DOCSLIB.ORG

Environmental Effects

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Environmental Effects Final Environmental United States Department of Agriculture Impact Statement Forest Service EXF Thinning, Fuels Reduction, and Research Project PNW Pringle Falls Experimental Forest Research Bend/Ft. Rock Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest Station Deschutes County, Oregon T. 20 S., R 9 E., Sections 28-33; T. 21 S., R. 9 E., Sections 4-6 Willamette Meridian March 2010 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Final Environmental Impact Statement Deschutes National Forest Deschutes County, Oregon Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Officials: John Allen, Supervisor, Deschutes National Forest Bov Eav, Station Director, Pacific Northwest Research Station For Information Contact: Beth Peer, Environmental Coordinator rd 1230 N.E. 3 St., Suite A-262 Bend, OR 97701 (541) 383-4769 Abstract: This Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) contains the Forest Service’s proposal for vegetation management across approximately 2,554 acres of the Lookout Mountain Unit of the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest. The proposed action integrates the research goals of the Pacific Northwest Research Station with the need to reduce stand densities to lower susceptibility to insects and disease and reduce hazardous fuels to lower risk of uncharacteristic fire. Treatments are proposed in such a way that pertinent research questions regarding long-term sustainability of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests in the changing climate can be answered. Three alternatives were analyzed in this FEIS: 1. Alternative 1, No Action. 2. Alternative 2 (preferred), the Proposed Action. 3. Alternative 3, developed to respond to the issue of maintaining spotted owl habitat. i Reader’s Guide This Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) contains information about a project proposal that will address forest health issues in the Lookout Mountain Unit of the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest. The information in this FEIS is organized to facilitate consideration of the environmental effects by the public, and by the Forest Supervisor of the Deschutes National Forest, who is responsible for deciding whether or not to implement the Proposed Action or alternatives to this proposal. Understanding the structure of this document is important to an overall understanding of the information required in an EIS. The following provides an overview of the components of this document. Executive Summary: The summary of the Final EIS provides a concise overview of the Purpose and Need for action, the Key Issues studied herein, and a comparison of the three alternatives. Table of Contents: A table of contents is presented at the beginning of the document. Lists of tables and figures are also included. Chapter 1 – Purpose and Need: Chapter 1 describes the Purpose and Need for the proposal, and the Proposed Action. It includes Management Direction for the project, and the Decision Framework. Public Involvement and the Issues generated by public comments are explained here. Chapter 2 – Alternatives: Chapter 2 includes a description of the alternative development process, and discussions on alternatives and actions considered but eliminated from detailed analysis. The focus of this chapter is Alternatives Considered in Detail, including the No Action (Alternative 1), the Proposed Action (Alternative 2), developed by the Forest Service that drove analysis for this project, and one additional alternative developed by the Forest Service, Alternative 3, which responds to the issue of northern spotted owl habitat. The potential mitigation measures to reduce impacts are documented in this chapter. The final section of this chapter includes a summary of data and a comparison of alternatives considered in detail, in a table format. Chapter 3 – The Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences: Chapter 3 describes current physical, biological, and social and economic environments within the area of influence of the Proposed Action (termed the Project Area Units). This information provides the baseline for assessing and comparing the potential impacts of the action alternatives. In addition, this chapter provides a comprehensive scientific and analytical comparison of the potential environmental impacts of the action alternatives to the No Action Alternative. In order to facilitate comparison of information provided, this chapter is organized and subdivided into resource areas/disciplines in a manner appropriate to the affected environment for this area. Chapter 4 – List of Preparers and Coordination: Chapter 4 lists the individuals, Federal, State and local agencies and tribes that the Forest Service consulted during the development of this FEIS. It also discloses the distribution of the document including Federal Agencies, federally recognized tribes, State and local governments and organizations representing a wide range of views. The references, glossary, and index are in the last part of this chapter. ii Appendices: The appendices provide more detailed information to support the analyses presented in the EIS. Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project area resources, may be found in the project planning record located at Deschutes National Forest Headquarters in Bend, Oregon. Appendix A – Past & Ongoing Research within the Experimental Forest; Past Vegetation Management within the Experimental Forest Appendix B – Study Plan Appendix C – Consistency with Current Laws and Management Direction Appendix D – Data used in Fire Behavior Analysis Appendix E – Spotted Owl NRF Habitat Field Verification Appendix F – Consideration of Public Comment on Draft EIS Acronyms used in this Document: BA Biological Assessment BCC Birds of Conservation Concern BCR Bird Conservation Region BE Biological Evaluation BMP Best Management Practices BO Biological Opinion CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CHU Critical Habitat Unit DEQ Oregon Department of Environmental Quality DBH Diameter at Breast Height EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973 FS Forest Service FSH Forest Service Handbook FSM Forest Service Manual FVS Forest Vegetation Simulator HRV Historic Range of Variability INFISH Inland Native Fish Strategy LAA Likely to Adversely Affect LOS Late and Old Structure LRMP Deschutes National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1990) LSOG Late Successional/Old Growth LSR Late Successional Reserve MIIH May Impact Individuals or Habitat but Will Not Likely Contribute to a Trend Towards Federal Listing or Cause a Loss of Viability to the Population or Species MOU Memorandum of Understanding MSA Management Strategy Area MSL Mean Sea Level NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NLAA May Affect, but Not Likely to Adversely Affect iii NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NRF Nesting, Roosting, and Foraging Habitat (Spotted Owl) NWFP Northwest Forest Plan ODFW Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Association PAG Plant Association Group PDC Project Design Criteria from the 2006-2009 Programmatic Biological Assessment PNWRS Pacific Northwest Research Station RNA Research Natural Area SDI Stand Density Index STOC Northern Spotted Owl UMZ Upper Management Zone USDA United States Department of Agriculture USDI United States Department of the Interior USFS United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service iv Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. ES-1 CHAPTER 1 PURPOSE AND NEED ....................................................................................................................... 0 1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 PURPOSE AND NEED ............................................................................................................................................ 4 1.4 PROPOSED ACTION .............................................................................................................................................. 5 1.5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................................................ 7 1.6 PLANNING ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Key Issues ............................................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Volcanic Vistas Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2009 Celebrating the Re-Opening of Lava Lands Visitor Center Inside
    Volcanic Vistas Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2009 Celebrating the re-opening of Lava Lands Visitor Center Inside.... Be Safe! 2 LAWRENCE A. CHITWOOD Go To Special Places 3 EXHIBIT HALL Lava Lands Visitor Center 4-5 DEDICATED MAY 30, 2009 Experience Today 6 For a Better Tomorrow 7 The Exhibit Hall at Lava Lands Visitor Center is dedicated in memory of Explore Newberry Volcano 8-9 Larry Chitwood with deep gratitude for his significant contributions enlightening many students of the landscape now and in the future. Forest Restoration 10 Discover the Natural World 11-13 Lawrence A. Chitwood Discovery in the Kids Corner 14 (August 4, 1942 - January 4, 2008) Take the Road Less Traveled 15 Larry was a geologist for the Deschutes National Forest from 1972 until his Get High on Nature 16 retirement in June 2007. Larry was deeply involved in the creation of Newberry National Volcanic Monument and with the exhibits dedicated in 2009 at Lava Lands What's Your Interest? Visitor Center. He was well known throughout the The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are a recre- geologic and scientific communities for his enthusiastic support for those wishing ation haven. There are 2.5 million acres of forest including to learn more about Central Oregon. seven wilderness areas comprising 200,000 acres, six rivers, Larry was a gifted storyteller and an ever- 157 lakes and reservoirs, approximately 1,600 miles of trails, flowing source of knowledge. Lava Lands Visitor Center and the unique landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Explore snow- capped mountains or splash through whitewater rapids; there is something for everyone.
    [Show full text]
  • RV Sites in the United States Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile
    RV sites in the United States This GPS POI file is available here: https://poidirectory.com/poifiles/united_states/accommodation/RV_MH-US.html Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile Camp Map 370 Lakeside Park Map 5 Star RV Map 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp Map 7 Oaks RV Park Map 8th and Bridge RV Map A AAA RV Map A and A Mesa Verde RV Map A H Hogue Map A H Stephens Historic Park Map A J Jolly County Park Map A Mountain Top RV Map A-Bar-A RV/CG Map A. W. Jack Morgan County Par Map A.W. Marion State Park Map Abbeville RV Park Map Abbott Map Abbott Creek (Abbott Butte) Map Abilene State Park Map Abita Springs RV Resort (Oce Map Abram Rutt City Park Map Acadia National Parks Map Acadiana Park Map Ace RV Park Map Ackerman Map Ackley Creek Co Park Map Ackley Lake State Park Map Acorn East Map Acorn Valley Map Acorn West Map Ada Lake Map Adam County Fairgrounds Map Adams City CG Map Adams County Regional Park Map Adams Fork Map Page 1 Location Map Adams Grove Map Adelaide Map Adirondack Gateway Campgroun Map Admiralty RV and Resort Map Adolph Thomae Jr. County Par Map Adrian City CG Map Aerie Crag Map Aeroplane Mesa Map Afton Canyon Map Afton Landing Map Agate Beach Map Agnew Meadows Map Agricenter RV Park Map Agua Caliente County Park Map Agua Piedra Map Aguirre Spring Map Ahart Map Ahtanum State Forest Map Aiken State Park Map Aikens Creek West Map Ainsworth State Park Map Airplane Flat Map Airport Flat Map Airport Lake Park Map Airport Park Map Aitkin Co Campground Map Ajax Country Livin' I-49 RV Map Ajo Arena Map Ajo Community Golf Course Map
    [Show full text]
  • Central Regon Lyfisher
    The entral regon lyfisher C O F Vol. 33, Number 7, July 2010 contents random cast General Meeting Welcome new members! Our club is growing; we now have 239 memberships, includ- 2 Fly fishing in Klamath County ing ten new members who joined in June. When you see new members at the next meeting, Outings please introduce yourself and welcome them. 2 Little Cultus Lake I’ve just returned from the annual COF eight-day trip to British Columbia. Fishing was 2 Second annual upper average, but we had mostly fair weather, caught some nice Kamloops rainbows on several Deschutes challenge beautiful lakes, had a great time, and created new stories. Many thanks to Dave Dunahay, our 2 Williamson and Wood rivers official trip leader, and Bob Griffin, who helped organize the trip. Everyone who attended 3 Prineville crappie challenge (fourteen people) pitched in with various chores, such as camp setup and breakdown, cook- report ing, and cleanup. Gene Peressini brewed terrific coffee every morning by 6:00 a.m., and we Education took turns cooking breakfasts and dinners. Thank you all for helping to make the trip go 3 Fishing for bass on a private smoothly. I’d like to relate two memorable stories from this trip. lake 3 Learn to navigate your Ron Sharbaugh’s Labrador retriever, “Tai,” decided to “help” Ron land his first fish of the pontoon boat on a river morning and dived overboard to retrieve it. Witnesses remember his dog’s name well because 4 Beginning spey casting Ron yelled it at least a dozen times, coupled with various commands and pleas (all expletive- Wild Women of the Water free).
    [Show full text]
  • LA PINE the Newberry National Monument Is Located in the Town Of
    LA PINE The Newberry National Monument is located in the town of La Pine. It is just 5 miles north of the Chamber office on Hwy 97. Turn Left (east) and travel up into the crater to enjoy the world’s largest obsidian flow, Paulina Lake and resort and the wonderful little East Lake resort. Both Lakes feature camping, a store, restaurant, boats, fishing, and camping or cab- ins to rent. Paulina is open for the winter, too and you can go into the resort to stay on a snowmobile! This is the one thing in La Pine you do not want to miss! For information about any of the Lava Lands destinations call the Newberry National Monument Hotline number at 541-383-5700. Inside the Caldera: Paulina Creek Water slides. Go on Paulina Lake road to McKay Campground (McKay Crossing Campground) then take the 1-1/2 mile trail to the waterslides. To get to the Hot Springs go to the far end of Little Crater Campground on Paulina Lake and hike on the lakeshore trail approximately 1 mile. You will see the little hot spring pools that people have made through the years. Rosland Campground is located ¼ mile past the Little Deschutes River on Burgess Road (Wickiup turn off from Hwy 97) The little park is a Park District owned park that features a day use area with access to the river, camping and they are remodeling the park to include a new pavilion that is a covered area for your picnics, gatherings and meetings. WEST Places to go within 45 minutes of the Chamber of Commerce in La Pine: 541-536-9771 South Twin Lake/North Twin Lake- Take Huntington Road through town, north to Burgess.
    [Show full text]
  • Upper Deschutes River Fish Managementplan
    Upper Deschutes River Fish ManagementPlan Draft May22, 1996 Oregon Department of Fish and Wtldlife Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Page 1 of 431 Upper Deschutes River Basin Fish Management Plan 1996 COMPLETED DISTRICT DRAFT 04/11/96 6:12:58 PM DESCHUTES RIVER from Wickiup Dam to Bend (North Canal Dam) including the tributaries Fall River and Spring River Overview This portion of the basin plan includes the Deschutes River from Wickiup Dam (RM 227) downstream to Bend (North Canal Dam, RM 164.8), Fall River, and Spring River. The Little Deschutes River, a major tributary which enters at RM 193, is not included because of its' length and connection with other waters in the basin. The Little Deschutes River will be presented in a separate section of the basin plan. In the Habitat and Fish Management sections of the following discussion, the Deschutes River will be divided into two sections; Wickiup Dam to Benham Falls (RM 181), and Benham Falls to Bend (North Canal Dam). The reason for this is based on stream morphology and changes in fish populations. Benham Falls is a high gradient natural cascade which separates the Deschutes River into two logical sections with low gradient above the falls and high gradient below. Similarly, fish population composition changes at Benham Falls with brown trout dominant above and rainbow trout dominant below. The remaining sections; location and ownership, fish stocking history, angling regulations, management issues, summary of alternatives and alternatives will be presented as (1) Deschutes River, and (2) Tributaries. In 1987, the Oregon legislature designated the section of Deschutes River from Wickiup Dam to General Patch Bridge, and from Harper Bridge to the north boundary of the Deschutes National Forest as a State Scenic Waterway.
    [Show full text]
  • Determining Surface Water Availability in Oregon
    Determining Surface Water Availability in Oregon Open File Report SW 02-002 State of Oregon Water Resources Department Determining Surface Water Availability in Oregon By Richard M. Cooper, PE State of Oregon Water Resources Department Open File Report SW 02-002 Salem, Oregon June 2002 Cover photo: Watermaster Awbrey Perry measuring Tumalo Creek 200 feet above the station house for gaging station 14073000 on February 9, 1948. Note the ice floating in the creek. Contents Table of Contents........................................................................................................................................... i List of Figures................................................................................................................................................iii List of Tables................................................................................................................................................. v Acknowledgements .....................................................................................................................................vii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 The Water Availability Calculation.........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2006
    Volcanic Vistas Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2006 WWWelcome to Central Oregon! This year’s Volcanic Vistas celebrates Scenic Byways and Community Connections. Scenic Byways provide connections between natural resources, communities, people and places. Scenic Byways create a bridge to the natural environment for recreational oppor- tunities and provide interpretation of the geological and historical events that have drawn people to central Oregon for years. Central Oregon and the Forest Service have a great deal of pride in the Scenic Byways found here. Journeys on the Cascade Lakes, Outback, and McKenzie-Santiam National Scenic Byways all begin on the Deschutes National Forest. Central Oregon communities benefit from the tourism and recreation opportuni- ties promoted by the National Scenic Byways Program. Other less traveled tour routes are to be found on BLM’s Back Country Byways. These are hidden gems full of surprises as well. We hope your discoveries and adventures this summer will be filled with beautiful scenery and fun activities. We also hope you will enjoy these Volcanic Vistas stories about community connections and partnerships that work together to protect valuable resources and to provide both visitors and residents with the unique recreational experiences that are a vital part of all central Oregon communities. Be sure to have fun and be safe! Leslie Weldon Jeff Walter Forest Supervisor Forest Supervisor Deschutes National Forest Ochoco National Forest & Crooked River National Grassland What's Your Interest? Inside.... The Deschutes and Ochoco National Be Safe! 2 Forests are a recreation haven. There are Go To Special Places 3 2.5 million acres of forest including seven Connect with the Forest 4 wilderness areas comprising 200,000 acres, Connect with Forest History 5 six rivers, 157 lakes and reservoirs, approxi- Experience Today 6-7 mately 1,600 miles of trails, Lava Lands Explore Newberry Volcano 8-9 Visitor Center and the unique landscape of Discover the Natural World Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
    [Show full text]
  • Fire Restrictions Begin in Central Oregon This Week
    BLM Prineville District Office - 3050 NE Third Street - Prineville, Oregon 97754 - www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville Deschutes National Forest – 63095 Deschutes Market Rd. – Bend, Oregon 97702 - www.fs/fed/us/r6/centraloregon Ochoco National Forest – 3160 NE Third Street – Prineville, Oregon 97754 – www.fs/fed/us/r6/centraloregon BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Contact: Jean Nelson- Dean (541) 383-5561 FOREST SERVICE Lisa Clark (541) 416-6864 For release: July 23, 2013 Patrick Lair (541) 416-6647 FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEGIN IN CENTRAL OREGON THIS WEEK Central Oregon – With hot and dry conditions expected to continue and fire suppression resources already responding to numerous wildfires around Central Oregon, the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management, the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, including the Crooked River National Grassland, are implementing campfire restrictions. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 25, 2014 (Friday), open fires, including charcoal fires, will be prohibited, except in the following designated campgrounds: Crescent Ranger District: Contorta Flat, Contorta Point, Crescent Lake, Princess Creek, Simax Group, Spring, Sunset Cove, Trapper Creek, Whitefish Horse Camp, Windy Group Site, and Industrial Mushroom Camp (Little Odell Butte). Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District: Crane Prairie, Cultus Lake, Elk Lake, Fall River, Fall River Guard Station, Gull Point, Lava Lake, Little Cultus Lake, Little Fawn, Little Fawn Group, Little Lava Lake, Mallard Marsh, North Twin, Point, Quinn Meadow Horse Camp, Quinn River,
    [Show full text]
  • Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway
    11 Browns Crossing New homes for fish were created by adding woody 1 North Gateway debris and fallen trees to Learn about the area's the river. An accessible fish- geology, wildlife, native plants, viewing platform awaits you at indigenous people, and this peaceful river site. 7 scenic views at this byway 6 orientation site with its CASCADE LAKES accessible trail and viewpoint. NATIONAL 6 Soda Creek 8 5 Learn how Soda Creek 9 was destroyed by a glacial SCENIC BYWAY “tsunami” and then restored 1 from a straight channel back 2 to its natural meandering flow 4 and habitat. 3 12 Lewis Roth Dwarf Mistletoe Trail This trail at North Twin Lake 2 Deschutes River campground is named for Dr. Trail Lewis Roth who pioneered Witness the journey of dwarf mistletoe research water as it ultimately joins at nearby Pringle Falls the Columbia River to the Experimental Forest. far north. As a Wild & Scenic River, a variety of trail experiences and water adventures await you. 7 Ray Atkeson Wayside The photography of Ray Atkeson created a lifelong 10 legacy of preservation of Oregon's beautiful and wild places. 13 Wickiup Dam When the dam was first 11 constructed, it resulted in 12 These selected Oregon’s last big log drive. 14 3 Ryan Ranch Wetland When the dam was later interpretive sites restored, displaced frogs Restoration found a new home. Breaching a levy to restore were highlighted wetlands and reintroduce 13 beaver to river habitat is 14 Turn of the Century because of the perfect laboratory for Forest outdoor education about 8 Historic Elk Lake This site interprets many natural ecosystems.
    [Show full text]
  • Upper Deschutes River Bank Stability Characterization
    Upper Deschutes River Bank Stability Characterization August 2002 Kolleen Yake, Watershed Assessment Manager, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council PO Box 1812, Bend Oregon 97709 Abstract The Upper Deschutes River Bank Stability Characterization is designed to assess streambank erosion on the Upper Deschutes River along approximately 60 miles between Wickiup Reservoir and the City of Bend, Oregon. Many previous studies conducted by local, state and federal resource agencies have previously identified elevated levels of erosion and in-stream sedimentation and turbidity as a primary factor in water quality, riparian health and fish habitat concerns in the region. This characterization provides previously unavailable information about the extent of streambank erosion to help prioritize future efforts in streambank restoration, water quality restoration and fish habitat enhancement. Using the Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI) methodology, bank height, bank angle, vegetation cover, root density, root depth, and bank materials was evaluated for a total of 130 reaches throughout the study area. Results indicated that 47 of the streambank reaches are classified as having high, very high, or extreme erodability; 45 are classified as moderate, 37 are classified as low and 6 are classified as very low. Maps showing the extent and distribution of the sites are included and strategies to address the erosion problems are discussed. Introduction The stream banks of the Upper Deschutes River downstream from Wickiup Reservoir are heavily eroded. While the geologic processes that define river channels in some areas might result in bedrock banks or channels lined with large boulders that are resistant to erosion, the Deschutes River channel between Wickiup Reservoir and Fall River contains loose sediments deposited from the combination of volcanic activity and alluvial processes.
    [Show full text]
  • Deschutes National Forest Trail Conditions
    DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AND ACCESS UPDATE FOR JUNE 20, 2006 Deschutes National Forest General Trail Conditions: Weather forecast for the next week on the Deschutes National Forest is calling for mostly clear skies with temperatures in the upper thirties/forties to mid seventies and eighties. Keep in mind that last week we had severe thunderstorms pass through the area and we are in the thunderstorm season. If caught out in severe thurnderstorms, seek appropriate cover for wind, lightning and hail/rain and be aware of possible flooding. The warmer/sunny weather will keep the spring thaw moving along at a steady pace resulting in improved trail access from a snow standpoint over the next week. Snow yet blocks many of the mid elevation (5,600 – 6,000 ft.) recreation sites and/or trails, and the higher elevations (above 6000 ft.) are mostly under snow. Keep in mind that many of the Forest's Wilderness trails are above 5,000 ft. in elevation and presently 85% snow covered. The speed at which the snow is melting is increasing; but keep in mind that we yet have 4-7 ft. of snow depth in areas like South, Middle and North Sister, Green Lakes, Broken Top, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson, and Diamond Peak. It may not be until late July that all Wilderness Trails are snow free. Winter blowdown so far is reported to be anywhere from light to heavy in volume. Trail clearing has begun and some of the cleared trails are listed below. Some low use trails will not be cleared this year.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Environmental Impact Statement Deschutes National Forest Deschutes County, Oregon
    Draft Environmental United States Department of Agriculture Impact Statement Forest Service EXF Thinning, Fuels Reduction, and Research Project PNW Bend/Ft. Rock Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest Research Deschutes County, Oregon Station T. 20 S., R 9 E., Sections 28-33; T. 21 S., R. 9 E., Sections 4-6 Willamette Meridian September 2009 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Draft Environmental Impact Statement Deschutes National Forest Deschutes County, Oregon Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Officials: John Allen, Supervisor, Deschutes National Forest Bov Eav, Station Director, Pacific Northwest Research Station For Information Contact: Beth Peer, Environmental Coordinator 1230 N.E. 3rd St., Suite A-262 Bend, OR 97701 (541) 383-4769 Abstract: This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) contains the Forest Service’s proposal for vegetation management across approximately 2,554 acres of the Lookout Mountain Unit of the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest. The proposed action integrates the research goals of the Pacific Northwest Research Station with the need to reduce stand densities to lower susceptibility to insects and disease and reduce hazardous fuels to lower risk of uncharacteristic crown fire.
    [Show full text]