U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Environmental Assessment

DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA Hazard Tree Removal Project

May 2018

Craig Drake Applegate Field Office Manager 708 W. 12th Street Alturas, CA 96101

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Applegate Field Office Phone: (530) 233-4666 Fax: (530) 233-5696

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Proposed Action Location ...... 2 1.3 Purpose and Need ...... 2 1.4 Scoping, Public Involvement, and Issues ...... 3 1.5 Plan Compliance and Tiering ...... 3 Special Designations – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern: ...... 4 2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ...... 5 2.1 Alternative 1 – Proposed Action ...... 5 2.2 Alternative 2 – No Action ...... 5 2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Discussion ...... 5 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ...... 6 3.1 General Description ...... 6 3.2 Environmental Effects ...... 6 3.4 Resource Issues...... 6 3.5 Resources Eliminated from further analysis ...... 7 3.6 Air Quality ...... 8 3.7 Fuels and Fire Management ...... 11 3.8 Invasive, non-native Species...... 13 3.9 Soils ...... 14 3.10 Wilderness Study Areas/Wilderness Characteristics ...... 16 4. AGENCIES, TRIBES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED ...... 17 5. DOCUMENT PREPARATION ...... 18 6. REFERENCES ...... 19

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background The Applegate Field Office received a notification regarding standing dead trees from a private landowner that borders the eastern edge of the Timbered Crater Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Wilderness Study Area (ACEC/WSA) during the summer of 2017. The landowner has a private residence that is immediately adjacent to the eastern boundary of the WSA and is accessed from Pine Shadows Road near Day, California. The landowner expressed concern that deceased trees could eventually fall on to his property and cause damage to his house and surrounding outbuildings. The trees died within the past three years (2014-2016) as a result of beetle activity in the area, principally mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and drought. In response, the Applegate Field Office performed a hazard tree assessment of the area on December 27, 2017. Approximately eighteen trees where assessed, of which, six were identified as posing an immediate threat to the residence and public safety.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Applegate Field Office (AGFO) hired a professional timber faller to cut sixteen trees adjacent to a private residence on February 1, 2018. The project area is approximately 1.5 acres in size and is located within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA which is located at the junction of Shasta, Siskiyou, and Modoc Counties in northeastern California (Figure 1.1). The WSA contains 18,095 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Figure 1.1: The photo on the left shows the identified hazard trees (indicated with blue flagging) along the boundary between the private residence and the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA and the photo on the right shows the identified hazard trees following falling operations.

1.2 Proposed Action Location The proposed project is located in northeastern Shasta County, California near the town of Day, California (Figure 1.2). The legal description is as follows: Township 39N, Range 5E, Section 27; Mount Diablo Base Meridian.

Figure 1.2: Location of the Timbered Crater Hazard Tree Removal project in northeastern Shasta County, California.

1.3 Purpose and Need The purpose of this action is decrease fuel loading and visual impacts of downed trees immediately adjacent to the boundary between the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA and an adjacent private residence. The action is necessary to respond to a request from a private landowner regarding dead trees on public land that were threatening his private property. Once the trees were cut, the fallen trees now create a potential hazardous fuels situation adjacent to the private lands and constitute an incompatible action within the WSA.

1.3.1 Decision to be Made The BLM would decide on whether or not to treat hazardous fuels and visual impacts following falling operations within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA.

Page 2 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

1.4 Scoping, Public Involvement, and Issues

1.4.1 Internal Scoping The BLM Applegate Field Office conducted internal scoping with an interdisciplinary team of specialists on January 4, 2018.

1.4.2 External Scoping An initial scoping letter was sent out on January 24, 2018 in anticipation of this EA. Scoping letters were sent to all identified interested parties within the vicinity of the project area. The interested parties included: local tribes, landowners, wilderness groups, and state and federal agencies. In addition, a letter was sent to the livestock grazing permittee that utilizes the Hot Springs Allotment. Federally recognized tribes were consulted with during the project planning process and the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) was consulted with during the project planning process as well. No comments were received during the initial scoping period and no concerns were expressed by the tribes during the formal consultation process.

1.4.3 Issues Identified through Internal and External Scoping An “issue” is a point of disagreement, debate, or dispute with the proposed action based on some anticipated environmental effect. An issue has a cause and effect relationship with the proposed action or alternatives. It is within the scope of the analysis, has not been decided by law, regulation, or previous decision, and is amendable to scientific analysis rather than conjecture. Identification of issues for this assessment was accomplished by considering the resources that could be affected by implementation of one of the alternatives.

1.4.3.1 Issues Selected For Detailed Analysis  What are the impacts to the wilderness values such as solitude and naturalness?  What are the impacts of prescribed fire activities (i.e. pile burning) on local and regional air quality?  What are the impacts of pile burning on noxious weed populations within the project area?  What are the impacts of pile burning on soils within the project area?  What are the potential impacts of fuel loading and subsequently fire behavior within the project area?

1.5 Plan Compliance and Tiering The Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA Hazard Tree Removal Project EA references and is tiered to the 2008 AFO RMP FEIS.

2008 Alturas Field Office Resource Management Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (AFO RMP FEIS):

Fuels Management:  Section 2.6.3 (2-29): Fuel treatment projects would specifically target juniper-invaded sagebrush-steppe, important wildlife habitats, the WUI, and sensitive archaeological or historic sites.

Page 3 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

 Section 2.6.3 (2-29): Long-term (fuel treatment) projects would restore and maintain fire- dependent ecosystems, increase forage for wildlife and livestock, minimize fuel accumulation, and protect vulnerable communities. These projects would also improve recreational opportunity and enhance traditional gathering areas for Native Americans.

Special Designations – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern:  Section 2.11.3 (2-55): Identify and protect all sites and resources that meet the relevance and importance criteria. Where necessary, take immediate steps to prevent irreparable damage to resources and natural systems. Promote safety and protect human life where natural hazards exist. Evaluate and consider designation for all areas that meet ACEC requirements. Formulate and implement management plans for designated ACECs.

1.5.1 Land Use Plan (LUP) Conformance: This proposed action is subject to the Alturas Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision (ROD) approved on April 17, 2008. The proposed action has been determined to be in conformance with these plans as required by regulation (43 CFR 1610.5-3(a)).

1.5.2 Relevant Laws, Regulations, Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), Wilderness/Wilderness Study Area guidelines, and Other Documents: The Proposed Action identified by this EA would facilitate the restoration of ecological site conditions to improve watershed values consistent with the standards outlined in the following plans and acts:

Alturas Resource Management Plan (RMP): The Alturas RMP represents a guidance document for managing all uses and resources administered by the BLM Applegate off in Alturas. Key management actions identified in the RMP include minimizing hazardous fuel accumulation following treatment and also to protect human life when hazards exist.

Cultural Resources The BLM executed a National Programmatic Agreement (NPA), on February 9, 2012, (Part 2) with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the National Council of State Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO). The NPA governs the manner in which the BLM shall meet its responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the primary agreement, which dictates how the BLM in California will meet its responsibilities under the above Statues and Regulations, the 2014 State Protocol Agreement among the California State Director of the BLM.

North Central California Study Areas Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD): The North Central California Study Areas FEIS represents a guidance document for managing all uses and resources administered by the BLM Applegate office within the Timbered Crater and Lava WSAs. Key management actions identified in the FEIS include recreation management and fire management actions under the all-wilderness alternative.

Page 4 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Master Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BLM and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (applicable for State listed Species): a Master MOU between BLM and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), in which the BLM agrees to notify the CDFW of all projects involving impacts to, or manipulation of, State listed rare and endangered fish, wildlife and plants and to obtain recommendations for the project-specific management of such populations.

2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Alternative 1 – Proposed Action The proposed action treat 16 trees that were fallen on February 1, 2018 adjacent to a private residence near the town of Day, California. The trees were felled using chainsaws by a professional faller who dropped the trees on public land away from the private residence. The boles of the trees would be cut into small logs (e.g. <16” in length) and transported off-site. Coarse woody debris that is not manufactured into small logs would be left on-site for coarse woody debris recruitment. All fine woody debris less than <3 inches in diameter would be piled and burned using local BLM fire personnel. Slash treatment operations are expected to begin in early June, 2018 and be completed during summer or fall of 2018. Prescribed fire operations would take place during the fall of 2018 or spring of 2019 when conditions are appropriate. The project area encompasses an area of approximately one and a half acres in size.

2.2 Alternative 2 – No Action Under the no action alternative, surface fuels would be allowed to naturally decompose and decay. No burning operations would be conducted within the area as specified under the Proposed Action Alternative.

2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Discussion This Environmental Assessment explored and objectively evaluated a range of reasonable alternatives within law, regulations, and policy. Through the planning process several alternatives where explored but eliminated from detailed analysis for various reasons. Those alternatives are as follows:

2.3.1 Alternative 3: Chipping and Hauling the Slash to a Designated Processing Facility Under this alternative, all material that is less than three inches in diameter would be chipped and hauled off site to a designated processing facility. Although this alternative supports the purpose and need in reducing surface fuel accumulation, this alternative was eliminated from further analysis due in large part to the nearest processing facility being over 90 miles one-away from the project area.

Page 5 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

3.1 General Description The Project Area is located in northeastern Shasta County, California within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA. The vegetation within the Project Area consists primarily of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa); however, sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) are also present.

3.2 Environmental Effects The following section describes the affected environment, followed by the environmental consequences for each resource. The direct, indirect and cumulative effects contained in the following chapter include considerations brought forward in both internal and external scoping.

3.4 Resource Issues The interdisciplinary review has concluded that the following resources are may be present and could potentially be affected by implementation the Proposed Action:

Issue Not Present Not Present Comment Supplemental Authority Present Affected Affected Air Quality X Section 3.6 The Clean Air Act as amended (42 USC 7401 et seq.) Areas of Critical X Section 3.5 Baker Cypress/Lava Rock Natural Area Environmental Concern and Instant Wilderness Study Area (Feb., 1979) Cultural Resources X Section 3.5 National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 USC 470) Environmental Justice X Not affected Environmental Justice Act of 2017 Farm Lands (prime or X Not affected unique) Flood Plains X Not affected Forestry X Section 3.5 Timber Management Environmental Assessment: Sustained Yield Unit 15 1981) Fuels/Fire Management X Section 3.7 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (1995), program review and update of 2001 Geology/Mineral X Not affected The Mineral Leasing Act (1920), as Resources/ Energy amended. The Mining and Mineral Policy Production Act (1970) Global Climate Change X Not affected Invasive, Non-native Weed X Section 3.8 Federal Noxious Weed Act (1974) and Species amendment Sec 15 (Nov. 28, 1990) (PL 93-629) Lands/ Access X Not affected Livestock Grazing X Section 3.5 Taylor Grazing Act of 1934, as amended, The Public Rangeland Improvement Act of 1978. Migratory Birds X Section 3.5 E.O. 131186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds January 10, 2001

Page 6 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Native American Concerns X Section 3.5 Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Executive Order 13007, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 USC 470) Paleontology X Not affected The Paleontological Resources Protection Act (2005) Recreation X Section 3.5 Social and Economic X Not affected Values Soils X Section 3.9 Threatened, Endangered, or X Section 3.5 Endangered Species Act of 1983, as Candidate Animal Species amended (16 USC 1531) Threatened, Endangered, or X Section 3.5 Endangered Species Act of 1983, as Candidate Plant Species amended (16 USC 1531) Vegetation X Section 3.5 BLM Manual 4180—Rangeland (Land) Health Standards Visual Resources X Section 3.5 BLM Manual 8400 (Visual Resource Management) (1984) Wastes (hazardous or solid) X Not affected Water Quality X Not affected Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (43 (drinking/ground) USC 300f et seq.) Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 USC 1251 et seq.) Wetland/Riparian Zones X Not affected E.O. 11990 Protection of Wetlands 5/24/77 Wild Horse and Burros X Not affected Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act of 1971, PL 92-195, (as amended) Wild and Scenic Rivers X Not affected Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 Wilderness/Wilderness X Section 3.10 Federal Land Policy and Management Characteristics Act of 1976 (43 USC 1701 et seq.); Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 USC 1131 et seq.)

3.5 Resources Eliminated from further analysis The interdisciplinary review has concluded that the following resources would not be affected by implementation the Proposed Action for the following reasons:

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Although the project is located within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA, the proposed project area is located along the boundary of the ACEC/WSA. It is located away from all of the features that the ACEC/WSA was originally designated because of and the project would not result in any negative impacts to the ACEC.

Cultural Resources Field surveys were conducted within the project area prior to the initial treatment. No sites were identified and it was determined that the project would not negatively affect cultural resources.

Forestry The proposed action would not adversely affect forestry resources. The trees that were identified for removal were standing dead trees that posed a safety hazard to the public and also to the private residence. The removal of the trees would open up growing space for the recruitment of a new cohort of ponderosa pine or incense cedar seedlings, thus replacing the trees that were

Page 7 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA removed from the project site.

Livestock Grazing The proposed action would result in the temporary loss of approximately 0.03 acres of vegetation or less than one animal unit month (AUM). The allotment currently is permitted for 123 AUMs, thus the proposed action would not negatively affect livestock grazing within the Hot Springs Allotment.

Native American Concerns Tribes within the effected environment were consulted prior to the implementation of the initial treatment. There were no concerns expressed by the tribes.

Migratory Birds The project area was surveyed prior to the initial treatment. Based on the findings of the survey, it was determined that the proposed action would not adversely affect migratory birds within the project area.

Recreation Although the project area is frequently utilized for recreational purposes, it was deemed that the proposed action would not adversely affect recreational resources. The proposed action would impact less than an acre and a half of the 17,000 acres ACEC/WSA. Additionally, pile burning would be confined to an area of less than 0.03 acres, thus resulting in minimal impacts to recreational resources.

Threatened, Endangered, or Candidate Animal Species The project area was surveyed prior to the initial treatment. Based on the findings of the survey, it was determined that the proposed action would not adversely affect threatened, endangered, or candidate animal species.

Threatened, Endangered, or Candidate Plant Species Although there are threatened, endangered, or candidate plant species located within the vicinity of the project area, principally Greene’s tuctoria (Tuctoria greenei) and slender orcutt grass (Orcuttia tenuis), the proposed action would not adversely affect these species. The project area is located outside of designated habitat for these species and there are no known populations that occur within the confines of the project area.

Vegetation The proposed action would not adversely affect vegetative resources within the project area. The proposed action is anticipated to only impact 0.03 acres. Furthermore, these impacts are expected to be only temporary in nature.

3.6 Air Quality 3.6.1 Affected Environment The project area is located is located within the Sacramento Valley Air Basin (SVAB) which includes: Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Shasta, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo, Yuba and portions of Placer and

Page 8 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Solano counties. The Shasta County Air Pollution Control District (SCAPCD) has jurisdiction over air quality issues through portions of the SVAB, principally Shasta County, and administers air quality regulations developed at federal, state and local levels. The foremost pollutants that the SVAB manages are as follows: particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), lead, sulfate (SO4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and vinly chloride.

Within the Applegate Field Office (AGFO) area, particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10) are identified as the primary pollutants of concern (USDI, BLM 2008). The amount of particulate matter released into the atmosphere varies by season and by year. During the summer months, wildfires are the primary contributor of particulate matter, however, during the winter months, wood burning stoves, agency prescribed fire operations, and residential and agricultural burning replace wildfires as the primary sources of particulate matter. During poor weather conditions (e.g. lower mixing height or inversions), air quality near populated centers can decrease dramatically resulting in increased levels of airborne particulate matter. Elevated levels of particulate matter have been documented to cause adverse effects to human health which include respiratory issues or heart disease (Rittmaster et al. 2006). Emissions of particulate matter are generated by a wide variety of sources including wildfires and prescribed fires, agricultural activities, industrial emissions, dust suspended by vehicle traffic and construction equipment (including chainsaws), and secondary aerosols formed by reactions in the atmosphere.

Overall, the air quality within the vicinity of the project area is considered good due in large part to the remoteness of the project location and the low population density. Particulate matter levels exceeded national 24-hr level for PM 2.5 six of the past 18 years (1999-2018); however, the maximum number of days above the 24-hr level was no more than 5.2 days in a calendar year (Figure 3.1.1).

Figure 3.6.1. Days above the national 24-hour level established for PM 2.5 from 1999 to 2016 for Shasta County. *Note: 1999 and 2008 were exceptionally active years for wildfires in northern California, particularly for Shasta County (CARB 2018).

3.6.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Action Pilling downed woody material using chainsaws and then burning the piled material when conditions are appropriate to do so would release trace amounts of CO2, PM 2.5 and 10, CO, NOx, SO2, and CH4 into the atmosphere. In addition, motorized vehicles and equipment (e.g.

Page 9 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA chainsaws) with an internal combustion engine would emit pollutants including ozone precursors, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. It is estimated that approximately 0.61 tons of CO2 and 0.03 tons of other pollutants (e.g. particulates) would be released as a result of the use vehicles and power equipment (e.g. chainsaws) (EPA 2014). Additionally, the consumption -1 of pilled material through the use of prescribed fire would generate 18.07 tons acre of CO2, -1 -1 -1 -1 0.02 tons acre of NO2, 0.13 tons acre of PM 2.5, 0.15 tons acre of PM 10, and 1.58 tons acre respectively of CH4, CO and SO2 with the largest release of pollutants occurring during the smoldering phase (Table 3.1.2).

Table 3.6.2. Total fuel emission as a result of prescribed fire operations within the project area. Values are expressed in tons acre-1 (Keane and Lutes 2016).

Smoke produced from prescribed fire activities may result in localized impacts to residents within the immediate vicinity of the project area; however, it is anticipated that these impacts would be temporary, lasting only a couple of hours. Furthermore, the use of unsurfaced roads and recreational off-highway vehicles would generate localized fugitive dust. Overall, it is anticipated that implementation of proposed action would result in minimal impacts to local and regional air quality.

3.6.3 Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Action The Cumulative Assessment Area (CAA) for Air Quality consists of a two mile radius around the project area in Shasta County. The past, present, and future foreseeable effects within the CAA include: continued livestock grazing, recreation, commercial timber harvesting operations on public and private lands, residential and agricultural burning, and off-highway vehicle use. Based on these foreseeable activities, it is not anticipated that these activities would result in further impacts to local and regional air quality, principally PM 2.5 and 10 inputs. The proposed action would utilize prescribed fire on approximately 1.5 acres (<1%) of public land within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA and result in minimal contributions of pollutants.

3.6.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of the No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative, negligible amounts of CO2 and other compounds would be released into the atmosphere as a result of natural decomposition. Local air quality would remain unchanged.

3.6.5 Cumulative Effects of the No Action Alternative Past, present and future foreseeable effects within the CAA are considered to be the same as under the Proposed Action.

Page 10 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

3.7 Fuels and Fire Management

3.7.1 Affected Environment Prior to European settlement, plant communities within the project area were driven by site productivity, fuel characteristics, and fire return intervals. Fires within the affected area were primarily caused by natural ignition sources such as lightning. However, Native Americans were also drivers of change in plant communities through the use of intentional and accidental fires (Kay 2000). Fire, as a result of natural ignitions from lightning, was and continues to be the primary influence on plant community dynamics within the affected environment. Historical fire return intervals within ponderosa pine dominated areas varied between 7 and 20 years depending on site conditions; however, mean annual fire return intervals could range as much 16 to 38 years in drier sites (Sugihara 2006; Taylor 2000). A study conducted by Taylor (2000) found that the majority of the fires occurring in Lassen National Park occurred during the dormant season; however, fires were also recorded to have occurred during the mid to late summer months as well. Fires occurring within this plant community were generally low-intensity fires that consumed the understory vegetation (e.g. shrubs, grasses, seedlings, and litter), thus maintaining an open forested landscape (Brown et. al 2000).

With the gradual settlement of the affected environment during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, anthropogenic activities such as logging, mining, and fire suppression contributed to changes in species composition and structure within the ponderosa pine dominated plant communities that characterize most of the affected environment. Furthermore, inappropriate livestock grazing (i.e. overgrazing of perennial bunch grasses) resulted in reductions in fine fuel loading and continuity (Knapp 1996). This restricted the spread of naturally occurring fires promoting the establishment of fire-intolerant species such as white fir (Abies concolor). Likewise, the active suppression of all naturally occurring fires and intensive logging of old-growth forests resulted in changes in species composition and forest structure (i.e. the vertical arrangement of fuels) (Brown et. al 2000). This, in turn, resulted in significant alterations of the historic natural disturbance regime.

3.7.2 Fuels The following fuel strata types primarily characterize fuels within the project area: canopy, surface, and ground fuels. Canopy fuels are characterized as everything above the surface strata. For the affected environment, this would be consist primarily of ponderosa pine and incense cedar. In contrast, the surface strata consists primarily of shrubs, forbs, grasses, and litter (herbaceous and/or woody). Finally, the ground strata consist primarily of the fermentation and duff layers. The fermentation layer is considered the boundary between the litter layer and the duff layer.

Fuels are commonly comprised of live vegetation (both woody and herbaceous) and dead material such as branches leaves, needles, cones, and litter. Woody fuels are generally broken into two categories, fine or course. Fine woody fuels are further separated into three categories based on the diameter of the fuel particle. For instance, 1-hr fuels generally range from (0 - 0.25), 10-hr (0.25 – 1), and 100-hr (1 – 3 inches). In contrast, coarse woody fuels include all fuel particles greater than three inches in diameter. The distinction between each class is in reference to how long it takes a given fuel particle to gain or lose moisture (Anderson 1982; Ottmar et al. 2003).

Fire and fuels resources are described by vegetation and fuel type that are influenced and affected

Page 11 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA by abiotic factors such as precipitation, temperature, soils, and seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric moisture (relative humidity). Fuel types with similar characteristics are then usually lumped into fuel models which, by definition, is a generalization of a particular fuel type. Such fuel types may consist of grass, grass-shrub, or timber and timber litter. The fuel models developed by Anderson (1982) or Scott and Burgan (2005) help resource staff predict fire behavior metrics such as rate of spread (ROS), flame height, and fireline intensity. Additionally, such information can greatly aid resource staff in determining the effects of prescribed fire and/or wildfires on certain resources.

3.7.3 Fuel Types The project area consists of three distinct fuel types and are characterized by the Scott and Burgan (2005) fuel models which are as follows: moderate load, dry-climate grass-shrub (GS 2), low load dry climate shrub (SH 1), and high load litter (TL 9). GS 2 fuel models are characterized as having shrubs that are between one and three feet in height and moderate grass loads. Both grasses and shrubs are the primary carriers of fire the rate of spread (ROS) is considered high with relatively moderate flame lengths. SH 1 fuel models are characterized as having low shrub fuel loading and an average fuel bed depth of one foot. Shrubs are the primary carrier of fire with relatively low rates of spread and very low flame lengths. TL 9 fuel models are characterized as having high litter loads, primarily broad leaf litter. The primary carrier of fire is leaf litter and the predicted rate of spread is moderate with moderate flame heights. Dead and downed material within the project area was determined to exceed five tons per acre. These fuel models characterize the live fuels within the project area. Fuel loading associated with each fuel model is as follows:

Table 3.7.3. Fuel loading by fuel type within the Timbered Crater Project Area. Fuel Area Live Live Fuel Bed Depth Model (acres) 1-hr 10-hr 100-hr Herb. Woody (ft.) GS2 1.33 0.5 0.5 0 0.6 1 1.5 SH1 0.22 0.25 0.25 0 0.15 1.3 1 TL9 0.44 6.65 3.3 4.15 0 0 0.6

3.7.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Action Under the proposed action, all fine woody fuels (e.g. 1-hr, 10-hr, and 100-hr) would be piled and burned under appropriate conditions. In addition, coarse woody debris sufficient enough to be manufactured into small logs and transferred off-site. This would result in a complete consumption of fine woody fuels; however, the remaining coarse woody fuels that was not manufactured into short logs would remain on-site for coarse woody debris recruitment. The resulting increase in coarse woody fuel loading would not affect fire metrics such as rate-of- spread, fireline intensity, or flame length; however, the subsequent increase in coarse woody fuels would result in negative secondary fire effects. Secondary fire effects are characterized as alterations to site productivity or seedling establishment success (Lutes 2014).

3.7.5 Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Action The CAA for the affected environment encompasses the eastern portion of the ACEC/WSA near Pine Shadows Road. The past, present, and future activities within the CAA include: the active suppression of wildfires near populated areas, prescribed burning on public land, and residential and agricultural burning. Other foreseeable activities include livestock grazing, and recreational activities such as hiking and horseback riding. The proposed action is not expected to result in any adverse effects to resources within the CAA. The proposed action would treat surface fuels

Page 12 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA adjacent to residential areas, thus reducing fuel loading and subsequently fire behavior within the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

3.7.6 Direct and Indirect Effects of the No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, accumulated surface fuels adjacent to the private residence would not be treated, thus resulting in increased fire behavior within the WUI. It is anticipated that the predicted flame lengths within the untreated area would be 5.2 feet and the ROS would be 25.5 chains hour-1 averaged under extreme weather conditions (Table 3.2.4).

Table 3.7.6. Predicted fire behavior under high and extreme weather conditions using weather data retrieved from the Round Mountain RAWS station and FireFamily Plus (Bradshaw and Brittan 2013). Fire behavior was modeled using Crown Mass which is a component of the Fuels Management Analyst (FMA) suite (Carlton 2016). Rate of spread (ROS) is expressed in chains hour-1 and flame length (FL) is expressed in feet.

3.7.7 Cumulative Effects of the No Action Alternative Past, present and future foreseeable effects within the CAA are considered to be the same as under the Proposed Action.

3.8 Invasive, non-native Species

3.8.1 Affected Environment The Timbered Crater hazard tree removal project area falls within the Shasta County Noxious Weeds Project Area and is managed under the BLM’s Alturas Integrated Weed Management Program. Annual noxious weed surveys have taken place around the project area since 2011. No noxious weeds have been inventoried within the project area. There is a very low presence of non-native annual grasses, including cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae), and Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) currently existing within the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA and adjacent to the project boundaries, but the project area itself is currently free of these invasive grasses. Yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is found along the Day road to the east of Pine Shadow road, however no infestations have been inventoried within approximately three miles of the project area. Because the project area is on the edge of a designated WSA boundary, it is generally not subject to the types of disturbances that result in high levels of noxious weed species.

3.8.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Action Under the proposed action, noxious and non-native invasive weeds could become established within the 1 ½ acre project area. Burning removes noxious weed vegetation and reduces seed levels, which allows desirable species to compete with noxious weeds. Fire, while a natural part of the ecosystem, usually results in disturbance of non-target vegetation. Sites disturbed by

Page 13 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA prescribed fire are more likely to be invaded by the target noxious weeds than are unburned areas. Sites that have been weakened by the presence of noxious weeds are even more susceptible to weed invasion. In areas where perennial grasses and forbs are absent, cheatgrass, medusahead, yellow starthistle or other knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) could become established prior to desirable, perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs becoming established. New species could be introduced to the area as a result of activities associated with the use of the vehicles and equipment from out of the area. However, conformance with the Applegate Field Office Noxious Weed Prevention Schedule and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) found in the current vegetation management environmental assessment (USDI, BLM 2007) would reduce or even eliminate this risk. If sufficient, desirable, perennial understory vegetation exists, then these desirable species should become established and out-compete any potential noxious weed or invasive species. The proposed action is not expected to increase the establishment or spread of noxious weeds within the project area. The project area will be inventoried prior, during and after the project is completed for the detection and treatment of noxious weeds.

3.8.3 Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Action Any undesirable cumulative effects of the proposed action are unlikely because the actual treatment areas are relatively small in relation to the total acres of both field offices (1.5 acres out of 1.5 million acres). If the fuel is removed, local firewood collecting activities would be greatly diminished and there will be a much smaller chance of invasive seed being brought into the area. If noxious weeds do establish as a result of these actions, it is expected that Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) techniques will eliminate any new populations within 2 to 3 treatments using whatever treatment method that would produce the most effective results with a minimal amount of soil disturbance. The application of manual, biological and cultural methods would have no significant negative cumulative impacts.

3.8.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of the No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, invasive and noxious weeds may still eventually increase into the area. Because the Project Area is on the boundary of an urban interface, it is subjected to more foot traffic than other areas within the WSA which could increase the likelihood of invasive seeds being brought into the area. Increasing the density of dry fuels would also increase the size and effect of a potential wildfire, which indirectly would provide large areas for noxious weeds and invasive species to establish following a catastrophic wildfire event.

3.8.5 Cumulative Effects of the No Action Alternative Past, present and future foreseeable effects within the CAA are considered to be the same as under the Proposed Action.

3.9 Soils

3.9.1 Affected Environment Soils within the project area were mapped and described between 1990 and 1994 as part of the intermountain soil survey conducted by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The intermountain soil survey (CA604) encompasses portions of Modoc, Lassen, Siskiyou, and Shasta counties. The dominant soil map unit (SMU) within the project area is SMU133 and is identified

Page 14 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA as the Chirpchatter-Hunsinger complex. A complex is in reference to the fact that the soil group contains two or more distinct components. The Chirpchatter soil series represents 55% of the project area. This series is characterized as having very deep and well drained soils that are formed from volcanic ash and alluvium derived from volcanic rocks. This soil series is typically found on hills, plateaus, and in some instances fan remnants. In contrast, the Hunsinger soil series represents 25% of the project area and is comprised of soils that are derived from intermixed tephra and extrusive igneous rock. This soil series is typically found on lava plateaus or hills and consists of soils that are deep and well-drained. Both soil series are associated with ponderosa pine-California black oak or ponderosa pine-incense cedar plant associations. Furthermore, both soil series are classified as molisols which are soils that generally develop under grassland conditions. Mollisols are noted for their high organic matter content and very dark textured soils.

Top soils are composed of gravely to very gravely sandy loams and depths usually vary between 3 and 7 inches. Subsoils are generally composed of very gravel sandy clay loams with an average depth of 40 to 52 inches. The average depth to the restrictive feature is approximately 60 to 70 inches. The mean annual soil temperature is 47 ºF with an average rainfall of between 17 and 20 inches with the majority of the precipitation being received in the form of snow fall (Ferrari 1994).

3.9.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects of the proposed action on soil resources include temporary loss of vegetation and temporary sterilization of the soil immediately under the burn pile due the consumption of large coarse woody debris. Temperatures during burning operations are anticipated to be highest within the first two centimeters of the soil profile, exceeding 90 ºC (Keane and Lutes 2016). Temperatures within the first centimeter will likely be high enough to kill all fine roots and soil organisms within that portion of the soil profile; however, temperatures will remain below the threshold that could potentially result in alternations to soil nutrient cycling. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the area located directly beneath the piles will be temporarily sterilized as a result of the high fuel loading and low moisture content in the fuel particles. The result would yield approximately 0.03 acres of bare ground that would naturally re-vegetate within a few years from seed immediately adjacent to unburned areas. Additionally, the majority of the surface organic matter (e.g. the litter and duff layer) would be consumed within the foot print of the slash piles. This may affect the cation exchange and alter the soil moisture content for a period of time following burning activities (Sugihara 2006).

3.9.3 Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Action The CAA for soil resources is identified as the area encompassing the proposed project area. The past, present, and future foreseeable actions within the CAA consist of recreational activities such as sightseeing, hiking, and hunting (e.g. localized soil compaction along existing trails). Effects associated with these activities include localized compaction of soils along hiking trails and the displacement of soil in areas that are bare and devoid of any vegetative cover. Based on the foreseeable effects, it is anticipated that the proposed action would result in minimal impacts to soil resources and any impacts are expected to be temporary in nature.

3.9.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of the No Action Alternative Under the No Action Alternative, impacts to soil resources would consist of localized compaction due to increased foot traffic.

Page 15 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

3.9.5 Cumulative Effects of the No Action Alternative Past, present and future foreseeable effects within the CAA are considered to be the same as under the Proposed Action.

3.10 Wilderness Study Areas/Wilderness Characteristics

3.10.1 Affected Environment The Timbered Crater Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is located at the junction of Shasta, Siskiyou, and Modoc Counties in northeastern California. The nearest town is Fall River Mills which is approximately 10 miles south-southwest of the WSA. The nearest city is Redding, California which is located approximately 50 miles southwest. The WSA contains 18,095 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA provides opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation due to the remote location of the WSA. Predominant recreational activities within the WSA include backpacking, day hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. Additionally, there are very few roads that extend into the WSA, preserving the natural character of the area. Furthermore, the ACEC/WSA contains a large stand of baker cypress (Cupressus bakeri) which provides additional opportunities for recreation. Fewer than 500 people visit the Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA every year.

3.10.2 Direct and Indirect Effects of the Proposed Action Under the proposed action, there would be temporary impacts to opportunities of solitude and naturalness as a result of noise generated from the use of chainsaws and subsequent treatment of surface fuels within the project area. It is anticipated that the use of chainsaws in the WSA would impact opportunities for solitude for a period of up to four hours. Furthermore, it is anticipated that prescribed fire activities would also impact opportunities for solitude for a period of up to three hours. Impacts to opportunities for solitude are expected to be localized (i.e. within one hundred to two hundred feet of the project area boundary). Coarse woody debris would be removed from the project area and transferred off-site. This would result in less than one ton of coarse woody debris being retained on-site, mimicking natural conditions. Furthermore, stumps would be flush cut with the ground and the resulting material would be transported off-site. Burning piled material would result in only 0.03 acres of surface disturbance within the WSA. The resulting fuel reduction treatment (i.e. removal of coarse woody debris and consumption of fine woody debris) would result in temporary impacts to naturalness values within the WSA; however, these impacts are anticipated to be temporary in nature, lasting only one to two years following treatment. Additional, the proposed action is not anticipated to have any impact to primitive and unconfined recreation within the WSA or to impact any special features within the WSA. Within four to six months of the completion of the project, there would be no observable impacts to wilderness values. Therefore, implementation of the proposed action would not impair wilderness values locally or in the Timbered Crater WSA as a whole.

3.10.3 Cumulative Effects of the Proposed Action The CAA for wilderness characteristics is designated as the entire Timbered Crater ACEC/WSA. Past, present, and future activities within the WSA include: flat rock collecting, timber

Page 16 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA harvesting, livestock grazing, and recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. The collection of flat rocks and the harvesting of commercial timber within the WSA have ceased since 1990 following the designation of the area as a wilderness study area. Impacts associated with recreational activities and livestock grazing are anticipated to be minimal within the foreseeable future and confined to localized soil compaction and soil displacement as a result of foot traffic. Implementation of the proposed action along with other past, present and foreseeable future actions would not impair wilderness values locally or in the Timbered Crater WSA as a whole.

3.10.4 Direct and Indirect Effects of the No Action Alternative Under the no action alternative, downed woody debris would remain on-site and decompose naturally. The implementation of the no action alternative would result in localized impacts to naturalness on 1.5 acres; however, it is anticipated that there would be no impacts to opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation. Impacts to naturalness would be anticipated to last up to thirty or forty years depending on decomposition rates. However, this would not impair wilderness values in the 18,000 acre Timbered Crater WSA as a whole.

3.10.5 Cumulative Effects of the No Action Alternative Allowing cut trees to remain within the WSA, in addition to other past, present and future foreseeable actions within the WSA would add 1.5 acres of unnatural conditions to the 18,095 acre WSA. However, this would not impair wilderness values in the 18,000 acre Timbered Crater WSA as a whole.

4. AGENCIES, TRIBES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED

4.1 History of the Planning and Scoping Process . January 4, 2018: Internal Scoping with AGFO Interdisciplinary Team. . January 24, 2018: Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) went out for 30 day public scoping period. . February 23, 2018: No public comments were received. . May 4, 2018: the Final Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and Decision Record (DR) were made available for review and appeal..

4.2 External Scoping Results Approximately 60 notices were mailed out to identified parties on January 24, 2018. No comments were received by members of the public. Additionally, no concerns were expressed during the formal consultation process with local tribes.

4.3 Tribal Consultation . January 24, 2018 – Craig Drake, Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management, formally consulted with the Pit River Tribe. . January 25, 2018 - Craig Drake, Field Office Manager, Bureau of Land Management, formally consulted with the Susanville Indian Rancheria. . Alturas Rancheria, Cedarville Rancheria, Fort Bidwell Tribe, the Klamath Tribes, the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma, the Pit River Tribe, Summit Lake Indian Reservation, and

Page 17 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Susanville Indian Reservation were mailed scoping letters on January 24, 2018. No responses were received.

5. DOCUMENT PREPARATION

5.1 List of Preparers

Name Title Role Andrew Mueller Forester Project Lead John Morris Wildlife Biologist EA Preparation Devin Snyder Archaeologist EA Preparation Kevin Kunkel Range Specialist EA Preparation Levi Bateman Natural Resource Specialist- EA Preparation Noxious Weed Coordinator Claude Singleton Recreation/Wilderness Specialist EA Preparation Roger Farschon Ecologist Review

Page 18 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

6. REFERENCES

Alturas Field Office (AFO), BLM. 2007. Environmental Assessment Integrated Weed Management Program Bureau of Land Management Lands Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise Field Offices. EA Number CA320-07-13.

Anderson, Hal E. Aids to determining fuel models for estimating fire behavior. (1982).

Bradshaw, L., and S. Brittain. FireFamily Plus. Software available from USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Missoula MT (2013).

Brown, Richard T., James K. Agee, and Jerry F. Franklin. Forest restoration and fire: principles in the context of place. Conservation biology 18.4 (2004): 903-912.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2018. California Air Resources Board, Air Quality, Area Designations Maps/State and National, available online at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm, accessed February 12, 2018 Last updated 2016

Carlton, Don. Fuels management analyst plus software, version 3. Fire Program Solutions, LLC, Estacada, Oregon (2016).

EPA. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)[Online] http://www. epa. gov/otaq/climate/documents/420f14040. pdf (2014). Accessed February 2, 2018.

Ferrari, C. A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1994. Soil Survey of Intermountain Area, California, Parts of Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, and Siskiyou Counties 1: 453.

Kay, Charles E. Native burning in western North America: implications for hardwood forest management. Proceedings: Workshop on Fire, People, and the Central Hardwoods Landscape. 2000.

Keane, R. and D. Lutes. First Order Fire Effects Model (FOFEM) Version 6.0. Available online at https://www.firelab.org/project/fofem.

Knapp, Paul A. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L) dominance in the Great Basin Desert: history, persistence, and influences to human activities. Global environmental change 6.1 (1996): 37-52.

Korb, Julie E., Nancy C. Johnson, and W. W. Covington. Slash pile burning effects on soil biotic and chemical properties and plant establishment: recommendations for amelioration. Restoration Ecology 12.1 (2004): 52-62.

Lutes, D. C. FOFEM 6.1 First Order Fire Effects Model user guide. Rocky Mountain Research Station: Fort Collins, CO (2014).

Page 19 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Ottmar, Roger D., et al. Fuel characteristic classification system. Presentation at the 2nd International Wildland Fire Ecology and Fire Management Congress http://ams. confex. com/ams/FIRE2003/techprogram/paper_67236. htm. 2003.

Rittmaster, R., et al. Economic analysis of health effects from forest fires. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 36.4 (2006): 868-877.

Scott, Joe H., and Robert E. Burgan. Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with Rothermel's surface fire spread model. (2005).

Sugihara, Neil G., ed. Fire in California's ecosystems. University of California Press, 2006.

Taylor, Alan H. Fire regimes and forest changes in mid and upper montane forests of the southern Cascades, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, USA. Journal of Biogeography 27.1 (2000): 87-104.

U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Mgt. 2008a. Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. Alturas Field Office. Alturas, CA.

Page 20 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Appendix A: Public Scoping Letter

Page 21 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Page 22 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Appendix B: Agencies, Tribes, Organizations, and Individuals Consulted

CDF&W Klamath Tribes Center for Western Watershed Susanville Indian Biological Diversity Rancheria

Alturas Rancheria Modoc National Walter R. Howard Fort Bidwell Indian Summit Lake Paiute Forest Community Tribe Pit River Tribe Cedarville Lassen National Modoc Tribe of The Wilderness Rancheria Forest Oklahoma Society California Klamath National Shasta-Trinity Umscheid-Caldwell Jason and Stacie Wilderness Forest National Forest Family Trust Warnock Coalition Don and Meloney John and Melissa Aparicio Lopez Roxanna Shaffer Sidney and Cearley Sutterfield Jacqueline Royse Dean and Linda Arron Baker Julie Baracosa James Cooper Juan and Betty Baker Vargas Maurice Prindiville Robert Naughten Jon and Martha Betty Lankford Obrien Family Trust Aupperle Marilyn Chase Devin and Mary John and Susan Ted Taylor Daniel and Brandy Rainwater Martin Ramirez Zinggeler Trust Sheryl Martin Scott and Janet Spencer and Larry and Nancy Perkins Jennifer Leighton Weaver John and Susan Jane Gorman Craig and Robyn Brian and Tami Gordon and Shirley Martin Schneider Humphry Hansen Calvin and Joan Stoore Family Trust Dean and Linda James Miller Michael and Sandra Jenkins Baker Salfen

Page 23 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA

Appendix C: Standard Resource Protection Measures and Operating Procedures

Standard Resource Protection Measures (SRPM) for the Pile Burning Project The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) described below will be applied to burning to ensure that identified resources within the project boundary will be protected and/or preserved. All project activities will be coordinated with the appropriate resource specialist or the AGFO Interdisciplinary Team. Areas identified within the project boundaries as having important cultural, botanical, hydrological, recreation, and wildlife resources that require protection would be protected from treatment impacts as described in the SOPs, and SRPMs.

Where applicable to the Proposed Action, standards for proposed management activities have been identified based on resource concerns. In addition, standards specified by the Alturas Field Office RMP and FEIS have been included as relevant to implementation of the Proposed Action. The following conservation measures will be implemented to avoid and/or minimize effects to resources within the treatment area:

Cultural Resources The level of cultural resource assessment and protection measures undertaken would be determined by an BLM AGFO Archaeologist(s) following the guidelines detailed in the BLM Manual, 8100 Series and the 2014 California Statewide Protocol Agreement with California Bureau of Land Management and California and Nevada State Historic Preservation Officers (2014 Protocol Agreement). Additionally, the following requirements apply:

For cultural properties listed, recommended eligible, or unevaluated to the National Register of Historic Places: 1. No piles are to be constructed or burned within or in close proximity to designated cultural resource avoidance areas. 2. AGFO Archaeology staff will brief crew personnel responsible for carrying out pile burning on cultural resource avoidance areas within the defined project area before project implementation occurs so that pile burning does not occur within or in close proximity to said areas. In the event of an Inadvertent Discovery, crew personnel will be responsible for following the protocol outlined in the Inadvertent Discovery section.

For all historic properties and other cultural resources previously determined ineligible to the National Register of Historic Places, no mitigation measures are recommended.

Cultural Resources - Inadvertent Discovery In the event of an inadvertent discovery of un-flagged and/or previously undocumented cultural resources during implementation of an undertaking, the following procedure shall be undertaken: AGFO Archaeology staff and the Field Office Manager shall be immediately notified by personnel responsible for project implementation. All work shall cease immediately at the site of discovery and all other work that may damage the cultural resource shall also cease. AGFO Archaeology staff shall assess the situation and, in consultation with the Field Office Manager, may prescribe the emergency implementation of appropriate physical and administrative conservation measures as enumerated in BLM Manual Series 8140. AGFO Archaeology staff shall notify the California and/or Nevada State Historic Offices of Preservation as needed in

Page 24 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA order to develop an agreement on the appropriate course of action, and such agreement shall reflect the intent of BLM Manual Series 8140.28B. The agreement shall be memorialized in writing and documented in project files. AGFO Archaeology staff shall document implementation of the agreed-upon steps and shall report the discovery event and the manner of its resolution in the annual accomplishment reporting required under the 2014 California Statewide Protocol Agreement with California Bureau of Land Management and California and Nevada State Historic Preservation Officers.

Avoidance and Minimization — Standard Operating Procedures The following SOPs would be implemented to avoid and/or minimize effects to resources within the Project Area:

Air Quality o A Prescribed Burn Plan would be developed, reviewed and approved by Applegate Fire Management Officer, Applegate Field Manager, NOR-CAL Fire Management Officer and the BLM State Fire Management Officer before any prescribed burns occur as required by BLM Standards. o All prescribed fire projects would be completed pursuant to the standards specified by the Clean Air Act and would comply with all federal, State and local air pollution requirements. o The prescribed fire burn plan would be adhered to throughout the project. Emissions would be managed by timing and atmospheric dispersal. o Prescribed burning would be concentrated in spring (mid-April through mid-June) and fall (mid-September through mid-November) or winter (mid-November through mid- April) to avoid coinciding with peak summer levels of air pollutants from other human- caused activities in the area and the winter inversion potential. o Piles burning will be in the fall, winter, or early spring after precipitation is received.

Wildlife Other Wildlife o All seasonal timing restrictions and associated buffers from the AFO RMP (page 2-133, Table 2.24-3) are applicable.

Prescribed Fire Fire prescriptions will be developed for burning of existing piles. No broadcast burning would be implemented. Some additional piling of juniper limbs will occur as needed to reduce pile size and connectivity on the landscape. Piles will be burned in place in the portions of the project area where slash is interconnected and precluded animal movements and restricts understory vegetation access to sunlight. Slash will be burned during periods when fuel moistures would prevent fire escaping from the intended fuels. Within identified archaeological sites, burning of slash will occur with the approval of the Archaeologist to avoid any impacts to surface artifacts and sites.

Page 25 DOI-BLM-CA-N020-2018-0011-EA