the Cascade Mountains show stable populations for the warblers, and increasing population trends for the vireo.

Table 28. Focal Species in the USFS Landbird Strategic Plan

Forest Condition Habitat Attribute Focal Species

Old-growth/Mature Forest Large snags and trees, Pileated woodpecker (Multi-layered) Deciduous canopy trees, Brown creeper Mid-story tree layers, Pacific-slope flycatcher Conifer cones Varied thrush, Red crossbill

Mature/Young Forest Closed Canopy Hermit warbler (Multi-layered/Open mid-story Deciduous understory Hammond’s flycatcher Understory Reinitiating) Forest floor complexity Wilson’s warbler Winter wren

Young/Pole Forest Deciduous canopy trees Black-throated gray warbler (Understory Reinitiating/Stem Deciduous subcanopy/understory Hutton’s vireo Exclusion

Early-Seral Forest Residual canopy trees Olive-sided flycatcher (Stand Initiation) Snags Western bluebird Deciduous vegetation Orange-crowned warbler Interspersion of shrubs/ Mountain quail Herbaceous openings Rufous hummingbird Nectar-producing plants

Riparian Instream and stream bank American dipper Harlequin duck

Forest Inclusions/ High elevation meadows Lincoln’s sparrow Unique habitats Berry-producing shrubs Band-tailed pigeon Large hollow snags Vaux’s swift Mosaic forest meadows Blue grouse Alpine American pipit

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The direct (short-term) and indirect (long-term) effects to land birds were analyzed at the Brice Creek watershed scale. Alternative 1 would have no direct effects to land birds because no thinning or fuels treatments, or other habitat modifying activities would occur. Timber harvest, fuels treatments and temporary road construction associated with Alternatives 2 and 3 would change landbird habitat within and adjacent to proposed harvest units. Action alternatives contain the same plantation thinning units and thinning prescriptions within 539 acres. Alternative 2 would thin an additional 50 acres of mature forest. There are potential beneficial indirect effects for a variety of landbirds associated with the action alternatives. Thinning and gap creation would open up the forest canopy and result in an increase in the deciduous tree and shrub component, as well as ground vegetation. Insects that

110 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects comprise a large component of the landbird prey base would respond favorably to these conditions. Recent studies are leading research scientists to conclude that commercial thinning in dense, young Douglas-fir stands can increase diversity of breeding songbirds (Hagar et al. 2004, Hayes et al. 2003). Pileated woodpeckers, Wilson’s warblers and Hammond’s flycatchers can benefit from the increased habitat heterogeneity that would result from thinning. A variety of thinning intensities and patterns, ranging from no thinning to widely spaced residual trees, is recommended to maximize bird diversity at the landscape scale and structural diversity both within and among stands (Hagar et al. 2004). Reducing crown density and creating small openings in dense stands may maintain suitable habitat for the dusky flycatcher (Marshall et al. 2003). The proposed ¼, 1/10 and ½ -acre (totaling 28 acres) openings would provide early seral habitat for species such as orange-crowned warbler, mountain quail and Rufous hummingbirds. Other species like brown creepers and winter wrens would likely respond negatively due to increased habitat fragmentation and forest floor disturbance (Vanderwel et al. 2007). Riparian buffers and the protection of unique habitats would limit effects to Pacific-slope flycatchers and varied thrush. Lincoln’s Sparrow would not be affected by the action alternatives as their habitat falls within riparian buffers and would not be treated. Other mitigation action that would benefit landbirds: During treatment (harvest and burning) retain and protect all snags, and existing down wood greater than six inches diameter (on small end), to the extent practical from disturbances that might otherwise destroy the integrity of the substrate. All trees damaged during harvest operation, such as intermediate support trees or line damaged trees, would be retained to mitigate the decreased rate of snag recruitment caused by thinning and harvest activities. To reduce effects to nesting landbirds, burning of hand piles and machine piles would occur in the fall/winter months. Apply 55 to 85 foot no-cut buffers to all perennial streams, except for 190 foot buffers in natural stands. Wetlands would be protected from microclimate change or ground disturbance by applying the following: a 50-foot no-cut buffer; no yarding through the buffers or wetlands (cables ok); and not igniting fire in the buffers or wetlands during fuel treatment. Retain existing hardwood trees to the extent practical. For the two focal species (black-throated gray warblers and Hutton’s vireo) associated with stem exclusion forest types, proposed activities would reduce habitat quality in the short-term within the treated stands. Hayes et al. (2003) and Hagar et al. (2004) found that thinning young Douglas-fir in western Oregon caused localized declines in black-throated gray warblers and Hutton’s vireo over 5 years, but did not cause extirpations. The stands proposed for treatment are even-aged Douglas-fir trees, generally single-layered and closed-canopy with little deciduous canopy trees. Approximately half of the stands have a deciduous subcanopy and/or understory shrubs present. The black-throated gray warbler is a long-distance, neotropical migrant that breeds throughout coniferous forests of western Oregon and Washington, primarily at low to moderate elevations (<3,500 ft.). This species can be highly associated with this forest condition if there are deciduous canopy trees and deciduous subcanopy/understory shrubs present. It is most abundant in young (40-80 years) stands with broadleaf trees (Gilbert and Allwine 1991) and in Douglas-fir/oak dominated forests at the interface of the Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast Range, with areas of relatively high oak cover (Morrison 1982).

111 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The conservation plan for this species is to retain deciduous trees and/or conduct thinning to open-up the canopy and allow for development of deciduous trees where appropriate (e.g., wet sites). Thinning should occur in patches and be variable-spaced rather than uniform to minimize negative effects of reduced overstory canopy cover by maintaining some areas with high canopy cover (e.g., riparian no-cut buffers). The Hutton's vireo, the other focal species for this stand type, is associated with the understory shrubs. Hutton’s vireo is a resident species that breeds throughout coniferous forests in western Oregon and Washington, primarily below 2,000 feet elevation and predominantly in coastal forests. A light thinning that allows for understory development yet retains a relatively dense overstory would provide suitable habitat for this species (Altman 2000). The proposed thinning would eventually develop a shrubby understory while still providing a relatively dense overstory canopy. This would result in indirect benefits to this species. Approximately 590 acres would be thinned reducing the existing canopy cover to approximately 40 to 60% canopy cover (See Forest Vegetation in this chapter). This reduction would have immediate short-term direct adverse effects to this species. The effect would last approximate 10 years. After harvest there would be an expected two percent gain in canopy cover per year after thinning (Chan et al. 2006). It would take approximately 10 years before the canopy would regain its current average canopy cover of approximately 65 to 75%. Within that time, the stand would be expected to have a well-developed understory of deciduous shrubby species favoring the Hutton’s vireo. Hagar et al. (2004) have recorded declines (but not extirpations) in both black-throated gray warblers and Hutton’s vireo after commercial thinning. Therefore, it is assumed that the action alternatives would likely cause short-term declines in these species over the next five years, because timber harvesting and fuel reduction treatments would have a physically negative impact on deciduous shrubs and tree canopy cover shortly following the treatments. Over time however, shrubs and trees would respond positively to the more open and less dense stand conditions and begin to recover. As this recovery occurs, it is expected that both these species would benefit and begin to increase in local numbers over the next 20 years. To help lessen the short-term impact, deciduous hardwood trees would be retained where feasible. Given that approximately 21% of the acreage within proposed harvest units would remain untreated and that 15% of the watershed within the portion of the Cottage Grove Ranger District would provide similar habitat condition, potential short-term effects to habitat for the black-throated gray warblers and Hutton’s vireos are considered to be minor and inconsequential to the species.

DIRECT EFFECTS FROM DISTURBANCE For all action alternatives, timber harvest, temporary road construction or reconstruction, and fuels treatments that would occur in the spring represent a potential direct impact to nesting landbirds from disturbance, potential for loss of nest structures and young that have not fledged. Direct effects from logging activity on nesting birds may cause some localized disruption of nesting on 590 acres for one or more breeding seasons. Additionally, fuels treatment such as jack-pot burning (burning concentration of harvest slash material) would occur in late spring and may cause disruption of nesting on approximately 6 acres. Other short term (one or two days at a site) disturbance activities associated with action alternatives that would temporarily displace individuals or their prey include creating slash piles, road maintenance and road reconstruction, rock pit use, and the similar and connected actions listed in Chapter Two for the action alternatives. These direct effects would be reduced through a variety of project design features. Burning of slash piles would occur in the fall and winter rather than during the spring breeding season,

112 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects limiting potential direct effects to landbirds. Due to the limited magnitude, spatial and temporal distribution of the effects and the abundance of non-impacted habitats (35,738 acres or 99.9%) in the watershed area, potential effects are not considered consequential to the species. There are no meaningful differences between the action alternatives (Alternative 2 would thin an additional 50 acres) relative to their potential effects on landbirds. The number of individuals or species potentially affected by proposed activities is unknown and is considered unquantifiable without reliable survey data and a known or restricted activity implementation plan. The proposed activities from this project are not expected to affect this group of species such that their ability to persist in the vicinity of the project area or throughout their ranges would be compromised.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Given the broad geographic range of some of these landbird species, it is difficult to determine the cumulative impact this and other projects would have on them. However, at the Brice Creek watershed scale, past timber harvesting in the watershed has resulted in approximately 20% of the watershed to be in the stem exclusion stage (USDA 1997, p.66). There are no foreseeable future activities in the Brice Creek watershed that would affect landbird habitat on federal land similar to this project in scale and effect. There is currently 1,063 acres of commercial thinning that has been implemented or is planned to be implemented within the watershed that has or would cause similar indirect effects as described above. The action alternatives would cumulatively add to those acres and expected effects. Forest management on private industry lands would continue to provide habitat for younger forest species and grass/forbs/shrub species. The direct and indirect effects of the action alternatives are consistent with landbird conservation management strategies and would improve habitat conditions. Thus, when considered in the context of past, present, and foreseeable actions, it is determined that there are no consequential cumulative effects associated with the action alternatives. Alternative 1 would cause no direct or indirect effects to landbirds and thus, no cumulative effects.

HERBICIDE USE AND WILDLIFE Both action alternatives include the same connected action for multi-year chemical treatment of false brome and knapweed (diffuse, spotted, and meadow). The use of chemical spray is proposed to treat 0.10 acres of false brome and meadow knapweed with herbicide for up to three years following sale closure. Meadow knapweed (at three locations consisting of, 0.02, 0.01, and 0.02 acres) will be treated with picloram in spring, and false brome (one location consisting of 0.05 acres) treated with glyphosate in spring and fall. Both herbicides will be applied by targeting individual plants using backpack sprayers. Early detection and rapid response to new infestations is critical to controlling the spread of invasive species. Therefore, management of false brome and meadow knapweed will also include using glyposhate and picloram, respectively, on new infestations that may be found in the planning area over time (not to exceed an additional 1 acre per year).

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Refer to the Botany sections for these standards and guidelines.

113 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects EXISTING CONDITIONS (GLYPHOSATE USE ON FALSE BROME) This section would discuss impacts of herbicide use to relevant Management Indicator Species (MIS), Region 6 Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive species (TES), Survey and Manage species, and landbirds suspected species within the Parker Wyatt planning area. Both action alternatives propose to spray <0.05 acres of false brome along roads with the chemical glyphosate, for up to three years. See Figure 8 and Figure 9 for treatment location. Chemical treatment of false brome is hoped to contain and eventually eliminate one small false brome infestation from the Parker Wyatt Planning area and prevent spread to other parts of the District. The infestation is expected to decline over time, requiring less chemical application over time. The herbicide would be applied with backpack sprayers twice during the spring and later that fall, depending on site conditions and availability of personnel and funds. Glyphosate is one of the approved herbicides included in the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants, FEIS Record of Decision (USDA 2005a). There are several standard toxicity studies in experimental mammals that were conducted as part of the registration process and there is a large body of published information on the toxicity of glyphosate to mammals. The potential toxic effects in wildlife mammalian species most commonly seen are loss of body weight. As in the human health risk assessment, the potential importance of non-specific toxic effects can be assessed from the available toxicity studies in mammals. Because toxicity data in mammals are available in few species of experimental mammals, the use of these data to assess the potential hazards to large number of diverse mammalian wildlife species is an uncertain process. Nonetheless, there does not appear to be any systematic differences among mammalian species, including humans, when comparable toxicity values are expressed in units of mg/kg/day (USDA 2005a). While available data is limited, this apparent consistency among species diminishes concern with the use of data based on a limited subset of species to characterize risk for terrestrial mammals in general. Glyphosate has been extensively tested for its effect on laboratory animals, primarily rats and mice and other mammals. These tests show none to very low toxicity. It has no major potential to accumulate in animal tissue and does not bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms or bioaccumulate in species in higher tropic levels. Glyphosate is poorly absorbed by the digestive tract and is largely excreted unchanged by mammals. In reproductive studies there was generally no developmental toxicity observed in the fetuses. Mammals fed glyphosate over a wide range of doses showed no cancer-related effects directly due to the compound (SERA 2003, USDA 2005a). In addition to the laboratory bioassays or field observations on single species, there are a number of field studies that have assessed the effects of glyphosate on groups of terrestrial organisms, both animals and plants. These studies indicate that effects on terrestrial animals are likely to be secondary to effects on vegetation when glyphosate is applied at application rates comparable to or greater than those contemplated by the Forest Service. In some cases, the effects noted in field studies appeared to be beneficial to some species under study. In most cases, the effects noted were changes in population density that reflected changes in food availability or suitable habitat (SERA 2003). The weed treatments under the action alternatives would occur within heavily disturbed locations that are regularly impacted by road grading and ditch maintenance. Additive impacts to wildlife habitat associated with the action alternatives are essentially non-existent because the areas affected are typically not functioning as habitat now. It is the surfactant used with glyphosate that determines the toxicity levels. The surfactant proposed for this project is derived from vegetable oils and is considered to be inert (Refer to the Botany section for complete project details). This is consistent with Standard Objective #18

114 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects from the Pacific Northwest Region’s Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDA 2005a). Concentrations of glyphosate in the soil immediately after application depend on the amount of material intercepted by target plant material, and are typically less than one ppm. It is strongly adsorbed by soil and has a low propensity for leaching. Glyphosate will readily and completely biodegrades in soil. The average half-life of glyphosate is about 47- 60 days. Microbes are primarily responsible for the breakdown of the product. Biodegradation in foliage and organic litter is somewhat faster. In field studies, residues of the herbicide can sometimes be found one to three years after application. Because glyphosate is so tightly bound to the soil, little is transferred by rain to surface waters. One estimate showed less than two percent of the applied chemical lost to runoff; however, the herbicide could move when attached to soil particles in erosion run-off. In water, glyphosate is strongly adsorbed to suspended organic and mineral matter and is broken down primarily by microorganisms (USDA 1984). Its half-life in pond water ranges from twelve days to ten weeks (USEPA 1992).

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The herbicide glyphosate has been extensively tested regarding its effect on wildlife and has been found to be non-toxic to slightly toxic. These studies predict minimal risk to wildlife and their environment when the product is used according to label directions (SERA 2003, USDA 2003a). The small spatial extent (0.05 acres) of application and the limited periods (twice annual applications) and the existing poor habitat conditions (roadside shoulder) greatly reduce any impacts the proposed treatments may have to wildlife within the project area. Application would occur during the dry summer months when road ditches are dry and chances of heavy rains are extremely low. Refer to the Aquatic and Botany sections for application details and project design features that would reduce the risk of drift entering stream channels. Additional application would target plants or portions of plants that exhibit re-growth from existing seed bank. The extent and amount of the follow-up spray efforts is expected to be less after each application because of expected mortality to existing vegetation and the reduction in seed germination. There is no expected impact to aquatic or terrestrial invertebrates. When tested at normal application rates, glyphosate was usually slightly toxic to non-toxic, and at most moderately toxic to terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates (e.g., insects, etc.) (Brooke 1993, Palmer and Beavers 1997, Palmer and Krueger 2001a, Palmer and Krueger 2001b, Trumbo 2002). In addition, studies are available on a relatively wide range of other terrestrial invertebrates including earthworms, isopods, snails, spiders, butterflies, and other terrestrial arthropods (SERA 2003, USDA 2003a). Study results have demonstrated that glyphosate has no adverse effect on soil microflora under normal conditions (Lane 2011). This project would result in a minor change of already poor habitat conditions and the duration of those impacts are likely less than one year. There is no expected impact to predator species such as spotted owls, great gray owls or martens that prey on other species that may ingest contaminated vegetation from the application of glyphosate. Glyphosate does not bioaccumulate in small mammals and several studies on mice, rats and rabbits indicate that the expected levels of herbicide to be applied at these sites (< 3 kilogram/acre) would have no effect on prey species. Some small mammal species have been found to abandon areas treated with herbicides because of habitat changes (Trumbo et al. 2002). Species that require moist habitat (e.g., shrews) were temporarily reduced, whereas species that do not require moist habitat (e.g., deer mice) were not.

115 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Roadsides generally provide minimal habitat attributes for wildlife, the effects of the proposed herbicide application to habitat and associated species are considered minimal and discountable. Bioaccumulation does not occur with glyphosate; therefore, no indirect or cumulative impacts are anticipated for any species, which might consume prey from the treated areas. In assessing potential effects in birds, the most relevant data for this risk assessment are the standard dietary and bird reproduction studies required for registration as well as the acute oral LD50 studies. The available toxicity studies do not suggest any specific or unique toxicity in birds compared to mammals (SERA 2003, USDA 1984, USEPA 1992). As in mammals, there is suggestive evidence that glyphosate may inhibit oxidative phosphorylation and consequently reduce food conversion efficiency. Other studies have shown short-term effects of herbicide application on clear-cuts (large-scale habitat alterations) because of changes in vegetation, which in turn effects insect populations and prey abundance (Trumbo 2002). Therefore, some short-term impacts (during the one-to-five year application period) may occur to a small segment of the local land bird population due to impacts in prey species that use edge habitat. There are no streams within 100 feet of the areas proposed for spraying. Although no direct application of herbicides is expected to the aquatic ecosystem or from spray drift, which is likely to be less than 25 feet, there is the possibility that some amount of herbicide may enter the aquatic ecosystem via surface erosion. In this event, some indirect and cumulative exposure of herbicides may occur to sensitive wildlife species such as the yellow legged frog or other aquatic associated wildlife species. Studies of the toxicity of glyphosate to several species of amphibians indicate that it is slightly, to practically non-toxic, to amphibians using the general toxicity classification scheme designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Glyphosate has also been tested to detect adverse effects on developing frogs (ASTM 1991). Results of this test demonstrated that glyphosate produced no effects on the normal development of larval frogs. In addition, the acute toxicity of glyphosate has been investigated in at least four other species of frogs including the leopard frog. Results of these tests indicate that no toxicity would result from proper use of the herbicide (Trumbo 2005). Based on this information (and the short half-life of the herbicide), no indirect or cumulative impacts are anticipated to amphibians species. Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer are likely to forage along the roadside where herbicide application proposed to occur. It is possible that big game may consume some of the herbicides sprayed. Projected effects to big game are essentially unquantifiable on an individual basis relative to the amount of habitat modified or disturbed (0.2 acres) against the amount available to these species on a daily basis in this species one-to-five mile home range. Glyphosate, when ingested by grazing animals, is quickly eliminated from the body, passing unchanged with the feces and urine (USEPA 1992). The amount per acre expected from the proposed application is less than three kilograms/acre (kg/ac). This amount is a small fraction of the quantities applied during studies (>25 kg/ac) that did not produce observable effects in grazing animals. It is highly unlikely that big game would be affected by the proposed treatment.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Treating weeds does not substantially add to the alteration of habitats and would not lead to a cumulative impact to habitats. The weed treatments under action alternatives would occur within heavily disturbed locations that are regularly impacted by road grading and ditch maintenance, currently a degraded habitat. Additive impacts to wildlife habitat associated with the action alternatives are essentially non-existent because the areas affected are typically not functioning as habitat now, therefore additive effects that could result in a cumulative effect to

116 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects wildlife habitats are not expected. An overall long-term trend in habitat improvement is expected under action alternatives, as noxious weed populations are reduced and native vegetation returns. The herbicide glyphosate has been extensively tested regarding its effect on wildlife and has been found to be non-toxic to slightly toxic. These studies predict minimal risk to wildlife and their environment when the product is used according to label directions. The glyphosate treatment is very limited in its spatial extent and duration (two applications, separated by a year, to a maximum of 0.05 to .5 acres along roadsides). In addition, the short half-life of the herbicide in the environment makes it unlikely that this proposed action would have any substantial direct, indirect or cumulative impacts or effects on Management Indicator Species, Survey and Manage species, landbirds, or federally listed or sensitive wildlife species or their habitat.

EXISTING CONDITIONS (PICLORAM USE ON KNAPWEED) This section discusses impacts of picloram use to relevant Management Indicator Species (MIS), Region 6 Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive species (TES), Survey and Manage species, and landbirds suspected species within the Parker Wyatt planning area. Refer to the Umpqua National Forest Weed EA (USDA 2003a) for a more detailed effects analysis, which is incorporated by reference, and summarized here. By chemically treating meadow knapweed it is hoped to eliminated meadow knapweed (0.05 acres combined) in the project area (Figure 8 and Figure 9) and prevent spread to other parts of the District. This proposal of using picloram to spray knapweed would follow the protocol as analyzed for in the Umpqua National Forest Weed EA. Picloram would be applied with backpack sprayers to relatively small areas (0.01, 0.02 and 0.02 acres totaling 0.05 acres) that are primarily along road-sides. The herbicide would be applied during the spring, with a potential follow-up in the same year to locate any missed plants or resprouts. Spraying would be repeated annually as needed over a three-year period. Not every site would be sprayed three times, since infestations are expected to progressively diminish with time.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The potential exists that wildlife might be directly affected by exposure to herbicide either from direct spray (on small, less mobile animals such as reptiles and invertebrates), ingestion of sprayed vegetation, inhalation of the herbicide in the air, or skin/fur surface contact with treated vegetation or soil. To summarize the Umpqua National Forest Weed EA disclosure, the degree of such an effect to wildlife species is related to the likelihood of the weed sites being occupied by animals. The noxious weed sites are on road shoulders, which are highly disturbed locations typically with a lack of native vegetation and ground cover. The expected direct effects of death or injury to small, less mobile wildlife is limited due to the limited habitat and the low likelihood of such disturbed habitats being occupied by small vertebrates and invertebrates. This potential direct effect is further lessened by the small scatted nature of the project. In general under both action alternatives, treating weeds does not contribute to the alteration of wildlife habitat. There may be small, localized adverse effects to the vegetative forage and cover for wildlife species as a result of the use of herbicide. Such non-target vegetation losses (low growing shrubs and forbs) would occur primarily on road shoulders where impacts to non- target native vegetation are expected to be minimal. Under no action alternative, no direct effects are expected, but the indirect effect of habitat loss with increased spread of noxious weed could lead to a limited cumulative effect (as new acres

117 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects of existing habitat would be affected) on these species when added to other forms of vegetation disturbance.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS In general, cumulative effects to wildlife species as a result of implementing action alternatives are not expected. Disturbance to wildlife associated with doing weed control in all its forms is believed to be similar to regular uses along the treated roads. Treating weeds does not substantially add to the alteration of habitats and would not lead to a cumulative impact to habitats. The weed treatments under action alternatives would occur within heavily disturbed locations that are regularly impacted by road grading and ditch maintenance, resulting in lost or degraded habitat. Additive impacts to wildlife habitat associated with the action alternatives are essentially non-existent because the areas affected are typically not functioning as habitat now. Therefore additive effects that could result in a cumulative effect to wildlife habitats are not expected. An overall long-term trend in habitat improvement is expected under action alternatives, as noxious weed populations are reduced and native vegetation returns. The indirect effect to wildlife species associated with habitat losses from the spread of noxious weeds under no action alternative may ultimately result in a cumulative effect to wildlife over the long-term and over increasingly larger areas of land. The modification of both upland and riparian habitats is possible if no action is taken to control existing infestations of invasive weeds. Such indirect effects may be additive to other types of habitat disturbance, especially fire, where taking no action to control noxious weed now, may result in cumulative effects over time. The potential of picloram use to cause a cumulative effect to wildlife over the life of this project by adding additional toxic exposure to toxic exposure presently existing in the environment is very unlikely due to the small, scattered nature of herbicide use under action alternatives. Moreover, picloram does not bioaccumulate in the food chain, and it is only slightly toxic to wildlife at extremely high doses. The extremely low levels of hexachlorobenzene (which does bioaccumulate) is found at such small concentrations in the herbicide that its chances of actually affecting wildlife by accumulating in the food chain is not a risk (SERA 1999) because so few animals would be affected, if any at all. Neither of the action alternatives is expected to result in any cumulative effects due to the limited nature of the potential direct and indirect effects since the treatment sites are small and scattered, makes it unlikely that this proposed action would have any substantial direct, indirect or cumulative impacts or effects on Management Indicator Species, Survey and manage species, landbirds, or federally listed or sensitive wildlife species or their habitat. Past, present and reasonably foreseeable activities that involve herbicides are described in the botany section. No other reasonably foreseeable uses of herbicide are forecasted within the project area except continued noxious weed control.

MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES

The Umpqua National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) (USDA 1990b) has identified a number of terrestrial wildlife species with habitat needs that are representative of other wildlife species with similar habitat requirements for survival and reproduction. The LRMP identified the following species/groups as management indicator species (MIS) for various forest habitats: northern spotted owl, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Roosevelt elk, black-

118 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects tailed deer, pine marten, pileated woodpecker, and primary cavity excavators (Table 29). The northern spotted owl, pine marten, and pileated woodpecker represent mature and old growth conifer habitats. Primary cavity excavators represent the dead and defective tree habitat. Roosevelt elk and the blacktailed deer represent big game winter range. The bald eagle and peregrine falcon are sensitive species that require special management. However, they do not nest within the planning area and this project does not affect their habitat; therefore, they are not discussed further. The planning area is located in the lower elevations of Douglas-fir and western hemlock forest. Pine marten occur in the higher elevations with true-fir, mountain hemlock, and lodgepole pine forest types; therefore, because their habitat is not affected by this project, the pine marten are not discussed further.

Table 29. Management Indicator Species (MIS)

Species Habitat Indicator Unit Of Measure Species/Habitat Present in Panning Area

Northern Spotted Owl Mature/Old Growth Habitat Acres Occupied Yes

Blacktail Deer and Big Game Winter Range Numbers Yes Roosevelt Elk

Bald Eagle None/Special Management Sightings No

Peregrine Falcon None/Special Management Active Nest No

Pileated Woodpecker Mature/Old Growth Habitat Acres Yes

Pine Marten Mountain Hemlock and Acres No Lodgepole Pine Habitat

Primary Cavity Snag Habitat Acres and Percent Yes Excavators of Snags

Throughout further analysis of Management Indicator Species, historical and current Forest- wide baseline values are obtained from the Management Indicator Species on the Umpqua National Forest habitat assessment 2012 (MIS Habitat Assessment) document (Chapman 2012) prepared by the forest wildlife biologist. This document is incorporated into this analysis by reference.

NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL See TES species section for natural history information on the northern spotted owl. Relevant Standards and Guidelines Several Forest Plan standards and guidelines apply to northern spotted owls and their habitat: Any management activity that will negatively affect plant or animal species listed on the Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list (USDA 2011b), or their habitat will be modified to either avoid (preferable) or minimize the impact. Activities will not be

119 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects permitted if they will result in the loss of a colony or subpopulation that is important in the natural distribution of the species. Active raptor nest sites identified in project planning or during project work should be protected from human disturbance until fledging or nesting is complete (see prescriptions and other standards for threatened, endangered or sensitive raptors). If additional sites occupied by a species classified as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1974 are discovered, these sites will be managed as directed by the appropriate recovery plan or draft recovery plan. Any activity that may impact the species will be coordinated with the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service as required by consultation procedures.

WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS Retain large blocks of late-successional habitat and maintain connectivity to these blocks. Additionally restore large woody debris over the landscape (USDA 1997).

EXISTING CONDITIONS Northern spotted owls (NSO) are residents of mature and old growth forests. In addition to being selected as indicators for mature forests in the Forest Plan, they also are listed as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and a Region 6 Sensitive species. Additional information on the spotted owl in relation to its designation as a Threatened species can be found in the Biological Assessment prepared for this project as part of required consultation procedures. Information in relation to its designation as a sensitive species can be found in the wildlife Biological Evaluation prepared for the project. As a Forest Plan Management Indicator Species, the analysis for this species will focus on the mature forest indicator habitat for which it was selected. Average home ranges in our area are considered to be within a 1.2 mile radius of nest or activity center locations. Eighteen NSO’s known or predicted activity centers (KPAC) were identified in the analysis completed for the Biological Evaluation and Assessment. The entirety of these eighteen home ranges comprises the analysis area for spotted owls as a MIS. This resulted in an analysis area of 36,904 acres, of which 19,718 acres (53%) are currently suitable nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat (NRF) for the NSO. Sixteen of the spotted owl home ranges/territories associated with the KPACs within the action area have at least 50% suitable NRF habitat within the core use area and > 40% NRF habitat within the home range (Figure 26). Two of the spotted owl home ranges/territories associated with the KPACs (sites 672 and 673) has > 40% NRF at both the home range and < 50% NRF at the core scale, below the 50% threshold needed to maintain spotted owl life history functions.

The Umpqua NF is comprised of 986,160 acres of primarily mixed conifer forest. The majority of the Umpqua NF is capable habitat with the exception of the small amount of non-forested land (meadows, lakes, rivers, rocky outcrops, etc) and upper elevation sub- alpine fir and lodgepole pine forests which are not widely utilized by spotted owls (USDI 2008). However, 53% of the Umpqua NF currently serves as suitable habitat of which 59% is within protected land allication such as: Adminitstratively Withdrawn areas Late- successional and Riparian Reserves. The majority of the Forest land that’s is not currently suitable NSO habitat but is capable of becoming suitable come from past timber harvest activities, with wildfire being the second largest source of capable but currently unsuitable habitat on the Umpqua NF.

120 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The viability of the northern spotted owls was analyzed with the implementation of the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP). The Record of Decision (ROD) for the NWFP including the Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species was signed in 1994. The ROD amended the 1990 LRMP of the Umpqua National Forest. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion on the 1994 NWFP. The Biological Opinion determined that implementing the NWFP would not jeopardize listed species. Parker Wyatt proposed Alternative 2 would modify NRF habitat within the home range of six of the 483 (KPACs) on the Umpqua Forest. A total of 51 acres of NRF would be modified in six NSO sites within the analysis area. Thinning activities within units 9 and 11 would reduce canopy cover to about 40-50 percent. The modification of 51 acres of NRF would reduce the remainder of the home range NRF habitat at NSO sites 426, 663, 669, 671, 675 and 676. Additionally treatment would impact the core area of NSO site 671. All impacted spotted owl home ranges/core areas associated with these KPACs would have at least 50% suitable NRF habitat within the core use area and > 40% NRF habitat within the home range post treatment, thresholds needed to maintain spotted owl life history functions (Table 34, and Figure 26). However, all modified acres would still function as dispersal habitat, as post treatment canopy cover would remain above 40%, but less than 60% with effects being short-term. Alternatives 1 and 3 would retain all existing habitat within the analysis area in present conditions. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects to spotted owls are analyzed at the Brice Creek watershed scale. Past clear-cutting of habitat (18,125 acres of Forest Service, BLM and private land) has had the largest cumulative impact to this species by removing NRF habitat. Future clear-cut harvesting on private land (est. 200-600 acres per year) would not impact NRF habitat because this harvest would be occurring in second-growth plantations. Alternative 2 would modify /downgrade approximately 51 acres of low quality NRF habitat. This impact to NRF represents 0.001% of the available habitat within the watershed. The current trend for NRF habitat within the watershed is stable to increasing. The proposed action would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning that has either been implemented or are planned to be implemented within the watershed that have caused similar effects as described above. This and future commercial thinning would reduce the risk of future loss of habitat to wildfire by making the stands more fire resilient. There are no other planned or scheduled activities in the analysis area that are considered to have potential to impact the availability of NRF habitat. Because this project modifies or downgrades 51 acres of NRF with short-term effects to the analysis area, the overall direct, indirect and cumulative effects would result in a small negative trend of habitat. The loss of habitat would be insignificant at the scale of the watershed or the Forest and would not affect the viability of this species.

EFFECTS DETERMINATION Given the information above, the direct, indirect and cumulative effects associated with this project “may affect but not likely to adversely affect” the NSO or their habitat.

121 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Proposed management actions would modify stand conditions within 51 acres of NSO NRF habitat that occurs within the home range of six NSOs sites (Figure 26) and thus may have adverse effects to NSOs through habitat modification (USDI 2008). After harvest there would be an expected two percent gain in canopy cover per year after thinning (Chan et al. 2006). Therefore, there would be short-term (10 years) degradation effects to NRF habitat functions.

PRIMARY CAVITY EXCAVATORS (INCLUDING PILEATED WOODPECKERS) Primary cavity excavators are defined as bird species that actually construct, forage, or create nesting cavities in dead and live trees. As a group, “cavity nesters” were identified as a Forest Plan MIS to standing dead trees for snag dependent wildlife species.

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Several Forest Plan standards and guidelines apply to primary cavity excavators and snag habitat. Most of the relevant ones that apply to this project have already been listed under the Coarse Woody Debris section. An additional standard and guideline required the Forest to manage for a 60% potential population capacity (PPC), which provides an indicator of the number of cavity-nesting species likely to be present on the Forest in comparison to the Forest’s total potential (USDA 1990b).

WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS Refer to the Coarse Woody Debris section for relevant watershed analysis recommendations.

EXISTING CONDITIONS Habitat for primary cavity excavators such as woodpeckers and sapsuckers consists of dead or defective trees of the proper size and in adequate numbers to support breeding birds. It was believed that these birds would survive on the Forest if at least 20% of the potential habitat is retained and well distributed across the Forest (USDA 1990b). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife criterion for forest planning suggested a 60% level for snag habitat. The Umpqua Forest Plan prescribes managing for 60% of potential populations of snag dependent species, using Thomas et al. (1979) information on snag requirements. Information that is more recent suggests higher levels are needed (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). The primary cavity excavators found in the planning area and surrounding forest are listed in Table 30 along with monitoring trends from local and regional breeding bird surveys (Sauer et al. 2008) and number of snags/acre required to meet Umpqua LRMP standard and guidelines.

122 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 30. Primary Cavity Excavators and Population Trend Data

Population Trends (1992-2008) Primary PPC1 Cavity Reliability Excavators S&G Winberry2 Warner Mtn3 Cascades Rating

Red-breasted Sapsucker 0.27 Decreasing Increasing4 Stable5 Yellow6

Hairy Woodpecker 1.15 Increasing Decreasing Stable5 Blue

Northern Flicker 0.29 Increasing Decreasing Stable5 Blue

Pileated Woodpecker 0.04 Increasing Decreasing Increasing4 Yellow6

1 The PPC column is for reference purposes, and shows the number of snags/acre required to meet Umpqua LRMP standard and guidelines. 2This 26 mile breeding bird survey route is located about 12 miles north of the planning area. 3This 24 mile breeding bird survey route is located about 12 miles southeast of the planning area. 4Statistically significant (p<0.05). 5Stable is considered a <2% change per year. 6 Yellow reliability ratings trends are not significant due to a credibility rating of yellow which represents a data deficiency in the BBS data due to either low abundance or small sample size detected

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The direct and indirect effects to primary cavity nesters were analyzed at the planning area and Forest scale. The actions that have the largest direct effect on primary excavators would be timber harvest. There is no expected negative effect to potential nesting habitat from other proposed connected actions. The indirect effects are the long-term changes in future snag recruitment caused by thinning 590 acres.

The no action alternative would maintain snag levels in smaller diameters and at higher densities (Figure 17). Larger diameter snags would develop more slowly, and would not reach appropriate levels for another 45 years (Figure 21) as recommended by DecAID. The action alternatives would cause a decrease in smaller diameter snags through timber harvesting effects. Timber harvesting and fuels treatments would also damage some remaining trees, creating some new snags (estimated at three snags per acre). Snag models estimate that small diameter snag numbers (Figure 17) would remain above the 30% tolerance levels as recommended in DecAID. Large snags numbers would develop same as the no action alternative and would not reach levels recommended by DecAID (4.7 snags/acre, 30% tolerance level) for an additional 45 years (Figure 18). These changes in snag levels would have very little negative effects on primary cavity excavators because they maintain adequate numbers of snags (greater than 30% tolerance levels) in the short and long term as indicated by Figure 20 and Figure 21. LRMP standards and guidelines for snag habitat require 60% ppc. The action alternatives would retain approximately fifteen snags per acre, exceeding current LRMP standards and guidelines by approximately 11 snags per acre (Table 29). All action alternatives would have no effect to population trends or population viability for cavity nesters on the Umpqua National Forest as a result of this project.

123 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects There may be indirect benefits for red-breasted sapsuckers and hairy woodpeckers associated with commercial thinning. Hagar et al. (2004) recorded increases in population density of red- breasted sapsuckers and hairy woodpeckers within heavily thinned units on the Willamette National Forest. Hayes et al. (2003) noted a three-fold increase in hairy woodpeckers within five years following similar commercial thinning treatments in the Coast Range of Oregon. The reasons for these increases may be related to the attraction of these species to trees damaged during thinning (Hagar et al. 2004). Bate (1995) found both species inhabiting >18” dbh hard snags, with populations on the decline in densely stocked conifer stands with smaller (<10” dbh) trees.

The creation of gaps would also benefit the northern flicker because this bird primarily feeds on the ground in open areas and forest edges (Elchuk and Wiebe 2003).

Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpecker (17 inches) in the Pacific Northwest (Sibley 2000) and prefer mature to old growth stands (>70 years) (Bull and Meslow 1977). Across their range, pileated woodpeckers use a variety of tree species for foraging and nesting. On the west side of the Cascades, they prefer large diameter (>20”) conifers. Bull (1987) noted that foraging occurred on down wood, standing snags and live trees in relatively equal amounts. While feeding on downed wood, a preference for material between 10 and 20 inches was observed. While foraging on standing trees, a preference for trees over 20 inches was also observed. Shroeder (1982) study indicate average diameter of nest trees to be 30 or 31 inches, with a minimum size considered to be 20 inches dbh.

In the MIS Habitat Assessment, suitable pileated woodpecker habitat was identified as the same mature/old growth habitat identified for spotted owls as well as the inclusion of large scale snag patches created by wildfires and mapped insect/disease outbreaks. When combined, these create 624,689 acres of mapped pileated woodpecker habitat on the Umpqua Forest.

Various studies of pileated woodpeckers have found home ranges to be from 500-1,200 acres (Bull and Holthausen 1993, Mellen et al. 1992). Proposed treatments occur across a broad area, so the effects analysis boundary for this species is established as the Brice Creek watershed boundary in which proposed treatments occurs. This results in a 42,328 acres analysis area for the pileated woodpecker.

Based upon the baseline forest available habitat, there are 19,785 acres of suitable pileated woodpecker habitat in the watershed area. Project impacts to pileated woodpecker habitat (51 acres) comprise approximately.00008 percent of the total pileated woodpecker habitat within on the Forest.

The No Action alternative would not alter any habitat components within the analysis area and would have no direct or indirect effects. Alternative 2 proposes commercial thinning on 51 acres of mapped pileated habitat. These 51 acres represent 0.0025 percent of the mapped pileated woodpecker habitat in Brice Creek watershed. Stand exam data indicates large snags over 20 inches in diameter average 0.35 per acre within treated units or a potential impact to approximately 17 snags. However, the impacts expected to be less with management recommendations to protect existing snag habitat. Proposed treatments would result in some reduction in canopy cover and stocking rates, but these units would still retain the largest, oldest trees, large snags and retain their current classification as mature forest. Therefore, there would be no effect to population trends or population viability for pileated woodpeckers on the Umpqua National Forest because of this project. The pileated woodpecker would indirectly be

124 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects affected from the proposed 539 acres of plantation thinning in action alternatives 2 and 3, because these actions would achieve desired late-successional forest structure more quickly than the No Action alternative (see Forest Vegetation section).

DIRECT EFFECTS FROM DISTURBANCE Some proposed activities would likely occur during the breeding season for these species. Direct effects from logging activity and other connected actions on cavity nesting birds may cause some localized disruption of nesting for one or more breeding seasons. Disturbance associated with the action alternatives are expected to be short term (one or two days at a site) and localized. Disturbance would only occur if there were suitable nesting habitat (cavities) in close proximity to activities associated with action alternatives (see list of connected actions in Chapter Two). The number of individuals or species potentially affected by the proposed activities is unknown and is considered unquantifiable without reliable survey data and a known/restricted activity implementation plan. Disturbance from proposed activities related to this project are not likely to affect this group of species such that their ability to persist in the vicinity of the project area or throughout their ranges would be compromised.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Currently the Oregon Natural Heritage Program (ONHP), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) show the status of the pileated woodpecker to be secure, which suggests that the changing trend in timber management (that has occurred within the past decade and projected for the future) may positively influence occupancy of suitable habitat by this species as previously harvested stands redevelop, and more emphasis is placed on retention of key structural components in unharvested stands (Brown 1985, USDA/USDI 1994). The local and regional cumulative population trend data for other primary cavity excavators do not indicate a major problem with those populations. The planning area is roughly located between the Winberry and Warner Mountain Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) routes; decreasing trends in one area is offset by increasing trends (Sauer et al. 2008) in the other, suggesting stable populations in this area. The only “statistically significant” documented trends (Sauer et al. 2008) are local increases for red-breasted sapsuckers and regional increases for pileated woodpeckers (Table 30). The trend in clear-cut harvesting on federal forest lands that caused the concerns for decreasing populations of primary cavity excavators and pileated woodpeckers has largely been halted (or at least dramatically decreased) by the NWFP. About 50% of the federal forests in this area are currently in reserved land allocations. The primary type of timber harvesting occurring on the Umpqua National Forest and surrounding federal lands is commercial thinning in young (40 to 80 years of age) forest with project design features for snag recruitment. The action alternatives would help to offset the past effects of timber harvesting and fire exclusion in this area by accelerating forest succession and making stands more fire resilient. Activities proposed by this project include measures that maintain and protect habitat components important to the group of cavity excavators listed as MIS. Implementation of project activities, when combined with future timber harvests, would result in no additional cumulative effects on these species such that their ability to persist within the project area or throughout their ranges would be compromised. Given the current standards and guidelines and management approach to timber harvesting in this area, populations of primary cavity excavators and pileated woodpeckers are expected to stabilize and increase in the foreseeable future.

125 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Determinations Because this project affects less than 0.00006% of capable snag habitat (776,917 acres) on the Umpqua National Forest, and 51 acres of mature forest habitat would be affected, the overall direct, indirect and cumulative effects would result in a small negative trend of habitat. In addition an increase in disturbance to snag habitat as a result of logging operations for cavity nesters and the pileated woodpecker can be expected. The loss of habitat and increase in disturbance would be insignificant when considered at the watershed and Forest scale. The Parker Wyatt Timber Sale is consistent with the 1990 LRMP and NWFP (USDA 1990b, USDA/USDI 1994), and thus continued viability of cavity nesters and pileated woodpeckers is expected on the Umpqua National Forest as the 60% PPC (0.4 snags per acre) snag levels would be exceeded as displayed in Figure 20 and Figure 21.

ELK AND DEER - BIG GAME WINTER RANGE Certain areas of the forest were identified as big game winter range under the Umpqua LRMP (USDA 1990). Designated as Management Area 11, these areas were designed to provide for big game winter range habitat and timber production consistent with other resource objectives. They emphasize winter range management achieved through forage and cover production on land used or suitable for occupancy by deer and elk. Timber harvest is encouraged to provide stable production of forage and cover. A habitat ratio of 60% forage to 40% cover was once considered optimum for winter range (Brown 1991,Thomas et al. 1979), but more recent studies suggest smaller ratios may be suitable as long as the interspersion of forage and cover is good (Larkin et al. 2004). However, forage is ultimately the most limiting factor. The primary forage areas tend to be in more open canopy early seral forest or open meadows with shrubs and higher nutritional herbaceous species. Element 3 of the purpose and need would compare the acres thinned in winter range habitat to support big game winter forage to help meet the purpose and need relating to forage in big game winter range (see Chapter One).

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The 1990 LRMP has several standards and guidelines that apply to elk and deer (big game) winter range. The relevant ones that apply to this project include the use of a habitat effectiveness model (“A Model to Evaluate Elk Habitat in Western Oregon” or similar model) to compare the impact of various alternatives on big game habitat (USDA 1990b, p. IV-38) and direction for management of deer and elk winter range areas described in Forest Plan Prescription C4-I.19

EXISTING CONDITIONS The planning area makes up about 1.1% of the 1.2 million-acre Indigo Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). There are 3,832 acres of big game winter range within the planning area, which accounts for about 29% of its total area. The current ratio of forage to cover in the planning area is 6:94. The trend in forage is decreasing due to a shift away from clear-cut timber harvesting, which is 25% of the current available forage, which occur mostly on private lands. The heaviest concentration of elk occurs in eastern portions of the planning area around the Holland Point and Dinner ridge area. Recent stem exclusion conditions in old harvest plantations, reduction and change in recent timber harvest to primarily thinning, and the

19 Habitat effectiveness model (HEI) is an index of elk habitat quality ranging from 0-1 where 0= non-viable habitat and 1= optimal habitat (Wisdom et al. 1986).

126 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects absence of fire activity has resulted in forage concerns for this species. Regeneration harvest on both private and federal land in the 1980’s and 1990’s has been reforested to fairly dense stocking levels. Most of these stands have already reached, or are near the stem exclusion stage of development when closed canopies greatly reduce forage opportunity for elk. Evidence of deer was noticeable throughout the planning area. The same benefits derived from past management for elk also benefited black-tail deer. Deer tend to be more solitary, prefer heavier cover, and forage on shrub species, whereas elk prefer more open habitat composed of grass and forbs. Habitat for both species is greatly enhanced by either natural events or management activities that provide cover and forage in close proximity. The Umpqua 1990 LRMP states that ODFW will be in charge of population monitoring for this species (USDA 1990b, p. V-18). Monitoring data for deer and elk within the Indigo Wildlife Management Unit is presented in Figure 23 and Figure 24.

Figure 23. Indigo Wildlife Management Unit Elk Population Trend

127 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 24. Indigo Unit Blacktail Deer Population Trend

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The direct and indirect effects to big game were analyzed at the planning area and watershed scale. The no action alternative would maintain the current forage-to-cover ratio and the declining trend in forage habitat. The no action would result in poorer future forage habitat and winter range conditions compared to the action alternatives, and thus would not meet the purpose and need Element #3. The action alternatives would help meet Element #3 of the purpose and need. The ¼ and ½ acre gaps are not considered large enough to be defined as open forage habitat. Therefore the forage-to-cover ratio would remain the same for all alternatives. However, these smaller gaps together with the thinning that surrounds them would modify the stand’s structure enough to slightly increase the amount of forage plants in the understory, but would retain enough trees (55 to 90 trees per acre) to qualify as cover. Both thinning and small gap creation would increase the amount of sunlight to reach the shrub/forb/grass component of the harvested units. The effect of this would be increased production of elk and deer forage over the next 10-20 years, which would then begin to decline as the gaps and stands begin to develop larger trees, and tree crowns begin to expand and close in again. Action alternatives would result in an overall increase of forage on about 590 and 539 acres, with the implementation of Alternatives 2 and 3 respectively or 0.04% of the planning area. This would in turn provide a beneficial indirect effect on the health of deer and elk herds within the planning area. This project has the potential to improve forage habitat at a local scale based on the diversity of native forage currently present. However, beneficial effects to big game forage from proposed thinning should not be overrated. The expected gain on winter range associated with the project is relatively small in size (0.00025% of the winter range on the Umpqua National Forest) and should only be recognized for the local benefits provided to a limited number of animals. The effects should not be used to suggest the potential for any noticeable population response

128 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects unless applied to the landscape at a scale greater than proposed by this project. This project would have no effect on the population trend or population viability of elk and deer on the Umpqua National Forest. Roads affect how elk and deer use their range (Rowland et al. 2005, Wisdom et al. 1986, Wisdom et al. 2005). The 69.9 miles of roads located within the planning area equates to a density of 3.6 miles per square mile. The Wisdom Model would rate this to a road index of approximately 0.20, which equates to low quality habitat. The action alternatives would build no new system roads. Therefore, the action alternatives would not cause a change in open road densities, and the influence roads would have on habitat is neutral. Direct and indirect disturbance effects are largely limited to potential temporary displacement of individuals occurring in habitat during implementation of proposed harvest activities and associated connected actions. The action alternatives would spread disturbance out over several years and throughout the landscape of the planning area (approximately 13,147 acres). Consequently, no measurable adverse effects to big game would be expected. Existing elk habitat models used in land management planning in western Oregon and Washington have been being updated to reflect research conducted in the last two decades. For example, declines in elk populations in the 1990s led researchers to pay more attention to factors such as summer nutrition, which was previously not considered a limiting factor for elk populations. An interagency team of researchers (Boyd et al. 2011) has been compiling data, conducting analyses, and developing a new, regional elk habitat model that incorporates new knowledge about elk habitat requirements, especially nutritional conditions. After developing and evaluating several versions, the team found that the model that performed best in initial validation tests was based on four habitat covariates: distance to open public road dietary digestible energy (DDE) distance to cover-forage edge slope The elk nutrition model predicts biomass (kg/ha) and dietary digestible energy (kcal/g). These have been demonstrated to relate to specific measures of elk productivity (Cook et al. 2004). The outputs are mean DDE (dietary digestible energy) expressed as kcal/gram across the watershed. The higher the DDE the better off the population is doing. Due to the relatively small scope of treatments (590 acres) compared to the watershed there is a very marginal amount of increase in nutrition as a result of the treatments. There are no nutritional different between the action alternatives. DDE is broken down by four nutritional categories: Poor <2.4 kcal/g Marginal 2.40-2.75 kcal/g Good >2.75-2.90 kcal/g Excellent >2.90 kcal/g

The RSF (resource selection function) value is a relationship between the open roads in the watershed, the distance to forage: cover ratio, mean DDE, and mean slope. However as there are no roads being proposed to be closed the RSF values are similar to the no action alternative (Table 31).

129 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 31. Elk Nutrition Outputs Alternative 1 Alternative 2 and 3 No Action Alternative Resource Selection Function 340.282 340.282

Mean Dietary Digestible Energy 2.5208 2.5220

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects of this project are analyzed at the wildlife management unit (WMU) scale, for that portion that is National Forest land.20 This is the spatial scale at which elk populations are monitored by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. At this scale, about 52% of the Federal Forest Land is in a reserved land allocation (e.g. late-successional reserve land allocation), and clear-cut harvesting within this allocation is not expected to occur in the near future. This suggests a continued decline in the amount of forage habitat within this WMU over the next one to two decades. Most of the larger patches of forage habitat would occur on private forestland and be concentrated in the southeastern third of the WMU, although there are two 7,000-10,000-acre private forest in-holdings in the eastern portions of the WMU. In the Brice Creek watershed, it is reasonable to assume that up to 600 acres of clear-cutting would occur on private lands in the next few years. Thinning on federal forest lands (matrix and LSR) that are similar to the proposed action would likely occur over the next one to two decades at a scale of about 1,000 to 3,000 acres per year. This would provide small, incremental additions of forage in the form of small gaps, and an improvement of understory forage vegetation similar in scale to this project. Given the past, present and foreseeable actions (Table 9, and Table 10) the direct and indirect effects of the action alternatives (when cumulatively added on to foreseeable future actions) would not be enough to stop the declining trend in forage habitat and forage-to-cover ratios within the WMU. Determinations The action alternatives would improve habitat conditions for Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer in the Parker Wyatt project area (Table 31). Therefore, the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale would not contribute to a negative trend in viability on the Umpqua National Forest for either Roosevelt elk or black-tailed deer. All Forest Plan standards and guidelines for this species would be met through the implementation of the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale.

SURVEY AND MANAGE WILDLIFE SPECIES The 1994 NWFP required protection of certain wildlife species that were referred to as “Survey and Manage/Protect and Buffer Species”. These species were identified because of viability concerns when implementing the Forest Plan. Survey and Manage species standard and guidelines provide additional benefits to amphibians, mammals, bryophytes, mollusks, vascular plants, fungi, lichens, and arthropod. These standard and guidelines contain four components,

20 This WMU contains about 700,000 acres of National Forest Land and 135,000 acres of BLM-managed forest and is located in the western Cascades east of Interstate 5, south of State Highway 58 and north of State Highway 138.

130 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects and priorities differ among them. Components 1 and 2 are pertinent to ground disturbing projects. They required surveys prior to ground-disturbing activities and to manage known sites. A component of the NWFP is to integrate adaptive management throughout the life of the Plan. Adaptive management is incorporated when new information becomes available, it should be used in the design or modification of activities and standard and guidelines. In the spirit of adaptive management the 1994 Forest Plan Environmental Impact Statement was amended. On January 15, 2001 the Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines (USDA/USDI 2001) was published. This document provided new information regarding management of Survey and Manage/Protect and Buffer Species The FSEIS considered alternatives with an objective of continuing to provide the same level of protection intended by the 1994 Record of Decision. The amended 2001 Plan was to: clarify required management; remove unnecessary and duplicative or conflicting requirements; add a process for changing species between categories; add a process for adding or removing species from Survey and Manage, based on new information Species would be removed when they fail to meet the three basic criteria for Survey and Manage: Does the species have suitable habitat in the Northwest Forest Plan area? Is the species associated with late-successional or old-growth forest? Does the reserve system and other standards and guidelines provide for a reasonable assurance of species persistence? On December 26, 2001, the Douglas Timber Operators, Inc., and American Forest Resource Council filed a complaint against the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon (Douglas Timber Operators, et al. v. Secretary of Agriculture, et al., Civil No. 01-6378-AA (D. Oregon)). The complaint alleged that the January 2001 amendment to the Survey and Manage Standards and Guidelines “transferred more than 81,000 acres of timber-producing NWFP forest land into permanent reserves, resulting in a 7% reduction on the regional timber volume permitted under the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, a loss of 51 million board feet (MMBF) of timber sales per year in perpetuity” and “added uncertainty.” The complaint also alleged that the 2001 Survey and Manage amendment is “in violation of substantive and procedural requirements of the Oregon and California and Coos Bay Wagon Road Grant Lands Act (O&C Act), 43 U.S.C. § 1181a, the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), 16 U.S.C. §§ 1600, et seq., the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield (MUSY) Act of 1960, 16 U.S.C § 528-531, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. §§ 1701, et seq.” On September 30, 2002, “to avoid further costly litigation, and without admission of any liability or wrongdoing by either party” the parties signed a Settlement Agreement. The agreement required the BLM and Forest Service to consider an alternative that replaces the Survey and Manage mitigation requirements with existing Forest Service and BLM special status or sensitive species programs (SSSS program). Complying with the terms of the Settlement Agreement, an alternative was considered and selected. The Forest Service and BLM issued a new decision, The Record of Decision dated March 22, 2004 (2004 ROD), entitled “To Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl” (USDA/USDI 2004). This decision eliminated the Survey and Manage requirement and move warranted species to the

131 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species List which is now known as the SSSS program. Established protocols and management recommendation for Survey and Management species were continued for those species that were moved to the sensitive species list. On January 10, 2006 the court ordered in favor of the plaintiff, Northwest Ecosystem Alliance the following: The Record of Decision dated March 22, 2004, entitled “To Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl” (the 2004 ROD) is hereby set aside and enjoined all ground-disturbing activities under the 2004 ROD unless they comply with the 2001 ROD. The Parker Wyatt Timber Sale project applies a 2006 Exemption, from a stipulation entered by the court in litigation regarding Survey and Manage species and the 2004 Record of Decision related to Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, No. 04-844-MJP (W.D. Wash., Oct. 10, 2006). Previously, in 2006, the District Court (Judge Pechman) invalidated the agencies’ 2004 RODs eliminating Survey and Manage due to NEPA violations. Following the District Court’s 2006 ruling, parties to the litigation entered into a stipulation exempting certain categories of activities from the Survey and Manage standards and guidelines, including both pre-disturbance surveys and known site management. Also known as the Pechman Exemptions, the Court’s Order from October 11, 2006 directs: “Defendants shall not authorize, allow, or permit to continue any logging or other ground- disturbing activities on projects to which the 2004 ROD applied unless such activities are in compliance with the 2001 ROD (as the 2001 ROD was amended or modified as of March 21, 2004), except that this order will not apply to: A Thinning projects in stands younger than 80 years old: B Replacing culverts on roads that are in use and part of the road system, and removing culverts if the road is temporary or to be decommissioned; C Riparian and stream improvement projects where the riparian work is riparian planting, obtaining material for placing in-stream, and road or trail decommissioning; and where the stream improvement work is the placement large wood, channel and floodplain reconstruction, or removal of channel diversions; D The portions of project involving hazardous fuel treatments where prescribed fire is applied. Any portion of a hazardous fuel treatment project involving commercial logging will remain subject to the survey and management requirements except for thinning of stands younger than 80 years old To correct deficiencies identified by the U.S. District Court in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, (NEA v. Rey) No. 04-844-MJP (W.D. Wash., Oct. 10, 2006) the agencies prepared the 2007 Final Supplemental to the 2004 To Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl (USDA/USDI 2007). On December 17, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued an order in Conservation Northwest, et al. v. Sherman, et al., No. 08-1067-JCC (W.D. Wash.), granting Plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment and finding NEPA violations in the Final Supplemental to the 2004 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines. In response, parties entered into settlement negotiations in April 2010, and the Court filed approval of the resulting Settlement Agreement on July 6, 2011.

132 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The parties agreed the 2001 ROD shall be construed in a manner consistent with the portion of the stipulation and order providing exemptions in NE A v. Rey. Per the 2011 Settlement Agreement, the 2006 Pechman Exemptions remain in force: “The provisions stipulated to by the parties and ordered by the court in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, No. 04-844-MJP (W.D. Wash. Oct. 10, 2006), shall remain in force. None of the following terms or conditions in this Settlement Agreement modifies in any way the October 2006 provisions stipulated to by the parties and ordered by the court in Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. Rey, No. 04844-MJP (W.D. Wash. Oct. 10, 2006).” Portions of the Parker Wyatt Project meets Exemption A, B and D because it entails no commercial harvest, thinning only in stands less than 80 years old and replacing culverts on roads that are in use and part of the road system. Therefore, based on the preceding information regarding the status of surveys and site management for Survey & Manage wildlife species, it is my determination that commercial thinning in stands younger than 80 years, (539 acres of plantation thinning or alternative 3) within Parker Wyatt Timber Sale and connected actions complies with the provisions of the 2001 Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines (2001 ROD), as modified by the 2011 Settlement Agreement. The species listed below were considered and surveyed where proposed activities did not meet previously mentioned exemptions: Vertebrates (great grey owl and red tree vole) and Mollusks (Megomphix hemphilli and Pristiloma arcticum crateris). Additionally Conservation Northwest v. Sherman, Case No. 08-CV-1067-JCC settlement agreement provide for a transition period for application of a new Survey and Manage list provide in Attachment 1 of this agreement. The agreement states: 1. For projects with signed Records of Decision, Decision Notices or Decision Memos from December 17 2009 through September 30 2012, the Agencies will use either of the fallowing Survey and Manage lists: a) The list of Survey and Manage from the 2001 ROD (Table 1-1, Standard and Guidelines page 41-51), or b) The list of Survey and Manage species and associated species mitigation attached as Attachment 1 of the Settlement Agreement. The species of concern for this project are listed on both list and the effects and mitigation describe below will be the same.

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Provide habitat for viable populations of all existing native and desired non-native vertebrate wildlife species and to maintain or enhance the overall quality of wildlife habitat across the Forest (USDA 1990b).

WATERSHED ANALYSIS RECOMMENDATIONS There are no specific recommendations for Survey and Manage species. Species The great gray owl and red tree vole are Survey and Manage wildlife species whose known or suspected range includes the Cottage Grove Ranger District, according to the following documents: Survey Protocol for the Great Gray Owl within the range of the Northwest Forest Plan v3.0 (Quintana-Coyer et al. 2004) and Survey Protocol for the Red Tree Vole, Arborimus

133 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects longicaudus (Biswell et al. 2002). These species are not included on the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list for the Umpqua National Forest (updated January 2011) or discussed elsewhere in this document. They are discussed below for purposes of full discovery.

GREAT GRAY OWL (STRIX NEBULOSA) The great gray owl is a Survey and Manage wildlife species whose known or suspected range includes the Cottage Grove Ranger District, according to the following documents: Survey Protocol for the Great Gray Owl within the range of the Northwest Forest Plan v3.0 (Quintana- Coyer et al. 2004). This species is not included on the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list for the Umpqua National Forest (updated January 2011) or discussed elsewhere in this document. It is discussed briefly below for purposes of full discovery. Nesting habitat for great gray owls is characterized as mature stands of timber with more than 60 percent canopy cover (Bull and Henjum 1990). Nesting suitable habitat includes large diameter nest trees, forest for roosting cover, and proximity [within 200 m] to openings that could be used as foraging areas (Quintana-Coyer et al. 2004). Bull and Henjum (1990) recorded an average nest snag diameter of 31” dbh. Great gray owls were initially thought (in 1993) to be restricted to elevations above 4,000 feet. They have since been found in western Oregon as low as 500 feet. They prey primarily on voles and pocket gophers that inhabit meadows or other grass/forbs openings. The nearest known site is located about seven miles north of the planning area near the summit of Mount June (4,600 ft. elevation).

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The no action alternative would have no effect on the species, as no ground disturbing activities would occur. The proposed plantation thinning units are stands that are approximately 55 to 78 years old and have no suitable large remnant trees/snags that would provide suitable nesting habitat structure. The natural stands proposed for harvest (approximately 100 years of age) contain suitable nesting habitat (large trees/snags) however they are not within 200 meters of suitable foraging habitat that would trigger the protocol requiring surveys. Therefore, no surveys were conducted for the great gray owls for this project because proposed activities associated with the action alternatives would not have negative impact on the species’ habitat, its life cycle, microclimate, or life support requirements. This is because the action alternatives or other connected actions would not affect large trees, snags, or mature forests that are near suitable meadow habitat that would potentially contribute to a reasonable assurance of species persistence within the planning area, and as such proposed activities would not be expected to cause a consequential negative impact on the species habitat or the persistence of the species at the site (Quintana- Coyer et al. 2004). Therefore, there would be no negative effect on the owl’s nesting habitat. Further, there would be no impacts to suitable meadow habitats (>10 acres); consequently, there would be no negative effects to foraging habitat.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The no action as well as action alternatives would have no direct or indirect effects and as such, no meaningful cumulative impact.

134 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

RED TREE VOLE (ARBORIMUS LONGICAUDUS) The red tree vole is a Survey and Manage wildlife species whose known or suspected range includes the Cottage Gove Ranger District (Biswell et al. 2002). The Oregon red tree vole is endemic to moist coniferous forests of western Oregon and extreme northwest California. Its known and suspected range extends from the Columbia River south through western Oregon and from the Siskiyou Mountains south to the Salmon and Klamath Rivers in northern California. Active nests have been found in remnant older trees in younger stands, indicating the importance of legacy structural characteristics (Biswell et al. 2002). There are 30 known red tree vole locations within the planning area; most are concentrated in Blodgett Creek drainage, located in 2001 during timber sale surveys. One of the mature stands (unit 1043) in Wyatt Creek drainage that was proposed for treatment had four historic sites that were located in 2001. This unit was dropped to protect the red tree vole locations and because of its proximity to a spotted owl core area. The proposed harvest units that were previously clear-cut plantations do not meet the definition of mature/old growth forest, nor do they contain remnant older trees. The agency survey protocol calls for field inventory in stands that are equal or greater than 18 inches quadratic mean diameter. All of these stands were inventoried according to established protocol. The results of these surveys were all negative; no red tree vole (RTV) individuals or nests were located within any of the proposed units. The approximately 220 acres of suitable habitat were surveyed within natural stands proposed for harvest.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The no action alternative would have no direct, indirect or cumulative impact on the red tree vole because no trees would be cut. The action alternatives proposed thinning 539 acres within approximately 55 to 65 year-old plantations would fall small diameter trees. These thinning units do not meet the stand criteria for suitable habitat (i.e. mature/old-growth forests, with QMD > 18” dbh) that would potentially contribute to a reasonable assurance of species persistence within the planning area, and as such proposed activities within these stands would not be expected to cause a consequential negative impact on the species habitat or the persistence of the species at the site (Biswell et al. 2002). The approximately 220 acres of suitable habitat were surveyed within natural stands proposed for harvest. Surveys were conducted within and adjacent to these units, one 65 acre unit being dropped because of a located RTV nest. The remaining units consist of mature uniform tree structure that results in marginal habitat conditions, and no RTV nest where located within the remaining proposed harvest units. Fifty- one acres within two units were proposed for harvest in Alternative 2. As such the proposed thinning in these stands would not be expected to cause a consequential negative impact on the species persistence at the site. Fuel treatments activities will consist of hand piles along 200 feet of the 2232 road for a total of five acres. As such this activity in not expected to have a meaningful adverse effect on RTV or their habitat (large old growth trees and overstory canopy cover). There are no direct or indirect effects associated with connected actions such as culvert replacement and temporary road construction because no mature/old growth or older trees are expected to be impacted Based on the proposed logging systems, approximately 18 guyline trees of smaller co-dominant trees within potential suitable RTV habitat would need to be felled for safety reasons adjacent to skyline portions of proposed commercial harvest thinning units 5, 9, 10, 13, and 21 (Figure 27).

135 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The guyline trees would range in diameter from 16-24 inches dbh and would likely be used as foraging, not nest trees. Use of old-growth trees would be avoided if possible. Due to the relatively low amount of affected habitat the potential impacts are considered negligible to the species. The proposed action would have an indirect effect by accelerating the development of larger trees and reduce the risk of future loss of habitat to wildfire by making the stands more fire resilient.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative impacts to red tree voles are analyzed at the Brice Creek watershed scale. Past clear-cutting of habitat (approximately 13,805 acres of Forest Service, BLM and private land) has had the largest cumulative impact to this species by removing late-seral habitat. Future clear-cut harvesting on private land (est. 200-600 acres per year) would not impact late-seral habitat because this harvest would be occurring in second-growth plantations. The proposed action would not remove but may degrade 51 acres of suitable RTV habitat at the site scale. Where habitat conditions exist prior to proposed activities, it is expected that they would remain following project implementation; project sites would retain dominant overstory trees as habitat structures. Thus, potential minor modification of 51 acres of habitat associated with these activities on the remaining 19,735 acres of habitat would be immeasurable/undetectable, and as such are considered to be insignificant effects and would not result in any meaningful cumulative impacts. The action alternatives would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning (Table 10), that has been implemented within the watersheds on lands administrated by the Forest Service which have caused similar effects as described above.

MOLLUSK – OREGON MEGOMPHIX There are two mollusk species that need to be considered in the 2001 ROD. Local populations of slugs or snails are often termed colonies. Densities of colonies vary from species to species and potentially stable colonies can occupy areas ranging in size from ten to hundreds of square feet. Most of the land mollusks are poor disperses and do not move far from their natal sites. Mollusks have restricted home ranges and limited dispersal capabilities.

One of these species, Pristiloma arcticum crateris is considered as “rare”. Categories 1A states “manage all known sites and complete Strategic Surveys” the 2001 ROD provided for additional mitigations that require pre-disturbance survey for category A species and equivalent effort surveys for category B species. Equivalent effort surveys are to be completed prior to ground disturbing projects. Equivalent effort surveys differ from practical pre-disturbance surveys in that for many of these species their characteristic make detection during such surveys less likely and, therefore, do not qualify as practical. Equivalent effort surveys are only designed to locate the species if it occurs in an identifiable condition during a reasonable survey time period (no more than two field seasons). Equivalent effort surveys are not expected to meet the description of “likely to determine the presence” of the species because the characteristics of these species make finding sites less certain. Refer to the Biological Evaluation section for detailed analysis of this mollusk species. The 2001 ROD has placed Megomphix (Megomphix hemphilli) in “Category 1F”, which means that the species is considered “uncommon” and not “rare”. New information on this species may result in its removal from Survey & Manage or assignment to another category. Until that time,

136 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects loss of some sites is not likely to change the level of rarity (USDA/USDI 2001, p. 60). Protection is only required for sites that were found on or before September 30, 1999. The Oregon Megomphix is a terrestrial snail species that occurs in moist conifer and hardwood forests at low to moderate elevations. Megomphix snails are most often found within the mat of decaying vegetation under sword ferns and big-leaf maple trees and near rotten logs or stumps. Most occupied sites are on well-shaded slopes and terraces, and many are near streams. There are currently eleven known locations of Oregon megomphix within the Parker Wyatt planning area on the Cottage Grove Ranger District. No known locations are located within the proposed activities, all known location will be protected from disturbance.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The no action alternative would have no direct or indirect effects as no actions would take place. Direct impacts to this species from action alternative include injury or crushing from ground disturbing actions such as skidding equipment, temporary road construction, culvert replacement or falling trees from the thinning operation. Activities such as fuels reduction through piling and burning or underburning could also impact individuals if these activities occur while Oregon megomphix are dispersing or foraging. Indirect effects include environmental changes to the stand from opening up the canopy. This allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor which can increase drying and reduce humidity on the forest floor, changing the microclimate of the understory. This results in a short-term negative impact to mollusks in general. Increased sunlight should initiate a long-term benefit to grass, forb and shrub layers, providing a more stable microclimate and increase in available hiding cover. Mitigation measures that protect coarse woody debris, leaf and needle litter and rock outcrops assure long-term viability within the project area and following management considerations outlined in the Conservation Assessment for this species (Applegarth 2013).

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative impacts are analyzed at the Brice Creek watershed scale. Past timber harvest, road building and prescribed fire may have degraded the quality of potential habitat in the planning area and watershed. The action alternatives would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning, 4,678 acres of PCT and 10,187 acres of fuel treatment that has been implemented within the watersheds on lands administrated by the Forest Service which have caused similar effects as described above (Table 9). The action alternative would result in movement of thinned stands toward a condition more favorable to Oregon megomphix and reduce the risk of future loss of habitat to wildfire by making the stands more fire resilient. Thus, when considered in the context of past, present, and foreseeable actions, it is determined that there would be no consequential negative cumulative impacts to the species associated with the action alternative. This is because of the small scale and duration of potential habitat-modifying activities, and the expected long-term benefits from projects implementation to habitat conditions for this species. The no action alternative would have no anticipated direct or indirect impacts on the species and thus, does not contribute to a cumulative impact.

BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF WILDLIFE SPECIES Regional Foresters are responsible for identifying and maintaining a list of sensitive species occurring within their Region. This list includes species for which there is a documented concern for viability in one or more administrative units within the species’ historic range (Forest Service Manual 2670.22, WO Amendment 2600-95-7). These species may require special

137 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects management emphasis to ensure their viability and to preclude trends toward endangerment that would result in the need for Federal listing. The Forest Service Manual (FSM 2672.4) requires a biological evaluation to determine potential effects of proposed ground-disturbing activities on sensitive species. This evaluation analyzes the action alternatives and their associated connected actions (Chapter Two) and potential effects on species population or their habitat. It makes recommendations for removing, avoiding, or compensating for adverse effects. It must include: (1) sensitive species that may be present; (2) identification of occupied and unoccupied habitat; (3) an analysis of the effects of proposed actions on species or their habitat; (4) a discussion of cumulative effects; (5) a determination of no effect, beneficial effect, or may affect; and, (6) recommendations for avoiding or mitigating any adverse effects if needed. A pre-field review was performed to determine which sensitive species are most likely to be impacted by the proposed alternatives. Table 32 lists Region 6 sensitive wildlife species relevant to the Parker Wyatt planning area. The table summarizes the presence or absence of and the potential effects on these species or their habitat within or adjacent to the proposed actions associated with this EA. This review is based on the latest documented survey and occurrence data, field reconnaissance, scientific literature review, and GIS analysis. Impact or effect determinations are made for each species based on this review. If a substantial, measurable impact or effect is anticipated, further analysis and discussion of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects is provided in the following sections.

Table 32. Region 6 Sensitive Wildlife Species

Sensitive Is species or habitat Is there a conflict with Would the project Species in or adjacent to implementation of the impact individual or actions associated project to species or result in loss of with action habitat? viability or trend? alternatives?

Northern Suitable nesting Yes; see discussion Impact to individuals Spotted Owl habitat adjacent and and habitat; Likely to Strix dispersal habitat within Adversely Affect21 - occidentalis the project Consultation with caurina USFWS required

Pacific Fringe- Suitable habitat within Yes; see discussion Project may result in tailed Bat and adjacent to project death or injury to Myotis individuals but would thysanodes not result in viability vespertinu concerns

California Suitable habitat within Presence assumed; no The project would Shield-Backed high elevation conflict to species or result in no impact to Bug meadows suitable meadow habitat. species viability Vanduuzeeina borealis californica

21 Likely to Adversely Affect

138 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Sensitive Is species or habitat Is there a conflict with Would the project Species in or adjacent to implementation of the impact individual or actions associated project to species or result in loss of with action habitat? viability or trend? alternatives?

Johnson’s Yes, adjacent habitat Yes; see discussion Project may result in Hairstreak in older forest death or injury to Callophrys individuals but would johnsoni not result in viability concerns

Cascade Axtial Suitable habitat within Yes; see discussion Project may result in slug and adjacent to project death or injury to Carinacauda individuals but would stormi not result in viability concerns

Mardon Skipper Suitable meadow Presence assumed; no The project would Polites mardon habitat within and conflict to species or result in no impact to adjacent to project suitable meadow habitat. species viability

Evening Suitable habitat within Presence assumed; no The project would Fieldslug and adjacent to project conflict to species with result in no impact to Deroceras protection buffers species viability hesperium adjacent to perennial wet areas

Coronis Fritillary Suitable meadow Presence assumed; no The project would habitat within and conflict to species or result in no impact to Speyeria adjacent to project suitable meadow habitat species viability oroniscoronis

Crater Lake Suitable habitat within Presence assumed; no The project would Tightcoil and adjacent to project conflict to species with result in no impact to Pristiloma protection buffers species viability arcticum adjacent to perennial wet crateris areas

Northern Bald No suitable habitat No The project would Eagle within or adjacent to result in no impact to Haliaeetus potential actions species viability leucocephalus

Harlequin Duck No, Streams adjacent No The project would Histrionicus to units are too small result in no impact to histrionicus and not suitable for species viability nesting.

Peregrine No suitable habitat No The project would Falcon within or adjacent to result in no impact to

139 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Sensitive Is species or habitat Is there a conflict with Would the project Species in or adjacent to implementation of the impact individual or actions associated project to species or result in loss of with action habitat? viability or trend? alternatives? Falcon project species viability peregrinus anatum

Black Swift No suitable habitat No The project would Cypseloides within or adjacent to result in no impact to niger project species viability

Fisher Suitable dispersal Disturbance only within The project would Martes pennanti habitat in mature 51 acres short term no result in no impact to stands measurable impacts species viability

Foothill Yellow- Suitable habitat along Project will have no The project would legged Frog lower reaches of Brice impact to suitable stream result in no impact to Rana boylii Creek habitat species viability

Northwestern Suitable habitat within Project will have no Project may result in Pond Turtle and along lower impact to suitable stream death or injury to Clemmys reaches Brice Creek habitat. possible impact individuals but would marmorata to overwintering habitat; not result in viability marmorata see discussion concerns

Gray Blue No suitable habitat No The project would (butterfly) within or adjacent to result in no impact to Plebejus project species viability (Agriades) podarce

NORTHERN SPOTTED OWL (NSO) Nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat (NRF) for the spotted owl is strongly associated with late- successional forests containing large conifers with broken tops or cavities for nesting, multiple canopy layers for thermal regulation, protection from predation, and adequate amounts of large down wood and snags to support populations of prey (Thomas et al. 1990). The analysis area is defined as "all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action” (USCFR 2001). For this consultation, because the NSO is the only listed or proposed species likely affected by the proposed action, the action area includes all federal, state, and privately owned lands within 1.2 miles (median NSO home range radius for the western Cascades) of proposed treatment areas and all NSO known or potential activity centers (KPAC) that could be directly, indirectly or cumulatively impacted through the proposed actions.

140 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The Parker Wyatt Timber Sale action area and NSO analysis area covers about 36,904 acres, of which 19,718 acres (53%) are currently suitable nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat (NRF) for the NSO (Figure 33).22 There are eighteen modeled KPAC home ranges within the analysis area23. Approximately 29,957 acres of the analysis area (81%) are considered to be dispersal or higher quality habitat. The federal government primarily administers land ownership in the action area. The US Forest Service administers 34,250 acres and BLM administers 44 acres. The remaining 2,610 acres is privately owned (Figure 33). The analysis area overlaps approximately 19,969 acres that fall within the Western Cascades South subunit 5 (WCS-5).

Table 33. Environmental Baseline: Action Area for Parker Wyatt

Suitable Capable NSO NRF NSO NRF Protected Habitat Habitat Acres1 Unprotected Acres Acres Acres Umpqua National Forest (% Of Northwest Forest Plan Acres (% Total) (% Total) Total) (% Of Total)

1. Ownership

36,904 19,718 35,332 21083 15,821 (43%) -All Ownerships (53%) (96%) (57%)

-Private, State, and other 2,610 443 (17%) 2,532 0 2,610 (100) non-BLM Government (97%)

34,294 19,275 32,800 21083 13,211 (39%) -Federal (56%) (96%) (61%)

2. Land Allocations- Federal (hierarchal, no acres double-counted)

-Administrative 456 145 187 (41%) Withdrawn

-Late-Successional 10,608 6,355 10,317

Reserves (mapped) (97%)

-100-Acre Spotted Owl 1,386 1,171 1,374 (99%) Core Areas in the (85%) Matrix24

22 For this analysis, NRF calculations were based on data from the 15 year monitoring report for the Northwest Forest Plan spotted owl habitat model (Davis et al. 2011). . 23 Potential NSO home ranges (a.k.a. territories) were generated through a spatial analysis described in USDI/USDA (2007). 24 There are portions of fifteen Matrix 100 acre spotted owl cores within the action area but only ten of the associated KPACs will be directly or indirectly impacted by the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale, therefore they are being consulted on.

141 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Suitable Capable NSO NRF NSO NRF Protected Habitat Habitat Acres1 Unprotected Acres Acres Acres Umpqua National Forest (% Of Northwest Forest Plan Acres (% Total) (% Total) Total) (% Of Total)

-Riparian Reserves 8,633 4,458 8,099 (94%) (Matrix and AMA acres (52%) only)

-Matrix/Adaptive 13,211 7,146 12,822

Management Areas (54%) (97%)

Notes: 1. Protected = land allocation with no programmed timber harvest.

142 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 25. NSO Action Area Land Allocation

143 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The Parker Wyatt action area ranges in elevation from 1,120 ft. to 5,440 ft. with the mean elevation being 3,280 ft. The action area tree species are primarily Douglas-fir, western hemlock, incense-cedar, western red cedar, white fir and big leaf maple. The proposed harvest units fall entirely within the Brice Creek watershed. There are no current surveys for owls within the action area. Due to the lack of recent survey data, spotted owl activity centers and home ranges within the action area have been estimated using the method identified by USDI/USDA (2008). That analysis resulted in an estimate of 18 potential NSO home ranges/territories located around activity centers based either on known historic or on predicted activity center locations (KPACs) within the action area (Table 34 and Figure 25).

Table 34. Pre-treatment Nesting, Roosting and Foraging Habitat Within the Parker Wyatt Action Area

Home Range Core Nest Patch

ID Suitable % Suitable Suitable % Suitable Suitable % Suitable NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres

356 999.5 35% 329.7 66% 59.3 85%

426 1487.1 51% 328.4 66% 52.2 75%

435 1553.6 54% 308.4 62% 68.9 99%

658 1652.6 57% 307.7 62% 32.3 46%

660 1707.1 59% 339.5 68% 63.2 91%

663 1962.0 68% 344.5 69% 66.3 95%

665 1817.5 63% 289.9 58% 37.7 54%

666 1592.6 55% 287.7 58% 59.8 86%

668 1933.7 67% 391.3 79% 57.8 83%

669 1836.0 63% 352.2 71% 58.3 83%

671 1857.0 64% 375.0 75% 63.4 91%

672 1366.5 47% 237.4 48% 47.5 68%

673 1250.8 43% 219.5 44% 40.2 58%

674 1252.0 43% 320.7 65% 51.2 73%

144 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Home Range Core Nest Patch

675 1946.7 67% 292.2 59% 54.9 79%

676 1776.6 61% 383.6 77% 66.8 96%

677 1254.0 43% 251.6 51% 59.0 85%

2666 1889.7 65% 373.2 75% 47.1 68%

Every owl home range that had units within them was included in this analysis, resulting in the action area as shown in Figure 25. Fifteen of the spotted owl home ranges/territories associated with the KPACs within the action area have at least 50% suitable NRF habitat within the core use area and > 40% NRF habitat within the home range (Figure 26, Table 34). Two of the spotted owl home ranges/territories associated with the KPACs (sites 672 and 673) have > 40% NRF at home range and < 50% NRF at the core scale, below the 50% threshold needed to maintain spotted owl life history functions (USDI/USDA 2008). One spotted owl home ranges/territories associated with the KPACs (site 356) within the action area has at least 50% suitable NRF habitat within the core use area but < 40% NRF habitat within the home range, below the 40% threshold needed to maintain spotted owl life history functions (USDI/USDA 2008) (Figure 26, Table 34).

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS TO HABITAT NSOs remain on their home range throughout the year. As a result, NSOs have large home ranges that provide all the habitat components and prey necessary for the survival and successful reproduction of a territorial pair. In the western Cascades, a 1.2-mile radius circle around an owl activity center is used to represent the owl’s home range and 40% NRF within this circle (1,194 acres) is considered the minimum acceptable amount of habitat for long-term owl survival. Home ranges contain three distinct use areas: 1) the nest patch, which research has shown to be an important attribute for site selection by NSOs and includes approximately 70 acres usually of contiguous forest (300-meter radius around a nest center; USDI/USDA 2008); 2) the core area, which is used most intensively by a nesting pair and varies considerably in size across the geographic range, but on average includes approximately 500 acres (800 meters radius around a nest center) and generally a greater proportion of mature/old forest (Courtney et al. 2004, USDI/USDA, 2008); 3) the remainder of the home range, which is used for foraging and roosting and is essential to the year-round survival of the resident pair (USDI/USDA 2008).

145 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 26. Suitable NRF Habitat, Activity Centers and Home Ranges

146 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects As documented in USDI/USDA (2008) and agreed upon amongst the Level One Team any removal of NRF or dispersal-only habitat with the nest patch would likely cause adverse effects to, and may rise to the level of take of the NSO. Further, core areas with 50 percent or greater suitable NRF habitat and home ranges with at least 40 percent suitable NRF habitat are considered necessary to maintain NSO life history function (USDI/USDA 2008). The proposed action was designed to meet the purpose and need to improve species and structural diversity on 539 acres stem exclusion stands of 50 -70 year old in second growth forest; sugar pine enhancement within 51 acres within a mature stands 100 - 120 years old; and provide wood products to the local community. Within the analysis area 539 acres are within second growth plantation units and 51 acres of mature stands, resulting in commercial thinning on approximately 590 acres. About 58% of these acres will be thinned to a stand density of 55-70 trees per acre (TPA) and 42% will be thinned to 70-90 trees per acre. Thinning will reduce canopy cover to about 40 - 50% within the treated portion on the stand, approximately 590 acres. Small gaps, ¼, 1/10 and ½ acre will be created in nine units, totaling 28.5 acres. These gaps will retain 1 to 2 dominate trees remaining therein, on about 10% of each harvest unit. Action and connected action activities that may result in impacts to NSO’s or their habitat include: Harvest using helicopter, ground-based, and skyline logging systems. Treating activity-created fuels would occur on approximately 220 of the harvested acres by jackpot burning (6 acres), machine piling (73 acres), and hand pile (68 acres). No fuel treatment will occur in NSO NRF habitat. Nine landings for helicopter logging would be used. No NRF habitat would be impacted from the construction of helicopter landing. One landing would be new construction and five other existing landings, are within 10-15 year old Douglas fir plantations. Another existing landing would require approximately twelve 40 year old trees to be cut within adjacent dispersal only habitat. The remaining two helicopter lands are within an existing rock pit and rock stock piling area. Approximately 1.0 mile of existing temporary roads would be used. All but 0.24 miles are within the existing harvest units and another 0.1 mile of temporary roads would be created within the proposed harvest units. All temporary roads would be obliterated after use. Due to the narrow 15 foot road width, the temporary roads will still function as NRF and dispersal habitat. Road reconstruction work includes replacement of two ditch relief culverts and five stream crossing culverts. Road grading and ditch line maintenance would occur on 53.6 miles of existing road. The existing Blodgett rock pit would be the rock source for the road work. Snag creation within the proposed units. Invasive weed management within harvest unit and along existing roads. Three acres of meadow enhancement within Unit 10, that consists of weed management and planting elderberry and cascara trees.

Six known or predicted NSO home ranges (Sites 426, 663, 669, 675, 676 and 671) overlap the proposed project where NRF habitat would be downgraded or modified. Thinning would reduce canopy cover from 70-80%to about 40-60% and impact other important biological features such as coarse wood debris (refer to Coarse Woody Debris Section). Other important biological features such as large trees with broken tops and deformities would remain on site. Table 34 summarizes the existing condition of NRF habitat for these home ranges and Table 35 documents proposed post thinning NRF habitat acres. The proposed action would

147 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects downgrade/modify approximately 51 acres of low quality (foraging) NRF habitat. The treatment would include creating small gaps of 1/10 acre around dormant sugar pine trees for a total of about 4 acres within Unit 11. The 1/10 acre gaps are an estimate of the sugar pine pod releases. The sugar pines average about 35” dbh for those that would be released which would equate to approximately a 1/10 acre opening. The proposed stand for treatment is approximately 45 acres with an estimate of no more than one sugar pine per acre or approximately 40 sugar pine trees to be released. Six acres within Unit 9 would be thinned to approximately 60 trees per acre, so the project canopy cover would be approximately 48%. Pre-existing snags and downed wood will be retained to the greatest extent possible post treatment (see Chapter 2 for all associated project design features). Down wood and snag levels will be maintained within 30% to 50% tolerance levels described in DecAID for the Westside Lowland Conifer-Hardwood Forests OR West Cascades habitat type, small-medium tree stand condition. The NRF habitat downgrade/modification will occur in two locations. NSO sites 675 and 676 would each have approximately 6 acres of NRF habitat downgraded/modified within their home range from harvest actions associated with Unit 9. Sites 426, 663 669 and 671 would have NRF habitat downgraded/modified within their home range from harvest actions associated with unit 11; 34.4 acres, 3.5 acres, 45.6 acres, 12.7 acres respectively. The impacts from small 1/10 acre gap creation within Unit 11 are considered as a portion of the downgraded NRF acres (Table 35). NRF habitat within these home ranges would remain above the 40% within these home ranges, threshold considered necessary to maintain NSO life history function (USDI/USDA 2008). Approximately 35 acres of NRF would be downgraded/modified within the 800-meter core of NSO site 671. This KPAC currently has greater than 50% suitable NRF habitat within the 800 meter core area and would remain such at 69% post-harvest (Table 35). If downgraded NRF habitat were avoided by foraging NSOs, NRF habitat would remain above the 40 (home range) and 50 (core area) percent thresholds considered necessary to maintain NSO life history function (USDI/USDA 2008). NRF habitat downgrade/modify would occur outside of the 300-meter core areas. All six home ranges in the action area will retain suitable NRF habitat post treatment to support occupancy, reproduction, and survival (Table 35). All downgraded acres will still function as dispersal habitat as post treatment canopy covers will remain above 40%, but less than 60% and impacts are short-term with long-term benefits. This loss of NRF habitat will be short term (approximately 10 years, using the average 2% increase in canopy cover post treatment per year. At 41% canopy cover post treatment, in 10 years the canopy cover would be 61% and therefore meet the minimum threshold for being considered NRF habitat).

Table 35. Spatial Conditions of NRF for NSO NRF Habitat Within the NSO Home Range

Home Range Core Nest Patch

ID Suitable % Suitable Suitable % Suitable Suitable % Suitable NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres NRF Acres

356 999.5 35% 329.7 66% 59.3 85%

426 1452.7 50% 328.4 66% 52.2 75%

435 1553.6 54% 308.4 62% 68.9 99%

148 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Home Range Core Nest Patch

658 1652.6 57% 307.7 62% 32.3 46%

660 1707.1 59% 339.5 68% 63.2 91%

663 1958.5 68% 344.5 69% 66.3 95%

665 1817.5 63% 289.9 58% 37.7 54%

666 1592.6 55% 287.7 58% 59.8 86%

668 1933.7 67% 391.3 79% 57.8 83%

669 1790.4 62% 352.2 71% 58.3 83%

671 1844.3 64% 341.6 69% 63.4 91%

672 1366.5 47% 237.4 48% 47.5 68%

673 1250.8 43% 219.5 44% 40.2 58%

674 1252.0 43% 320.7 65% 51.2 73%

675 1940.7 67% 292.2 59% 54.9 79%

676 1770.6 61% 383.6 77% 66.8 96%

677 1254.0 43% 251.6 51% 59.0 85%

2666 1889.7 65% 373.2 75% 47.1 68%

Foraging and dispersal habitats may be in younger, more open and fragmented forests than those associated with nesting and roosting (USDI 1992). NSO feed primarily on small mammals, especially northern flying squirrels and wood rats in southwestern Oregon (Anthony et al. 2004). Dispersal habitat for spotted owls satisfies needs for foraging, roosting, and protection from predators and is characterized by forests that have a minimum average tree diameter of 11 inches and greater than 40% canopy cover. Maintenance of dispersal habitat on a minimum of 50% of federal lands within a given area (e.g. quarter-township) is a conventional threshold for adequate owl dispersal conditions. The proposed action alternatives would modify dispersal habitat within 51 acres of foraging/low quality NRF habitat and 539 acres of dispersal only habitat. Given the silvicultural prescriptions for the proposed timber sales, a total of 539 acres of dispersal only habitat would be treated but maintained as dispersal habitat. These units would still function as dispersal habitat for the owls, because the unit’s overall post-thinning tree diameters and canopy cover would still meet the definition of dispersal habitat (≥40% canopy cover). The direct effect of thinning post treatment would be an increase in the stand’s average tree diameter (the average stand tree diameter would be greater than 11 inches dbh) and a

149 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects decrease in the stand’s average canopy cover to approximately 40 to 60%. Seventeen known or predicted NSO home ranges within the action area overlap the proposed project where dispersal only habitat would be downgraded/modified. Five KPACs (sites 356, 426, 665, 666 and 676) would have dispersal only habitat downgraded/modified within their 800-meter core. These KPACs will have greater than 50% suitable NRF habitat within the 800-meter core area post treatment of NRF (Table 28) therefore, there is no expected impacts, if downgraded dispersal only habitat were avoided by foraging NSOs. This is because NRF habitat remains above the 50 percent threshold considered necessary to maintain NSO life history function (USDI/USDA 2008). All impacts to dispersal habitat occur outside of the 300-meter core area. Commercial thinning would modify the structure of dispersal habitat within 51 acres of NRF within the proposed action, but the stands would still function as dispersal habitat for the owl as defined by Thomas et al. (1990). Additionally there will be impacts, considering the possibility of snag loss and destruction of existing decaying down woody structure which could occur as a result of clearing yarding corridors and yarding material through them. Even with the downgrading/modification of 590 acres of dispersal habitat within the action area, dispersal or higher quality habitat would still be 79.5%, well above the 50% threshold needed for maintenance of owl dispersal. Thus, the direct impact to dispersal of NSOs is considered minor. Five harvest units (units 5, 9, 10, 13 and 21) are directly adjacent to NRF habitats that have no proposed harvest activity within them. Based on the proposed logging systems, approximately 18 guyline trees in adjacent NRF would need felled for safety reasons. The guyline trees would range in diameter from 16-24 inches dbh. Use of old-growth trees would be avoided, if possible. No guyline trees are proposed for felling within owl cores/LSR4. Approximately eleven guyline trees would be in the 2012 CHU (subunit West Cascade South 5). Overall, guyline tree felling represents a minor direct degradation of NRF habitat at a limited scale. Guyline trees would not continue to function as potential nest or roost trees in these stands, but they would remain on site to serve as habitat for prey. Affected stands are expected to continue to function as NRF following project implementation. There are also multiple potential indirect effects to spotted owls associated with this project. Dense, closed-canopy second-growth forest without structural legacies (large trees and snags), is poor habitat for most owl prey species (Carey 1995, Carey and Harrington 2001, Carey and Johnson 1995). It is also poorly suited for owl roosting, foraging, or nesting (Carey et al. 1992). This period of low structural diversity can last >100 years (Carey et al. 1999a, Franklin et al. 2002) and can have profound effects on the capacity of the forest to develop biodiversity in the future (Carey 2003). Although there is currently no positive proof that thinning has accelerated the development of spotted owl habitat, variable-density thinning holds some promise (Carey 2003). Additionally foraging success for spotted owls may be optimal in stands with a mix of canopy gaps and patchy ground cover (Irwin et al. 2000). This project would accomplish variable-density thinning on 590 acres of homogenous, even-age stands of Douglas fir. The proposed thinning would restore variable density in stands that are now generally homogeneous in structure and composition. Thinning and gap creation combined would accelerate the development of stand attributes that distinguish mature and late-seral vegetation by sustaining dominant tree growth. Thinning and gap creation also would invigorate the growth of the shrub layer, stimulate the growth of advanced understory trees (Tappeiner et al. 1997), and affect changes in species composition that would provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species (Muir et al. 2002). Thinning reduces competition among remaining trees and accelerates diameter growth of retained trees. Forest growth simulator and coarse wood dynamics models (FVS & FFE) used to forecast the effects of the silvicultural prescriptions showed that moderate thinning would accelerate successional development, while maintaining down wood at levels within

150 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects normal ranges for these forest types (Mellen-McLean et al. 2011). Over time, the proposed silvicultural treatments are expected to enhance NRF habitat, improve habitat connectivity in the action area and reduce the risk of loss of habitat due to stand-replacing wildfires. High quality spotted owl habitat is characterized in part by containing multiple canopies, larger diameter trees, which are conditions being sought in treating stands within the action area. Consequently, the proposed action alternatives would have an indirect beneficial effect to the spotted owl and their habitat in the long-term. Commercial thinning may indirectly affect NSOs through changes to prey species habitat. However, the potential response to commercial thinning varies by prey species and temporal scale; and there are some contradictory conclusions about prey responses to commercial thinning in current literature. Sakai and Noon (1993) reported that wood rats were not impacted by thinning, although some individuals may be more exposed in the disturbed area or may move away from the disturbed area over the short-term. Some minor changes in prey availability are likely because implementation of the proposed action would disturb prey habitat and cause animals to move around in the understory. Because some stands currently harboring dusky- footed wood rat would be opened up, spotted owl prey availability might even increase during and immediately after treatment. However, the action area is outside of the portions of the NSO species range where wood rats are documented as being important prey. Thus, potential effects to this prey species, whether negative or positive would have a limited indirect impact on the NSO. Other prey species whose availability is expected to increase during and immediately after project implementation are deer mice, chipmunks and pine squirrels. The development of understory habitat resulting from proposed thinning would favor these and other associated species. The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is a known important prey species for the NSO within the action area. Some current literature indicates that northern flying squirrel abundance decreases following thinning which removes midstory canopy layers, increasing predation risk to flying squirrel (Bull et al. 2004, Carey 2000, Hebers and Klenner 2007, Lehmkuhl et al. 2006, Manning et al. 2012, Wilson 2010). Based on the above body of research, it is reasonable to expect some negative, indirect effects to spotted owls from the proposed thinning due to reduced availability of this prey, at least in the short-term. However, the expected changes in the abundance and richness of hypogenous fungi (an important food source for flying squirrels) are also a consideration with regard to this NSO prey species. Gomez et al. (2005) found greater biomass of Rhizopogon and Gautieria in moderately or heavily thinned stands (two genera of fungi that are highly selected for by flying squirrels) and some evidence that thinning intensity may have positively affected the body mass of flying squirrels. In addition, if treated stands are allowed to develop over time, the proposed silvicultural prescriptions are expected to result in stand structural conditions that would be considered optimal habitat for supporting high densities of northern flying squirrels. This indicates there are also potential beneficial indirect effects to spotted owls associated with this project through long-term, improved habitat conditions and increased abundance of this prey species. Effects to NSO Critical Habitat The Parker Wyatt action area contains 19,969 acres of critical habitat, the majority of which (95%) falls within the Western Cascades South subunit 5 (WCS-5). There are 211 acres of Parker Wyatt treatment units in WCS-5, out of 591 total acres of proposed treatments that are part of the entire Parker Wyatt proposed action. The treatments proposed within this project are designed to decrease the time needed to develop into NRF habitat than if left untreated.

151 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The proposed project includes 138 acres of plantation and 51 acres of NRF thinning within the 2012 proposed revision of critical recovery habitat. These actions are currently in consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The proposed actions are expected to be consistent with forest health and resiliency and biodiversity objectives associated with critical habitat designation. Consistence with NSO Recovery Actions In July of 2011, the revised recovery plan for the Northern Spotted Owl was finalized (USDI 2011). The Recovery Plan included four Recovery Criterion and 33 Recovery Actions, of which 2 Recovery Actions apply to the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale. Recovery Action 10: Conserve spotted owl sites and high value spotted owl habitat to provide additional demographic support to the spotted owl population. Recovery Action 10 goes on to suggest that in unsurveyed owl habitat the USFWS and Forest Service should work together to minimize impacts to potential spotted owl sites. All of the affected owl sites in the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale will be maintained above threshold levels at both the home range and core scales post implementation (USDI/USDA 2008). Additionally, all of the treatments proposed within this project are to either reduce the potential for loss of habitat from stand replacing fire and/or are designed to decrease the time needed to develop into NRF habitat than if left untreated. Therefore the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale is consistent with Recovery Action 10. Recovery Action 32: Because spotted owl recovery requires well distributed, older and more structurally complex multi-layered conifer forests on Federal and non-federal lands across its range, land managers should work with the Service as described below to maintain and restore such habitat while allowing for other threats, such as fire and insects, to be addressed by restoration management actions. These high-quality spotted owl habitat stands are characterized as having large diameter trees, high amounts of canopy cover, and decadence components such as broken-topped live trees, mistletoe, cavities, large snags, and fallen trees. No stands in the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale proposed for treatment meet the Recovery Action 32 definition of high quality habitat. There are stands of high quality owl habitat adjacent to the proposed units that will indirectly benefit from the proposed treatments in that the treated stands will likely burn at a lower severity due to increased ladder fuel heights, decreased surface fuel loadings, and in some cased decreased canopy covers in the event of a wildfire event. During the development of the proposed action several stands or portion of stands were dropped because they were considered to meet the definition of high quality habitat. Therefore, the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale is consistent with Recovery Action 32.

Direct and Indirect Effects from Disturbance NSOs can be affected through noise generating disturbances within close proximity to both known NSO activity centers and spatially suitable habitat that may support nesting owls.25 It is expected that some potential disturbance activities would occur during the March 1 through September 30 NSO breeding season. Activities occurring after the critical breeding period (March 1 through July 15) may disturb the NSO, but are not likely to disrupt NSO reproductive success. Timber harvesting and associated activities (e.g. temporary road construction,

25 Determined by a spatial analysis of NRF conducted in accordance with procedures outlined by the USFWS (USDI/USDA 2007)

152 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects chainsaw and helicopter operation, etc.) produce above ambient noise levels that have the potential to disturb nesting NSOs, and disrupt normal reproductive activities. Disturbance could cause nest abandonment, flushing of adults off eggs thereby exposing them to harm, depressed feeding rates and avoidance of otherwise suitable habitat. Disturbance to NSOs was analyzed by buffering known and computer generated owl points with a 60 meter buffer and applying a 110 meter buffer to helicopter units, their landings and flight zone (USDI 2009). Any activities that overlap the 60 meter buffered NSO points had the potential to disturb nesting owls during their breeding season; it was determined that none of the proposed harvest activities or units, or connected actions would have noise-related disturbance impacts to nesting NSOs (Figure 27). Prescribed fire would be used to jackpot burn about six acres and pile burn approximately 141 acres in the proposed project. These areas would be burned over a period of years and days within a year in the Parker Wyatt action area. The effects of smoke generated by prescribed burning on NSOs have not been studied. Smoke effects would be short term (2-3 days at the most), and would be most intense during the evenings when inversions often cause smoke to settle into the understory of stands. Burning during the nesting season may cause discomfort to roosting owls breathing smoke and the disturbance associated with the personnel carrying fire through stands. NSOs are potentially affected by fire control activities and drifting smoke during burning. The threshold distance for disturbance from smoke is 0.25 miles for NSOs. The vast majority (97%) of proposed fuel treatment acres are located >0.25 miles from the KPAC’s within the action area (Figure 27). A portion of Unit 20 (approximately 4 acres) has proposed hand pile burning within this potential disturbance distance of 0.25 miles. Smoke-related disturbance during the critical breeding period could affect nesting owls at site ID 666. However, the hand piles within unit 20 will be burned outside of the NSO breeding season (March 1 through September 30). Therefore, there should be no disturbance impacts to nesting NSOs.

153 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 27. Parker Wyatt Planning Area Disturbance Zones

154 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Project Design Features for Parker Wyatt Timber Sale

Project design features were developed to assist in reducing potential impacts to NSOs and their habitat. Project design features were incorporated when making the effect determination to NSOs and their habitat. They include: 1. Retain existing large down wood (>6 inch diameter) and snags (>9 inch dbh) to the extent practical and safe. Where feasible, avoid mechanical impacts and movement of large down wood and leave felled snags on site. Care will be taken when yarding to attempt to avoid loss of bark on downed wood. If possible, directionally fall and yard trees away from large downed wood. 2. If feasible, in skyline units, retain all trees used as anchors in the skyline operation as long as they do not pose a hazard. 3. OSHA requires that hazardous trees/snags be felled to protect workers on the ground during forest operations. Snags that must be felled for safety reasons should be retained to help attain down wood requirements. 4. When felling hazard trees retain as high of a stump as is operationally safe to do so. 5. All trees damaged during harvest operation, such as intermediate support trees or line damage trees, would be retained to mitigate the decreased rate of snag recruitment caused by thinning and harvest activities. 6. Leave all guyline tail-hold trees outside of unit boundaries. 7. To protect nesting spotted owls, for proposed and connected actions that create above- ambient noise levels (i.e. road maintenance, brushing, subsoiling, etc.), abide by the terms and conditions in the programmatic Biological Opinion (FWS-1-15-03-F-0454). When possible, do not schedule these activities to occur between March 1 and July 15. 8. A portion of Unit 20 (approximately 4 acres) has proposed hand pile burning within this potential disturbance distance of .25 miles. Smoke-related disturbance during the critical breeding period could affect nesting owls at site ID 666. The hand pile within unit 20 will be burned outside of the NSO breeding season (March 1 through September 30). 9. Anchor Tree Selection: Cable logging systems may use healthy green trees to anchor rigging (tail-holds) and yarders (guyline trees). Anchor tree removal will not occur in any habitat type. The smallest possible anchor trees will be selected in all instances, trees with suitable spotted owl nest structures will be avoided when possible, and anchor trees will be left standing when feasible. These measures will help to reduce impacts to spotted owl habitat features. Anchor Tree felling of occupied nest trees will be strongly avoided where- and whenever possible (due to lack of current surveys throughout the planning areas, the Forest cannot be absolutely certain no occupied nest trees will be felled). The following features will minimize the likelihood of felling occupied nest trees: a. When large guyline trees are necessary, trees closer to the road will be selected in lieu of trees farther into the adjacent stand; b. Trees with characteristics suitable for spotted owl nesting will be avoided wherever possible; c. Use of guyline trees necessitating felling of large snags in the adjacent stands will be avoided wherever possible; d. Use of guyline trees close enough to possible nest trees that felling them will disrupt the current micro-climatic conditions associated with said possible nest trees will be avoided wherever possible.

155 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects e. Guyline trees felled for safety reasons will be left on site when felled outside of units after the cessation of logging operations. All anchor trees outside of unit boundaries are to be retained as either live trees or snags if they have been topped.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects to spotted owls are analyzed at the Brice Creek watershed scale. Past clear-cutting of habitat (18,125 acres of Forest Service, BLM and private land) has had the largest cumulative impact to this species by removing NRF habitat. Future clear-cut harvesting on private land (est. 200-600 acres per year) would not impact NRF habitat because this harvest would be occurring in second-growth plantations. Alternative 2 would downgrade/modify approximately 51 acres of low quality NRF habitat. This impact to NRF represents 0.001% of the available habitat within the watershed. The current trend for NRF habitat within the watershed is stable to increasing. The action alternatives would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning that has either been implemented or are planned to be implemented within the watershed that have caused similar effects as described above. This and future commercial thinning would accelerate the development of future habitat (a beneficial cumulative effect) and reduce the risk of future loss of habitat to wildfire by making the stands more fire resilient. There are no other planned or scheduled activities in the analysis area that are considered to have potential to impact the availability of NRF habitat. Because this project downgrades/modifies 51 acres of NRF with short-term effects to the analysis area, the overall direct, indirect and cumulative effects would result in a small negative trend of habitat. The loss of habitat would be insignificant at the scale of the watershed.

EFFECTS DETERMINATION Given the information above, the direct, indirect and cumulative effects associated with this project “may affect likely to adversely affect” the NSOs or their habitat. Proposed management actions would modify stand conditions within 51 acres of NSO NRF habitat that occurs within the home range of six NSOs sites (Figure 27) and thus may have adverse effects to NSOs through habitat modification (USDI/USDA 2008). Additionally the project would modify 539 acres of dispersal only habitat. The action alternatives would have a beneficial, indirect effect of accelerating the development NRF habitat within the dispersal only habitat and make the area more resilient to wildfire. After harvest there would be an expected two percent gain in canopy cover per year after thinning (Chan et al. 2006). Therefore, there would be short-term (10 years) degradation effects to NRF and dispersal habitat functions.

PACIFIC FRINGED TAILED BAT This bat is usually described as cave-dwelling (Christy and West 1993, Verts and Carraway 1998). However, fringed myotis are known to roost in rock crevices, bridges, buildings, large trees, and snags (Cross et al. 1996, Weller and Zabel 2001). Weller and Zabel (2001) documented that habitat use by this species is influenced by the availability of large (>12 inch dbh), tall snags for roosting. Preliminary data from a recent study in the central western Oregon Cascades (Arnett and Hayes 2002) suggests a similar response by Myotis spp. and also a numerical response related to snag and roost tree availability. There are documented occurrences of Pacific fringed myotis within the Layng Creek subwatershed.

156 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The no action alternative would have no direct or indirect effects on the species, as no ground disturbing activities would occur. Harvest activities and other associated connected actions (see Chapter Two, Connected and Similar Actions) in the action alternatives would cause disturbance to bats if they were roosting in or adjacent to the stands. Felling of trees or snags during logging, road construction and burning operations may cause injury or death to roosting bats. Alternative 2 would thin approximately 590 acres and Alternative 3 would thin approximately 539 acres with approximately 108, and 102 acres of fuel treatment accordingly. However, the trees/snags proposed to be felled generally do not meet the description of typical roost trees. Most roost sites are described as large snags or trees with thick or loose bark or that provide cavities and have good solar exposure. The proposed thinning lacks large snags and any large remnant trees or snags will be protected from harvest. Although smaller snags would be protected to the extent possible during harvest activities, road construction and during burning operations, it is likely that some may have to be felled for safety reasons, or may fall accidentally from logging activities. Based on the proposed logging systems, approximately 18 guyline trees would need to be fallen for safety reasons. The guyline trees would range in diameter from 16-24 inches dbh and would not likely be bat habitat. Use of old-growth trees would be avoided if possible. Guyline trees would not continue to function as potential roost trees in these stands. With project design features that would create three snags per acre, the expected impact to bats habitat should not be substantial. Thinning forested stands has not been shown to change moth (a forage species) abundance substantially (Muir et al. 2002). However, hardwood shrub densities were higher in thinned stands than in unthinned stands. These hardwoods (e.g., chinquapin and ocean spray) are important food sources for moths. Muir et al. (2002) recommends maintaining a variety of stand types and densities across the landscape to promote a diversity of plant species and associated fauna. All action alternatives meet this recommendation. Based on the available data, the action alternatives and associated connected actions would not have a major negative effect on the bat or its prey species, thus project effects to this bat and its habitat are believed inconsequential to the species.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects to snag habitat are similar to those discussed in the coarse woody debris discussion. The thinning (action alternatives) of the young plantation stands would accelerate development of large trees. Snag densities are expected to increase given current management on public forests. Levels of roosting habitat would remain limited on industrial forestlands. No action would prolong the time it takes to develop large trees and maintain closed canopies, which may limit bat utilization of habitat. Since the action alternatives, no action alternative, and associated connected actions would not have major negative or beneficial effects on the bat or its prey species, there are no cumulative effects to the Pacific Fringed Myotis associated with the project.

EFFECTS DETERMINATION In considering the direct, indirect and cumulative effects of the action alternatives, it is determined that the action alternatives may impact individuals or habitat but is not likely to contribute to a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability of the species because of the low likelihood that this species is present within the stand being proposed for thinning and that no large trees or snags are being proposed to be felled.

157 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

NORTHWESTERN POND TURTLE This highly aquatic turtle occurs in streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. It spends much of its life in water, but requires terrestrial habitats for nesting. It overwinters in mud bottoms of lakes or ponds or in upland habitats adjacent to water bodies. Reese and Welsh (1997) documented overwintering on about 200 sites were an average of 28 meters from creeks but as far as 500 meters from river systems, and mainly on north and east facing slopes (Rathbun et al. 2002). Western pond turtles are long-lived, reaching an estimated life-span of 50 to 70 years. Nesting occurs from May to mid-July in soils with scant vegetative cover, on open and sunny nests.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The no action alternative would have no direct, indirect or cumulative effects on the species, as no ground disturbing activities would occur.

The direct and indirect effects of the action alternatives are analyzed at the scale of units which are within the vicinity of potential turtle habitat. Potential habitat occurs along the main stem of Brice Creek. Three units (unit 5, 6, and 8) are within 500 meters of Brice Creek. The nearest known site is within Layng Creek behind the Forest Service work center. There have been no sightings along Brice Creek. Incidental surveys have occurred but no turtles have been documented. Given the vicinity of these units to Brice Creek, it is possible that turtles could potentially use them for overwintering. About 114 unit acres paralleling Brice Creek are within 500 meters of the creek. The closest point is approximately 60 meters from the creek and the furthers point is approximately 300 meters, with average distance of 150 meters, well outside of the average 28 meter overwintering distanced documented by Rathbun et al. (2002). Additionally, all of the proposed harvest units are on south to west aspects further reducing the likelihood that turtles may be overwintering within these units. Given that no turtles have been documented in this area and there is, approximately 700 acres of suitable overwintering forest structure in the same vicinity (500 meters) of proposed harvest units along Brice Creek. Approximately 114 acres (16% of the area) proposed for harvest units have a low likelihood of occupancy because of the environmental conditions stated above, therefore the likelihood that these units are actually used for overwintering is considered low. Harvesting activities could extend into the late fall, but would likely cease by winter. Thinning may indirectly affect this overwintering habitat by opening up the canopy. This would potentially lower the suitability for these stands to function as overwintering habitat for the next 5 to 10 years, until tree crowns expand and canopy cover increases to above 50%. After harvest there would be an expected 2% gain in canopy cover per year after thinning (Chan et al. 2006). Other proposed connected actions are not expected to result in effects to turtles or their habitat. Therefore, potential negative project effects to pond turtle and its habitat are believed to be inconsequential to the species.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects are analyzed at the scale of the Brice Creek subwatershed. Within this subwatershed there are no known sites. The closest proximity of turtles is the lower reaches of Sharps and Layng Creek. The biggest effects to the turtle are related to historic human exploitation, habitat loss from dams, and agricultural and urban development (NatureServe 2012). The action alternatives produce a small-scale impact, which is not expected to add cumulatively to the past effects that have caused concern for this species.

158 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects EFFECTS DETERMINATION Following consideration of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects it is determined that the action alternatives “may impact individuals or habitat, but are not likely to contribute to a trend toward federal listing or loss of viability of the species” because of the low probability that the turtles are using the area, the small scale of impact in relation to available habitat and limited duration of impact due to harvesting restriction during the winter. The no action alternative would not impact this species.

JOHNSON’S HAIRSTREAK Hairstreaks are small (1 ¼ -1 ⅜inch wingspread) butterflies that move very rapidly, flitting in circles or side-to-side. Preferred habitat is late successional and old-growth coniferous forests that contain mistletoes of the genus Arceuthobium (dwarf mistletoes). The Johnson’s hairstreak is considered the only old-growth obligate butterfly. The species lays its eggs on the mistletoe and the larvae feed on all exposed parts of the host plant. There is usually only one brood per year from May through July. Adults feed on flower nectar (including Oregon grape, Pacific dogwood, ceanothus, pussy paws, and Rubus species) and nectar of the mistletoe. Range is local and scarce throughout the Pacific Northwest. Primary threats to this species include logging of late successional forests, spraying of insecticides, and potential hybridization with another species of butterfly. A detailed summary of habitat associations, life history traits, range/distribution etc. are documented in a species fact sheet on the Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Pacific Northwest Interagency Special Status /Sensitive Species Program website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/sfpnw/issssp/documents/planning-docs/20050906-fact-sheet-johnsons- hairstreak.doc. There are no known occurrences of this species within the planning area. There are two occurrences on the Cottage Grove District, one approximately a mile to the north near the east side of the District boundary; the second is four miles south in the Sharps Creek drainage. None of the proposed harvest units are preferred habitat for this butterfly, but conifers with mistletoe are present in some units; thus, species presence within the harvest units is possible and species presence in adjacent late-successional forests is assumed.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The No Action alternative would not impact this species because no trees would be removed. None of the action alternatives would remove multilayered old-growth forests with a large component of western hemlock, the preferred late successional habitat for this species. Although since some trees infected with mistletoe would be felled in stands selected for thinning, the action alternatives directly impact low quality potential habitat for the species. There is also a potential for direct effects to individual eggs or larvae, if they were occupying mistletoe brooms during tree felling. Other actions that would occur within the units that may result in short term effects are fuel reduction activities, temporary road construction and snag creation. Because the harvest units are not preferred habitat, thus potential negative project effects to this butterfly and its habitat are believed inconsequential to the species. Action alternatives would also be expected to have indirect beneficial effects to the Johnson’s hairstreak butterfly by accelerating movement of 590 acres of mid-seral thinned stands toward preferred late successional habitat conditions. Additionally, thinning would result in a reduction of canopy cover and subsequent increases in grass, forbs, and shrubs in the understory. This could benefit adult butterflies by providing additional food sources in the planning area.

159 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Increasing structural and vegetative diversity would be expected to enhance habitat quality for this species in the planning area in the short- and long-terms.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects to the Johnson’s hairstreak butterfly are analyzed at the Brice Creek subwatershed scale. Past clear-cutting of habitat (18,125 acres of Forest Service, BLM and private land) has had the largest impact to this species by removing late-seral habitat. Future clear-cut harvesting on private land (est. 200-600 acres per year) would not affect Johnson’s hairstreak habitat because this harvest would be occurring in stands 55 to 78 years of age. Clear-cutting of late-seral forest is not expected to occur on Forest Service lands in the foreseeable future. Current and reasonably foreseeable actions in the planning area would not include spraying of insecticide. Reasonably foreseeable effects on late-successional forests are limited in scale and magnitude, and would not be expected to meaningfully reduce the ability of the planning area to support the Johnson’s hairstreak. The no action alternative has no noteworthy effects and as such, no meaningful cumulative impact. The action alternatives would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning that has either been implemented or are planned to be implemented within the subwatershed that have limited potential negative effects as described above. The action alternatives would result in movement of thinned units toward a condition more favorable to the Johnson’s hairstreak and reduces the risk of future loss of habitat to wildfire by making the stands more fire resilient. Thus, when considered in the context of past, present, and foreseeable actions, it is determined that there would be no consequential negative cumulative effects to the species associated with any action alternatives.

EFFECTS DETERMINATION Following consideration of the direct, indirect and cumulative effects, it is determined that the action alternatives may impact individuals or habitat, but would not likely contribute towards Federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species. The no action alternative would have no impact on this species.

SALAMANDER SLUG Two voucher specimens verified as this species were discovered on the Zig Zag Ranger District of the Mt. Hood National Forest on a CVS plot during strategic surveys in 2002. These specimens were found in a western hemlock plant association. Data for this plot records the oldest tree age as 103 years, overstory average age as 84 years, trees per acre average 343; basal area average 310, mean diameter of overstory trees is 17 inches dbh. Thirteen specimens were located on the Salem BLM District in 2006. The species also has been documented in the Sweet Home Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. Both the Mt Hood and the Sweet Home sites are on the western slope of the Oregon Cascades. The species has been located in mid-seral conifer plantations. This is a predatory slug. Habitats for predatory species typically reflect local habitats with an abundance of prey species found in them, generally older forest with abundance of large down wood. Additional information about this species is documented in a species account: http://web.or.blm.gov/mollusks/images/Gliabates_oregonia.pdf. The closest sighting of the species is on the Sweet Home Ranger District in the Owl Creek drainage in Lane County approximately 42 miles north of the project area boundary. The species has never been documented on the Umpqua National Forest during thousands of acres of project level and strategic surveys. However, the salamander slug is suspected on the

160 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects northern portion of the Umpqua National Forest and the project area contains potential suitable habitat for the species.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS The No Action alternative would not impact this species because no trees would be removed. The Alternatives 3 would remove mature or old forests that are assumed the best potential suitable habitat for the species. Alternative 2 would modify 50 acres of mature forest. The proposed 50 acres and additional 170 acres of mature forest were surveyed but salamander slugs were not detected. However, proposed timber harvest, fuels treatments, and associated activities would nonetheless modify forest stands that may be potential habitat for the salamander slug. Reduction in canopy covers and damage to the understory shrub layer from thinning, along with partial consumption of forest understories, leaf litter, and duff via prescribed fire on 6 acres, all represent direct short term habitat effects that would reduce the quality of slug habitat in treated areas. In the long-term, movement of the treated stands toward densities, species compositions, and structural characteristics that would occur under natural disturbance regimes may result in improved habitat conditions for the slugs over time, particularly in stands in the gentle, moist land types. These potential habitat effects, both adverse and beneficial are considered to be inconsequential to the species because proposed activities would not affect areas believed to be the best habitat for the species. Additionally the species was not located during protocol surveys. Proposed harvest units all retain unthinned areas, protect existing large logs within units that serve as habitat refugia, and provide for retention of 40% or greater canopy cover after harvest. The scale of the impact is limited to the relative availability of potential habitat in the planning area due to the low likelihood that the species exists on the District. If salamander slugs were occupying potential habitat during project implementation, it is possible that individuals could be displaced, injured, or killed. However, based on lack of historic or current species observations in the planning area or anywhere on the Umpqua National Forest, and the perceived low likelihood of species presence in proposed harvest units, and existing habitat conditions after harvest, it is considered unlikely that this potential impact would occur at a frequency of consequence to the species.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The cumulative effects to the salamander slug are analyzed at the Brice Creek subwatershed scale. Although the salamander slug is suspected on the Umpqua National Forest, in the context of considering potential population trends and consequence to the species, it is worth noting that the salamander slug has not been documented on the four thousand acres of project level and strategic surveys that have occurred on the Cottage Grove Ranger District. The closest observation of the species to the planning area is 42 miles north, and as such there is a presumed low likelihood that this area is a “source” breeding habitat for the species. Past clear cutting of habitat (18,125 acres of Forest Service, BLM and private land) has had the largest cumulative impact to this species by removing late-seral habitat. Future clear-cut harvesting on private land (est. 200-600 acres per year) would have a low likelihood of impacting salamander slug habitat because this harvest would be occurring in second-growth plantations. The no action alternative would not have effects and as such, no meaningful cumulative impact. Reasonably foreseeable effects on late-successional forests are limited in scale and magnitude, and would not be expected to meaningfully reduce the ability of the planning area to support the salamander slug. The action alternatives would add to the 1,096 acres of commercial thinning that has either been implemented or are planned to be implemented within the subwatershed that have caused similar effects as described above. The

161 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects action alternatives would have limited potential negative effects and would result in movement of thinned stands toward a condition more favorable to the salamander slug. Additionally, the risk of future loss of habitat due to wildfire would be reduced by making the stands more fire resilient. Thus, when considered in the context of past, present, and foreseeable actions, it is determined that there would be no consequential negative cumulative effects to the species associated with any action alternatives or connected actions.

EFFECTS DETERMINATION Following consideration of the direct, indirect and cumulative effects, it is determined that the action alternatives may impact individuals or habitat, but would not likely contribute towards Federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species. The no action alternative would have no impact on this species. AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The Parker Wyatt project would manage approximately 1% of the Riparian Reserves in the Brice Creek watershed at the stand scale to move ACS toward restoration at the landscape scale. The harvest in outer portions of Riparian Reserves would occur for the purpose of restoration of stand complexity and species diversity as well as large tree and snag development to achieve the intent of the ACS objectives #1, #8 and #9 of Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-11); therefore, proposed activities under both action alternatives are consistent with Aquatic Conservation Strategy.

BOTANY

UNIQUE HABITATS Unique habitats, or special habitats, are highly localized non-forested plant and animal communities varying in size from 1 to 75 acres and include meadows, hardwood inclusions, rock outcrops, and other natural openings (USDA 1990b). Hickman (1976) found that 85% of the plant diversity in the Cascade Range occurred within these sites and provide valuable habitat for a range of wildlife species. Unique habitats comprise about 3% of the land area in the Umpqua National Forest, and 6% of Brice Creek watershed (USDA 1997) where the Parker Wyatt project area is located. Management activities in unique habitats are guided by the Umpqua National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1990b) and the Northwest Forest Plan (USDA/USDI 1994, 2001).

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS Forty-three acres of unique habitat occur within proposed thinning units (Table 36), amounting to approximately 4% of the area of thinning units under both action alternatives. Within the Parker Wyatt planning area, unique habitats can be roughly categorized as mesic/moist meadows and shrublands (31%), dry to mesic hardwood inclusions (26%), rock outcrops/talus (22%), and dry meadows/balds (21%). Because of the high plant diversity found in unique habitats, these areas were surveyed for rare species by a qualified botanist during the 2011 field season. Mesic to moist meadows are generally dominated by graminoids and forbs, though there are also instances where some have a large shrub component. The meadows have soils that are

162 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects moist to saturate throughout most of the year and are often part of a meadow/conifer mosaic at the landscape level. Graminoids include panicled bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus), tapertip rush (Juncus acuminatus), swordleaf rush (Juncus ensifolius), fowl mannagrass (Glyceria striata), and sedges (Carex sp.). Coastal hedgenettle (Stachys chamissonis var. cooleyae), youth on age (Tolmiea menziesii), liverleaf wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia), and woodland buttercup (Ranunculus uncinatus) are dominant forbs, and shrub species include elderberry (Sambucus sp.) and currant (Ribes sp.). Grasslands with shallow soils over bedrock, often called “balds”, typically occur on steep south- or west-facing slopes (Chappell et al. 2001). Vegetation in balds typically consists of bunchgrasses and forbs, with mosses and lichens dominating the space between vascular plants. Most balds are unable to support trees due to shallow soils and drought-like conditions in the summer; thus are unlikely to be threatened by encroachment. Balds are not as fire dependent as other shrub or hardwood ecosystems (Chappell et al. 2001) and short-term dynamics of native and introduced vegetation remained unchanged after burning (Kaye et al. 2004). Fire may have prevented encroachment into more mesic areas of balds historically, and decades of fires suppression have probably resulted in only the driest and shallow-soiled sites remaining open. All hardwood dominated inclusions are in the west end of the planning area and primarily occur along the floodplains of Brice Creek, Blodgett Creek and unnamed perennial streams to the northwest. These inclusions mostly include red alder (Alnus rubra) and bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). The largest hardwood inclusion in the planning area is a stand of Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) with rock outcrops and is not part of a proposed thinning unit. The desired condition is to maintain the quality of all unique habitats by preserving or improving vegetative composition and structure for the benefit of wildlife (USDA 1990). An additional desired condition for wetlands and wet meadows is maintenance of water tables so that the areas continued to function as such, meeting Objective #7 of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-11).

Table 36. Unique Habitats and Design Criteria Buffer Design Unique Habitat Within Unit #’s Acres Width Criteria (ft.) Mesic to Wet Meadows or 1, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, 19 9 no entry 50 - 150 Shrublands

Hardwood Dominated Inclusions 2, 5 11 no entry 50

Rock Outcrops/Talus 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14,16, 22, 23 14 no entry 0

Dry Meadows/Balds 3, 12, 15 9 no entry 0

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS Direct effects to unique habitats are those that could result from implementation of activities within the habitats or their immediate surroundings. Indirect effects could result later in time or beyond the immediate spatial area of unique habitats.

163 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Alternative 1 No direct effects to unique habitats would occur under Alternative 1 because no activities would be implemented in or near them. Under the no-action alternative, the habitats would indirectly be affected by an increased risk of uncharacteristic wildfire due to dense stand conditions. Alternatives 2 and 3 Measures to eliminate any direct effects to unique habitats under Alternatives 2 and 3 include “no entry” into these areas and appropriate buffers (Table 36). These measures are discussed below and also in the Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring section of Chapter 2. For both action alternatives, a project-level Forest Plan amendment is proposed that would allow thinning up to the boundary of dry unique habitats (including hardwood stands, rock outcrops, and dry meadows) and within 50 feet of mesic to wet unique habitats (such as wet meadows, mesic hardwood stands, and other areas with seeps or additional moisture). Prescription C5-1 of the Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) for the Umpqua National Forest prevents timber harvest within 150 feet of inventoried unique habitats unless vegetation manipulation or structural improvement is designed to enhance wildlife (USDA 1990b, p. IV-200). This prescription was included to protect unique habitats from edge effects associated with clear-cut logging (Chen and Franklin 1990, Chen et al. 1992) that was originally anticipated during the development of the LRMP. However, edge effects and disturbance associated with thinning in second growth stands are expected to be lower than those associated with clear-cutting. For both action alternatives, the ‘no entry’ buffers around mesic/wet habitats such as wet meadows, hardwood inclusions along a stream, and seeps will prevent direct effects to the unique habitats and should also be sufficient to minimize indirect effects of thinning and fuels treatments. For example, the buffer should provide some protection from changes to microclimate (e.g., light levels, wind speed, humidity) that take place because of timber harvesting in surrounding stands (Chen et al. 1995). Riparian areas are particularly vulnerable to invasion by exotic plants (Hood and Naiman 2000); thus, buffers would also reduce the indirect effect of disturbance-induced weed invasion. Thinning and fuels treatments under both action alternatives would occur up to the perimeter of, but not within, drier unique habitats such as bunchgrass/shrub meadows, hardwood inclusions, and rock outcrops which will prevent any direct effects to the habitats resulting from either action alternative. Additionally, thinning up to the boundary of dry unique habitats would potentially reduce competition between hardwoods and conifers and hinder conifer encroachment, which would benefit the habitats in the long-term. However, lack of buffers around dry meadows and balds increases the risk of disturbance-induced weed invasion. The difference between Alternative 2 and 3 is that under Alternative 2, Units 9 and 11 would be commercially thinned. The unique habitats that occur in Units 9 and 11 consist of rocky land with minimal vegetation. Harvest would have typically taken place up to the boundary of these habitats but the portion of the units within which the habitats befall are not proposed to be thinned; therefore no direct or indirect effects to the unique habitats in Units 9 and 11 are expected due to thinning activities. Fuels created by thinning activities would be treated by a combination of jackpot burning, machine piling, and/or handpile and burning for both action alternatives. Under Alternative 3, no jackpot burning would take place because Unit 9 would be withdrawn from harvest. Jackpot burning is prescribed fire applied to concentrations of fuels rather than the entire landscape. It is typically conducted during a time of year when the likelihood of fire spread is very low

164 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects because soil and live fuel moisture is elevated. Under Alternative 2, there would not be any direct effects to the unique habitats in Unit 9 because burning would not take place within the habitats. Short-term increases in vegetation, particularly exotic and native forbs, are expected subsequent to fire (Metlen and Fiedler 2006) but unique habitats in Unit 9 are not located within the portion of the unit that would be burned so exotic plant invasion into the habitats are unlikely. Ten landings for helicopter logging would be created under Alternative 2; with 7 being created under Alternative 3. The landings were constructed for past timber harvests and located in previously disturbed areas. The openings would be approximately 0.75 acres. No direct effects to unique habitats are anticipated because none of the landings are located within the habitats. One landing is located about 75 feet from the edge of a designated wet meadow unique habitat in Unit 10. If the landing were infested by invasive weeds, wind-borne seeds could be introduced to this unique habitat indirectly by the disturbance created by helicopters operating in the landing. No new system roads would be constructed under both action alternatives. Approximately 1 mile of existing temporary roads would be utilized and 0.14 miles of temporary roads would be constructed. All temporary roads would be demolished after use. None of the temporary roads cross unique habitats or their buffers so no direct effects to unique habitats are expected. In Unit 16, one temporary road segment comes within 100 feet of a dry rocky shrubland designated as unique habitat. In Unit 5, a temporary road segment would be constructed off of Road 2232 which borders a dry unique habitat consisting of Pacific madrone and giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) on thin, rocky soils. Roads provide suitable disturbed habitat for invasive species and can act as corridors for further invasion into a landscape (Parendes and Jones 2000). Because invasive species are associated with disturbance, activities associated with decommissioning these two temporary roads could also indirectly affect unique habitats by introducing invasive weeds. Connected actions under both action alternatives include inactivation of roads which involve removing culverts, installing water bars, and blocking access. Inactivation of road 5850-962, which goes up to the edge of a unique habitat on the border of Unit 23, may indirectly affect the unique habitat by increasing the risk of disturbance-related weed invasion. However, the risk for this particular unique habitat is minimal because it is rocky land with little favorable habitat for weed establishment. Where thinning would occur up to the boundary of a dry unique habitat (i.e., no buffer) an additional design measure would be implemented to favor lichen community diversity. Open- grown trees (also known as “wolf trees”) are associated with maintaining cyanolichen and allectorioid species richness in thinning treatments (Root et al. 2010). Under both action alternatives, wolf trees would be retained when they occur within 20 feet of a unique habitat. When layout crews encounter open-grown conifers (conifers with abundant low branches approximately 2 inches in diameter and less than 10 feet from the ground), the unique habitat no-entry boundary would expand to include these trees.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The scope of analysis for cumulative effects is the watershed scale and includes past and future activities that may have impacted unique habitats in the planning area. Unique habitats have been protected from many activities including thinning, regeneration harvest, and road/trail construction since 1990 (USDA 1990b, p. IV-200). The exception to this is if treatments are designed to enhance quality of unique habitats to benefit wildlife. Since no commercial thinning or other activities would occur within unique habitats under either action alternative and this direction has existed for the past two decades, there would be no direct impacts contributing to cumulative effects by implementing this project. Additionally, no current ground-disturbing

165 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects activities occur within unique habitats or are planned for the foreseeable future (Table 9, Table 10). Road building and other ground-disturbing activities associated with past timber harvests have indirectly facilitated the spread of invasive plants in the planning area. When these activities occur near unique habitats, the potential exists for weeds to invade them. Noxious weed control activities and no-entry buffers surrounding some unique habitats are designed to minimize this risk. Proposed activities under both alternatives have limited potential to add to cumulative weed infestations in unique habitats within the planning area. AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY No impacts to wetlands are expected by the proposed thinning and connected actions. Wetlands are buffered and partial harvest of trees adjacent to buffers is not expected to change water table levels to any measurable degree; therefore, proposed activities under both action alternatives are consistent with Objective #7 of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-11). Additionally, plant species composition and structural diversity in unique habitats that occur in riparian areas and wetlands would be maintained (Objectives #8 and #9).

INVASIVE PLANTS/NOXIOUS WEEDS Invasive plant species are plants whose introduction to a new ecosystem is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health (USDA 2005a). Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as such by a federal, state, or county government as being a threat to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property (Sheley et al. 1999). Noxious weeds infest over 420,000 acres of National Forests and Grasslands in the Pacific Northwest Region (USDA 2005a).

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS Noxious weeds and other invasive plants put native plant communities throughout the Pacific Northwest at risk. Introduced plant species can be highly successful in new ecosystems for a variety of reasons including lack of natural enemies, adaptation, change in disturbance regime, and allelopathy (chemical toxins released by the plant). As a result, invasive species have the capacity to displace native species and detrimentally alter native plant communities. Some invasive species are capable of altering ecosystem processes in a way that is detrimental to native communities, such as changes to fire regimes (Brooks et al. 2004) and soil nutrient cycling (Ehrenfeld 2003). Invasive plants can be introduced to an uninfested area in various ways. Roads are considered the first point of entry for exotic species into a landscape and can serve as corridors along which plants move (Parendes and Jones 2000). Weed seeds can also be moved by water, animals and humans. Disturbed areas such as roadsides, trails, logged units, burns, rock quarries, mined sites and areas around human structures provide suitable habitat for weed establishment. Existing populations serve as seed sources for further dispersal. The increase of invasive plants on the Umpqua National Forest is directly related to expanding weed populations on nearby federal, state, and private lands. For example, populations of yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea), false brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), and meadow knapweed (Centaurea nigrescens) have become roadside weeds on heavily traveled highways of Oregon and along arterial roads in the Umpqua and Willamette National Forests. The greatest risk of human-caused noxious weed introduction into the project units is from seed-contaminated vehicles and equipment traveling through the planning area.

166 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Surveys for invasive plant species in the Parker Wyatt planning area were conducted during the summer of 2011. Management attention will be first given to the high priority species, followed by the lower priority species. These species have been identified using the Umpqua National Forest Integrated Weed Management Project Environmental Assessment (USDA 2003a) and local professional knowledge. The Umpqua National Forest has classified its noxious weeds into four categories: high priority species (Forest Rating A), lower priority species (Forest Rating B), detection species (Forest Rating D), and other weeds of interest (Forest Rating O). Noxious weeds known to occur in the Parker Wyatt planning area are displayed in Table 37. The false brome infestation on the west end of road 2200-127 is approximately 0.05 acres and occurs on the edge of the Riparian Reserve for Brice Creek. The effects of false brome on native plant communities can have greater ecological consequences than other high priority species. False brome is a perennial bunchgrass native to Eurasia and North Africa and was introduced to Oregon during the first half of the 20th century. Unlike many other weedy species, false brome is tolerant of shady conditions; therefore, it can establish under closed or open canopy conditions. It forms monocultures which can interfere with tree seedling establishment and displace native vegetation, including rare species (Blakeley-Smith and Kaye 2008). False brome was discovered in the Layng Creek watershed in 2002 and spread steadily despite efforts to rid it by hand pulling, mowing, heat treatments and filter cloth. Beginning in 2007, herbicide (specifically glyphosate) has been used as an additional tool to control the infestation (USDA 2007). The volume of herbicide used in the Layng Creek watershed has decreased from 2007-2010, and since individual false brome plants are targeted, this suggests that fewer plants are persisting over time (Table 38).

Table 37. Noxious Weeds in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

Common Name Scientific Name

High Priority Species (Forest Rating A)1 false brome Brachypodium sylvaticum Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum Lower Priority Species (Forest Rating B)2 meadow knapweed Centaurea nigrescens St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus tansy ragwort Senecio jacobaea Other Weed Species of Interest oxeye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Foxglove Digitalis purpurea common teasel Dipsacus fullonum perennial pea Lathyrus latifolius

1Forest Rating A: Aggressive, non-native species of limited distribution on the Forest. These species would be subject to intensive control or eradication where feasible. 2Forest Rating B: Aggressive, non-native species that are too widely distributed on the Forest to be efficiently treated by currently available intensive control methods. Isolated infestations and infestations threatening specific resource damage may be subject to intensive controls. Populations at large would be subject to less intensive methods such as biological controls or vegetative competition.

167 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 38. False Brome Herbicide Application Rate in Layng Creek Watershed Average number of Year ounces/acre 2007 4.0 2008 3.6 2009 1.5 2010 0.7 The other high priority species in the planning area have been actively managed over the last few years. An infestation of Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) occurs near West Brice Creek trailhead, and has been successfully controlled since 2009 with a combination of hand pulling and filter cloth treatments. There is one known infestation of yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) which occurs on the very east end of the Parker Wyatt planning area, and has been managed through mechanical treatments. The majority of high priority weed infestations are Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) that occurs in patches along roadsides and in rock quarries. When necessary, competitive seeding and planting of native plants would occur under both action alternatives. Revegetation would target landings, skid trails, temporary roads, and disturbed sites adjacent to existing invasive weeds. As supported by the integrated weed management prevention and treatment strategies on the Umpqua National Forest (USDA 2003a), these weeds would be treated using manual control methods (e.g., mowing, clipping, grubbing) within disturbed sites including roads, trailheads, landings, and administrative sites for up to three years following sale closure. The desired condition for the watershed and planning area is to be free of priority weed infestations and to maintain plant communities that are resilient to the introduction and spread of invasive plants. The desired outcome of treating the false brome infestation is to completely remove the species from the planning area and prevent its spread to other parts of the watershed. Additionally, rock quarries and other disturbed areas will be maintained as weed- free as practically possible. Chemical Treatment Connected actions for both action alternatives propose to treat 195 acres of noxious weeds within harvest units, along roads and other areas of disturbance for up to three years following sale closure. Additionally, 0.10 acres of false brome and meadow knapweed would be controlled with herbicide for up to three years following sale closure. Meadow knapweed will be treated with picloram in spring, and false brome treated with glyphosate in spring and fall. Both herbicides will be applied by targeting individual plants using backpack sprayers. Early detection and rapid response to new infestations is critical to controlling the spread of these invasive species when there is a window of opportunity to completely eradicate the infestation. Therefore, management of false brome and meadow knapweed will also include using glyposhate and picloram, respectively, on new infestations that may be found in the planning area over time (not to exceed an additional 1 acre/year).

168 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Forest Service Region 6 issued a Record of Decision (ROD) in October 2005, for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDA 2005a). The 2005 ROD added a set of standards to Forest Plans. Several of the standards that are pertinent to this project are incorporated into the Botany section of the Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring section in Chapter Two. The Umpqua National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan was also amended with the following relevant standards and guidelines (USDA 2003a): Integrated weed management prevention and treatment strategies would be used to treat noxious weeds within the constraints of laws, policies, and regulations and to meet Forest Management objectives. Methods may include manual (mowing, clipping, grubbing), biological, heated steam, competitive seeding, competitive planting, solarization, prescribed fire, grazing, chemical, or other applicable methods designed to control and/or eradicate the noxious weed. Biological controls tested and sanctioned by the US Department of Agriculture would be allowed to occur. Manual control methods within disturbed sites, such as along roads, trailheads, landings and within administrative sites would be allowed at any time. Require all ground disturbing machinery to be washed prior to entering and leaving the Forest, using the appropriate timber sale contract provisions and construction contract requirements. Require the use of certified-weed-free seed for all revegetation projects. Revegetate disturbed sites as soon as practical using native species unless there is no immediate resource concern and the site is anticipated to revegetate naturally to native species to desired cover standards.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS Alternative 1 No direct or indirect effects would result under Alternative 1 because ground disturbing activities with the potential to encourage new noxious weed invasions would not occur. Because most invasive species also prefer open habitat, maintaining a closed canopy would decrease the risk that weeds would spread into stands. Additionally, there would be no equipment potentially moving weeds seed around. Continued noxious weed inventory, monitoring, and management would be subject to funding levels and district priorities. Alternatives 2 and 3 Alternatives 2 and 3 may contribute to the introduction and spread of noxious weeds in the watershed through the use of ground-based heavy equipment used in project operations. Equipment can spread weed seeds from infested areas (such as roadsides) to uninfested areas within the thinning units. Logs skidded through existing weeds can catch seeds in the bark and assist in distributing seeds along roadsides and in the accompanying slash. Landings can be a collection center for logs and slash where material embedded with invasive plant seeds get sorted for delivery. Debris from trucks, slash bark pieces, and mud can spread seeds along roads, where they can establish new populations. Weed spread and establishment would be indirectly facilitated by removing competing vegetation and disturbing the soil in the timber harvest units and fuels activities associated with

169 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects both action alternatives. Spread is further compounded where vegetation is removed immediately adjacent to the priority weed infestations along roadsides which act as corridors for seed movement. The effect of thinning this vegetation would be partially mitigated by monitoring and treating sites prior to timber harvest and fuels management activities, having effective groundcover on temporary roads, landings, and skid trails, and post-project monitoring to detect and treat invasive weeds before they can get a foothold. The amount of mitigation that would occur would be dependent upon available funding. If weed mitigation is not funded, or funding is delayed, there is the potential for weed infestations to become established that would be much more expensive to manage over the long-term. In an effort to reduce the introduction and spread of noxious weeds via equipment, heavy equipment that would operate outside the limits of the road prism would be required to be cleaned prior to entering National Forest System lands. Additionally, prior to moving off-road equipment from a harvest unit that is infested with invasive species of concern to, or through any other area that is shown as being free of invasive species of concern, or infested with a different invasive species, shall be cleaned of seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds. See Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring section in Chapter Two for more details. Roads create prime invasive weed habitat and corridors for movement of weeds. Under both action alternatives no new system roads would be constructed, 1 mile of existing temporary roads would be utilized, and 0.14 miles of temporary roads would be constructed. Road decommissioning and road inactivation, weed prevention measures during timber sale operations, and post-harvest monitoring should mitigate the potential for weed spread. Roads that are closed that can be eventually shaded by canopy closure are likely to reduce the number of weeds on that road and into adjacent stands (Parendes and Jones 2000). After use all new landings, skid trails, and temporary roads would be subsoiled and covered with effective ground cover such as organic material (slash, mulch, or seeded) or filter cloth. Using slash to cover exposed soil has the added benefit of reducing vector traffic, both people and wildlife, which would help prevent the spread of weeds. Road maintenance activities such as mowing, grading and shaping the road prism, and ditch pulling could contribute to spreading weed seed along roads as well as creating disturbance favorable to invasive species establishment. Design features include equipment use restrictions and strategic timing of work, as described in the Botany section of the Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring section in Chapter Two. The Blodgett rock pit (at the end of road 2232-720) would be used as the rock source for the road work in both action alternatives. In 2012, the quarry was inspected and found to contain Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry. As Scotch broom is a high priority species on the forest, the quarry has been actively managed through mechanical treatments and will continue to be so. Burning 68 acres of hand piles, 35 acres of grapple piles and jackpot burning 6 acres (only in Alternative 2) could create areas ideal for the establishment and spread of weeds (bare soil, opened canopy, and soil disturbance). Short-term increases in vegetation, particularly exotic and native forbs, are expected subsequent to fire (Metlen and Fiedler 2006). Burning hand piles in Units 16 and 17 would occur in two small areas infested with meadow knapweed (~0.05 acres). Low intensity fire has the potential to increase some knapweed populations, whereas a high severity fire may consume the plants and incinerate seeds in the soil seed bank. Hand piles in these units could be placed directly over the infested area to increase the likelihood that meadow knapweed individuals are killed.

170 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Under both action alternatives, approximately 0.10 acres of false brome and meadow knapweed would be treated with glyphosate and picloram, respectively. The false brome infestation, though small, is less than a mile away from a popular recreation site and trailhead. Because of its proximity to high traffic areas, there is a higher risk of the infestation spreading. Furthermore, the false brome infestation is adjacent to the Riparian Reserve for Brice Creek. Methods for control are much more limited in riparian areas which would further complicate efforts to check its spread. False brome has the ability to quickly form monocultures and displace native grasses and forbs; therefore, control of this species would meet ACS Objective # 8 (USDA/USDI 1994, p. B-11). Meadow knapweed is considered a low priority species in Umpqua National Forest. However, it is relatively new to the Cottage Grove Ranger District so aggressively treating infestations is the best way to keep meadow knapweed from becoming naturalized. Mortality of adjacent native herbaceous vegetation from the chemical treatment are anticipated to be minimal given that only a fraction of the spray area would actually receive chemical application. Spraying would be accomplished using backpack sprayers and spot application on target plants. Mortality of non-target plants would also occur with other methods such as manual removal or solarization and loss of native plants from invasion of weeds could result from doing nothing. Adjacent woody shrubs may suffer minor damage; however, the shrubs are expected to be resistant to low concentrations of chemicals as seen from past spraying in the area. Additional standards for the use of herbicides, including safety measures and public notification, are under the Botany section of the Best Management Practices, Project Design Features, Management Requirements, and Monitoring section in Chapter Two. Disturbed sites such as burned areas, landings, skid roads, and temporary roads, would be revegetated as soon as practical using native species unless there is no immediate resource concern and the site is anticipated to revegetate naturally to native species to desired cover standards. All revegetation requirements would be met using genetically local native species (USDA 2005a), and all seed and mulch would be certified weed free (USDA 2003a, 2005a).

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects for this project are analyzed at the watershed scale. Numerous past activities including timber harvests, road building and maintenance, burning/fuels treatments, and recreation have contributed to movement of invasive plant seed into and within the watershed and also provide conditions conducive to weed invasion (Table 9). Continued timber harvest on adjacent private lands, vehicular traffic, recreation-related activities, movement of wildlife, and wind driven seed dispersal as well as implementation of other projects would continue into the foreseeable future. All of these actions are likely to spread or introduce weed seed and potentially lead to new infestations. The spread of invasive weeds would be minimized in both action alternatives through preventative measures taken prior to, during, and after thinning operations. Application of the standards and guidelines, best management practices, and project design features related to revegetation, erosion control, and noxious weed monitoring/treatment would greatly reduce direct effects by restricting the potential for introduction of weed seeds. These measures, along with post-harvest inventory and treatment would minimize the indirect effects of soil disturbance and canopy opening. However, despite best efforts, the measures mentioned above cannot be regarded as absolutely effective. Even the best prevention efforts cannot stop weed spread as many weed species have seeds that are dispersed by wind and/or animals. Furthermore, the weed seed bank in the soil around pre-existing weed sites would remain in the area for some time.

171 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The potential negative effects of spreading noxious weeds resulting from the action alternatives would contribute to the ongoing and past activities mentioned above. However, the cumulative effects would be reduced by the use of early detection and rapid response methods and implementation of preventative design criteria. Additionally, temporary roads would be subsoiled and revegetated; therefore, there would be no cumulative impact of additional roads serving as weed corridors in the planning area.

THREATENED, ENDANGERED, SENSITIVE, RARE & UNCOMMON PLANT, LICHEN, AND FUNGI SPECIES

BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION This Biological Evaluation assesses impacts to Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES) vascular plants, lichens, and bryophytes from the Parker Wyatt timber sale. It is Forest Service policy to “ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to loss of viability of any native or desired plant or contribute to trends towards Federal listing of any species” (Forest Service Manual 2672.41). There are currently 38 vascular plant species, 40 bryophytes, 13 lichens, and 40 fungi that receive special status on the Umpqua National Forest (Table 39). Pre-field Review Two species listed under the Endangered Species Act are known or suspected to occur on the Umpqua National Forest. Kincaid’s lupine (Lupinus oreganus ssp. kincaidii) is federally threatened and has been documented on the Tiller Ranger District. This species occurs in low- elevation upland prairies and is primarily known from Willamette Valley grasslands although there are isolated occurrences documented throughout the Umpqua basin as well. Rough popcorn flower (Plagiobothrys hirtus) is listed as federally endangered and is confined to low- elevation wetlands in the vicinity of Sutherlin in northern Douglas County. It has not been documented on Umpqua National Forest to date. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) has been documented on North Umpqua and Diamond Lake Ranger Districts and is currently a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Whitebark pine is found in high elevation geographically isolated stands across western North America. None of the known populations of Kincaid’s lupine or Whitebark pine occur near the Parker Wyatt planning area, nor is there suitable habitat for any of these three species within the planning area. There are two sensitive vascular plant species that were previously reported to occur in the planning area. There is one site each of Thompson’s mistmaiden (Romanzoffia thomsonii) and California swordfern (Polystichum californicum), but neither site is found within a proposed thinning unit. No other sensitive taxa are previously known to occur in the planning area. Within the planning area there is potential habitat for a number of sensitive species (Table 39) for which surveys were targeted (except fungi, see below). Strategic species are not considered Sensitive species under Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670. This category is intended to identify species with information gaps (i.e., distribution, threats, or habitats) or for which there is uncertainty regarding its conservation status or appropriate taxonomic classification. No new occurrences of strategic species were found in the Parker Wyatt project area; however, one known site of Ramaria conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa occurs in Unit 5.

172 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Field Reconnaissance Intuitive controlled26 surveys conducted throughout the 2011 field season by qualified botanists. No new occurrences of sensitive species were found within any proposed thinning units.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES There is no suitable habitat for either species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Kincaid’s lupine occurs in low-elevation upland prairies and is primarily known from Willamette Valley grasslands although there are isolated occurrences documented throughout the Umpqua basin. Rough popcorn flower is confined to low-elevation wetlands in the vicinity of Sutherlin in northern Douglas County. There are no known sites of either species near the planning area. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects Because the project is far removed from known populations Kincaid’s lupine and rough popcorn flower, and since there is no potential habitat for either species within the Parker Wyatt Planning Area, there are no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects associated with any of the alternatives and connected actions. Therefore, the implementation of any of the alternatives would have “No Effect” on these listed species.

SENSITIVE SPECIES OTHER THAN FUNGI Most rare plant, bryophyte and lichen species are associated with rare habitats including dry meadows, wetlands, and rock outcrops. The dense second growth plantations and fire- regenerated stands of mostly Douglas-fir (scattered with western hemlock and western redcedar) proposed for commercial thinning under both of the action alternatives are generally not suitable habitat for rare species; however, scattered openings, riparian zones, hardwood dominated inclusions, and plantation margins adjacent to mature forest may provide potential habitat for a number of Sensitive species. Design features that would occur during implementation of either action alternative would support maintaining habitat for rare species and biodiversity in general (including lichens, mosses, liverworts, and fungi): There would be no activities in unique habitats, which support much of the plant biodiversity of an area and contain most of the occurrences of sensitive species. Retain open-grown trees in thinning treatments where trees occur within 20 feet of unique habitats to favor lichen community richness. When layout crews encounter open- grown conifers with abundant large lower branches (low branches approximately 2 inches in diameter and less than 10 feet off the ground), the unique habitat no-thin boundary would expand to encompass these trees. During treatment (harvest and burning) retain and protect all snags and existing down wood greater than six inches diameter (on small end), to the extent practical from disturbances that might otherwise destroy the integrity of the substrate. During treatment (harvest and burning) retain and protect all hard wood trees greater than eight inches diameter to the extent practical from disturbances that might otherwise destroy the integrity of those trees.

26 Proposed thinning units are traversed so that all major habitats and topographic features have been investigated. Identified suitable habitats receive a complete survey

173 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects Romanzoffia thompsonii is a diminutive annual that grows to 10 cm tall. Its flowers are white with a gold-yellow spot at the base of each petal and they can appear from March to August. It grows in vernally moist seeps on rock outcrops in fully-open to partially-shaded sites at elevations on the Umpqua National Forest from 2,000 to 5,100 feet. Romanzoffia thompsonii is currently known from the western Cascades and foothills in Douglas, Jackson, Linn, Lane, and Marian counties. There is one known occurrence of Romanzoffia thompsonii in the planning area; however, this occurrence is greater than 1 mile from any proposed units, new temporary roads, new landings for helicopter logging, or any other ground disturbing activity in either action alternative. Polystichum californicum is an evergreen, perennial fern reaching approximately 10-30 cm tall. It is found growing in rock crevices, dry rocky terrain, in partial shade or open, and along streambanks. The individuals found on the Cottage Grove Ranger District grow in rock crevices at the bottom of a vertical cliff. The population occurs approximately 0.6 miles from the nearest proposed thinning unit or connected actions. Alternative 1 would not cause any direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to Romanzoffia thompsonii or Polystichum californicum as no actions would occur. Under either action alternative, the populations are far from any proposed activities; therefore, they would not be influenced by any direct or indirect effects, nor would any action contribute to cumulative effects to either species. Consequently, execution of this project would have “No Impact” on these Sensitive species.

Table 39. Project Assessment for Threatened, Endangered & Sensitive Plants27

Parker Wyatt Project Planning Area Effects Forest Taxa Group and Species Occurrence Potential Species Alt Alt 1 Habitat Present 2 & 3

Federally Listed Species

Lupinus oreganum ssp. kincaidii D No No NE NE Plagiobothrys hirtus S No No NE NE USFS Sensitive Species Bryophytes Anastrophyllum minutum S No No NI NI Andreaea schofieldiana S Yes No NI NI Blepharostoma arachnoideum D Yes No NI NI Bryum calobryoides S Yes No NI NI Calypogeia sphagnicola D No No NI NI Cephaloziella spinigera S No No NI NI Codriophorus depressus S Yes No NI NI Encalypta brevicollis S No No NI NI Encalypta brevipes S Yes No NI NI Entosthodon fascicularis S Yes No NI NI

27 Species list from the Region 6 Regional Forester’s Special Status Species List (USDA 2011b).

174 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Parker Wyatt Project Planning Area Effects Forest Taxa Group and Species Occurrence Potential Species Alt Alt 1 Habitat Present 2 & 3

Gymnomitrion concinnatum S Yes No NI NI Harpanthus flotovianus S No No NI NI Helodium blandowii D No No NI NI Lophozia gillmanii S No No NI NI Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica S No No NI NI Meesia uliginosa S Yes No NI NI Polytrichum sphaerothecium S No No NI NI Porella bolanderi S Yes No NI NI Schistostega pennata D Yes No NI NI Schofieldia monticola S No No NI NI Splachnum ampullaceum S No No NI NI Tetraphis geniculata S Yes No NI NI Tomentypnum nitens D No No NI NI Trematodon asanoi S No No NI NI Tritomaria exsectiformis D No No NI NI Lichens Lobaria linitas D No No NI NI Pseudocyphellaria mallota D Yes No NI NI Ramalina pollinaria S Yes No NI NI Fungi Boletus pulcherrimus D Yes N/A NI MIIH Cortinarius barlowensis D Yes N/A NI MIIH Dermocybe humboldtensis S No N/A NI NI Gastroboletus vividus S No N/A NI NI Gymnomyces fragrans S Yes N/A NI MIIH Pseudorhizina californica D Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria amyloidea D No N/A NI NI Ramaria spinulosa var. diminutiva S Yes N/A NI MIIH Rhizopogon exiguous S Yes N/A NI MIIH Rhizopogon inquinatus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Stagnicola perplexa S Yes N/A NI MIIH Vascular Plants Adiantum jordanii S Yes No NI NI Arabis suffrutescens var. horizontalis S No No NI NI Arnica viscosa D No No NI NI Asplenium septentrionale D Yes No NI NI Botrychium pumicola S No No NI NI Calamagrostis breweri S No No NI NI Calochortus umpquaensis D No No NI NI Carex crawfordii S Yes No NI NI Carex diandra S Yes No NI NI Carex lasiocarpa var. americana S Yes No NI NI Carex nardina D No No NI NI Carex vernacula S No No NI NI

175 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Parker Wyatt Project Planning Area Effects Forest Taxa Group and Species Occurrence Potential Species Alt Alt 1 Habitat Present 2 & 3

Collomia mazama D No No NI NI Cypripedium fasciculatum D Yes No NI NI Elatine brachysperma S No No NI NI Eucephalus vialis S Yes No NI NI Frasera umpquaensis D No No NI NI Gentiana newberryi var. newberryi S No No NI NI Iliamna latibracteata D Yes No NI NI Kalmiopsis fragrans D Yes No NI NI Lewisia columbiana var. columbiana D No No NI NI Lewisia leana S No No NI NI Ophioglossum pusillum D Yes No NI NI Pellaea andromedifolia S No No NI NI Perideridia erythrorhiza S No No NI NI Pinus albicaulis D No No NI NI Poa rhizomata S No No NI NI Polystichum californicum D Yes Yes NI NI Romanzoffia thompsonii D Yes Yes NI NI Rotala ramosior S No No NI NI Scheuchzeria palustris var. americana D No No NI NI Schoenoplectus subterminalis D No No NI NI Utricularia minor D No No NI NI Utricularia ochroleuca S No No NI NI Wolffia borealis S No No NI NI Wolffia columbiana S No No NI NI USFS Strategic Species Bryophytes Anomobryum filiforme S No No NI NI Buxbaumia aphylla D Yes No NI NI Chiloscyphus gemmiparus S No No NI NI Codriophorus ryszardii S Yes No NI NI Grimmia anomala S Yes No NI NI Hygrohypnum alpinum S Yes No NI NI Jamesoniella autumnalis var. heterostipa S No No NI NI Plagiothecium piliferum D Yes No NI NI Pohlia sphagnicola S No No NI NI Pohlia tundrae S No No NI NI Polytrichum sexangulare S No No NI NI Polytrichum strictum S No No NI NI Scapania obscura S No No NI NI Scouleria marginata D No No NI NI Thamnobryum neckeroides D Yes No NI NI Lichens Calicium quercinum S No No NI NI Chaenotheca subroscida D No No NI NI

176 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Parker Wyatt Project Planning Area Effects Forest Taxa Group and Species Occurrence Potential Species Alt Alt 1 Habitat Present 2 & 3

Collema undulatum var. granulosum S Yes No NI NI Lecanora pringlei S No No NI NI Leptogium burnetiae S Yes No NI NI Leptogium teretiusculum S Yes No NI NI Schaereria dolodes S No No NI NI Umbilicaria hirsuta S No No NI NI Usnea lambii D No No NI NI Vezdaea stipitata S Yes No NI NI Fungi Albatrellus caeruleoporus D Yes N/A NI MIIH Arcangeliella crassa S Yes N/A NI MIIH Balsamia alba S Yes N/A NI MIIH Cazia flexiascus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Choiromyces alveolatus D Yes N/A NI MIIH Chroogomphus loculatus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Chrysomphalina grossula S Yes N/A NI MIIH Clavariadelphus subfastigiatus D Yes N/A NI MIIH Destuntzia fusca S Yes N/A NI MIIH Gastroboletus imbellus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Gomphus kauffmanii D Yes N/A NI MIIH Leucogaster odoratus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Mycena quinaultensis S Yes N/A NI MIIH Mycena tenax S Yes N/A NI MIIH Octaviania cyanescens S Yes N/A NI MIIH Podostroma alutaceum S Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria abietina S Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria botrytis var. aurantiramosa D Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa S Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria largentii D Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria maculatipes S Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria rubribrunnescens D Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria suecica S Yes N/A NI MIIH Ramaria thiersii S Yes N/A NI MIIH Rhizopogon abietis S Yes N/A NI MIIH Rhziopogon brunneiniger D Yes N/A NI MIIH Rhizopogon flavofibrillosus S Yes N/A NI MIIH Tricholomopsis fulvescens S Yes N/A NI MIIH

S – Suspected to occur on the Umpqua National Forest. D – Documented to occur on the Umpqua National Forest. NE – No Effect (Applies only to Threatened and Endangered species). NI – No Impact (Applied to Forest Service Sensitive and Strategic species). MIIH – May impact individuals or habitat but would not likely contribute to a trend towards Federal listing, or cause a loss of viability to the population or species.

177 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

SENSITIVE FUNGI SPECIES Because of their unreliable and often cryptic fruiting characteristics, pre-project surveys are not considered to be a reliable conservation tool for fungi. Conservation of fungi on National Forest System lands entails management of known sites, targeted surveys based on Regional priorities, and consideration of habitat elements for fungi during project planning. Known habitat requirements for most rare fungi species are very general and not well understood (Arora 1986, Castellano et al. 1999, Castellano et al. 2003, Exeter et al. 2006) which makes it difficult to confidently predict presence or absence of specific species. Nine of the eleven Sensitive fungi belong to the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) functional guild. ECM fungi are most abundant and diverse in areas with well-developed surface litter and organic material, and a higher density of large-diameter trees with greater canopy closure (Amaranthus et al. 1994, Smith et al. 2005). The two remaining Sensitive fungi are saprobic, feeding on litter and downed wood. Therefore, they are also more likely to occur in areas with well-developed surface litter and organic debris. There are no known sites of Sensitive fungi in the Parker Wyatt planning area. Proposed thinning areas range in elevation from approximately 1,360 to 4,680 feet. The proposed timber harvest targets overstocked, second-growth stands that likely represent poor habitat for most Sensitive species of fungi. The exception to this is Unit 11, a natural stand that contains more mature trees. Habitat modeling indicates that the Parker Wyatt planning area does not provide habitat for Ramaria amyloidea (York and Helliwell 2007). Dermocybe humboldtensis is known from a couple of sites on Roseburg BLM in the Myrtle Creek and Riddle area but is otherwise known from the Northern California coast. Gastroboletus vividus is only known from above 5,400 feet while Gymnomyces fragrans is only known from above 4,900 feet in elevation. The species mentioned above prefer high elevations or coastal habitats; therefore, it is unlikely that these species would occur in proposed thinning units in the planning area since the units occur under 4,680 feet and are not coastal. Occurrences of any of these species in thinning units would represent an expansion of their currently recognized habitat niche. Boletus pulcherrimus, Cortinarius barlowensis, and Pseudorhizina californica are all documented on the Forest and could possibly occur within the planning area. There is a single known site on the Forest of Boletus pulcherrimus along the North Umpqua Trail, one site of Cortinarius barlowensis on the Cottage Grove Ranger District, and two sites of Pseudorhizina californica on the Diamond Lake District. The described habitat for each of these species is quite general but most of these species are thought to be associated with late-successional or old-growth stands which are not targeted for treatment in this project. The natural stand, Unit 11, does consist of older trees than the other targeted stands but is of an even-aged cohort and does not possess many other old-growth characteristics and complexity. Ramaria spinulosa var. diminutiva has only one known site in Oregon. That site is in a Douglas- fir stand at 1,470 feet in the Myrtle Creek area on Roseburg BLM. Rhizopogon exiguus and R. inquinatus are false truffles that are known from a handful of sites at low to moderate elevations in Douglas-fir and western hemlock forest. There is a site of Stagnicola perplexa, a wood saprobe, known from the Rogue River National Forest in the vicinity of Crater Lake National Park. There is a reasonable chance that these species could occur in the planning area because elements of their documented habitat match elements in the Parker Wyatt project area. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects Under Alternative 1 there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to Sensitive fungi due to the absence of ground disturbing activities, and a determination of “No Impact” is made.

178 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects There is the potential for direct adverse effects to the above noted species of fungi, were they to be present in the proposed units, by removal of host trees in the two action alternatives. However, all thinning prescriptions leave between 50-90 trees per acre in both action alternatives (120 trees per acre would be retained with sugar pine release in Unit 11). Thinning stands rather than clear-cutting can preserve much or most of the fungal biomass and diversity. In a study evaluating the effects of various patch and dispersed retention timber harvest patterns on ectomycorrhizal fungi in Western Oregon (including the Umpqua NF), researchers found that retention of 40% of the green trees in a dispersed pattern led to no significant drop in the fall mushroom or truffle standing crop (Luoma et al. 2004). Light and moderate thinning also has little effect on ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity (Norvell and Exter 2004) and species richness, which drops sharply outside the dripline of individual trees following harvest but was largely retained within the dripline (Luoma et al. 2006). Retention trees also have the potential to act as refugia which can contribute to recolonization (Luoma et al. 2006). There is also the potential for indirect effects to rare fungi due to diminishment of habitat quality by opening of the canopy and soil disturbance under both action alternatives. This Umpqua National Forest plan prescription is intended to favor relatively open conditions for wildlife so there would be some parts of these stands that would be much more open than is currently the case. Closed canopy areas that are converted to more open stands could likewise result in a conversion of the fungal species composition to species associated with early-seral habitats (Kroppf and Albee 1995, Waters et al. 1994). Measures would be implemented in both action alternatives that would reduce the adverse effects that could occur by thinning. This would be achieved by retaining current substrate (decaying wood), retaining elements for creating near-future substrate, and retaining downed logs to maintain microsite moisture and a source of inoculum. The risk of negatively impacting Sensitive fungi from herbicide applications to treat false brome and meadow knapweed is anticipated to be extremely low. The sites proposed for spraying in both action alternatives are along roadsides. Most of the Sensitive fungi have habitat preferences for late successional stands; therefore, the habitat and proposed spray sites do not overlap. Furthermore, roadsides have experienced ground disturbance and have little downed wood, further reducing the chances of rare fungi being present. Historical management has created changes in forested areas from timber harvest and fire suppression in the Parker Wyatt planning area (Table 10). This has resulted in second-growth stands (among other outcomes) which appear to represent poor habitat for most Sensitive species of fungi. Past management practices most likely removed host trees for mycorrhizal species and reduced input of down wood. Implementation of Alternative 2 or 3 could contribute to changes in habitat that could support rare fungi in both negative and positive ways. There is the potential for adding negative cumulative effects to the habitat of rare fungi from the diminishment of habitat quality in the short-term by opening the canopy and soil disturbance. However, beneficial effects are expected from promoting development of late-successional conditions and providing for diverse stands through the proposed thinning. Negative effects would be lessened by implementing design criteria to retain snags, down wood, hardwood trees, old-growth legacy trees, and the largest diameter second-growth trees. A determination of “May adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area, nor cause a trend toward federal listing” is made for all fungi species with suitable habitat in the planning area for implementation of Alternative 2 or Alternative 3 based on the following: The chance of a rare fungi species occurring in a proposed thinning unit is low. The habitat effects are anticipated to be of moderate intensity and of short duration.

179 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

No-thin buffers would be applied to all perennial streams and many unique habitats providing additional protective measures for potentially suitable habitat. Existing late-successional stands, the habitat thought to be favored by most rare fungi species, are not proposed for thinning.

EFFECTS TO SURVEY AND MANAGE SPECIES On December 17, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued an order in Conservation Northwest, et al. v. Sherman, et al., No. 08-1067-JCC (W.D. Wash.), granting Plaintiffs’ motion for partial summary judgment and finding NEPA violations in the Final Supplemental to the 2004 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines (USDA/USDI 2007). In response, parties entered into settlement negotiations in April 2010, and the Court filed approval of the resulting Settlement Agreement on July 6, 2011. Projects that are within the range of the northern spotted owl are subject to the survey and management standards and guidelines in the 2001 ROD, as modified by the 2011 Settlement Agreement. The Parker Wyatt Timber Sale applies the Survey and Manage species list in the 2011 Settlement Agreement (Table 39) and thus meets the provisions of the 2001 Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines, as modified by the 2011 Settlement Agreement. Surveys for vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens were conducted in accordance with the current survey protocols (USDI/USDA 2011). All fungal species that are known or suspected to occur on the Umpqua National Forest are in Survey and Manage categories where pre- disturbance surveys are impractical or insufficient information exists to determine what management is needed for a reasonable assurance of species persistence (USDA/USDI 2001). None of the proposed thinning units met the criteria for old-growth stands; therefore, no new equivalent-effort surveys were conducted. There are 4 known occurrences of fungi within proposed thinning units: Helvella elastica, Otidea leporina, Ramaria araiospora, and Tremiscus helvelloides. There was one previously known site of Peltigera pacifica (Pacific felt lichen) and one new occurrence of Usnea longissima (beard lichen) within units. Additionally, within the entire planning area there are known sites of several species of fungi: Clavariadelphus ligula, Clavariadelphus occidentalis, Clavariadelphus truncatus, Cortinarius olympianus, Gomphus clavatus, Helvella elastica, Otidea leporina, Ramaria araiospora, Ramaria celerivirescens, Ramaria cyaneigranosa, Ramaria rubrievanescens, Ramaria stuntzii, Spathularia flavida, and Tremiscus helvelloides. There is also one occurrence of Chaenotheca furfuracea (needle lichen) within the planning area. Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Effects Under Alternative 1, there would be no direct or indirect adverse effects to Survey and Manage species due to the lack of ground disturbing activities. Direct impacts to all documented occurrences would be avoided under both action alternatives by the 100 foot radius, no-entry buffer around all sites. The potential impact to undocumented occurrences of fungi in these stands under both action alternatives would be similar to what was discussed above for Sensitive fungal species. Little direct or indirect impact would be anticipated in variable density thinning units because a much greater amount of basal area is retained, including the larger trees, than that in which effects to species diversity has been documented. This would be particularly true since all of the

180 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects documented sites occur along the margins of the units so as to limit the amount of timber harvest edge. Past management practices most likely removed host trees for mycorrhizal species and reduced input of down wood. Implementation of Alternative 2 or 3 could contribute to changes in habitat that could support rare fungi in both negative and positive ways. There is the potential for adding negative cumulative effects to the habitat of rare fungi from the diminishment of habitat quality in the short-term by opening the canopy and soil disturbance. However, beneficial effects are expected from promoting development of late-successional conditions and providing for diverse stands through the proposed thinning. Negative effects would be lessened by implementing design criteria to retain snags, down wood, hardwood trees, old-growth legacy trees, and the largest diameter second-growth trees. Conversely, fire suppression has likely contributed additional closed canopy habitat with greater biomass of logs and duff that otherwise would have occurred under the historic fire regime. It is anticipated that the pre-harvest fungal diversity would be largely retained. The potential for one of the survey and manage species being present and being directly or indirectly impacted by timber harvest is relatively low while the potential for rapid recovery to pre-harvest diversity and abundance is good. Thinning and fuels reduction activities in both action alternatives “may impact individuals or habitat but would not likely contribute towards Federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population or species”.

Table 40. Project Assessment for Survey and Manage Species28

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

BRYOPHYTES Brotherella roellii E NI NI NI

Diplophyllum plicatum B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Herbertus aduncus E NI NI NI

Iwatsukiella leucotricha B NI NI NI

Kurzia makinoana B NI NI NI

Marsupella emarginata var. aquatica B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Orthodontium gracile B NI NI NI

Racomitrium aquaticum E S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizomnium nudum B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Schistostega pennata A K No NI NI NI Tetraphis geniculata A NI NI NI

Tritomaria exsectiformis B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Tritomaria quinquedentata B NI NI NI

FUNGI Acanthophysium farlowii B NI NI NI

Albatrellus avellaneus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Albatrellus caeruleoporus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH

28 Species list from Record of Decision and Standards and Guidelines for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines, as modified by the 2011 Settlement Agreement.

181 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Albatrellus ellisii B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Alpova alexsmithii B NI NI NI

Alpova olivaceotinctus B NI NI NI

Arcangeliella camphorata B NI NI NI

Arcangeliella crassa B NI NI NI

Arcangeliella lactarioides B NI NI NI

Asterophora lycoperdoides B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Asterophora parasitica B NI NI NI

Baeospora myriadophylla B NI NI NI

Balsamia nigrens B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Boletus haematinus B NI NI NI

Boletus pulcherrimus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Bridgeoporus nobilissimus A NI NI NI

Catathelasma ventricosa B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chalciporus piperatus D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chamonixia caespitosa B NI NI NI

Choiromyces alveolatus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Choiromyces venosus B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chroogomphus loculatus B NI NI NI

Chrysomphalina grossula B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Clavariadelphus ligula B K Yes NI NI NI Clavariadelphus occidentalis B K Yes NI NI NI Clavariadelphus sachalinensis B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Clavariadelphus subfastigiatus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Clavariadelphus truncatus B K Yes NI NI NI Clavulina castanopes var. lignicola B NI NI NI

Clitocybe senilis B NI NI NI

Clitocybe subditopoda B NI NI NI

Collybia bakerensis F S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Collybia racemosa B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Cordyceps ophioglossoides B NI NI NI

Cortinarius barlowensis B NI NI NI

Cortinarius boulderensis B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Cortinarius cyanites B NI NI NI

Cortinarius depauperatus B NI NI NI

Cortinarius magnivelatus B NI NI NI

Cortinarius olympianus B K Yes NI NI NI Cortinarius speciosissimus B NI NI NI

Cortinarius tabularis B NI NI NI

Cortinarius umidicola B NI NI NI

Cortinarius valgus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Cortinarius variipes B NI NI NI

Cortinarius verrucisporus B NI NI NI

Cortinarius wiebeae B NI NI NI

Cudonia monticola B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH

182 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Cyphellostereum laeve B NI NI NI

Dermocybe humboldtensis B NI NI NI

Destuntzia fusca B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Destuntzia rubra B NI NI NI

Dichostereum boreale B NI NI NI

Elaphomyces anthracinus B NI NI NI

Elaphomyces subviscidus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Endogone acrogena B NI NI NI

Endogone oregonensis B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Entoloma nitidum B NI NI NI

Fayodia bisphaerigera B NI NI NI

Fevansia aurantiaca B NI NI NI

Galerina atkinsonia D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Galerina cerina B NI NI NI

Galerina heterocystis E K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Galerina sphagnicola E NI NI NI

Gastroboletus imbellus B NI NI NI

Gastroboletus ruber B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Gastroboletus subalpinus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Gastroboletus turbinatus B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Gastroboletus vividus B NI NI NI

Gastrosuillus amaranthii E NI NI NI

Gastrosuillus umbrinus B NI NI NI

Gautieria magnicellaris B NI NI NI

Gautieria otthii B NI NI NI

Gelatinodiscus flavidus B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Glomus radiatum B NI NI NI

Gomphus bonarii B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Gomphus clavatus F K Yes NI NI NI Gomphus kauffmanii E K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Gymnomyces abietis B NI NI NI

Gymnomyces nondistincta B NI NI NI

Gyromitra californica B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Hebeloma olympianum B NI NI NI

Helvella crassitunicata B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Helvella elastica B K Yes NI NI NI Hydnotrya inordinata B NI NI NI

Hydnotrya subnix B NI NI NI

Hydropus marginellus B NI NI NI

Hygrophorus caeruleus B NI NI NI

Hygrophorus karstenii B NI NI NI

Hygrophorus vernalis B NI NI NI

Hypomyces luteovirens B NI NI NI

Leucogaster citrinus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Leucogaster microsporus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH

183 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Macowanites chlorinosmus B NI NI NI

Macowanites lymanensis B NI NI NI

Macowanites mollis B NI NI NI

Marasmius applanatipes B NI NI NI

Martellia fragrans B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Martellia idahoensis B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Mycena hudsoniana B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Mycena overholtsii D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Mycena quinaultensis B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Mycena tenax B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Mythicomyces corneipes B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Neolentinus adhaerens B NI NI NI Neolentinus kauffmanii B NI NI NI Nivatogastrium nubigenum B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Octavianina cyanescens B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Octavianina macrospora B NI NI NI Octavianina papyracea B NI NI NI Otidea leporina D K Yes NI NI NI Otidea smithii B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia attenuata D S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia californica B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia dissiliens B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia fallax D S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia gregaria B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia kauffmanii D S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia olivacea D S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia oregonensis B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia piceae B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia pseudofestiva B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Phaeocollybia scatesiae B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia sipei B NI NI NI Phaeocollybia spadicea B NI NI NI Phellodon atratus B NI NI NI Pholiota albivelata B NI NI NI Podostroma alutaceum B NI NI NI Polyozellus multiplex B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Pseudaleuria quinaultiana B NI NI NI Ramaria abietina B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria amyloidea B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria araiospora B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria aurantiisiccescens B NI NI NI Ramaria botryis var. aurantiiramosa B NI NI NI Ramaria celerivirescens B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria claviramulata B NI NI NI Ramaria concolor f. marrii B NI NI NI

184 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Ramaria concolor f. tsugina B NI NI NI Ramaria conjunctipes var. sparsiramosa B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria coulterae B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria cyaneigranosa B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria gelatiniaurantia B NI NI NI

Ramaria gracilis B NI NI NI

Ramaria hilaris var. olympiana B NI NI NI

Ramaria largentii B NI NI NI

Ramaria lorithamnus B NI NI NI

Ramaria maculatipes B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria rainierensis B NI NI NI

Ramaria rubella var. blanda B NI NI NI

Ramaria rubribrunnescens B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria rubrievanescens B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria rubripermanens D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria spinulosa var. diminutiva B NI NI NI

Ramaria stuntzii B K Yes NI NI NI Ramaria suecica B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Ramaria thiersii B NI NI NI

Ramaria verlotensis B NI NI NI

Rhizopogon abietis B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon atroviolaceus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon brunneiniger B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon chamaleontinus B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon ellipsosporus B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon evadens var. subalpinus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon exiguus B NI NI NI

Rhizopogon flavofibrillosus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon inquinatus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhizopogon truncatus D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Rhodocybe speciosa B NI NI NI

Rickenella swartzii B NI NI NI

Russula mustelina B NI NI NI

Sarcodon fuscoindicus B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Sedecula pulvinata B NI NI NI

Sowerbyella rhenana B NI NI NI

Sparassis crispa D K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Spathularia flavida B K Yes NI NI NI Stagnicola perplexa B NI NI NI

Thaxterogaster pavelekii B NI NI NI

Tremiscus helvelloides D K Yes NI NI NI Tricholoma venenatum B NI NI NI

Tricholomopsis fulvescens B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Tuber asa B NI NI NI

Tuber pacificum B NI NI NI

185 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Tylopilus porphyrosporus D NI NI NI

LICHENS Bryoria pseudocapillaris A NI NI NI

Bryoria spiralifera A NI NI NI

Bryoria subcana B NI NI NI

Buellia oidalea E NI NI NI

Calicium abietinum B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Calicium adspersum E S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Cetrelia cetrarioides E NI NI NI

Chaenotheca chrysocephala B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chaenotheca ferruginea B K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chaenotheca furfuracea F K Yes NI NI NI Chaenotheca subroscida E K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Chaenothecopsis pusilla E NI NI NI

Cladonia norvegica C S No NI NI NI Collema nigrescens F K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Dendriscocaulon intricatulum A S No NI NI NI Dermatocarpon luridum E K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Fuscopannaria saubinetii E NI NI NI

Heterodermia sitchensis E NI NI NI

Hypogymnia duplicata C S No NI NI NI Hypogymnia vittata E NI NI NI

Hypotrachyna revoluta E NI NI NI

Leptogium burnetiae var. hirsutum E S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Leptogium cyanescens A NI NI NI

Leptogium teretiusculum E S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Lobaria linita var. tenuoir A K No NI NI NI Microcalicium arenarium B S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Nephroma bellum F K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Nephroma bellum E K N/A NI MIIH MIIH Nephroma isidiosum E NI NI NI

Nephroma occultum A K No NI NI NI Niebla cephalota A NI NI NI

Pannaria rubiginosa E NI NI NI

Peltigera pacifica E K Yes NI NI NI Platismatia lacunosa E S N/A NI MIIH MIIH Pseudocyphellaria perpetua A NI NI NI

Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis A K No NI NI NI Stenocybe clavata E NI NI NI

Teloschistes flavicans A NI NI NI

Tholurna dissimilis B NI NI NI

Usnea hesperina E NI NI NI

Usnea longissima F K Yes NI NI NI VASCULAR PLANTS

186 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Known (K) or Alt. Alt. Alt. Taxa Group and Species Category Present Suspected 1 2 3 (S)

Botrychium minganense A S No NI NI NI Botrychium montanum A S No NI NI NI Cypripedium fasciculatum C K No NI NI NI Cypripedium montanum C K No NI NI NI Eucephalus vialis A S No NI NI NI

Survey and Manage Categories

Pre-Disturbance Surveys Pre-Disturbance Surveys Relative Rarity Status Undetermined Practical Not Practical

Category A Category B Category E Manage All Known Sites Manage All Known Sites Manage All Known Sites Rare Pre-Disturbance Surveys N/A N/A Strategic Surveys Strategic Surveys Strategic Surveys

Category C Category D Category F Manage High-Priority Sites Manage High-Priority Sites N/A Uncommon Pre-Disturbance Surveys N/A N/A Strategic Surveys Strategic Surveys Strategic Surveys

S – Suspected to occur on the Umpqua National Forest K – Known to occur on the Umpqua National Forest

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT The aquatic analysis focuses on how the Parker Wyatt alternatives affect water quality, riparian and aquatic habitat at various scales. This includes site-specific disclosure at the scale of individual streams or thinning units and at various larger scales including the Row River Watershed29 (Figure 28). The Row River 5th Field Watershed is approximately 178,774 acres. The Parker Wyatt planning area is located within the Brice Creek 6th Field Subwatershed, which is about 36,328 acres. Approximately 88% of the subwatershed is Forest Service administered lands. The planning area overlaps twelve 7th field drainages (Figure 29 and Table 41), which are a subdivision of the subwatershed level. The twelve drainages that are associated with the Parker Wyatt planning area total 19,125 acres. Figure 29 along with Table 41 displays how several of the effected drainages such as Mid Brice and Upper Brice West, are partially within the planning area boundary.

29 A “watershed” is a subdivision of land that is based on hydrologic drainage and defined by a national hierarchical system, which delineates hydrologic drainage in nested multi-level subdivisions. The watershed level subdivides the “sub-basin” level (4th level). The 5th level watershed in this situation is Row River which is subdivided by five smaller subwatersheds (6th level). The subwatersheds are subdivided by drainages (7th level), which is the smallest hydrologic subdivision.

187 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 28. The Five Subwatersheds of the Row River Watershed

188 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Approximately 10 miles downstream of the planning area, Dorena Dam (built in 1949) blocks all anadromous fish passage in the Upper Row River, including the Brice Creek subwatershed. Resident cutthroat trout are found throughout the subwatershed and are managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a naturally producing wild population (Connolly 1992). There is no federally designated Essential Fish Habitat, federally listed endangered or threatened aquatic species, or State sensitive fish species within the planning area or the Brice Creek subwatershed. Refer to the Wildlife section of this chapter for an analysis of non-fish aquatic State sensitive species.

Figure 29. Drainages within the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

189 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 41. Summary of the 7th Field Drainages

Stream Density Drainage Name Area % of Drainage within Resident Fish (miles/square (7th Level) (Acres) the Planning Area Bearing (miles) miles)

Brice Row 1,949 43% 5.0 2.1

Blodgett 500 100% 4.1 0.2

Rosehill 494 92% 3.9 0.0

Lower Brice 1,602 38% 5.3 3.1

Mid Brice 1,986 62% 6.4 3.3

Dinner Ridge 310 94% 5.5 0.1

Wyatt 2,221 100% 5.9 0.2

Lund Park 299 100% 4.8 0.0

Trestle 1,285 98% 5.8 0.3

Parker 2,173 100% 6.8 0.2

Upper Brice West 3,612 40% 3.8 2.7

Upper Brice East 2,694 66% 8.1 1.5

Totals or Average: 19,125 5.5 13.5

BENEFICIAL USES OF WATER To meet the Clean Water Act and standards and guidelines in the Umpqua National Forest Plan (and in compliance with watershed standard and guideline #1), the beneficial uses of water must be identified, and management activities planned, so they would not interfere with or be injurious to the beneficial uses of adjacent and downstream waters. The relevant beneficial uses of the Willamette River and its tributaries, including the Row River as determined by Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, are: 1) public and private domestic water supply; 2) industrial water supply; 3) irrigation; 4) livestock watering; 5) resident fish and aquatic life; 6) wildlife and hunting; 7) fishing; 8) water contact recreation; and, 9) aesthetic quality (ODEQ 2003).

190 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

WATER QUALITY

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The relevant standards and guidelines from the Umpqua Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) related to water quality include: . Water quality/riparian area Standard and Guideline #1: All effective shading vegetation would be maintained on perennial streams unless a site-specific assessment shows that shade removal would not result in water temperature increase or degrade aquatic habitat. . Water quality/riparian area Standard and Guideline #5: Streams would be designated for protection on timber sale maps. . Water quality/riparian area Standard and Guideline #12: The application of best management practices (BMPs) for the protection of water quality and beneficial uses (e.g.; fish habitat or potable water) would be monitored where ground disturbing activities occur. . Watershed cumulative effects and water quality Standard and Guideline #1: The beneficial uses of water must be identified and management activities planned so they would not interfere with or be injurious to the beneficial uses of adjacent and downstream waters. . Watershed cumulative effects and water quality Standard and Guideline #2: Beneficial uses of water and aquatic habitats would not be degraded by turbidity, sediment, or scoured stream channels caused by timber harvest, road construction, and related activities.

BRICE CREEK WATERSHED ANALYSIS (WA) RECOMMENDATIONS The 1997 Brice Creek WA and the Brice Creek WA Iteration 1.1 (USDA 2012) recommended restorative thinning in Riparian Reserves. The 2012 WA iteration provides specific treatment and buffer recommendations based on the Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies revised in 2010 (USDA/USDI 2010). The Riparian Reserve section of this Chapter lists these specific WA recommendations.

NORTHWEST FOREST PLAN TEMPERATURE DIRECTION The Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies were revised in 2010 (USDA/USDI 2010). Specific treatment and buffer recommendations are based on balancing thinning and retention of primary shade to minimize effects to stream temperature. According to this strategy, the primary shade zone is the strip of trees along a stream that provides shade to the water between 1000 and 1400 hours during a summer day. This is the most effective shade for protecting water from temperature increases. Guidelines to protect stream temperature specify primary shade zone widths determined by tree height and slope. When these guidelines are followed, sufficient stream temperature protection is assured. Perennial stream buffers in the Parker Wyatt units would be a minimum of 50-85 feet wide based on slope and tree height. In areas of potential instability or where the stream is incised, an additional buffer distance would be added to avoid unstable areas or begin at the slope break. In the natural stands, the no-cut stream buffers are one site-potential tree, which for Brice Creek, is 190 feet wide.

191 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects EXISTING CONDITIONS A combination of naturally occurring hydrologic conditions and past management practices have resulted in elevated summer temperatures in the many streams in the planning area. Early studies with small streams in western Oregon found that solar radiation was the primary source of energy causing summertime water temperatures increase when streamside vegetation was removed. Removal of stream shade during timber harvest was a common practice from initial entry into the watersheds in the 1910’s through the early 1980’s on Forest Service administered lands. Flooding and debris torrents also contributed to the loss of stream shade and wider channels. Substantial riparian vegetation removal along perennial streams, from historic timber harvest, has also contributed to increased stream temperatures. In the early 1980’s riparian buffers were utilized; however these buffers were not always adequate for maintaining stream shade. Only after the Northwest Forest Plan in 1994 was shade and other riparian dependent functions consistently addressed through maintaining or enhancing Riparian Reserves along streams. Low base flows, typical of the Western Cascades, also contribute to conditions which result in relatively high, naturally occurring summer stream temperatures within the planning area. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) water quality standards are applied to protect the most sensitive beneficial uses in a waterbody. Salmonids and other cold water species that inhabit most streams in the Row River are considered the beneficial uses most sensitive to stream temperatures. Numeric criteria in the temperature standard were developed to protect different aspects of the life histories of these resident fish. ODEQ has identified water quality limited streams throughout the State of Oregon, including the Row River Watershed (Table 42). Brice Creek was recently delisted from ODEQs 303(d) list in 2010 after the Willamette Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) was approved in 2006. The rest of the Row River Watershed was also delisted for temperature and mercury. Although Brice Creek has been delisted from the 303(d) list, the Cottage Grove Ranger District continues to collect stream temperature data at this site and other locations in the Brice Creek subwatershed during the summer months. Row River/Dorena Lake was added to the 303(d) list in 2010 for aquatic weeds or algae, affecting river miles 7.3 to 11.9.

Table 42. Water Quality 303(d) Listings in the Row River Watershed

Waterbody Name River Mile Parameter Season List Date

Delisted Row River 0 to 20.8* Temperature Year Around 2010

Row River/Dorena Delisted 7.3 to 11.9* Mercury Year Around Lake 2010

Row River/Dorena Aquatic Weeds or 7.3 to 11.9* Undefined 2010 Lake Algae

Delisted Sharps Creek 0 to 15.2 Temperature Year Around 2010

Martin Creek 0 to 3.4 Temperature Summer Delisted

192 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Waterbody Name River Mile Parameter Season List Date 2010

Delisted Brice Creek 0 to 11.2* Temperature Summer 2010

Delisted Layng Creek 0 to 14.4 Temperature Year Around 2010

* Sections of water bodies downstream of the planning area.

An additional water quality parameter that was included in the pre-2010 ODEQ 303(d) list (delisted in 2010) and downstream (approximately 12 stream miles) of the planning area is mercury in Dorena Lake. A study of Dorena Lake (Hygelund, 2001) found that the mercury contamination is from the Bohemia Mining District in the headwaters of Brice Creek. According to this study, mercury was historically used in the processing of gold and silver ore. Brice Creek is part of the primary pathway that carries mercury laden sediment downstream to Dorena Lake. However, the presence of mercury in Dorena Lake is not associated with timber management activities. The desired condition is the maintenance of water quality in keeping with ACS objective #4.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS Direct effects in the context of water quality are those that would occur in the planning area streams. Direct effects are defined as those that could be triggered immediately as a result of the Parker Wyatt alternatives. Indirect effects are those that could occur later in time or downstream of the action at the drainage or larger scale. Alternative 1 would result in no direct or indirect effects to water quality, since no riparian trees would be cut along any perennial streams that could affect stream shade and influence stream temperature. Thinning trees under Alternatives 2 and 3 would not have a direct or indirect effect on stream temperature. The silvicultural prescription requires the retention of a no-harvest buffer on all perennial streams. The action alternatives would thin within Riparian Reserves, but effective shade along perennial streams would be retained. Thus, no measurable increase in stream temperature due to riparian shade removal is anticipated under these alternatives in any streams within or downstream of the planning area. The current conditions of the stands in the Parker Wyatt planning area are dense, single story stands where inter-tree competition is slowing tree growth. The treatment would benefit stand development by reducing stand density and accelerating the development of large trees which could provide future shade to the streams. Water quality standard and guideline #1 and recommendations in the watershed analysis would be met. Streams within and adjacent to thinning units would be identified with applicable protection in order to meet water quality standard and guideline #5. The majority of the main roads within the planning area have been reconstructed within the last 2-20 years. Road reconstruction under Alternatives 2 and 3 includes replacement of three ditch relief culverts and four stream crossing culverts on the 2232 and 2216 roads. However following timber sale activities, the 2216-444, 2216-733, 2216-808, 2232-091, 2232-095, 2232- 111, 2232-510, 2232-790, 2232-806, 2232-846, 2232-850, 5850-205, 5850-962 and the 5850-

193 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects 968 roads are proposed to be inactivated and the culverts would be removed. A total of 1.0 miles of existing abandoned non-system roads would be reconstructed as temporary roads, and 0.14 miles of new temporary roads would be constructed. No new or reconstructed temporary roads would cross stream channels. All temporary roads would be obliterated following timber harvest. The use of Best Management Practices and project design features (see Chapter Two) for all in- stream work, including timing of in-stream work and erosion control measures, would minimize effects at the immediate work site and downstream through the first winter season. All the action alternatives would cause in-stream work induced turbid water with potential sediment bearing nutrient release. Direct and indirect effects (turbid water and nutrient release) in response to rain and runoff would be short-term (one season) during the wet season and difficult to discern from background runoff turbidity. These effects would not be expected as project design features (erosion control) become effective with time as vegetation reestablishes by the second season. Wet season haul on gravel roads requires administrative attentiveness in order to protect water quality. The Best Management Practices (see Chapter Two) identify the Umpqua Road Rules, which call for suspending work when either road or environmental damage such as stream turbidity is predicted. The implementation of the Road Rules would reduce direct and indirect effects to water quality. A best management practices (BMPs) checklist applicable to the disturbances and for the protection of water quality and beneficial uses would be used. The purpose of the checklist is to identify roles and responsibilities for tracking BMPs through time to insure that these measures would be included in the various contracts and implemented on the ground. The development and subsequent use of the BMP checklist meets water quality Standard and Guideline #12. The fuels treatment for Alternatives 2 and 3 that would have the potential to affect water quality is machine pile burning. The burning of concentrated fuels tends to disturb the soil’s duff layer, exposing soil to erosion. The project design feature that implements the burning of slash during moist conditions would help retain effective ground cover and reduce the risk of effects to water quality.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Past harvesting of perennial stream shade occurred throughout the Brice Creek Subwatershed up until about the mid 1980’s. This loss of stream shade contributed to elevated stream temperatures in planning area streams. However, areas harvested prior to the mid 1980’s are now providing stream shade (Holaday 1992). Alternative 1 would result in no direct or indirect effects to water temperature, or turbidity that would incrementally add to possible downstream heating or stream turbidity due to past, present or reasonably foreseeable future disturbance. Alternatives 2 and 3 would protect the effective shade along perennial streams to avoid stream temperature increases. Both actions alternatives would cause short term direct and indirect turbidity effects from in-stream work. However, these effects would likely be negligible at the subwatershed scale due to natural turbidity. The spatial and temporal extent and magnitude of these effects would not incrementally add to past, present, or reasonably foreseeable effects. Beneficial uses of water and aquatic habitats would not be degraded by turbidity, sediment, or scoured stream channels caused by timber harvest, road construction, and related activities. Watershed cumulative effects and water quality Standard and Guideline #2 would be met.

194 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Therefore, no cumulative temperature or turbidity effect would result from the action alternatives.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY As disclosed above in this water quality section, no prolonged or adverse effects to water quality or the associated beneficial uses of water are expected from any of the proposed activities in any of the action alternatives including those actions occurring in the Riparian Reserve land allocation. As such, the long-term trend of improving water quality in the subwatershed would continue; water quality in Brice Creek and planning area streams would continue to support healthy riparian, aquatic and wetland ecosystems consistent with ACS objective #4. Accelerating the development of larger trees would help continue to provide effective shading; maintain and restore landscape diversity and complexity in keeping with ACS objective #1. Since the action alternatives apply all relevant standards and guidelines, and since they were developed to restore riparian ecosystem health at the stream reach and landscape scale, they are also in keeping with the overarching intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI, 1994).

HERBICIDE USE AND WATER QUALITY

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Relevant standard and guideline from the Northwest Forest Plan include: . RA-3 Herbicides, insecticides, and other toxicants and chemicals shall be applied only in a manner that avoids effects that retard or prevent attainment of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy Objectives. Standard Objectives from the Pacific Northwest Region, Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDA 2005a) include: . Standard 18: Use only adjuvants (e.g. surfactants, dyes) and inert ingredients reviewed in Forest Service hazard and risk assessment documents such as SERA (1997) and Bakke (2002). . Standard 19: To minimize or eliminate direct or indirect negative effects to non-target plants, terrestrial animals, water quality and aquatic biota (including amphibians) from the application of herbicide, use site-specific soil characteristics, proximity to surface water and local water table depth to determine herbicide formulation, size of buffers needed, if any, and application method and timing. Consider herbicides registered for aquatic use where herbicide is likely to be delivered to surface waters.

PROPOSED HERBICIDE TREATMENT Both action alternatives include the same proposal (Figure 8, Figure 9) for treating one small site, totaling 0.10 acres of false brome, with the ability to treat future infestations (not to exceed an additional 1 acre per year). Project design features are also listed in Chapter Two.

DIRECT EFFECTS Direct effects in the context of herbicide application are those that would occur in streams within and adjacent to the planning area. Direct effects are triggered immediately as a result of the alternatives.

195 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Under Alternative 1, ongoing noxious weed treatments authorized under the 2003 integrated weed management project would continue to occur. Under Alternative 1, one small (0.10 acre total) but false brome infestation could not be sprayed with herbicide in the immediate future (the other sites could still be sprayed under previous analysis). Consequently, there would be no direct effects to aquatic resources from glyphosate treatment, as none would occur. SERA (2003) cited a 1993 document from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs that classified technical grade glyphosate as non-toxic to practically non- toxic to freshwater fish. It is the surfactant used with glyphosate that determines the toxicity levels. The surfactant proposed for this project is derived from vegetable oils and is considered to be inert. This is consistent with the Standard Objective #18 from the Pacific Northwest Region, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDA 2005a). Water can become contaminated by herbicides in four ways: 1) direct application to water when wind causes fine spray droplets to drift off the target site into the water; 2) an accidental spill; 3) from surface water transport as a result of rain following an application; and 4) via contaminated ground water from herbicide that percolates down through the soil profile and eventually into a stream. The discussion below demonstrates how project design features would minimize the potential for the herbicide to enter and impact water quality.

Spray Drift Spraying would occur during dry weather. No streams are within the areas proposed for spraying. However, if water is found there would be a 25 foot no-spray buffer when using glyphosate. Application would not occur when wind speeds exceed 5 mph, when it is raining, or when the forecast has greater than a 70% chance of rain within 36 hours of spraying. A non- toxic colorant would be used so that drift can easily be seen. SERA (2003), suggests that at five miles per hour (mph), a typical backpack spray would drift less than 23 feet. Herbicide drift into live water is not expected to occur under the Action Alternatives. If water was found, the no spray buffers would be implemented. The Curran Junetta Timber Sale (USDA 2007) in the Layng Creek Watershed, north of the Brice Creek Watershed, analyzed the 25 foot no-spray buffer for glyphosate and determined minimal effects to water quality. This was primarily based on a study by Berg (2004) where they found that a 25 foot no-spray glyphosate buffer adequately protected streams. The streams in this planning area are similar to those from that study.

Accidental Herbicide Spill Accidental spills are highly unlikely to enter surface water. An Herbicide Transportation, Handling and Emergency Spill Response Plan would be a project requirement. This plan would address spill prevention and containment. If an accident were to occur, the magnitude and intensity of effects would be minimized.

Contamination Due to Surface Runoff Herbicides would not be sprayed directly onto any surface water. Application would not occur if rain was forecast to occur within the next 36 hours. Application would occur during dry weather when rains would not be expected to cause surface flow along road ditches and intermittent streams. Although it is highly unlikely, if standing water is found within road ditches, those areas would be treated as a perennial stream and have a 25 foot no-spray buffer for glyphosate.

196 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Dry roadside ditches and intermittent streams would not be buffered. Once heavy winter rains begin, surface water would flow over these areas. Berg (2004) cited a study conducted in Oregon where herbicides were sprayed the end of September along a road. There were no buffers along the drainage ditch or in a stream that crossed the area. Monitoring occurred from the end of October through early January. Results from the study found no glyphosate detectable in the ditch or stream samples. Contamination due to surface runoff is highly unlikely because of the project design features and timing restrictions listed in Chapter Two.

Soil and Groundwater Contamination Application of herbicide would occur during dry weather. Since glyphosate is rapidly adsorbed by soil particles, the herbicide is expected to degrade within ditch lines prior to the winter rains.

Summary This project would be consistent with the analysis of the Umpqua National Forest Integrated Weed Management Project (USDA 2003a) and the Pacific Northwest Region, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants ROD (USDA 2005a). With the rapid break down of the chemical following application, the low level of potential ground water contamination, along with the project design features and best management practices, little to no effects to water quality and the beneficial uses of water quality is expected under the action alternatives.

INDIRECT EFFECTS Indirect effects are those that could occur later in time or downstream of the action at the drainage or larger scale. No measurable detection of herbicide or effects to water quality is expected. Since there are no expected adverse direct effects, there would be no downstream or larger scale measurable indirect effects.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects are measured at the Brice Creek subwatershed scale and the past and future use of herbicide treatment in the subwatershed. Past herbicide use in the Brice Creek subwatershed has been very minimal and was used to control small infestations (~0.05 acres) of meadow knapweed. The small (~0.05 acres) false brome infestation was discovered in 2012 and has only been controlled manually thus far. False brome infestations in the Layng Creek watershed have been treated with herbicide each year since 2007. Application rate from 2007- 2010 has steadily decreased over time, suggesting that fewer plants are persisting each year since less herbicide is needed per acre. This trend is expected to continue for both false brome and meadow knapweed infestations throughout the District. Large scale herbicide treatment does occur lower in the subwatershed on industrial timber lands adjacent to the Forest Service boundary. However, since the proposed herbicide treatment of noxious weeds is unlikely to have an effect to water resources, a threshold of concern would not be approached and therefore there would be no contribution to cumulative effects. No adverse cumulative effects are expected from implementation of this project under the action alternatives.

197 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

STREAM FLOWS

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The relevant standards and guidelines from the Umpqua Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) related to stream flow include: . Watershed cumulative effects and water quality, Standard and Guideline #2: Beneficial uses of water and aquatic habitats would not be degraded by turbidity, sediment, or scoured stream channels caused by timber harvest, road construction, and related activities. . Watershed cumulative effects and water quality, Standard and Guideline #4: Beneficial uses of water and aquatic habitat (water quality) would not be degraded by increased peak flows caused by canopy removal from timber harvest, road construction, and related activities.

EXISTING CONDITIONS The stream flow regime of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area is influenced by Western Cascades geology. The Western Cascades stream flow regime responds rapidly during winter runoff events. This regime has large annual flow fluctuations with large differences between summer low flow and winter high flow. In general, the stream flow record from the gauging station on the Row River downstream of the planning area (about 9 stream miles) reveals that winter flow for the upper area of the Row River Watershed responds quickly to storm precipitation with rapid runoff, in sharp contrast to summer flows that are very low. Approximately 88% of the planning area is within the transient snow zone (2,000 to 5,000 feet in elevation) where winter peak flows are an important fluvial process. In this zone, warm rain can follow a colder snow storm causing rapid snowmelt. In the Upper Willamette sub-basin, 88% of floods with a return period of greater than six years were associated with rain-on-snow events (Harr 1979; Christner 1981). The forest canopy has a major influence on snow accumulation, distribution, and melting rates by affecting the interception, microclimate and energy balance of the snowpack. An area is considered hydrologically recovered when the forest canopy cover is 75% and the average tree diameter is eight inches (USDA 1990b). Sizeable canopy openings can result in greater snow accumulation and more rapid snowmelt compared to locations lacking large canopy openings. The Umpqua Forest Plan requires an analysis of forest canopy conditions (Standard and Guideline #4, listed above). The hydrologic recovery percentage (HRP) was used to estimate the hydrologic recovery of the forest canopy at the drainage, subwatershed, and watershed scales. The hydrologic recovery level represents an area compilation of forest canopy re- development following disturbance. It also represents the potential influence on the stream flow and stream channel effects from floods. A hydrologic recovery of 75% or greater would maintain current peak flows and avoid an adverse change to physical channel condition and associated factors such as water quality and fish habitat. Statistically discernible increases in peak flows have occurred when greater than 25% of smaller drainages have been harvested (loss of canopy) and included roads; that is, the hydrologic recovery was less than 75% (Jones and Grant 1996; Thomas and Megahan 1998). Conditions below the 75% hydrologic recovery value (i.e.; lower levels of hydrologic recovery) need further evaluation for potential peak flow cumulative effects from rapid snowmelt during rain-on-snow storms (following standard and guideline #4).

198 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Drainages are land areas that directly drain to a common stream; they are synonymous with watersheds. The drainage basin boundaries follow topographic highs; the divides separate one drainage basin from another. Blodgett, Rosehill, Dinner Ridge, Lund Park, Trestle, Wyatt and Parker are the drainages that meet the above definition. The Brice Row, Lower Brice, Mid Brice, Upper Brice West and Upper Brice East “drainages” are actually corridors along the main stem of Brice Creek and the associated smaller unnamed face tributaries that flow directly into Brice Creek. The existing conditions of the hydrologic recovery levels for the drainages associated with the Parker Wyatt planning area are currently above 75%, the threshold of concern. Current hydrologic levels are displayed in Table 43. Hydrologic recovery for stands within the Umpqua National Forest was determined using GIS activity layers. Current and past aerial photos were used to delineate stands on private land. A site class IV was used to calculate percent recovered on private land. Some studies have proposed that forest roads on steep slopes may intercept subsurface flow and hasten its arrival as surface flow to stream channels (Montgomery 1994, Wemple et al. 1996). A recent study found that in seven of eight small catchments studied (25-625 acres), the subsurface flow interception effect by roads produced moderate (13-36%) increases of large (>1 return period) peak discharge events and increases persisted for decades (Jones 2000). The planning area is composed of many smaller catchments of this size range that contribute to larger drainages. The percentages listed in Table 43 do not include roads or other manmade or natural openings. These additional openings are likely to show a slight decrease in these percentages. Interception of ground water at road-cuts and the extension of the channel network through the road ditches with too few relief culverts can potentially alter the timing of water delivery to the stream network. Road ditches draining into a stream and culverts with gullies below that connect directly to a stream channel can extend the stream network (Wemple et al. 1996). Many of the main roads within the planning area were upgraded within the last 2-20 years. These upgrades included drainage improvements, such as an increase in the number of ditch relief culverts. The desired condition is the protection of flow regimes in keeping with ACS objective 6, while moving stem exclusion forest stands toward the desired range of natural variability.

INDIRECT EFFECTS AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Peak flows represent an indirect effect rather than a direct small-scale effect. The Forest Plan identified an analysis area between 1,000 and 5,000 acres to evaluate potential peak flow response. Consequently, Blodgett (500 acres) and Rosehill (494 acres) were combined with Lower Brice, and Dinner Ridge (310 acres) and Lund Park (299 acres) were combined with Mid Brice for this analysis. Only downstream indirect effects and cumulative effects are discussed for the peak flow analysis. The magnitude of flows required for bedload sediment transport differs from channel type to channel type. In general, the frequency of bedload sediment transport increases with decreasing channel gradient. Peak flow effects on channel morphology can be confidently excluded in high gradient streams greater than 10% and bedrock reaches are likely to be minor in most step-pool systems. Moreover, research suggests that peak flow effects on channels are confined to a relatively discrete portion of the stream network where channel gradients are less than approximate 2% (Grant et al. 2008).

199 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Alternative 1 would not reduce canopy cover; therefore, no change in hydrologic recovery would occur that would potentially increase peak flow. The overall hydrologic recovery analysis of snow accumulation and melt utilized research that was done on the Umpqua and Gifford Pinchot National Forests. This research indicated that a shelterwood canopy, which provides about 15% canopy closure, can allow about 60% greater snowpack runoff than mature forest at the site scale (Storck et al. 1999). The proposed silviculture treatments would increase the potential for snow accumulation in the created gaps and thinned areas; however the leave trees would break up the flow of the warm wind across snow pack and substantially mitigate the rapid snow melt process. The analysis for the action alternatives utilized average residual canopy covers by treatment as determined using the FVS model discussed in the Forest Vegetation section. Average residual canopy cover ranges from 45 to 63% depending upon the harvest treatment. These are conservative assumptions that allow for a margin of safety in the analysis that addresses scale and treatment differences between the original study and this project. Using the average canopy cover, a coarse HRP was analyzed for all alternatives (Table 43). Under Alternatives 2 and 3, the proposed silvicultural treatments would maintain the HRP well above the level of concern in the drainages. Thinning these areas would also leave trees that would break up the flow of the warm wind across snow pack and substantially mitigate the rapid snow melt process.

Table 43. Current Hydrologic Recovery Percentage

Alternative 1 7th Field Drainages Alternative 2 Alternative 3 (Existing Conditions)

Brice Row 86% 85% 85%

Blodgett/Rosehill/Lower Brice 79% 78% 78%

Dinner Ridge/Lund Park/Mid Brice 88% 88% 88%

Wyatt 94% 92% 92%

Trestle 86% 84% 84%

Parker 92% 90% 90%

Upper Brice West 91% 91% 91%

Upper Brice East 98% 96% 96%

The stream gradients in the fish bearing portion of the planning area are 2% or greater, and the upland streams predominantly have gradients in excess of 10%. Effects to beneficial uses are anticipated to be minimal and not detectable within Brice Creek. The action alternatives are not expected to cause peak flow responses that would degrade channel conditions. There would be a landscape change in canopy cover within the harvest acres; however effects are expected to be minimal and not detectable within Brice Creek.

200 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Alternatives 2 and 3 would not reduce canopy closure to a level that would cause an indirect peak flow response at the drainage scale or that would be detectable at the subwatershed or watershed scales. The hydrologic recovery would maintain current peak flows and avoid adverse change to physical channel conditions and associated factors such as water quality and fish habitat (consistent with S&G# 2 and S&G# 4, listed above). No cumulative peak flow effect is expected under the action alternatives when considering past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future activities.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY As disclosed above in this stream flow section, no effects to flow regimes or the associated beneficial uses of water are expected from any of the proposed activities in any of the action alternatives including those actions occurring in Riparian Reserves. As such, the timing, magnitude, and duration of peak, high, and low flows are maintained under all action alternatives, consistent with ACS objective #6. Since the action alternatives apply all relevant standards and guidelines, and since they were developed to restore riparian ecosystem health at the stream reach and landscape scale, they are also in keeping with the overarching intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy (USDA/USDI 1994).

RIPARIAN FOREST CONDITIONS

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITION In the Brice Creek subwatershed, approximately 60% of the federally managed Riparian Reserves have been previously clear-cut, burned in fires, or occupied by permanent roads, leaving approximately 40% of this land allocation in late-seral conditions. Approximately 48% of the Riparian Reserves in the Brice Creek subwatershed are less than 80 years old, placing them in the early seral condition (USDA 1997). There are approximately 5,000 acres of Riparian Reserves within the planning area, of which roughly 38% have been previously clear-cut. The 40-70 year old plantations within the planning are densely-stocked and dominated by Douglas-fir trees of the same age class. These stands were clear-cut harvested and planted with primarily Douglas-fir seedlings at fairly close spacing. In some stands, a few shade tolerant species have seeded in and hardwoods have re-sprouted. However, these stands were often precommercial thinned where shade tolerant conifers and hardwoods were routinely cut, leaving the stands in simplified conditions. Most stands lack natural canopy gaps and associated understory diversity. Some of the fire regenerated stands in the planning area consist of primarily even-aged Douglas-fir trees that naturally regenerated following stand and partial-stand replacement fire approximately 120 and 150 years ago. These dense stands lack understory diversity due to crowded conditions and slow growth is resulting in trees at risk of mortality due to increased stem diseases, bark beetles and white pine blister rust. Roads in riparian areas have the potential to limit shade and reduce the deposition of large wood and debris to streams and riparian areas. The Parker Wyatt planning area has approximately 73.6 miles of road with a road density of 3.6 miles of road per square mile. The Brice Creek Subwatershed has approximately 195 miles of road with an average road density of 3.2 miles per square mile. This planning area is considered to have a high road density. In the planning area, road segments within the Riparian Reserves total approximately 29 miles. The desired condition for Riparian Reserves is a decrease in riparian area occupied by permanent roads, and increased stand species and structural diversity.

201 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Proposed Riparian Forest Treatments The action alternatives would apply restorative thinning to Riparian Reserves using various logging methods and activity fuel reduction techniques ( Table 44) and would decrease the amount of existing roads in the planning area (Table 45).

Table 44. Summary of Thinning, Fuel Treatment and Logging in Riparian Reserves

Actions Alternative 1 Alternative 2 & 3

Thinning in Riparian Reserves

Commercial Thinning 0 185 acres

Gaps 0 4 acres

Fuel Treatments in Riparian Reserves

Machine pile 0 13 acres (all ground based logging acres in units 10, 13)

Hand pile and burn 0 25.7 acres (units 2, 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23)

Total RR fuel treatment 38.7 acres

Logging Systems in Riparian Reserves

Skyline 0 129 acres

Helicopter 0 35 acres (Helicopter Landings) (0) (2.25 acres of existing opening)

Ground Based 0 21 acres

Under the action alternatives, the Riparian Reserve thinning prescriptions would be the same as in the adjacent Matrix land, which would lower the existing canopy cover from 66 to 81% down to between 45 and 64%. Approximately 185 acres, which equates to 4% of the Riparian Reserve acreage within the planning area, would be thinned. The proposed thinning prescriptions in the Matrix and Riparian Reserve land allocations were primarily based on landscape scale disturbance and successional development processes as described and recommended in the 2012 Brice Creek WA iteration 1.1 (USDA 2012c). Other resource objectives, specifically for TES species were also considered. For the units where gaps are prescribed, 5-15%% of the thinned areas would have small gaps. This corresponds to roughly 4 acres of gaps located within the outer portion of the Riparian Reserves. Gaps would not be placed within the primary shade zone of perennial streams and would be located at least 50 feet from intermittent channels.

202 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The Riparian Reserve thinning would retain no-harvest buffers, up to 30 feet wide, along intermittent stream channels with steep and/or potentially unstable banks to ensure that harvest activity would not disturb stream banks or beds. The exception is a few intermittent channels with gentle slopes where the risk of bank and streambed erosion has been determined to be very low. Thinning would occur along these channels with no buffers, although no trees would be yarded across the channels under any of the action alternatives. Based on the Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategies revised in 2010, the perennial stream buffers in the Parker Wyatt harvest units would be either 55 or 75 feet wide based on tree height, stand age and slope instability. In the natural stands, the no-harvest stream buffers are the full Riparian Reserve widths of one site-potential tree, which for Brice Creek, is 190 feet wide (See Figure 30, Figure 31, Figure 32, Figure 33) (USDA/USDI 2010).

203 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 30. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the West Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

204 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 31. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Central Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

205 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 32. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Northeast Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

206 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 33. Riparian Reserve Treatments in the Southeast Portion of the Parker Wyatt Planning Area

207

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Of the 185 acres of proposed thinning in the Riparian Reserves under Alternatives 2 & 3, 129 acres will be skyline logging, 35 acres will be helicopter logging and 21 acres will be ground based logging. The fuel treatments proposed in the Riparian Reserves include 13 acres of machine piling in the ground based logging Units 10 and 13, and 25.7 acres of hand piling and burning in Units 2, 5, 6, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23. Since machine piles typically cover up to 5% of a treatment area, the 13 acres of machine piling and burning under Alternatives 2 and 3 could result in hot burns on an estimated 0.65 acres. Likewise, the handpile burning prescribed over 25.7 acres would result in about 3% of the burned area (approximately 0.77 acres) affected by hot pile burns where site productivity would be negatively affected. Road work in the Riparian Reserve would be necessary in order to access the stands for thinning and log haul (Table 45). No new permanent roads would be constructed within or outside of Riparian Reserves. Under both action alternatives, only 0.02 miles of temporary roads would be created in the Riparian Reserves. Of the abandoned non-system roads proposed for reconstruction, to be used as temporary roads, and obliterated after use, approximately 0.26 miles would be reconstructed within Riparian Reserves. None of these temporary roads would cross any stream channels.

Table 45. Summary of Road Actions within Riparian Reserves

Road Action Alternative 1 Alternative 2 & 3

New permanent roads 0 0

New temporary roads (constructed and 0 0.02 miles obliterated following use)

Abandoned non-system roads 0 0.26 miles (reconstructed and obliterated following use)

Inactivation of existing system roads 0 1.4 miles

Decommission existing roads 0 0

Change from existing condition 0 -1.7 miles of system road in Riparian Reserve inactivated/ decommissioned

DIRECT EFFECTS The direct effects to Riparian Reserve forest conditions are defined as those occurring within the confines of the Riparian Reserve over the course of one to two decades following implementation. Alternative 1 has no ground disturbing activities in Riparian Reserves, and as such, has no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to Riparian Reserves. No temporary roads would be built that would adversely affect riparian site productivity or habitat quality.

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The reductions in the canopy after thinning under the action alternatives would allow more light penetration, resulting in warmer and dryer riparian forest conditions compared to Alternative 1. Thinning would also lower the rate of litter input to the riparian forest floor which represents important nutrient cycling and food bases for riparian organisms. This thinning effect may lower local populations of riparian dependent organisms. Such effects would gradually subside as canopy closure returns over time. Chan et al. (2006) reported that percent skylight through the canopy following a variety of thinning treatments rapidly decreased by an average of 2% per year in the Oregon coast range as the crowns of leave trees and understory vegetation respond to the thinning with rapid growth. The canopy of residual leave trees would gradually fill in, reaching pre-existing conditions within one or two decades. Under the action alternatives, neither the gaps nor the general thinning surrounding such gaps are expected to exert unusual or extraordinary effects to riparian forest conditions, since these activities approximate moderate severity fire that lowers tree density and creates pockets of dead trees and openings under the natural disturbance processes (Zenner, 2005). In contrast under Alternative 1, the absence of disturbance would maintain the stem exclusion stage and delay the development of late successional stand structures for many decades (Andrews et al. 2005). The logging in Riparian Reserves would also result in effects to riparian conditions under the action alternatives. Soil disturbance results in a loss of site productivity, and vegetation clearing results in habitat modification. Post-treatment monitoring of timber sales has revealed that the amount of disturbed soil varies by logging system with skyline logging typically disturbing less than 4% of the surface of a given harvest unit and ground-based logging disturbing about 10% of the surface of a harvest unit (USDA 1997). Ground based logging is higher due to the use of skid trails. Project design features developed to minimize effects from ground based logging include reusing existing skid trails, restricting equipment entry to no closer than 50 feet from stream channels and subsoiling of skid trails after use. These measures, detailed at the end of Chapter Two, are included in both action alternatives and function to lower the extent and intensity of the effects disclosed above. Standard and guideline FM-4 would also be met with the action alternatives since prescribed burning in Riparian Reserves would reduce activity fuels to reasonable levels and create adequate planting sites in openings. These activities would contribute to meeting the desired riparian forest conditions of improved diversity. The fuel treatments that apply fire to concentrated slash piles (machine and hand piles) would also result in direct effects to Riparian Reserves in terms of site productivity and bare soil exposure. Such concentrated pile burning typically removes the soil duff, mineral soil can be exposed, and small, low mobility organisms can be killed. Approximately 0.65 acres from machine piles and 0.77 acres from hand piles would be negatively affected by hot burns from fuel treatments. Under Alternative 1, no soil disturbance or vegetation removal from logging or activity fuel burning would occur, thus no organisms would be killed, no bare soil would be exposed, and no productivity losses would occur in Riparian Reserves. In summary, several types of direct adverse effects to riparian forest conditions can be expected to occur under both action alternatives. The magnitude of these effects at the site-scale in relation to the planning area and the broader subwatershed scale are inconsequential. This is because both the extent and the duration of these effects (as described above) are predicted to be low.

210 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects INDIRECT EFFECTS The indirect effects to Riparian Reserve forests are defined for this analysis as those that would occur within the Riparian Reserves of the Parker Wyatt harvest units over the long-term (greater than two decades). None of the action alternatives construct new permanent roads within Riparian Reserves. The obliteration of temporary roads, along with the inactivation and decommissioning of system roads within Riparian Reserves under the action alternatives (Table 45) would achieve the desired condition of fewer overall miles of existing road occupying the Riparian Reserve land allocation. Alternatives 2 and 3 would result in a net decrease of 1.7 miles of existing roads in the Riparian Reserves. Alternative 1 would result in no beneficial long-term effects from existing roads removed from Riparian Reserve land allocation. Thinning under the action alternatives would reduce snag and down wood recruitment rates compared to Alternative 1 by removing trees that would otherwise die from suppression mortality. The loss of suppression mortality associated with the thinning in Riparian Reserves would affect trees ranging in size from seven inches up to trees greater than 18 inches in some riparian stands. Since suppression mortality typically kills smaller, suppressed trees rather than the larger dominate trees, the majority of the recruitment loss associated with the action alternatives would be from smaller-sized trees (Figure 20). Most of the wood that naturally recruits to streams comes from within the first 65 feet of the stream (McDade et al. 1990, Murphy and Koski 1989). Therefore the 55 foot plus no-cut buffers established for this project would continue to allow recruitment of large wood to the stream channels. The gaps proposed in the Riparian Reserves would result in the most long-term impact to riparian snag and down wood recruitment because of the limited number of leave trees remaining in the gaps. However, these localized sites of lost recruitment only cover roughly 4 acres and are scattered across the outer portions of the Riparian Reserves beyond the recruitment zone. The effects of this snag and down wood recruitment loss include the loss of habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species that depend on these habitat structures. Though habitats and habitat quality would be diminished, the small scattered extent of the thinning and gap creation is not expected to result in riparian species population declines. In the context of the Riparian Reserve network at the subwatershed level, this amount is inconsequential. The action alternatives would result in long-term beneficial effects to riparian forest structure and composition; development of stand structural and species diversity would occur sooner than in Alternative 1. As such, under the action alternatives, standard and guideline TM-1(c) would be met. The silvicultural practices applied to control stocking in the Riparian Reserve contribute to meeting the objectives for desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. The created canopy gaps would approximate a moderate severity fire, the process that historically created gaps and triggered the initiation of understory layers (Zenner 2005). Establishment of shade-tolerant conifers is an essential step in development of the multilayered characteristics of old-growth (Franklin et al. 1986). The beneficial effects would gradually improve habitat connectivity for riparian dependent species that rely on late-successional forest conditions. Again, the magnitude of the beneficial effects from the action alternatives are moderate, since only 4% of the Riparian Reserve land allocation in the planning area would experience the benefits; the rate at which these effects would accrue over time is gradual. Alternative 1 is less likely to achieve the desired conditions of increased species and structural diversity or the acceleration of late-successional stand characteristics for Riparian Reserves, within the next several decades.

211 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects At the scale of the Brice Creek Riparian Reserve network and the fifth level Row River watershed, all the above indirect effects of habitat changes in the Riparian Reserves would not be measurable. Since the indirect effects exhibit a very low magnitude at the scale of the planning area, they would be substantially diluted at these larger scales.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The cumulative effects as well as the restoration and maintenance of the ACS objectives for Riparian Forest Conditions are discussed in conjunction with Stream Channels in the next section.

STREAM CHANNELS Streams in the planning area are primarily affected by roads that cross them or that exist near them, by the age of the adjacent forest that provides bank stability and large wood input, and by the effects of disturbance such as floods and fire. The impact to streams from the various forms of road work is disclosed in this section.

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Relevant standards and guidelines from the Northwest Forest Plan include: . RF-2a: For each existing or planned road, meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) objectives by minimizing road and landing locations in Riparian Reserves. . RF-2e: For each existing or planned road, meet ACS objectives by minimizing disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including diversion of stream flow and interception of surface and subsurface flow. . RF-3: Determine the influence of each road on the ACS objectives through watershed analysis. . RF-3a: Meet ACS objectives by reconstructing roads and associated drainage features that pose a substantial risk. . RF-3c: Meet ACS objectives by closing and stabilizing, or obliterating and stabilizing, roads based on the ongoing and potential effects considering short-term and long-term transportation needs. . RA-4: Locate water drafting sites to minimize adverse effects on stream channel stability, sedimentation, and in-stream flows needed to maintain riparian resources, channel conditions, and fish habitat. . FW-1: Design and implement fish habitat restoration and enhancement activities in a manner that contributes to attainment of the ACS objectives. . RF-6: Provide and maintain fish passage at all road crossings of existing and potential fish-bearing streams.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 1997 BRICE CREEK WATERSHED ANALYSIS . Storm proof roads that are not going to be maintained to assure that the drainage will continue to function properly even after ditchline and culvert failure. . Systematically eliminate obviously unneeded roads.

212 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects . Update the District Access and Travel Management Plan to incorporate the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. This will ensure that dwindling road maintenance funds are focused on road systems at risk to erosion. . Large woody debris should be left whenever it falls into stream channels. Enhancement projects should be looked at to add large woody debris into areas that were salvaged and/or channel complexity is limited.

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS Past management practices such as clear-cutting riparian forests and removing large down wood from the stream channel have impacted the stream channels by reducing channel complexity and limiting aquatic habitat. Streams are common in the planning area with an average stream density of 5.5 miles per square mile (Table 41). The streams in the proposed planning units tend to be first to third order high gradient channels. Riparian trees and down large woody debris tends to help stabilize these channels. The down wood does not have to be very large to help stabilize and add structure to these smaller channels. Road densities are high throughout the planning area. Runoff from roads can be a source of fine sedimentation to stream channels. This is particularly of concern for valley bottoms (like the road paralleling Brice Creek) and the mid-sloped roads that cross several stream channels. Roads also pose risks to the aquatic ecosystem by producing sediment to streams when culvert hydraulic capacity is exceeded. Culvert failure often results in a washout of the crossing; fill is eroded or the flow diverts down the road’s ditch. During the development of the Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis (USDA 2012b), stream crossings were inventoried in order to prioritize high-risk sites for failure and address standard and guideline RF-2e. The Roads Analysis satisfied standard and guideline RF-3 by assessing the influence of each road on the Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. Many of the main system roads were reconstructed within the last 2-20 years. Consequently minimal reconstruction, to improve drainage was needed. The Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis did identify roads to inactivate and decommission. These road restoration projects would help further ACS objectives and meet Standard and Guideline RF-3c. Brice Creek is the mainstem stream within the planning area. All tributary streams within the planning area flow into Brice Creek. The most recent stream inventory of Brice Creek was conducted in 2001 (USDA 2001). Brice Creek ranges from a low gradient sinuous channel to a high gradient canyon. A section of the upper canyon is the only reach of Brice Creek that does not have a road parallel to the stream channel. Riparian habitat tends to consist of large mature trees; however the adjacent road limits the effectiveness of the riparian habitat. The road has also increased accessibility into Brice Creek which has resulted in the past management (late 1970’s through early 1980’s) of removing several log jams. This past practice over-simplified the stream resulting in a not properly functioning channel and poor aquatic habitat. Habitat does improve upstream in the canyon, once the road is no longer adjacent to the channel. In- stream large wood increases along with relative abundance of fish in this upstream reach (USDA 1995). Desired conditions for stream channels in the planning area include: 1) decreased risk of road- related stream diversion and stream crossing failure, in keeping with ACS objective #5 that addresses the sediment regime; 2) improved habitat connectivity for upstream movement of aquatic organisms in keeping with ACS objective #2 that addresses connectivity within watersheds; and 3) maintained levels of large instream wood in keeping with ACS objective #3 that addresses stream bed and bank conditions.

213 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Proposed Treatments in Stream Channels All action alternatives would implement routine timber sale road reconstruction to achieve safe and effective haul conditions. None of the temporary roads that would be re-used under the action alternatives would cross any streams. All road related work is similar in both action alternatives. Four culverts would be upgraded on haul routes; however these culverts, along with 9 other stream crossing culverts would be removed through the proposed road inactivation projects (Table 46). Inactivation includes the removal of culverts, the possible installation of cross ditches to disperse water and the blocking of the road entry points to eliminate the possibility of unauthorized use. The roads proposed for decommissioning have no stream crossings.

Table 46. Instream Projects

Alternative 1 Alternatives 2 & 3

Number of stream 0 4 Culverts crossings upgraded

Number of existing stream crossings removed 0 9 Culverts through road inactivation

Numerous project design features are included as part of all the proposed instream projects (as detailed in Chapter Two) to lower or minimize the risk of water contamination and turbidity when equipment and workers are working in and near these streams.

DIRECT EFFECTS The direct effects to stream channels are defined as short-term effects at the immediate location of instream project areas over a period of up to five years. This is based on observations of the recovery time for in-channel and bank disturbances associated with road reconstruction, inactivation, decommission and instream restoration projects. Under Alternative 1, no direct effects to stream channels or aquatic organisms would occur since no instream work would occur. Because there are no direct or indirect effects, no cumulative effects would occur. The direct effects to stream channels from instream, road-related work would be increased sediment input caused by exposure of soil throughout the area when working in the channel or along stream banks. Channel banks and beds would also be modified during these activities with equipment working on banks and within channels. Adverse biological effects would last several days to weeks when the machinery is operating in the channel. Vegetation, which would help stabilize the banks, is expected to establish within two years of construction. The extent of stream channel adversely affected would average about 45 feet for each stream crossing. The amount of sedimentation potentially delivered with each instream construction site is estimated to be about ten cubic yards over a two-year period. This level of sedimentation from dispersed instream construction sites (Table 47) associated with both action alternatives is minimal with respect to the overall sediment regime of the planning area. Moreover, the erosion control measures and best management practices listed in the roads section of Chapter Two would effectively reduce both the extent and duration of the work-site sedimentation.

214 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 47. Stream Channel Disturbance by Alternative

Alternative 1 Alternatives 2 and 3

Stream crossing 0 9 culvert removals removal with road inactivation and ~405 lineal feet decommission ~90 cubic yards (CY) sediment

INDIRECT EFFECTS The indirect effects to stream channels are defined as the long-term effects of the instream work that would last longer than five years, plus any downstream effects occurring in Brice Creek. Overall, both action alternatives would result in long-term beneficial effects to stream channel connectivity compared to Alternative 1, where no instream restoration work would occur. In total, the action alternatives would result in a net decrease of 9 stream crossings in vicinity streams (Table 46). The 9 stream crossings removed under the action alternatives are associated with roads that would be inactivated until future needs (10-15 years). Removal of these culverts would eliminate the potential for culvert failure and associated sedimentation that may occur during the time these roads are not needed. These 9 stream culvert removals would result in overall improved aquatic connectivity to non-fish species that inhabit these smaller tributary streams. Improved connectivity equates to unabated movement of organisms up and downstream, and the free flow of water, sediment, and wood downstream, in a natural condition, compared to these same sites under Alternative 1.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS TO STREAM CHANNEL AND RIPARIAN FOREST CONDITION The potential for the Parker Wyatt action alternatives to result in either adverse or beneficial cumulative effects to riparian forest and riparian stream conditions is addressed at the scale of the Brice Creek subwatershed. Since the direct and indirect effects to riparian forests and stream channels are of low magnitude, it is reasonable to assume that these effects would only overlap with the effects of other past, present, and foreseeable future activities at the planning area scale. Effects to streams and riparian forests have resulted from past road building and timber harvest in the Parker Wyatt planning area. The existing miles of road in the planning area’s Riparian Reserves continues to exert profound local effects to streams at stream crossings with broader stream system effects to connectivity given the hundreds of stream crossings that exist. Recent timber sales analyzed under the Dinner and Rail2 EA’s include units within similar types of stream channels located in drainages within the nearby Layng Creek Subwatershed to the North. The effects to riparian and stream channels within these EA’s are comparable to those discussed above for the Parker Wyatt units. Other activities that would overlap with this project include routine road maintenance, noxious weed control, and public and administrative road use (Figure 8 and Figure 9). There are no other reasonably foreseeable activities would overlap with this project that would impact riparian conditions (Table 10). Past clear-cuts on federally administered lands occurred at least one to two decades ago; adverse effects to riparian micro-climates have recovered. There is a temporal and spatial

215 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects overlap with some of the Dinner and Blodgett EA units. However, the effects from these thinning sales are minimal and are not expected to contribute to cumulative effects. The adverse direct effects of the road actions to stream conditions such as sediment delivery and direct channel habitat effects from culvert removal would temporally overlap with the effects of the existing road network in planning area streams. However, the longer-term beneficial effects of the action alternatives on stream channels, including the inactivating and decommissioning of roads, and stream crossing removals would help off-set the potential cumulative effects of the action alternatives. Taken in total (Table 48), the adverse cumulative effects associated with the action alternatives (primarily short term sediment delivery) are outweighed by the longer-term beneficial effects. Thus, the accelerated attainment of desired riparian forest conditions and the removal of stream connectivity barriers outweigh the short term adverse effects because the longer-term beneficial effects result in greater net benefits.

Table 48. Summary of Riparian Reserve Actions and Effects

Primary Effect Amounts by Riparian Riparian/Stream (Beneficial and/or Duration Alternative Actions Change Adverse) 1 2 & 3 Beneficial – improved species and structural diversity/late-successional 30+ years Lower tree density characteristics, lower risk of

& less crown severe fire effects closure Adverse – drier microclimate, less litter to 10-20 years streams/forest floor 185 0 acres Beneficial – accelerated acres growth of larger leave trees 30 years for future recruitment Change in snag Adverse – loss of Commercial Thinning Commercial and down wood recruitment suppression mortality in smaller-sized trees, near process up to 60 years term loss of potential large and small down wood in riparian areas.

10-15 years or

Stream crossings in perpetuity if removed with road Beneficial – lower risk of 0 sites 9 sites road is never inactivation stream diversion and/or washout re - opened Adverse – increased sediment delivery at the site 0 sites, 4 sites,

Road Actions Road Stream crossing & immediately downstream 25 years upgrades Higher Lower risk risk

216 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Primary Effect Riparian Riparian/Stream Amounts by (Beneficial and/or Duration Actions Change Alternative

Adverse)

Adverse – soil disturbance, Machine Pile loss of site productivity, risk 0-20 years 0 acres 13 acres

of weed infestations

of of Fuels Treatment Treatment

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY The Riparian Reserves included in this project have regenerated under dense conditions that do not reflect the historic disturbance regime. The proposed thinning and fuels treatments in the reserves under the action alternatives would implement Watershed Analysis recommendations (USDA, 2012) to use thinning to manage plantation tree densities in both matrix and Riparian Reserve land allocations. The actions within Riparian Reserves under Alternatives 2 and 3 are in compliance with Northwest Forest Plan Riparian Reserve standard and guideline TM-1c which calls for the application of silvicultural practices that meet desired vegetation characteristics needed to attain Aquatic Conservation Strategy objectives. As disclosed above under the Riparian Reserve discussion, the action alternatives would restore species composition and structural diversity of plant communities, and would also supply sufficient coarse woody debris in riparian areas. As such they are consistent with ACS objective #8. The restorative riparian thinning would also be consistent with ACS objective #9, because the thinning would provide long-term habitat for riparian dependent species of plants and animals. By restoring more open stands like those that historically developed following disturbance, the stem exclusion stands would be less prone to stand replacement fire and more likely to develop habitat characteristics needed by riparian dependent species. By maximizing the amount of riparian treatment in unnaturally dense stands, the stands would advance more rapidly to maturity, and would move the riparian network toward the natural range of variability of more late-successional habitat. Finally, at the broader scale, the riparian forest restoration under the action alternatives advances the role of Riparian Reserves in providing connectivity within and between watersheds, consistent with ACS objective #2. The road decommissioning and culvert removal from road inactivating, is consistent with ACS objective #3 of restoring the physical integrity of stream shorelines, banks and bottom configurations, and ACS objective #2 of restoring unobstructed routes for aquatic species movement. Though small scale adverse effects are expected under the action alternatives, the broader long-term objective of moving riparian and upland stands toward the natural range of variability addresses the overarching intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. Alternative 1 would not pro-actively implement any of the objectives of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy.

217 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION Erosion and sedimentation are geomorphic processes that shape the physical appearance of the landscape and strongly influence aquatic ecosystems. The range of natural variability for sediment delivery to streams and wetlands within the planning area is considered to be very large because erosion processes are influenced by infrequent natural disturbance events such as floods and wildfire. Sedimentation30 rates to streams are typically inconsequential on a year to year basis but can spike several orders of magnitude during large storm events. Land management has the potential to accelerate erosion rates and the volume of sediment entering streams and wetlands. Within the planning area, sediment enters the aquatic environment through mass wasting, surface erosion and fluvial erosion.

MASS WASTING Mass wasting is the dominant mechanism of sediment production within temperate rain forests of the Pacific Northwest (Naimen et al. 1992), which includes the Parker and Wyatt Creek watersheds. The potential mass wasting processes within the planning area include rapid- shallow landslides such as debris avalanches and in-channel debris flows, and slow-moving deeper-seated forms of mass-movement that include rotational slumps, earthflows, and soil creep. Topography has a strong influence on the form of a landslide.

Relevant Standards and Guidelines LRMP soil standard and guideline 5 (USDA 1990b, p. IV-68). Prepare a risk and hazard analysis when the potential exists for triggering slope mass-movements as a result of proposed land management activities. The project analysis will address how the proposed activities plan to meet soil standards and guidelines. Project design features (or alternatives) will be developed and evaluated when detrimental soil conditions are expected as a result of the proposed action (S&G #10, USDA 1990b, p. IV-71). NWFP RF-2e. For each existing or planned road, meet Aquatic Conservation Strategy (ACS) objectives by minimizing disruption of natural hydrologic flow paths, including diversion of stream flow and interception of surface and subsurface flow (USDA/USDI 1994). NWFP RF-3a. Meet ACS objectives by reconstructing roads and associated drainage features that pose a substantial risk (USDA/USDI 1994). NWFP RF-4, Existing stream crossings determined to pose a substantial risk to riparian conditions would be improved to accommodate at least a 100-year flood. Crossings would be maintained to prevent diversion of streamflows out of the channel and down the road in the event of crossing failure (USDA/USDI 1994).

Existing and Desired Conditions

Slope and soil stability was field verified for the Parker Wyatt units. A total of 32 acres were delineated as potentially prone to landslide and slope failures. Unstable soils were identified within Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 18. Over 6 acres of this was considered unsuitable for timber harvest. About 8 acres of unstable ground was considered Conditionally Unsuitable; available

30 Sedimentation pertains to the deposition of settling of rock and soil materials in an aquatic environment.

218 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects for harvest using a silviculture prescription that maintains or increased root strength (Figure 34, Figure 35).

Table 49. Distribution of Mapped Unstable Soils and Landforms within Planning Area

Unit UNSTABLE SLOPES UNSTABLE SLOPES Conditionally Unsuitable No Harvest Acres31 Acres

1 1.5

2 7.23

3 0.15

5 1.1

6 2.8

18 0.73 0.58

Total 7.96 6.13

Stream crossings represent potentially critical sites for mass wasting when culverts are undersized to pass large flows or become plugged by some combination of sediment and wood debris. Under these circumstances, water can divert down the road where it might exit the road in a steep area causing a rapid-shallow landslide. Alternatives 2 and 3 would replace five stream culverts, road grading to improve road drainage along 53.6 miles of road, and replace 2 ditch relief culverts. Under no action, existing culvert concerns would continue to pose an in- stream hazard. Improperly functioning (plugged) cross drains or an insufficient number of cross drains are a chief cause of road fill failures (USDA 1999). When road fills become saturated and fail, rapid- shallow landslides can occur. Roads that cross active earthflows often become buckled and slumped. Road grading, reconstruction, and maintenance would improve drainage on all roads that were identified in the Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis. Under Alternatives 2 and 3, road grading and ditch line maintenance would occur on an additional 53 miles of existing road and 2 drainage relief culverts would be replaced. The desired condition is improved road drainage and stream crossings with less risk of mass wasting triggered by roads, and is intended to meet ACS objectives through improved road drainage and stream crossings that in turn results in less risk of mass wasting, and is in keeping with ACS objective #5 of restoring the sediment regime. Roads that are not maintained develop ruts and carry runoff for several hundred feet down the road surface to where it is finally dumped as concentrated runoff onto fill slopes. Maintaining a well graded road bed is critical for dispersing runoff before it can concentrate and cause erosion with leads to road damage and slope failures

31 Maintain or increase root strength, no ground based harvesting or yarding.

219 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

.

Figure 34. Unstable Soils in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area West

220 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Figure 35. Unstable Soils in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area East

221 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Direct and Indirect Effects Direct effects would occur as an immediate result of the proposed road work; such work can result in immediate changes to slope stability due to changes in water routing. Indirect effects are defined as those that occur over a longer time period as a result of longer-term changes to slope stability caused by chronic road problems, thinning, and potential future fires. The action alternatives are not expected to result in any adverse short-term direct effects or longer-term indirect effects to the aquatic environment as a result of mass wasting. The more unstable soils were removed from the timber harvest base and “no treatment” was prescribed to these areas. This has diminished the risk of activating new mass movements in the earthflow terrain. Alternatives 2 and 3 are not expected to trigger any new mass movement within the units or in downslope locations. The culvert upgrades of four priority stream crossings, along with 53.6 miles of road drainage maintenance would result in beneficial effects to the aquatic environment. Such modifications to the existing road network would decrease the risk of mass wasting and would meet the desired condition of less road-related mass wasting. The duration of these culvert replacements are expected to last for up to 20 or more years assuming some level of road maintenance would occur. Alternative 1 would not result in any beneficial effects of reducing the existing mass wasting potential of high priority stream crossings.

Cumulative effects Since there are no adverse direct or indirect effects of increased mass wasting under the action alternatives, there would be no chance of these alternatives resulting in any adverse cumulative effects to the aquatic environment.

SURFACE EROSION Surface erosion occurs when mineral soil is exposed to the erosive forces of water, wind and gravity. This occurs in forest environments when the protective surface layer of duff and other materials such as wood and rock is removed or displaced and exposes mineral soil to erosive forces. Activities such as dragging trees across the ground during yarding, burning activity- created fuels, road building, reconstruction, or decommissioning, and timber haul on existing dirt or gravel roads, can all result in sedimentation of the aquatic environment.

Relevant Standards and Guidelines The most relevant standard and guidelines from the Umpqua Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP) related to soil productivity (USDA 1990b) include: Soil Standard and Guideline #2 and #3 (USDA 1990b, p. IV-69) requires a minimum amount of effective ground cover (EGC) in order to meet acceptable levels of surface soil loss resulting from gravity, water, or wind action and to maintain soil productivity. Acceptable levels of ground cover must exist within the first year following the end of a ground disturbing activity. The action alternatives would maintain 85% effective ground cover in riparian reserves, along drainage ways, in areas mapped as conditionally unsuitable, and on steep slopes greater than 65%. In all other disturbance areas, a minimum of 65% effective ground cover would be maintained. This minimum effective ground cover requirement is included as a project design feature for the action

222 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects alternatives as listed in Chapter Two. If adequate ground cover is not present, certified weed free mulch or hydro-mulch would be applied as needed. Soil Standard and Guideline #11 (USDA 1990b, p. IV-71) requires monitoring during and immediately following the implementation of prescribed burning to assess the adequacy of EGC during underburning with adjustments as needed to meet the requirements. Soil Standard and Guideline #13 (USDA 1990b, p. IV-71) requires all areas of soil disturbance to have erosion control measures (effective ground cover and erosion control structures) in place by the beginning of the rainy season. During the rainy season (November 1 - April 30), no more than ½ acre of exposed soil, including landings, skid trails, and temporary roads would exist at any time without erosion control that is effective in preventing sediment from reaching streams or any concentrated surface flow in excess of one cubic foot per second (cfs). Soils Standard and Guideline #16 ((USDA 1990b, p. IV-72) requires the identification of erosion control in existing developed areas where pre-existing surface erosion is on- going.

Existing and Desired Conditions The proposed thinning units, with many of the units harvested before 1965, were often located on slopes less than 45% and were originally clear-cut using large dozers that displaced, compacted, and exposed the soil. Tractor yarding that occurred on slopes over 35% required cutting skid trails and roads into the slope. When swales were crossed with tractors, subsurface flow was often intercepted and brought to the surface. New surface flow can result in the extension of new stream channels and the production of large quantities of surface erosion that can continue until eventually stabilized. For the most part, slopes and streams affected by these skid trails have had time to adjust and stabilize. The units located on steeper terrain were originally clear-cut using a highlead logging system where entire log lengths were dragged either down or uphill without any part of the log suspended off the ground. Highlead yarding often displaced large amounts of soil that ended up at the bottom of slopes and in streams, along with large amounts of large woody debris. Most of the old surface erosion from the historic highlead logging has subsided with the recovery of ground cover and stream flow, thus restoring site productivity. Existing roads are another source of surface erosion that leads to sedimentation of streams. Road inventories in the planning area revealed an overall low level of road prism erosion. When erosion is occurring it is mostly due to a lack of adequate aggregate or irregular road maintenance. Regular road maintenance is critical to keeping the levels of road-related surface erosion in check. However, road maintenance has declined sharply in the last two decades because fewer timber sales have occurred to help accomplish road maintenance and appropriated funds to do road maintenance have also declined. Annual road maintenance is limited to main use roads. The desired condition is to reduce total compaction (legacy plus predicted) to no more than 20% of an area (S&G 1, USDA 1990b, p. IV68), and to reduce long-term chronic surface erosion associated with system roads, legacy skid trails, and future wildfire in keeping with ACS objective #5, which calls for the restoration of sediment regimes.

223 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Direct Effects Direct effects are defined as the short-term effects of sedimentation that might occur within planning area streams as an immediate result of the proposed road work, timber haul, logging and treatment of activity fuels with fire.

Table 50. 50-Year Event Potentials for Runoff, Erosion, and Sediment Delivery32

RUNOFF EROSION DELIVERY inches/acre tons/acre tons/acre

Background Rate 0.62 to 1.76 0.02 to 1.46 0.00 to 1.39

Alternative 1 unchanged unchanged unchanged

Alternative 2 unchanged to 0.003 unchanged to 0.33 unchanged to 0.41

Alternative 3 unchanged to 0.002 unchanged to 0.31 unchanged to 0.39

Roads are a source of surface erosion that leads to sedimentation of streams. Grading and graveling dirt roads in the action alternatives would help to decrease erosion by more effectively dispersing surface water before it becomes concentrated as runoff over road surfaces. The potential benefit from increased road maintenance in the project planning area would be similar between action alternatives, reducing the potential for sediment delivery over the next five to ten years from roads after the sale has closed and traffic is reduced. Erosion and sedimentation from temporary roads are expected to be low and is not expected to be measurable. The project design features of subsoiling would have the direct effect of reducing disturbance and restarting the process of restoring site productivity (Ref. Best Management Practices, Project Design Features and Soil Productivity). No temporary stream crossings would be constructed. Alternative 1 would not result in surface erosion above background levels in the unmanaged sites. However, this alternative would not implement road maintenance or upgrade culverts. In addition, roads that are currently not accessible that have existing culverts would not be inactivated or decommissioned. At present, these existing culverts cannot be maintained and would be at higher risk for failing. The no action alternative would have the potential to create short term surface erosion. The harvest, logging systems, and fuel prescriptions for Parker Wyatt are low impact and would not be expected result in adverse sediment delivery to streams. Alternatives 2 and 3 would exceed Forest Standards and Guidelines for effective ground cover (Standard and Guidelines #2 and #3 (LRMP IV-69).

Indirect Effects Indirect effects are defined as the effects of delivery of sediment from surface erosion to streams within the planning area that can continue to contribute large spikes of fine sediment for several years or longer. Indirect effects are also defined as effects that could occur downstream

32 Note that sediment delivery would remain unchanged during a 2-year event.

224 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects in Parker and Wyatt Creeks if a substantial storm event should occur immediately following the ground disturbance. Based on the analysis described in Table 50 of runoff, erosion, and sediment delivery potentials it is reasonable to assume that the projected amounts of sediment associated with the action alternatives are unlikely to result in an indirect adverse turbidity spike downstream of the planning area. This is because the amount of predicted surface erosion associated with the action alternatives is not expected to exceed the capacity of the local streams to properly store, route, and transport their burden of sediment. Based on sediment analysis and turbidity monitoring records between 1982 to the present, any spikes of sediment into the system would be expected to recover within one to two years (USDA 2006). Without the restoration projects that include road decommissioning, road inactivation and culverts upgrades, the no action alternative has the potential to increase surface erosion. However, long term indirect effects are not expected to be measurable.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS An analysis of soil erosion potential considers soil texture, slope steepness, changes in topography, precipitation, runoff potential and vegetation cover, and incorporates disturbances such as exposed, compacted, and severely burned soil. The cumulative potential for hill slope erosion and runoff from roads and harvest to deliver sediment to streams was evaluated using Disturbed WEPP (Covert et al. 2005; Zhang et al. 2005), WEPP: Road (Elliot et al. 1999) and GIS modeling. Modeled sediment delivery is presented as a relative comparison, but the models tend to over-predict, thus delivery rates represent a “worst case scenario.” In summary, under Alternative 1, existing roads would maintain or slightly increase sediment delivery to streams, but hill slope erosion would remain unchanged. Sediment delivery would increase slightly under Alternatives 2 and 3 in the short term (initial 1 to 2 years) following disturbance but may be expected to decrease slightly during the first year from increased slash on the ground. While project road maintenance would be expected to improve dispersal of surface water runoff and therefore reduce the carrying capacity of runoff to carry sediment to streams, increased road use and truck haul would increase the potential of road surface erosion over background levels during the year of haul. When considering past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future activities the effect of implementing either action alternative would result in lower sediment delivery potentials than occurred in 1989. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that no adverse cumulative effects from sediment delivery would occur to water quality or fisheries as a result of implementing Alternatives 2 or 3. Given the limited indirect effects of Alternative 1 and the lack of action, no cumulative effects would occur.

FLUVIAL EROSION Fluvial erosion is the erosion of stream banks and stream beds from the forces of water. Stream channels change both spatially and temporally under the fundamental influences of climate, geology, and topography. These factors help determine the stream flow and sediment regimes, as well as riparian vegetation which provides in-stream wood. Disturbances can affect stream channel form and the equilibrium between sediment input and output.

Relevant Standards and Guidelines The relevant standard and guideline from the Umpqua Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) related to fluvial erosion includes:

225 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects . Watershed cumulative effects and water quality Standard and Guideline #2: Beneficial uses of water and aquatic habitats would not be degraded by scoured stream channels caused by timber harvest, road construction, and related activities.

Existing Condition The most sensitive channels in the planning area are associated with dormant earthflow terrain. These channels include intermittent and perennial streams. In addition, some channels are not connected downstream by surface flow and are referred to as interrupted streams. The interrupted channels are typically very small, and the water that flows in them during the rainy season drains back into the soil and becomes subsurface water. The beneficial use of these interrupted streams is more locally focused on wildlife and plants. Earthflow channels often lack the complex geology structure in the form of various sized substrates (cobbles and small to large boulders) and are dependent on external input, specifically large wood recruitment, for channel complexity and stability. The erosive processes associated with these channels involve a high proportion of fine sediments that have little armoring of the bed and banks. As a result they often have little resistance to down-cutting and bank erosion during winter storm flow. The intermittent and small perennial non-fish bearing stream channels in the earthflow terrain have been the most impacted channels due to historical timber management and road building. The past clear-cutting of riparian vegetation especially along the near vertical banks of these stream channels has contributed to root strength loss, which otherwise helps to bind the fine textured soil in-place and provides physical resistance to fluvial erosion, therefore controlling sediment delivery. Past logging disturbances from yarding old-growth near and across these sensitive channels without suspension or mitigation measures has also influenced potential delivery of sediment to these stream channels. The removal of large channel wood has changed channel stability and affected sediment storage, delivery, and routing. Wildfire in unmanaged areas of earthflow terrain has also influenced sediment delivery and routing, but not to the potential extent as managed areas. Large wood left behind in stream channels from past logging has provided channel storage and localized stability. The desired condition is improved stream channel conditions.

Direct and Indirect Effects Direct effects from fluvial erosion are described at the scale of stream segments within or adjacent to harvest units and that occur during the activity. Indirect effects occur after the activity at the disturbed stream segment, or downstream at the subwatershed or watershed scale, over two to three decades. Alternative 1 would not change existing fluvial erosion processes that are currently occurring. Alternatives 2 and 3 would thin Riparian Reserves (see Riparian Forest Conditions in this Chapter). The Riparian Reserve thinning would retain no-harvest buffers along intermittent stream channels. The exception is where intermittent channels are gentle and bank and bed erosion has been determined to not be a risk. Thinning would occur along these channels with no buffers, but no trees would be yarded across the channels under any of the action alternatives. The large wood recruitment loss to perennial stream channels would be largely mitigated by the 55 plus foot no-cut buffers, since most of the wood that naturally recruits to streams comes from within the first 65 feet of the stream (McDade et al. 1990, Murphy and Koski 1989). As disclosed in the previous Stream Flows section of this document, effects to

226 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects channel morphology due to increased peak flows from canopy removal are anticipated to be minor given the high gradients of the streams. The proposed inactivation of system roads would remove 9 stream culverts (Table 46). These actions would reduce existing sediment sources and water pathways that contribute to fluvial erosion. None of the action alternatives would increase peak flows or accelerate sedimentation that could affect fluvial erosion, thus complying with watershed cumulative effects and water quality Standard and Guideline #2. The Riparian Reserve thinning would improve overall health and vigor of the riparian leave trees, and would improve the potential future channel recruitment of large wood while reducing the long-term risk of wildfire effects on the Riparian Reserves. Therefore, no direct or indirect effects associated with fluvial erosion in planning area streams would occur.

Cumulative Effects Alternative 1 would not incrementally add to past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future activities to cause a cumulative fluvial erosion effect since no action would occur. Since Alternatives 2 and 3 would not cause any direct or indirect fluvial erosion (as described above), they would not have any effects that could incrementally add to past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future activities at any of the analysis scales, thus no cumulative effect would occur.

AQUATIC CONSERVATION STRATEGY Large historic wildfires were the primary drivers of fluvial erosion when occasional stand replacement fires killed large areas of trees and caused peak flow increases. The advent of industrial forestry, fire suppression, clear-cuts, and roads are the primary drivers of peak flow increases and associated effects that cause fluvial erosion. Since the action alternatives apply all relevant standards and guidelines, and since they were developed to contribute to restoring the fifth level watershed over the long term (USDA 1997), they are in keeping with the intent of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The historic sediment regime was one of occasional, episodic sediment delivery following large scale fires. Wildfire occurred in particular drainages, followed by years of recovery with little to no disturbance (Reeves et al. 1995). Most of the sediment delivery came from mass wasting and fluvial erosion triggered by large post-fire rain storms, rather than from surface erosion. The sediment regime is now dominated by on-going, chronic sediment delivery at lower levels, occurring most every winter, due to the road system. Fire suppression has temporarily curtailed the pre-management sediment regime of occasional, episodic sedimentation. Yet, as fire hazard builds due to the lack of natural fire and the preponderance of unnaturally dense plantations, more extreme sediment pulses are expected once wildfire escapes control efforts. The Parker Wyatt alternatives were purposefully designed to minimize the chance of large scale fire within the proposed units. This in turn helps maintain and restore the sediment regime. Moreover, the long-term benefits of the restorative road activities under the action alternatives outweigh the short-term effects of road work needed to implement the thinning. As such, the action alternatives are consistent with ACS objective #5, which calls for the restoration of sediment regimes. Alternative 1 would not proactively address the Aquatic Conservation Strategy.

227 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects CLIMATE CHANGE Guidance for considering greenhouse gas emissions and climate change where provided by Rationale for Project-Scale Effects Conclusions on Climate Change (R6 Memo January 14, 2011); Climate Change Considerations in Project Level NEPA Analysis (Washington Office Memo January 13, 2009); and Executive Order 13514 of October 5, 200933.

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE PROJECT AREA Projected effects of future climate change to the Parker/Wyatt Planning Area include (BASC 2010, Ryan et al. 2010): • Decreased forest growth in warmer climates; • Water availability would decrease where rivers are fed by snowpack; • Earlier aquifer recharge with earlier base flow discharge to streams; • Increased insect outbreaks; • Increased danger of wildfire As forest carbon storage increases, there is a potential for greater loss of carbon stores from forest fires, and insect outbreaks. Climate change threatens to amplify these risks by increasing the frequency of these disturbances. As climate change increases the frequency of disturbance, many forests could release substantial amounts of carbon to the atmosphere over the next 50-100 years. Climate change could also increase soil decomposition, leading to carbon losses from a part of the ecosystem that we consider to be relatively stable. At the landscape level over the long term, disturbance would not cause a net loss of forest carbon as long as the forest regenerates. But if the frequency and/or severity of fire disturbance increase substantially, long-term carbon storage at the landscape scale would be reduced because the fraction of the landscape with large older trees (that have high carbon stores) would decline (Ryan et al. 2010). The timing of annual snowpack discharge will also be affected by predicted changes in climate. Regional warming of the past several decades has affected the shape of the annual hydrograph, with the temporal center (mid-point of total annual streamflow) of the hydrograph occurring earlier in the season and reduction of minimum flows (Jefferson et al. 2006). Continued warming is predicted to lead to loss of snowpack and continued decline in minimum flows. Parker Wyatt Planning Area is located within the transitional snow zone. The action alternative would allow more snow to accumulate in some small openings due to the reduction in canopy; however snowpacks are projected to be greater under the no-action alternative due to continued loss of canopy due to potential wildfire. Young stands use more water which could offset any increases in minimum streamflows due to canopy loss. Many invasive plants are species that can thrive in the presence of disturbance and other environmental stressors, have broad climatic tolerances, large geographic ranges, and possess other characteristics that facilitate rapid range shifts. The predicted changes in climate are thought to contribute additional stressors on ecosystems, including those on National Forests,

33 Executive Order 13514—Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance. Federal Register /Vol. 74, No. 194 /Thursday, October 8, 2009 / Presidential Documents

228 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects making them more susceptible to invasion and establishment of invasive plant species (Bosworth et al. 2008). Predicted conditions may also make management of invasive species more difficult. Some current treatments used on invasive plants may be less effective under conditions of climate change scenarios and/or elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). Predicting how climate change would affect invasive plants, and invasive plant management, at the local or even regional scale is more difficult to deduce than are these general indications. Anticipated changes in the climate for the Pacific Northwest (e.g. more rain, less snow, warmer temperatures (Mote 2004, Mote and Salathe 2010) or elevated CO2 may not be realized at a local area, particularly within the time frame of this analysis. Growth of invasive plants under elevated CO2 conditions would also be influenced by environmental conditions such as soil moisture, nutrient availability, and the plant community in which the invasive species occurs. The complex interaction of multiple and uncertain variables make site-specific predictions speculative.

EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT AREA ON CLIMATE CHANGE. This proposed action would affect 539 to 591 acres of forest by commercially thinning smaller trees from the stand. This scope and degree of change would be minor relative to the amount of forested land within the Parker Wyatt Planning Area as a whole. Currently, there are no Federal statutes, regulatory standards, or policy direction on the significance of such effects on which to weigh Alternatives 2 and 3. As greenhouse gas emissions are integrated across the global atmosphere, it is not possible to determine the cumulative impact on global climate from emissions associated with the Parker Wyatt alternatives (Climate Change Considerations in Project Level NEPA Analysis, January 13, 2009 WO memo).

SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED AND OTHER DISCLOSURES

RECREATION

EXISTING CONDITIONS According to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum34 (ROS) inventory system, the Parker Wyatt planning area is inventoried as “roaded modified”. This characterizes the landscape as generally natural, with some heavily modified areas such as roads or recreation opportunities and facilities. The Parker Wyatt planning area is entirely within the Brice Creek watershed which is a popular and heavily used corridor for recreation activities. Most of the recreation use in the Brice Creek watershed occurs along the main stem of Brice Creek between the western forest boundary eastward to the confluence of Champion and Brice Creeks. Developed recreation sites along Brice Creek and within the south boundary of the Parker Wyatt planning area include Cedar Creek, Lund Park, and Hobo Campgrounds. There are numerous dispersed camps within the Parker Wyatt planning area, mostly along Brice Creek and within the south boundary of the

34 Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) definition of Roaded Modified: An area characterized by a natural environment with much evidence of the works of humans. Such evidence usually dominates the natural environment.

229 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Parker Wyatt planning area. Most forest visitors to these areas use these sites for overnight and/or day use recreation activities. Existing developed trails and trailheads within the Parker Wyatt planning area are typically historic way trails or historic mining trails and they presently serve a multiple variety of trail uses including mountain bikes, hiking, and on occasion, equestrian use. The popular Brice Creek trail #1403 follows along the north side of Brice Creek and is within the planning area. Three additional hiking trails are located within the planning area. They are as follows: Parker Falls trail # 1415, Trestle Creek trail # 1403C and Upper Trestle Creek trail # 1403D. Primary recreational activities that occur within the Parker Wyatt planning area include camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and trail use. Other common activities include hunting, gathering of forest products, and driving roads for pleasure. Developed Recreation Sites Cedar Creek Campground is located on a riparian terrace immediately adjacent to and above Brice Creek. It is a popular fee campground and has 10 campsite units each with a table, fire pit and camping area. Restroom facilities are present. Immediately adjacent to the campground is a Brice Creek trailhead and trail bridge providing access to the Brice Creek trail. Vegetation is open old-growth Douglas-fir trees with limited undergrowth. Lund Park is a 20-acre fee campground also located on a riparian terrace adjacent to and above Brice Creek. Development includes 10 campsite units with table, fire pit, and camping area. Restroom facilities are present, as well as another Brice Creek trailhead/trail bridge facility. Most development is at the west and east end of this long and narrow terrace above Brice Creek. Most of the site is heavily forested with an open grassy field at the western end where the trailhead parking and three camp/picnic sites area are located. Hobo Campground is a small road side camp located along Brice Creek. It is a non-fee developed site with 4 campsite units and one large group use campsite. All sites include tables, fire pits, and camping areas. Restroom facilities are present. Vegetation is open old-growth Douglas-fir trees with limited undergrowth. The campground is split by Brice Creek Road (Road 22).

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS Commercial thinning of approximately 591 acres with an additional 28 acres of regeneration harvest in 1/10, ½ and ¼ acre gaps for improving health of sugar pine and western white pine under Alternative 2 and commercial thinning of approximately 539 acres under Alternative 3. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 may have some short-term direct effects on recreation from noise disturbance during logging and from increased traffic. More specifically, Alternative 2 is proposing to helicopter log Unit 11 (46 acres) near the Trestle Creek Trail. This activity will have a direct effect on the trail while logging operations take place. The edge of Unit 11 will be 300 feet up from the trail (unless slope break allows it to be closer without a visual effect on the trail). Access to the trail will be closed temporarily while logging operations are occurring. The closure would be up to 36 days. Alternative 3 would not harvest Unit 11; therefore, the Trestle Creek trail would not be closed. Temporary road reconstruction activities proposed in both Alternatives 2 and 3 could normally have some seasonal indirect effect on recreation road use; however, the increase in road miles is short-lived since these same miles are scheduled for obliteration following proposed activities. In addition, 0.9 miles of existing system roads are proposed for decommissioning in both action

230 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects alternatives. Most of these roads have been closed to vehicular use due to maintenance standards and subwatershed limitations, but they continue to provide for recreational foot access. These decommissioned roads would eliminate all vehicular traffic and would be slightly more difficult to walk on, and therefore would affect the ability of hunters to travel those short spur roads by foot. This impact is very small given the short segments that would be obliterated. Considering the above minimal effects, the implementation of Alternatives 2 or 3 would have no long-term or noteworthy direct or indirect effects on the recreation resources.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The scale at which cumulative effects are analyzed is the planning area. There are currently no projects proposed as reasonably foreseeable actions within the planning area that would overlap in time or space that contribute to a cumulative effect to recreation experiences; therefore, given the limited direct and indirect effects to recreation, no cumulative effects would occur.

VISUALS

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS The Visual Management System is a tool used to recognize the scenic qualities of a specific area. It establishes criteria for identification and classification of, as well as visitor’s concern for, scenic quality. Each visual quality objective (VQO) represents the degree of alteration from the natural appearing environment. The Umpqua LRMP applies the Visual Management System Inventory (VMSI) as a minimum standard that projects should achieve when implemented. The visual resources can also be described by the USDA’s National Forest Scenery Management System (SMS) (Agriculture Handbook Number 701). The Umpqua LRMP has not been amended to officially adopt this system. However, SMS terms are described in parenthesis where applicable, in order to provide information as to how the alternatives address visual resource protection. Management of visual resources requires proposed activities to comply with the assigned objective; these objectives include retention (high scenic integrity), partial retention (moderate scenic integrity), modification (low scenic integrity), or maximum modification (very low scenic integrity). Table 51 lists the percent of the planning area by VQO. There are no “special features” identified in the LRMP that are located in the Parker Wyatt Planning Area; therefore, there are no sensitive or substantial visual quality concerns.

231 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

Table 51. Acres and Standards for Implementation (Visuals)

Visual Quality Percent Distance Zone Recommended Recommended Objective35 of Range of Maximum Planning Opening Size Percent of Area Created Opening (Acres) at Any One Time

Partial Retention 8% Foreground 0-500’ 0.5-1.5 10% (Units 5&6 Foreground 500’> 1-8 15% propose ¼ acre opening at 10% or less of each unit)

Modification 17% Middle Ground Site Specific 25% Middle Analysis ground

39% Back Ground

Maximum 62% All Site Specific 33% Modification Analysis

Totals 100% N/A N/A N/A

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Visual Standards & Guidelines are listed in the Umpqua LRMP on pages IV-19 to IV-26 Specifically for this project, the Umpqua LRMP lists the following Standards and Guidelines: . In areas with a VQO of modification, management activities may visually dominate the landscape; however, roads and visible remnants from logging such as slash and stumps, etc. should remain visually subordinate to the landscape. The maximum modification VQO allows management activities of vegetative and landform alternations to dominate the landscape. . The maximum percentage of created openings at any one time is based on the VQO objective and distance zone, and is described in the above VQO (Table 51). . A harvest unit is considered to be a created opening when the average stand height is less than 20 feet tall in foreground and middle ground distance zones, and is less than 4.5 feet tall in background distance zones. Commercial thinning is not considered to meet the definition of a created opening. . Activity slash within view sheds shall be treated commensurate with the VQO. Areas within 500 feet of sensitive routes (Brice Creek road) shall have high priority for treatment.

35 There are no acres of Retention within the Parker Wyatt Planning Area.

232 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS Less than 1% of the planning area meets the Forest Plan definition of created openings. This is well below the recommended 25-33% maximum percentage of created openings within areas of modification and maximum modification VQO’s. Alternative 1(No Action) would have no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to the visual quality of the area because no additional created openings would be produced. Alternative 2 would commercially thin 591 acres while Alternative 3 would commercially thin 539 acres. Within that thinning, both alternatives would create 28 acres of ¼ and ½ acre gaps in various units. Since these proposed gaps or created openings would be less than one acre in size they meet the Visual Quality Objectives and would remain visually unnoticeable from any sensitive viewing area. The percentage of created openings would continue to be below the recommended maximum percentages in the partial retention modification and maximum modification VQO’s allowed by the Forest Plan, thus complying with Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. Both alternatives and the applicable prescriptions for each of the units are well below the recommended Forest Plan Visual Quality Objective Standards for implementation as described in Table 51. With the exception of Units 5 and 6, in the Partial Retention VQO, all of the proposed harvest areas are located in VQO areas designated as either modification or maximum modification. Units 5 and 6 would be commercially thinned with ¼ acre gaps which would result in up to around 12 acres of small openings. This equates to less than 1% of the planning area and thus would meet the standards for the partial retention VQO. Therefore, harvesting and construction activities would have minimal short-term direct effects on forest visitors passing through the area. There would be relatively no substantial change to the landscape as viewed from any sensitive viewing area; therefore, there would be no direct or indirect effects on the visual resource. All Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines would be met with all alternatives.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS The scale at which cumulative effects are analyzed is the planning area. The most recent clear- cut harvest units in the Parker Wyatt planning were harvested mostly in the mid 1980’s. All of the areas have since revegetated and none of the areas are considered created openings. This project would create less than 1% in created openings. According to Forest Plan direction, neither action alternative would further create any substantially visible change to the landscape. There would be no overlap in time or space with any past or reasonably foreseeable activity resulting from the proposed commercial thinning. Because there would be no visible change or overlap, there would be no cumulative effects on the visual resource with implementation of either action alternative.

HERITAGE RESOURCES

RELEVANT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The affected environment for heritage resources falls within the areas of proposed activities with the potential to affect those resources (timber harvest, fuels treatment, road construction, reconstruction, and decommissioning, subsoiling, landing construction, etc.). Forest Plan goals and objectives and Cultural Resource (Heritage) Standards and Guidelines are listed in Chapter IV, pages 28-30 of the Umpqua National Forest LRMP. All applicable

233 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Standards and Guidelines have been met through the inventory and evaluation of any historic or prehistoric heritage resources. All historic properties eligible to the Register of Historic Places have been avoided. A heritage resource inventory was conducted as part of the compliance process of section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The Parker Wyatt Timber Sale Project reconnaissance report has been completed and submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as required. The Parker Wyatt cultural resources inventory and proposed monitoring meets the criteria for Case-by Case Review required by the Programmatic Agreement36 among the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6), the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Officer Regarding Cultural Resources Management in the State of Oregon (PA). The Umpqua National Forest sent a cover letter with the quarterly copies of the Schedule of Proposed Action (SOPA) to each of the Tribes. Each quarter, the cover letter highlights new projects and projects that may be of interest to the Tribes; the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale Project was identified as a new project when the project was first initiated. The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of the Siletz, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians were contacted by letter. Other contacts in the form of phone calls, letters, and opportunities to participate in public tours and public meetings, and meetings at Tribal offices were also utilized to interact with the Tribes. No interest in this project was expressed by any of the tribes. Under the treaties with the Tribes, no trust resources or reserved treaty rights are given for the lands managed by the Umpqua National Forest. Therefore, no effects to trust resources or reserved treaty rights would occur with any of the alternatives.

EXISTING AND DESIRED CONDITIONS – HERITAGE RESOURCES The potential exists for unidentified heritage resources in the Parker Wyatt project area, especially in areas where heavy shrub cover made surveying difficult. Mitigation measures described in Chapter 2 would protect undiscovered heritage resources, lowering the potential for effects to these resources. Overall, proposed project activities have met the criteria of No Historic Properties Affected. A report documenting these findings shall be sent to the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. Standard contract provisions would provide for protection of heritage resources discovered during project implementation.

INDIRECT EFFECTS AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS – HERITAGE RESOURCES Based on the results of the heritage surveys, review and mitigation of known resources, mitigation of undiscovered sites, and consultation with tribes, there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on the known heritage resources as the result of implementing any of the proposed Parker Wyatt Timber Sale Project alternatives, because all known sites eligible to the National Register of Historic Places occur outside of the area affected by the project. Alternative 1 would have no direct or cumulative effect on any heritage resources. Indirectly, a wildfire may have the potential to burn or damage existing heritage resources, especially if the fire is of high intensity under Alternative 1.

36 The Stipulation III (B)1 Programmatic Agreement is between the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, and the United States Forest Service, Region 6.

234 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects

SMOKE MANAGEMENT/AIR QUALITY 37 Standards for ambient air quality are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are designed to protect human health and welfare. Air quality can be impacted by the presence of particulate matter and other pollutants produced by both prescribed burning and wildfire.38 Although smoke from wildfire is considered a natural event by the EPA‘s Natural Events Policy (air quality standards do not apply), smoke generated from prescribed burning must meet federal and state air-quality standards set forth in the Clean Air Act (USC 2002, Section 160). All activities associated with this project would be implemented to meet standards in the CAA.

The Forest Service is required to file a burn plan with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and would comply with its strict standards for air quality. ODEQ would not provide approval for burning when atmospheric conditions exist that may result in an inversion or other atmospheric conditions that would cause air-quality violations. ODEQ strictly regulates burning; as such, there is very little likelihood that the effects to air quality from any action alternative would exceed air quality standards, even when combined with other burning and pollution sources.

The Regional Haze Rule was designed by the EPA to call on states to establish goals for improving visibility in mandatory Class I areas and to develop long-term strategies for reducing emissions of air pollutants that cause visibility impairment to these areas. At this time, Oregon does not yet have a State Implementation Strategy (SIS) to deal with regional haze or visibility impairment, and no standards currently exist. Because prescribed burning is not a stationary source of pollutants, and because no burning associated with this project is within a non-attainment area, Prevention of Significant Deterioration, and the conformity provisions (see Glossary) of the CAA are not applicable. Other air-quality impacts that may occur related to prescribed burning include: temporary and localized loss of aesthetic qualities due to visibility reduction, reduced visibility on roads causing potential safety issues, health problems for sensitive people (i.e., asthma), and human discomfort. These impacts may occur at pollutant levels that are within air-quality standards. Smoke impacts to safety, human health or visibility that occur within air-quality standards are termed “nuisance smoke”. In addition, due to concerns over potential effects to Northern spotted owls (NSO) in the vicinity of Unit 20, burning would only occur outside of breeding season (see Wildlife Management BMP section in Chapter Two). 39 The closest smoke-sensitive receptors are the communities of Cottage Grove and Oakridge each within 10 to 15 miles of the planning area. In addition, the planning area is within the Oakridge Special Protection Zone. This zone requires that from November 15th through February 15th, the Forest Service checks the Oregon Smoke Management Advisory for special instructions for this area prior to and during periods of prescribed fires. These instructions may put further restrictions on burning done on the District during this time.

37 Ambient air quality is defined under the Clean Air Act of 1963 as the air quality outside of industrial site boundaries. 38 Although prescribed burning affects air quality in ways similar to wildfire, it offers some advantages over wildfire. Prescribed burning plans are developed and implemented to minimize impacts on the airshed by the consideration of atmospheric conditions, season of burn (e.g., burning is restricted between July 1 to September 15 under the Oregon Visibility Protection Plan), fuel and duff moisture, diurnal wind shifts, ignition techniques and rapid mop-up. 39 Smoke-Sensitive Receptors are areas designated by the State Board of Forestry, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality, that are provided the highest level of protection under the smoke management plan because of its past history of smoke incidents, density of population, or other special legal statuses.

235 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The closest Class I airsheds are Diamond Peak and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. The closest Class II airsheds are the Boulder Creek and Waldo Lake Wilderness areas. Burning would not impact these airsheds during the July 1 to September 15 restricted period. At the time of year burning would be conducted, smoke produced would not reach these areas as sufficient heat is needed to loft smoke to the heights necessary to carry the smoke those distances. That heat would not likely be produced, as a cooler burn would be required to protect residual trees and coarse woody debris. Oakridge is the main population center that could be affected by the smoke from these stands. Burn planning would require favorable winds that would carry smoke away from the town. Based on past experience in this area, the smoke produced would likely disperse well before reaching populated areas. Different treatment options cause different emission effects. Hand pile burning is usually done in the late fall to early spring months; consumption occurs mostly in the flaming phase and smoldering is minimal. Jackpot burning consumes much of the fuels in the flaming stage of combustion, and can contribute to emissions in the smoldering phase if not mopped up afterward. Utilizing burning techniques that minimize consumption in the smoldering phase of combustion can directly influence emissions production. Early season (spring, early summer) burning can lessen emissions output by reducing primarily 0-3 inch fuels and leaving the majority of the duff and litter layer and larger woody material intact; these are the fuels that tend to generate the most emissions from the smoldering phase of combustion. Through the plans and techniques described above, the health standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would likely be met. Prior to any burning, data is entered into a smoke management software program that can estimate emissions given certain weather, burn prescription and site parameters. This software is part of the Oregon Smoke Management Program, and is also used to record and document burn information for the State of Oregon.

NATIONAL FOREST MANAGEMENT ACT DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE In terms of the proposed Forest Plan Amendment, the responsible official would make a Determination of Significance of Change to the Forest Plan in the Decision Notice. In order to make that determination, changes must meet the guidance in FSH 1926.51 which outlines the factors that are not significant changes to the LRMP, based on National Forest Management Act requirements. Changes to the land and resource management plan that are not significant can result from: 1. Actions that do not significantly alter the multiple-use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource management. 2. Adjustments of management area boundaries or management prescriptions resulting from further on-site analysis when the adjustments do not cause significant changes in the multiple-use goals and objectives for long-term land and resource management. 3. Minor changes in standards and guidelines. 4. Opportunities for additional projects or activities that will contribute to achievement of the management prescription.

236 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects The Forest Supervisor would prepare an amendment to the land management plan to accommodate a change determined not to be significant. Appropriate public notification is required prior to implementation of the amendment.

UNIQUE HABITATS Unique habitats are discussed in Chapter Three, under the terrestrial section. No further information would be added here.

WETLANDS AND FLOODPLAINS Floodplains are associated with perennial streams and vary from only a few feet to much larger areas depending on the size of the stream and the topography of the streambanks and surrounding area. The action alternatives propose thinning and fuel treatments in several riparian areas. The action alternatives would also include general road maintenance activities within riparian areas and reconstruction of four stream crossings. Road inactivation of up to 5.73 miles includes removing culverts. No new occupancy of project floodplains would occur; the culvert replacements and related road work would occur within the original locations. These actions would be improvements over the existing condition by reducing erosion risks. Some temporary vegetation disturbance would occur during installation of the new sump pump but vegetation would reclaim the site quickly and effects to the floodplain would be minimal. No new occupancy of project floodplains would occur; the culvert replacements and related road work would occur within the original locations. These actions would be improvements over the existing condition by reducing erosion risks. No effects to floodplains associated with timber harvest under the action alternatives would occur since perennial streams would all receive no-cut buffers. No adverse direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to floodplains are expected to occur. The environmental effects of road reconstruction and inactivation within the floodplain are consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for the Umpqua National Forest LRMP and have been evaluated and declared in the LRMP Final EIS (USDA 1990a). Since the activities in this project follow those Standards and Guidelines, they would not be declared separately for this sale. Small, less than one acre, wetlands are dispersed throughout the planning area and some occur within the units. No thinning or yarding would occur in the wetlands as described in project design features included in Chapter Two, and a 50 foot no-cut buffer would be site specifically applied. Given the project design features and best management practices incorporated into the action alternatives and the anticipated beneficial effects; no adverse direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to wetlands are anticipated under any of the Parker Wyatt alternatives.

POTENTIAL WILDERNESS AREAS Areas of potential wilderness are identified using the following inventory criteria found in Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Chapter 71: Areas qualify for placement on the potential wilderness inventory if they meet the statutory definition of wilderness. Include areas that meet either criteria 1 and 3, or criteria 2 and 3 below. In addition, they may have improvements if they meet the criteria in section 71.11.

237 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects 1. Areas contain 5,000 acres or more.

2. Areas contain less than 5,000 acres, but can meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. Areas can be preserved due to physical terrain and natural conditions.

b. Areas are self-contained ecosystems, such as an island, that can be effectively managed as a separate unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

c. Areas are contiguous to existing wilderness, primitive areas, Administration- endorsed wilderness, or potential wilderness in other Federal ownership, regardless of their size.

3. Areas do not contain forest roads (36 CFR 212.1) or other permanently authorized roads, except as permitted in areas east of the 100th meridian (sec. 71.12). This inventory of potential wilderness is not a land designation, nor does it imply or impart any particular level of management direction or protection. The inventory is not an evaluation of potential wilderness, as described in Chapter 72, or a preliminary administrative recommendation for wilderness designation, as described in Chapter 73. The inventory of potential wilderness areas does not change existing administrative boundaries. An inventory was done on the Parker Wyatt planning area to identify areas that meet the criteria for potential wilderness as outlined in Forest Service Handbook 1909.12, Chapter 71. During the inventory, areas of previous timber harvest and areas less than ¼ miles in width were removed from consideration. In addition, 200 foot buffers were used on all roads, consistent with buffers used for wilderness areas. Based upon the inventory, no potential wilderness areas were identified within the Parker Wyatt planning area boundary for the following reasons: There are no areas within the planning area boundary that contain 5,000 acres or more that do not contain forest roads. There is an inventoried roadless area that touches the southern boundary of the planning area but is separated by a major road (Brice Creek Road). There are areas less than 5,000 acres in size along the southern boundary of the planning area that do not contain roads but are not considered self-contained ecosystems or preserved due to natural conditions because they contain previously harvested units and/or contain areas less than ¼ mile between roads

PRIME FARMLANDS, RANGELANDS, FORESTLANDS, AND PARKLANDS No prime farmlands, rangelands, forestlands or parklands exist within the area; therefore, no direct, indirect or cumulative effects would occur.

POTENTIAL OR UNUSUAL EXPENDITURES OF ENERGY The no action alternative would not require any expenditure of fuel. The action alternatives would require expenditures of fuel for workers to access the project area, use power equipment, and to utilize the logging systems. Jet fuel use for helicopter operations would also occur.

238 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Three – Affected Environment/ Environmental Effects Overall, the action alternatives would not result in any unusual expenditure of fuel. No other direct, indirect, or cumulative effects are expected to occur with any of the alternatives.

CONFLICTS WITH PLANS, POLICIES, OR OTHER JURISDICTIONS Implementation of any of the alternatives would not conflict with the plans or policies of other jurisdictions, including the Tribes. This project would not conflict with any other policies, regulations, or laws, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Effects to air quality and compliance with the Clean Air Act are described in this chapter. No Inventoried Roadless Areas would be directly affected by this project.

CONSUMERS, CIVIL RIGHTS, MINORITY GROUPS, AND WOMEN Contracting procedures would ensure that projects made available to contractors through this project would be advertised and awarded in a manner that gives proper consideration to minority and women-owned business groups. Because of this consideration, there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to consumers, civil rights, minority groups with implementation of any of the alternatives. The safety risk associated with the application of glyphosate has been documented in the 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program (USDA 2005a). The minor amounts of Herbicide applied to the false brome are not expected to adversely affect the health and safety of any human populations.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE On February 11, 1994, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12898. This order directs Federal agencies to address environmental justice by identifying and disclosing the effects of the proposed activities on minority and low-income populations. The effects of the proposed alternatives on the economic conditions of the State and county are disclosed in the Economics section of this document. According to the 2011 statistical data for Lane County, about 13% of the population is made up of minorities. Unemployment in the county is at about 8.4%, which is currently the same as the State average. The Dorena and Dorena Lake areas, which lie about 12 air miles to the west/northwest, could see an increase in log truck traffic during logging operations. The city of Cottage Grove, which lies about 20 miles to the west/northwest, may also see an increase in business and an increase in traffic. However, none of these increases would be comparable to the logging seen in the area in the late 1980’s. Overall, none of the alternatives imposes any other additional hardships on minority or low-income communities; therefore, even when combined with ongoing timber sales (Gumbo) there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to environmental justice with any alternative.

239 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Four – Consultation with Others

CHAPTER FOUR CONSULTATION WITH OTHERS

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Public involvement for the Parker Wyatt Timber Sale Project began with a field trip offered in October 2011. A public service announcement was sent to the Cottage Grove Sentinel newspaper and 15 members of the public attended the field trip. In January 2012 the project was listed in the Umpqua National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA). On May 8, 2012 the scoping for the Parker Wyatt proposed action was formally initiated. A scoping letter, describing the proposal, was mailed out to 34 interested individuals and organizations. A public service announcement was sent to the Cottage Grove Sentinel and the article appeared in the paper on May 3, 2012. The scoping notice also included a second field trip offer for May 21, 2012 and 12 members of the public attended. Comments were received from 8 groups/individuals during the scoping period.

AGENCY CONSULTATION The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) were consulted with during the planning process. A Biological Assessment was submitted to the USFWS and consultation will be finalized prior to the issuance of a Notice of Decision The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians were contacted with the May 2012 scoping notice. The project was highlighted in the letter to the Tribal Chairs and heritage preservation specialists. The project was also discussed by the District Ranger at a 2012 meeting with the Tribal Chair of the Cow Creek Band. No issues were raised by the Tribes.

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM The following people are members of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) that participated in the preparation or review of all or part of this environmental assessment:

Lisa Winn/Leslie Elliott IDT Leader, Aili Gusey Geologist, Aquatics Rob Cox Wildlife Biologist Lisa Winn Silviculturist Upekala Wijayratne Botanist Eric Risdal Writer/Editor Deb Schmidt/Joe Linn District Ranger Pat Williams Transportation and Logging Systems Melissa Swain Recreation/Visuals Bev Reed/Eric Risdal Fuels Planner Greg Orton Soil Scientist

240 Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA Chapter Four – Consultation with Others

In addition, the following people assisted in developing the proposal or in the editing and review of this document: Donni Vogel Forest Environmental Coordinator Debra Barner Forest Archeologist Christopher Kelly Zone Archeologist Richard Helliwell Forest Botanist Paul Higgins Silviculture/KV Josh Chapman Forest Wildlife Biologist Nikki Swanson Aquatics Program Manager, Willamette N.F.

241

Parker Wyatt Timber Sale EA References/Glossary

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Rowland, M.M., Wisdom, M.J., Johnson, B.K., and Penninger, M.A. 2005. Effects of roads on elk: Implications for management in forested ecosystems. In The Starkey Project: a synthesis of long-term studies of elk and mule deer. Reprinted from the 2004 Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. Edited by M.J. Wisdom. Lawrence, KS: Alliance Communications Group. pp. 42-52. Ryan, M.G., Harmon, M.E., Birdsey, R.A., Giardina, C.P., Heath, L.S., Houghton, R.A., Jackson, R.B., McKinley, D.C., Morrison, J.F., Murray, B.C., Pataki, D.E., and Skog, K.E. 2010. A synthesis of the science on forests and carbon for U.S. Forests. Issues in Ecology. Report Number 13. Washington, DC: Ecological Society of America. 16 pp. Sakai, H.F., and Noon, B.R. 1993. Dusky-footed woodrat abundance in different-aged forests in northwestern California. Journal of Wildlife Management 57(2): 373-382. Sauer, J.R., Hines, J.E., and Fallon, J. 2008. The North American breeding bird survey, results and analysis 1966 - 2004. Version 2005.2. Available from http://www.mbr- pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/bbs.html [cited 2012]. SERA. 1997. Effects on surfactants on the toxicity of glyphosate, with specific reference to RODEO. SERA TR 97-206-1b. Fayetteville, NY: Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. 32 pp. SERA. 1999. Picloram (Tordon K and Tordon 22K) – Final Report. SERA TR 99-21-15- 01e. Fayetteville, NY: Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. 222 pp. SERA. 2003. Glyphosate - Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment Final Report. SERA TR 02-43-09-04a. Fayetteville, NY: Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. 281 pp. Sheley, R.L., Petroff, J.K., and Clark, J. 1999. Introduction to Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland Weeds. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR. Shroeder, R.L. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: Pileated woodpecker. FWS/OBS- 82/10.39. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 15 pp. Sibley, D.A. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY. Smith, J.E., McKay, D., Brenner, G., McIver, J., and Spatafora, J.W. 2005. Early impacts of forest restoration treatments on the ectomycorrhizal fungal community and fine root biomass in a mixed conifer forest. Journal of Applied Ecology 42(3): 526-535. Spelter, H., and McKeever, T. 2001. Profile 2001: Softwood Sawmills in the United States and Canada. Research Paper FPL-RP-594. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 73 pp. Spies, T.A., and Franklin, J.F. 1991. The Structure of Natural Young, Mature, and Old- Growth Douglas-Fir Forests in Oregon and Washington. In Wildlife and Vegetation of Unmanged Douglas-Fir Forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-285. Edited by L.F. Ruggiero, K.B. Aubry, A.B. Carey, and M.H. Huff. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. pp. 91-109. Steele, R.W. 1948. Light thinning in century-old Douglas-fir. Forest Research Notes. No. 43. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest Experiment Station. 3 pp. Storck, P., Kern, T., and Bolton, S. 1999. Measurement of differences in snow accumulation, melt, and micrometeorology due to forest harvesting. Northwest Science 73: 87-101.

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Tappeiner, J.C., Huffman, D., Marshall, D., Spies, T.A., and Bailey, J.D. 1997. Density, ages, and growth rates in old-growth and young-growth forests in coastal Oregon. Canadian Journal of Forest Research-Revue Canadienne De Recherche Forestiere 27(5): 638-648. Thomas, J.W., Black Jr., H., Scherzinger, R.J., and Pedersen, R.J. 1979. Deer and Elk. In U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Agriculture Handbook No. 553. Edited by J.W. Thomas. pp. 104-127. Thomas, J.W., Forsman, E.D., Lint, J.B., Meslow, E.C., Noon, B.B., and Verner, J. 1990. A conservation strategy for the northern spotted owl: Report by the Interagency Scientific Committee to address the conservation of the Northern Spotted Owl. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, and U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. 427 pp. Thomas, R.B., and Megahan, W.F. 1998. Peak flow responses to clear-cutting and roads in small and large basins, western Cascades, Oregon: A second opinion. Water Resources Research 34(12): 3393-3403. Trumbo, J. 2002. An assessment of the non-target aquatic effects of the herbicide Rodeo and the surfactant R-11 when used to control purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria. Administrative Report 02-011. California Department of Fish and Game, Office of Spill Prevention and Response. Trumbo, J. 2005. An assessment of the hazard of a mixture of the herbicide Rodeo((R)) and the non-ionic surfactant R-11((R)) to aquatic invertebrates and larval amphibians. California Fish and Game 91(1): 38-46. USC. 2002. Federal Water Pollution Control Act. [As amended through P.L. 107-303, November 27, 2002] 33 USC 1251 et seq. U.S. Code. USCFR. 2001. Interagency Cooperation-Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. 50 CFR 402. U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. USDA. 1976. Soil Resource Inventory. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. 216 pp. USDA. 1984. Pesticide Background Statements. Volume I: Herbicides. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Washington, DC. USDA. 1988. General Water Quality Best Management Practices. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. USDA. 1990a. Final Environmental Impact Statement: Land and Resource Management Plan, Umpqua National Forest. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. 662 pp. USDA. 1990b. Land and Resource Management Plan, Umpqua National Forest. [plus appendices]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. 300 pp. USDA. 1990c. [unplublished] Umpqua Hazard Reduction Standards. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. USDA. 1995. [unpublished] Brice Creek Stream Inventory. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 1997. Brice Creek Watershed Analysis. [plus appendices]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District.

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192 pp. USDA. 1999. Roads Analysis - Informing Decisions about Managing the National Forest Transportation System. FS-643. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 222 pp. USDA. 2000. Landbird Strategic Plan. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture. 21 pp. USDA. 2001. [unpublished] Brice Creek Stream Inventory. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 2003a. Umpqua National Forest Integrated Weed Management Project Environmental Assessment. Roseburg, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. 80 pp. USDA. 2003b. [unpublished] Brice Creek Landscape Analysis Plan. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 2003c. [unpublished] Umpqua National Forest Roads Analysis Report. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. USDA. 2005a. Pacific Northwest Region Invasive Plant Program, Preventing and Managing Invasive Plants Record of Decision. R6-NR-FHP-PR-02-05. [plus appendices]. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. 40 pp. USDA. 2005b. [unpublished] Umpqua National Forest Layng Creek Watershed coarse woody debris inventory. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 2006. [unpublished] Cumulative Sediment Analysis of Layng Creek Watershed and Dinner Creek Timber Sale. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. USDA. 2007. Curran Junetta Thin Timber Sale Project Decision Notice. Cottage Grove, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. 218 pp. USDA. 2011a. Rail2 Timber Sail Project Decision Notice. Cottage Grove, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest. 253 pp. USDA. 2011b. [unpublished] Region 6 Regional Forester Special Status Species List. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pacific Northwest Region. USDA. 2012a. [unpublished] Brice Creek snag inventory. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 2012b. [unpublished] Parker Wyatt Roads Analysis. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District. USDA. 2012c. [unpublished] Umpqua National Forest Brice Creek Watershed Analysis. Iteration 1.1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Umpqua National Forest. USDA/USDI. 1994. Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. [plus attachment A: Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late- Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 74 pp.

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USDA/USDI. 1998. South Cascades Late Successional Reserve Assessment. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management. USDA/USDI. 2001. Record of Decision for Amendments to the Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and other Mitigation Measures Standards and Guidelines. [plus attachment 1: Standards and Guidelines for Survey and Manage, Certain Cavity-Nesting Birds, Canada Lynx and Some Bat Roosts and Management Recommendations for Certain Cavity-Nesting Birds and Some Bat Roosts]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 59 pp. USDA/USDI. 2004. Record of Decision to Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl [plus Appendix 1: Standards and Guidelines for Survey and Manage, Certain Cavity-Nesting Birds, Canada Lynx and Some Bat Roosts and Management Recommendations for Certain Cavity-Nesting Birds and Some Bat Roosts]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 30 pp. USDA/USDI. 2007. Final Supplement to the 2004 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to Remove or Modify the Survey and Manage Mitigation Measure Standards and Guidelines. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. USDA/USDI. 2010. Northwest Forest Plan Temperature TMDL Implementation Strategy. Evaluation of the Northwest Forest Plan Aquatic Conservation Strategy and Associated Tools to achieve and maintain stream temperature water quality standards. Proposed Revision of September 5, 2005 DEQ Conditionally Approved Version, January 14, 2010. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. USDI. 1992. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Critical Habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl. Federal Register Volume 57 Number 10 (January 15, 1992). pp. 1796-1838. USDI. 2008. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl. 50 CFR Part 17. Federal Register Volume 73 Number 157 (August 13, 2008). pp. 47326-47522. USDI. 2009. Informal consultation regarding proposed fiscal year 2009-2018 Umpqua National Forestwide activities that may affect northern spotted owls. Letter to Cliff Dils from Jim Thrailkill, 17, April 2009. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Roseburg Field Office. USDI. 2011. Revised Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Portland, OR: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 274 pp. USDI/USDA. 2008. Methodology for estimating the number of northern spotted owls affected by proposed federal actions. Version 2.0. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 29 pp. USDI/USDA. 2011. Survey and Manage Survey Protocols. Available from http://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/protocols/ [cited 2011]. USEPA. 1992. Pesticide tolerance for glyphosate. U.S. Environmental Protection

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Agency. Fed. Register, 57: 8739 40, 10-98. Vanderwel, M.C., Maicolm, J.R., and Mills, S.C. 2007. A meta-analysis of bird responses to uniform partial harvesting across North America. Conservation Biology 21(5): 1230- 1240. Verts, B.J., and Carraway, L.N. 1998. Land mammals of Oregon. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Waters, J.R., McKelvey, K.S., and Zabel, C.J. 1994. The effects of thinning and broadcast burning on sporocarp production of hypogeous fungi. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 24: 1516-1522. Weller, T.J., and Zabel, C.J. 2001. Characteristics of fringed myotis day roosts in northern California. Journal of Wildlife Management 65(3): 489-497. Wemple, B.C., Jones, J.A., and Grant, G.E. 1996. Channel network extension by logging roads in two basins, western Cascades, Oregon. Water Resources Bulletin 32(6): 1195- 1207. White, D.E., Atzet, T., Martinez, P.A., and McCrimmon, L.A. 2002. Dead wood and fire relationships in southwestern Oregon western hemlock forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW- GTR-181. In Proceedings of the symposium on the ecology and management of dead wood in western forests. Edited by W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., P.J. Shea, B.E. Valentine, C.P. Weatherspoon, and T.E. Lisle. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Research Station. pp. 479-487. Williamson, R.L. 1982. Response to commercial thinning in a 110-year-old Douglas-fir stand. Research Paper Research Paper PNW-296. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. Williamson, R.L., and Price, F.E. 1971. Initial thinning effects in 70 to 150-year-old Douglas-fir western Oregon and Washington. Research Paper PNW-117. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. Wilson, T.M. 2010. Limiting factors for northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) in the Pacific Northwest: A spatio-temporal analysis, Union Institute & University, Cincinnati, OH. Winter, L.E., Brubaker, L.B., Franklin, J.F., Miller, E.A., and DeWitt, D.Q. 2002. Initiation of an old-growth Douglas-fir stand in the Pacific Northwest: a reconstruction from tree-ring records. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 32: 1039-1056. Wisdom, M.J., Bright, L.R., Carey, C.G., Hines, W.W., Pedersen, R.J., Smithey, D.A., Thomas, J.W., and Witmer, G.W. 1986. A model to evaluate elk habitat in Western Oregon. Publication No. R6-F&WL-216-1986. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. 36 pp. Wisdom, M.J., Johnson, B.K., Vavra, M., Boyd, J.M., Coe, P.K., Kie, J.G., Ager, A.A., and Cimon, N.J. 2005. Cattle and elk responses to intensive timber harvest. In The Starkey Project: a synthesis of long-term studies of elk and mule deer. Reprinted from the 2004 Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference. Edited by M.J. Wisdom. Lawrence, KS: Allicance Coummunications Group. pp. 197-216. York, D., and Helliwell, R. 2007. A habitat suitability model for six rare Pacific Northwest fungi using ecological niche factor analysis - DRAFT. Umpqua National Forest,

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Roseburg, Oregon. Zenner, E.K. 2005. Development of tree size distributions in Douglas-fir forests under differing disturbance regimes. Ecological Applications 15(2): 701-714. Zhang, X.C., Li, Z.B., and Ding, W.F. 2005. Validation of WEPP sediment feedback relationships using spatially distributed rill erosion data. Soil Science Society of America Journal 69(5): 1440-1447.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS  Conformity Provisions are provisions in the Clean Air Act (Section 176(c)) that prohibit federal agencies from taking any action within a non-attainment area that causes or contributes to a new violation in standards of, increases the frequency or severity of an existing violation, or delays the timely attainment of a standard as defined in the area plan.  Crown fire is a forest fire that advances with great speed jumping from crown to crown of trees ahead of the ground fire burning in surface fuels.  Cyanolichen is lichen with cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) as the photobiont, or photosynthetic component. Cyanolichens are able to fix nitrogen.  Hand pile burning is accomplished with hand crews where slash is piled in relatively small piles and burned under moist conditions.  Helicopter logging is accomplished where no immediate road access exists or where resource concerns override use of ground-based or skyline equipment. Helicopters fly logs to nearby road and landings.  Jackpot burning is the application of prescribed fire to concentrations of fuels rather than the landscape as a whole. Typically, it is applied during the time of year when the probability of fire spread is very low and in situations where fuels reduction is not a primary objective. Jackpot burning is the method used in units where residual activity created fuels or natural fuels are discontinuous. Jackpot burning would be implemented in the late fall, winter, or spring seasons (October to March) when soils and live fuel moistures are elevated and existing shrubs are more likely maintained.  Loader logging uses one piece of equipment. A log loader works on a grid of straight skid roads to transport hand-felled trees to landings along roads within or outside of the unit. Slash is piled or hauled away and later burned.  Machine piling is done by a small excavator that picks up and piles slash in large piles, which are later burned during moist conditions.  Resilience is the capacity of a system to undergo change and still retain its basic function and structure. In other words, it’s the capacity to undergo some change without crossing a threshold into a different…regime. (Walker 2008)  Road decommissioning is intended to remove or substantially reduce the potential for resource damage attributed to the road, and results in the permanent closure of the road and its removal from the Forest system of maintained roads. Decommissioning implies that there is no reasonable expectation for use of the road in the foreseeable future, given presently available information and direction. Work typically includes removal of drainage structures (culverts) and reestablishing stream channel beds and banks, pullback of unstable road shoulders or landings, subsoiling the road surface, and various levels of revegetation.  Road inactivation includes reconstruction activities that reduce the risk of resource damage by preventing vehicle use of a road for an indefinite (temporary) period of time. An ‘open road’ may be closed as a result of inactivation, or a currently closed road may receive further treatment to reduce

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the risk of resource damage. The road remains on the Forest road system, though anticipated maintenance needs are minimal to none.  Road obliteration is done after a newly created temporary road is used for logging purposes. The timber sale purchasers are required to obliterate the road under the timber sale contract. This involves subsoiling the road as appropriate, and pulling displaced soil and duff back over the road surface. Logging slash is also often pulled over the top of the road to provide additional ground cover and bare soil protection.  Road reconstruction activities are implemented on existing roads to reduce risk of resource damage and/or improve traffic safety. Treatments to address aquatic resources problems typically include the addition of cross drains (ditch-relief) culverts; drivable ‘rolling grades’ structures and out-sloping the road, if practical; increasing the capacity of the culvert to meet a 100-year storm event; reducing plugging potential from excessive accumulation of sediment and woody debris (adding a side-tapered inlet or trash rack); eliminating diversion potential (constructing a ‘drivable rolling grade’, if road grade allows); reducing the size (height) of the fill where overtopping-type failure may occur; stabilizing or armoring fill slopes with riprap (rock blanket); dissipating stream outflow energy with riprap; dispersing water (‘dewater’) before reaching affected failure site (add cross drain on upgrade); and pull-back of the ‘over-steepened’ fill slopes.  Skyline logging is generally accomplished on steeper ground where cables bring logs uphill to landings using a carriage/cable system attached to a tower to help suspend logs off the ground.  Succession is the process of development of vegetation involving changes of species and communities with time.  System roads are those roads needed to provide long-term access for future stand management. Open system roads have different levels of maintenance, depending on whether they are managed for passenger vehicles or high clearance vehicles. Closed system roads (maintenance level one) are blocked with boulders, dirt berms or guard rails.  Temporary roads are built only for a short-term use such as logging, and are not considered part of the long-term transportation system. They are obliterated following use.  Thinning is the harvest of a portion of the trees in a stand in order to release the remaining trees from competition to allow for improved growth and development of understory vegetation.  Underburning is the burning of logging slash after a thinning where slash is burned in place rather than being redistributed by machines or hand crews.

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