Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Environmental Assessment Checklist

Project Name: Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Proposed Implementation Date: June 2021 Proponent: Kalispell Unit, Northwest Land Office, Montana DNRC County: Flathead

Type and Purpose of Action

Description of Proposed Action: The Kalispell Unit of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is proposing the Jewel Basin Timber Salvage. The project is located approximately 5 air miles northeast of Bigfork, Montana. (refer to Attachments vicinity map A-1 and project map A-2) and includes the following sections:

Legal Total Treated Beneficiary Description Acres Acres

Common Schools Public Buildings MSU 2nd Grant T27N R19W Section 1 160 14 MSU Morrill Eastern College-MSU/Western College-U of M Montana Tech University of Montana School for the Deaf and Blind T27N R19W Section 2 641.28 190 Pine Hills School Veterans Home Public Land Trust Acquired Land

Objectives of the project include: • Generating revenue for the trust beneficiaries, by salvaging blown down and wind damaged timber before it loses economic value as is directed in MCA 77-5-207. • Salvaging blown down trees to reduce fuel loading and mitigate the potential for high intensity fires adjacent to private property.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Proposed activities include:

Action Quantity Proposed Harvest Activities # Acres Clearcut Seed Tree Shelterwood Selection Commercial Thinning Salvage 204

Total Treatment Acres Proposed Forest Improvement Treatment # Acres Pre-commercial Thinning Planting

Proposed Road Activities # Miles New permanent road construction New temporary road construction Road maintenance Road reconstruction Road abandoned Road reclaimed

Other Activities

Duration of Activities: 5 months Implementation Period: June 2021 – November 2021

The lands involved in this proposed project are held in trust by the State of Montana. (Enabling Act of February 22, 1889; 1972 Montana Constitution, Article X, Section 11). The Board of Land Commissioners and the DNRC are required by law to administer these trust lands to produce the largest measure of reasonable and legitimate return over the long run for the beneficiary institutions (Section 77-1-202, MCA).

The DNRC would manage lands involved in this project in accordance with:  The State Forest Land Management Plan (DNRC 1996),  Administrative Rules for Forest Management (ARM 36.11.401 through 471),  The Montana DNRC Forested State Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) (DNRC 2010)  and all other applicable state and federal laws.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Project Development

SCOPING: • DATE: o August 7, 2020 through August 21, 2020 • PUBLIC SCOPED: o The scoping notice was posted on the DNRC Website: http://dnrc.mt.gov/public- interest/public-notices o Emails were sent to adjacent landowners and the statewide scoping list that included state, county, tribal, and non-government organizations. • AGENCIES SCOPED: o DNRC, FWP, Tribal Agencies • COMMENTS RECEIVED: o 11 total comments, all e-mails. o Concerns: Wildfire potential after treatment, logging near recreational trails, forest health, impacts to wildlife, carbon storage, and soil erosion. See Attachment B for comments and responses document. o Results (how were concerns addressed): The DNRC will be reducing fire hazard through this salvage by removing a large amount of potential ladder and ground fuels. All logging slash will be treated in accordance with the State Fire Hazard Reduction law. All trails within the project area will remain passable after harvest activities. Some short-term temporary closures of trails may be in order, and all logs blocking trails or presenting a hazard to trail users will be removed during harvest. Removing wind thrown trees would also help ensure forest health, by providing space for regeneration and avoiding infestations of Douglas fir beetles. Wildlife mitigations include leaving snags and standing green trees, as well as leaving some slash for ground cover. Many of the trees harvested will be turned into forest products, which will continue to store the carbon sequestered by the growing trees. All roads and skid trails used during the project will be designed in such a way and have appropriate mitigations to prevent soil erosion during and after harvest.

DNRC specialists were consulted, including: Leah Breidinger, DNRC wildlife biologist; Tony Nelson, DNRC hydrologist; Patrick Rennie, DNRC Archeologist.

Internal and external issues and concerns were incorporated into project planning and design and will be implemented in associated contracts.

OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WITH JURISDICTION, LIST OF PERMITS NEEDED: (Conservation Easements, Army Corps of Engineers, road use permits, etc.)

• United States Fish & Wildlife Service- DNRC is managing the habitats of threatened and endangered species on this project by implementing the Montana DNRC Forested Trust Lands HCP and the associated Incidental Take Permit that was issued by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in February of 2012 under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. The HCP identifies specific conservation strategies for managing the habitats of grizzly bear, Canada lynx, and three fish species: bull trout,

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

westslope cutthroat trout, and Columbia redband trout. This project complies with the HCP. The HCP can be found at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest- management/hcp.

• Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)- The DNRC is classified as a major open burner by DEQ and is issued a permit from DEQ to conduct burning activities on state lands managed by DNRC. As a major open-burning permit holder, DNRC agrees to comply with the limitations and conditions of the permit.

• Montana/Idaho Airshed Group- The DNRC is a member of the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group which was formed to minimize or prevent smoke impacts while using fire to accomplish land management objectives and/or fuel hazard reduction (Montana/Idaho Airshed Group 2006). The Group determines the delineation of airsheds and impact zones throughout Idaho and Montana. Airsheds describe those geographical areas that have similar atmospheric conditions, while impact zones describe any area in Montana or Idaho that the Group deems smoke sensitive and/or having an existing air quality problem (Montana/Idaho Airshed Group 2006). As a member of the Airshed Group, DNRC agrees to burn only on days approved for good smoke dispersion as determined by the Smoke Management Unit.

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:

No-Action Alternative: No timber salvage operations would occur, and no revenue would be generated for school trust beneficiaries. Blown down and wind damaged trees would lose economic value. Forest fuels would not be managed to lessen the potential for crown fires near private property.

Action Alternative: Approximately 350 thousand board feet of blown down and wind damaged timber would be salvaged from 204 acres and would generate income for trust beneficiaries. Fuel loadings would be reduced next to private property.

Impacts on the Physical Environment

Evaluation of the impacts on the No-Action and Action Alternatives including direct, secondary, and cumulative impacts on the Physical Environment.

VEGETATION:

Vegetation Existing Conditions: There are no rare or endangered plants present in the harvest area. There is no old growth timber in the harvest area. Some of the harvest area will occur in salvage/sanitation units that were harvested in 2014 for insects and disease. These previously salvaged areas mainly consist of Douglas fir and some grand fir. Portions of the salvage units that have not undergone recent harvest primarily consist of Douglas fir, grand fir, western larch, with some scattered Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine. All areas within the salvage units have an abundance of windthrown and weakened trees due to a significant wind event. The vast majority of windthrown and weakened trees consist of Douglas fir and grand fir, along with some Engelmann spruce. The resulting damage has created an opportunity to salvage approximately 1,715 board feet per acre.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Impact Can Comment Impact Be Vegetation Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Noxious Weeds X X X Y Rare Plants X X X Vegetative community X X X Old Growth X X X Action Noxious Weeds X X X Y V-1 Rare Plants X X X Vegetative community X X X Y V-1, V-2 Old Growth X X X

Comments:

V-1: This salvage harvest and associated road maintenance may lead to ground disturbance that would promote an increase in noxious weed cover.

V-2: Blown down and wind damaged trees could increase populations of Douglas-fir bark beetle.

Vegetation Mitigations: Salvage of blown down and wind damaged trees prior to the spring of 2021 would remove population build-ups of bark beetles in tree boles before their emergence in April or May of 2021.The windthrown trees in the proposed salvage units would be harvested and sold for forest products. Slash generated from the harvest would be piled and burned the following fall.

SOIL DISTURBANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY:

Soil Disturbance and Productivity Existing Conditions: The proposed project area has a combination of moderate standard road and county road that were used to haul timber during the last salvage entry in 2014. Existing skid trails from the prior entry have begun to ameliorate due to root penetration and frost action, but some impacts from past entries are still apparent.

Impact Can Soil Disturbance Comment Impact Be Direct Secondary Cumulative Number and Productivity Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Physical Disturbance (Compaction and X X X Displacement) Erosion X X X Nutrient Cycling X X X Slope Stability X X X

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Impact Can Soil Disturbance Comment Impact Be Direct Secondary Cumulative Number and Productivity Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Soil Productivity X X X Action Physical Disturbance (Compaction and X X X Y S-1 Displacement) Erosion X X X Y S-2 Nutrient Cycling X X X Y S-3 Slope Stability X X X Soil Productivity X X X Y S-4

Comments:

S-1: Based on DNRC soil monitoring on similar soils with a similar harvest intensity, approximately 14% of area may be in an impacted condition (DNRC, 2006). This level is below the range analyzed for in the EXPECTED FUTURE CONDITIONS section of the SFLMP, and well within the 20-percent impacted area established as a level of concern in the SFLMP (DNRC 1996). This level translates to a low risk of low direct, secondary and cumulative impacts to soil physical disturbance.

S-2: Low impacts to soil erosion are possible due to exposure of bare soil during yarding operations. Risk of erosion would be mitigated by implementing all applicable BMPs to harvesting activities.

S-3: Based on research by Graham, et. al. (1994), habitat types found in the project area should have 12-24 tons/acre of coarse woody debris for nutrient cycling. Currently, due to blowdown, much of the proposed project area is above this level. Logging residue left on the ground as mitigation would maintain appropriate material for nutrient cycling.

S-4: Soil productivity would be impacted by the use of ground-based machinery to yard timber. As stated in comment S-1, levels of ground disturbance are expected to be less than 14% with roads included, which is well below the range analyzed for in the EXPECTED FUTURE CONDITIONS section of the SFLMP, and well within the 20-percent impacted area established as a level of concern in the SFLMP (DNRC 1996). This level translates to a low risk of low direct, secondary and cumulative impacts to soil productivity.

Soil Mitigations: • Operate ground-based equipment only during periods of dry, frozen or snow-covered conditions • Space skid trails a minimum of 60 feet apart to minimize areas impacted by ground- based equipment • Use existing skid trails if they are in suitable locations to minimize potential for cumulative impacts to soil physical disturbance

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

• Leave approximately 12-24 tons of woody material 3-inches in diameter or greater on the ground for nutrient cycling

WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY: Water quality was assessed based on class 1 and class 2 stream systems in the proposed project area. There is no risk that water quantity as a result of the proposed project since all trees proposed for salvage are dead due to windthrow or likely to die from being root-pulled. As a result, water use and snowpack distribution would not be changed by the proposed salvage activities.

Water Quality and Quantity Existing Conditions: All identified stream channels in the proposed project area were found to be stable and well-vegetated during field reconnaissance.

Impact Can Water Quality & Comment Impact Be Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Quantity Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Water Quality X X X Water Quantity X X X Action Water Quality X X X Y WQ-1 Water Quantity X X X

Comments:

WQ-1: All requirements found in ARM 36.11.301-313, and ARM 36.11.421-427 would be implemented, where applicable. In addition, all applicable forest management BMPs would be implemented. These measures would minimize any potential risk of sediment delivery to a stream or draw and leave a low risk of direct, secondary or cumulative impacts to water quality.

Water Quality & Quantity Mitigations: • Avoid use of ground-based equipment in the bottoms of draws to reduce risk of scour, compaction or routing of surface runoff in draws • Implement all applicable BMPs and SMZ Law rules to ensure protection of project area streams

FISHERIES:

Fisheries Existing Conditions: One fish-bearing stream was identified to the north of the proposed project area. Birch Creek is a perennial tributary to Mud Lake, and contains a population of westslope cutthroat and eastern brook trout.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

No-Action: No direct or indirect impacts would occur to affected fish species or affected fisheries resources beyond those described in Fisheries Existing Conditions. Cumulative effects (other related past and present factors; other future, related actions; and any impacts described in Fisheries Existing Conditions) would continue to occur.

Action Alternative (see Fisheries table below):

Impact Can Comment Impact Be Fisheries Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Sediment X X X Flow Regimes X X X Woody Debris X X X Stream Shading X X X Stream Temperature X X X Connectivity X X X Populations X X X Action Sediment X X X Y F-1 Flow Regimes X X X Woody Debris X X X Y F-2 Stream Shading X X X Stream Temperature X X X Connectivity X X X Populations X X X Y F-3

Comments:

F-1: All requirements found in ARM 36.11.301-313, and ARM 36.11.421-427 would be implemented, where applicable. In addition, all applicable forest management BMPs would be implemented. These measures would minimize any potential risk of sediment delivery to a fish- bearing stream and leave a low risk of direct, secondary or cumulative impacts to water quality and fish habitat.

F-2: All proposed salvage of windthrown trees within the SMZ or RMZ of a class 1 stream or lake would follow all requirements of ARM 36.11.425 and DNRC’s HCP commitments. This would leave a very low risk of the proposed project affecting existing or potential downed woody debris in any fish-bearing stream.

F-3: Provided the measures listed in F-1, F-2, DNRC’s HCP and the mitigation measures listed in the water quality portion of this analysis are followed, there is a very low risk of adverse direct, secondary or cumulative impacts to fish populations as a result of the proposed project.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

WILDLIFE:

Wildlife Existing Conditions: The salvage area is adjacent to Birch Creek, a small stream flowing out of the Swan Mountains located 2 miles west of Echo Lake. The area is frequented by recreationists with the Broken Leg Trailhead located north of the salvage unit and the trail running through the Project Area. Additionally, the Jewel Basin Road on the north end of the of the parcel provides access to the popular Jewel Basin Recreation Area. The salvage unit ranges from 3,200 to 4,200 feet elevation with salvage logging proposed to remove blowdown and root sprung trees. The stands are composed primarily of western larch and Douglas-fir with a grand fir understory. Rocky mountain maple, snowberry, serviceberry and other shrubs are common in the understory. All impacts would be additive to any proposed or ongoing activities including the ongoing DNRC Schmidt Creek Salvage, Red Owl Salvage, Foothills Blowdown Projects, and the Strawberry Salvage (completed) projects. All projects were proposed to address large blowdown events that occurred in the spring of 2020 and are located within 10 miles of the Jewel Basin Blowdown Salvage Project Area. The USFS has two projects, March Madness Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project and the Bug Creek Blowdown Salvage, which are proposed within 10 miles of the Project Area and may contribute to cumulative effects depending upon treatments and concurrent timing of activities (USFS 2020).

No-Action: None of the proposed activities would occur. In the short-term, no changes to the amounts, quality, or spatial arrangement of mature forested habitat would occur. In the long- term and in the absence of natural disturbance, habitat availability would increase for species preferring mature connected forests while habitat availability would decrease for species preferring young, open stand types.

Action Alternative (see Wildlife table below):

Impact Can Comment Impact be Wildlife Direct Secondary Cumulative Number No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Mitigated? Threatened and Endangered Species Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) Habitat: Recovery X X X Y WI-1 areas, security from human activity Canada lynx (Felix lynx) Habitat: Subalpine fir habitat types, X X X Y WI-2 dense sapling, old forest, deep snow zone Sensitive Species

Bald eagle X X X

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Impact Can Comment Impact be Wildlife Direct Secondary Cumulative Number No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Mitigated? (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Habitat: Late- successional forest within 1 mile of open water Black-backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) Habitat: Mature to X X X old burned or beetle-infested forest Coeur d'Alene salamander (Plethodon idahoensis) X X X Habitat: Waterfall spray zones, talus near cascading streams Columbian sharp- tailed grouse (Tympanuchus Phasianellus columbianus) X X X Habitat: Grassland, shrubland, riparian, agriculture Common loon (Gavia immer) Habitat: Cold X X X mountain lakes, nest in emergent vegetation Fisher (Martes pennanti) Habitat: Dense mature to old forest X X X Y WI-3 less than 6,000 feet in elevation and riparian Flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) Habitat: Late- successional X X X ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forest Gray Wolf X X X (Canis lupus)

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Impact Can Comment Impact be Wildlife Direct Secondary Cumulative Number No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Mitigated? Habitat: Ample big game populations, security from human activities Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) Habitat: White- X X X water streams, boulder and cobble substrates Northern bog lemming (Synaptomys borealis) Habitat: X X X Sphagnum meadows, bogs, fens with thick moss mats Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) Habitat: Cliff X X X features near open foraging areas and/or wetlands Pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) Habitat: Late- X X X Y WI-4 successional ponderosa pine and larch-fir forest

Townsend's big- eared bat (Plecotus X X X townsendii) Habitat: Caves, caverns, old mines Wolverine (Gulo gulo) Habitat: Alpine tundra and high- X X X elevation boreal forests that maintain deep persistent snow into late spring Big Game Species

Elk X X X Y WI-5

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Impact Can Comment Impact be Wildlife Direct Secondary Cumulative Number No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Mitigated? Whitetail X X X Y WI-5 Mule Deer X X X Y WI-5 Other

Comments:

WI-1 Grizzly Bear –The proposed Project Area occurs within grizzly bear recovery zone associated with the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (USFWS 1993, Wittinger 2002). Salvage harvest of scattered blowdown and wind-damaged trees would occur from October 2020 – September 2021 with no activity allowed during the spring (April 1 – June 15) to protect nutritionally stressed bears. Hiding cover including patches of saplings and pole conifers and deciduous shrubs would be protected to the extent possible to provide visual screening cover. No new roads would be built but there would be a short-term increase in motorized use of approximately 2.4 miles restricted road in addition to roads that are open to public motorized use. Increased disturbance under the Action Alternative would be additive to other motorized disturbance in the vicinity of the Project Area (see Wildlife Existing Conditions for a list of projects) as well as displacement caused by recreational activities.

WI-1 Canada lynx – The proposed salvage would occur in 72 acres of suitable lynx habitat. Minimal impacts on lynx habitat structure are anticipated considering that only downed trees and root-sprung trees would be removed. The blowdown configuration is variable with some scattered singles as well as large 5-acre mats of blowdown. To ensure that forest structural attributes preferred by snowshoe hares remain following harvest, advanced regeneration would be protected. Additionally, coarse woody debris would be retained (ARM 36.11.414) with an emphasis on logs ≥15 inches diameter and 3 acres of heavy blowdown located in an area with minimal road and trail disturbance would be deferred from harvest to provide potential denning habitat.

WI-2 Fisher – Approximately 41 acres of potential fisher habitat would be affected by the proposed salvage including 4 acres of riparian habitat associated with Birch Creek and other small streams. These acres would continue providing suitable habitat post-harvest considering that only downed trees and root-sprung trees would be removed. However, the availability of important habitat characteristics (i.e., snags, coarse woody debris) could be reduced by harvest activities; although retention of dead material and live snag recruitment trees would be required (ARM 36.11.411, ARM 26.11.414).

WI-3 Pileated woodpeckers – The proposed activities would affect 24 acres of suitable pileated woodpecker habitat. Since only blowdown and root-sprung trees would be removed these acres would continue providing suitable habitat post-harvest. However, blowdown would be removed, reducing foraging opportunities and habitat quality. At least 2 large snags and 2 large snag recruitment trees per acre (>21 inches dbh) would be retained and any snags cut for safety reasons would be left in the woods (ARM 36.11.411).

WI-4 Big game – Portions of the salvage occur in elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer winter range habitat as identified by DFWP (2008). The proposed activities would only remove blowdown and trees damaged by the wind event. Additionally, all young trees would be retained to the extent possible. Therefore, minor impacts to thermal cover are anticipated. The proposed activities would not occur when snowpack is deep because it is difficult to retrieve

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

blowdown under deep snowpack conditions. Thus, negligible adverse direct, indirect or cumulative effects to big game are anticipated.

Wildlife Mitigations:  If a threatened or endangered species is encountered, consult a DNRC biologist immediately. Similarly, if undocumented nesting raptors or wolf dens are encountered within ½ mile of the Project Area, contact a DNRC biologist.  Contractors will adhere to food storage and sanitation requirements as described in the timber sale contract. Ensure that all attractants such as food, garbage, and petroleum products are stored in a bear-resistant manner.  Prohibit contractors and purchasers conducting contract operations from carrying firearms while on duty as per ARM 36.11.444(2).  Prohibit motorized activities including commercial forest management from April 1-June 15 to provide seasonal security for grizzly bears as per GB-NR3 (USFWS and DNRC 2010). Commercial forest management is allowed within 100-feet of open roads.  Retain advanced regeneration and shrubs to the extent possible to provide visual screening and break up sight distances.  Retain 1% of heavy blowdown (3 acres) to provide denning habitat for lynx as per LY-HB2(3) (USFWS and DNRC 2010).  Retain at least 2 snags and 2 snag recruits per acre that are ≥ 21 inches diameter or the next largest available size class, favoring western larch and Douglas-fir for retention. Large downed logs may be substituted if standing trees are not available. If snags are cut for safety concerns, they must be left in the harvest unit.  Retain coarse-woody debris according to ARM 36.11.414 and emphasize retention of 15- inch diameter downed logs aiming for at least one 20-foot-long section per acre.

Literature: DFWP. 2008. Maps of moose, elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer distribution in Montana. In Individual GIS data layers. Available online at: http://fwp.mt.gov/gisData/imageFiles/distributionElk.jpg http://fwp.mt.gov/gisData/imageFiles/distributionMoose.jpg http://fwp.mt.gov/gisData/imageFiles/distributionMuleDeer.jpg http://fwp.mt.gov/gisData/imageFiles/distributionWhiteTailedDeer.jpg USFS. 2020. Forest Service schedule of proposed actions for the Flathead National Forest. Accessed September 16, 2020. Available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/sopa/components/reports/sopa-110110-2020-07.html#11 USFWS, and DNRC. 2010. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forested Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volumes I and II., U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Denver, Colorado and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Missoula, MT.

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

AIR QUALITY:

Impact Can Comment Impact Be Air Quality Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Smoke X X X Dust X X X Action Smoke X X X Y AQ-1 Dust X X X Y AQ-1

Comments:

AQ-1: Smoke will be created from pile burning, and dust may be created from log hauling operations.

Air Quality Mitigations: Burning would occur on days approved by the Montana/Idaho Airshed group and DEQ. A test burn will be conducted to verify good dispersal. The DNRC may implement measures to mitigate dust created from hauling operations. These mitigations include, but are not limited to, the following: slow driving speeds, restricted haul period, application of dust abatement on road surfaces.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES / AESTHETICS / DEMANDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES:

Will Alternative Impact Can Comment Impact Be result in potential Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? impacts to: No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Historical or X X X N/A Archaeological Sites Aesthetics X X X N/A Demands on Environmental X X X N/A Resources of Land, Water, or Energy Action Historical or X X X Y ARC-1 Archaeological Sites Aesthetics X X X Y ARC-2 Demands on Environmental X X X N/A Resources of Land, Water, or Energy

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Comments: ARC-1:Timber harvest activity and associated road work could disturb archeological resources.

ARC-2:Timber harvest activities will occur within sight of the USFS Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails. These activities may cause some short-term impacts to the aesthetics of the recreational area.

Mitigations: All THPO offices throughout the state have been notified of this project. A Class I (literature review) level review was conducted by the DNRC staff archaeologist for the area of potential effect (APE). This entailed inspection of project maps, DNRC's sites/site leads database, land use records, General Land Office Survey Plats, and control cards. The Class I search revealed that no cultural or paleontological resources have been identified in the APE. No additional archaeological investigative work will be conducted in response to this proposed salvage project. However, if previously unknown cultural or paleontological materials are identified during project related activities, all work will cease until a professional assessment of such resources can be made. Mitigations for trail aesthetics include leaving all un-damaged trees, snags, and regeneration where feasible, as well as clearing downed material near/blocking the trails. Slash will be piled and burned.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS PERTINENT TO THE AREA: List other studies, plans or projects on this tract. Determine cumulative impacts likely to occur as a result of current private, state or federal actions in the analysis area, and from future proposed state actions in the analysis area that are under MEPA review (scoped) or permitting review by any state agency. • Birch Creek Salvage EA (2014)

Impacts on the Human Population

Evaluation of the impacts on the proposed action including direct, secondary, and cumulative impacts on the Human Population.

Will Alternative Impact Can Comment Impact Be result in potential Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? impacts to: No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No-Action Health and Human X X X Safety Industrial, Commercial and X X X Agricultural Activities and Production Quantity and Distribution of X X X Employment Local Tax Base and X X X Tax Revenues

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Will Alternative Impact Can Comment Impact Be result in potential Direct Secondary Cumulative Number Mitigated? impacts to: No Low Mod High No Low Mod High No Low Mod High Demand for X X X Government Services Access To and Quality of X X X Recreational and Wilderness Activities Density and Distribution of X X X population and housing Social Structures and X X X Mores Cultural Uniqueness X X X and Diversity Action Health and Human X X X Safety Industrial, Commercial and X X X Agricultural Activities and Production Quantity and Distribution of X X X Employment Local Tax Base and X X X Tax Revenues Demand for X X X Government Services Access To and Quality of X X X Y H-1 Recreational and Wilderness Activities Density and Distribution of X X X population and housing Social Structures and X X X Mores Cultural Uniqueness X X X and Diversity

Comments:

H-1: Portions of the USFS Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails run through the project area. Logging equipment may cross the trails at certain intervals, which will cause disturbance to trail surfaces. However, trail will remain passable after logging activities are completed.

Mitigations: Logging equipment will cross the trail the minimum number of times that are practical to safely and effectively remove timber from the area. Short term temporary closures of the trails may be

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in effect during periods of active logging to ensure public safety. The USFS will maintain the trail surface at their discretion.

Locally Adopted Environmental Plans and Goals: List State, County, City, USFS, BLM, Tribal, and other zoning or management plans, and identify how they would affect this project.

• N/A

Other Appropriate Social and Economic Circumstances: Costs, revenues and estimates of return are estimates intended for relative comparison of alternatives. They are not intended to be used as absolute estimates of return. The estimated stumpage is based on comparable sales analysis. This method compares recent sales to find a market value for stumpage. These sales have similar species, quality, average diameter, product mix, terrain, date of sale, distance from mills, road building and logging systems, terms of sale, or anything that could affect a buyer’s willingness to pay.

No Action: The No Action alternative would not generate any return to the trust at this time.

Action: The timber harvest would generate additional revenue for the MSU 2nd Grant and School for the Deaf and Blind Trusts. The estimated return to the trusts for the proposed harvest is $43,400 based on an estimated harvest of 350,000 board feet (2,170 tons) and an overall stumpage value of $20.00 per ton. Costs, revenues, and estimates of return are estimates intended for relative comparison of alternatives, they are not intended to be used as absolute estimates of return.

References

DNRC. 1996. State forest land management plan: final environmental impact statement (and appendixes). Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forest Management Bureau, Missoula, Montana.

DNRC. 2010. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forested State Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan: Final EIS, Volume II, Forest Management Bureau, Missoula, Montana.

Does the proposed action involve potential risks or adverse effects that are uncertain but extremely harmful if they were to occur? No

Does the proposed action have impacts that are individually minor, but cumulatively significant or potentially significant? No

Environmental Assessment Checklist Prepared By:

Name: Kara Neal Title: Management Forester, Kalispell Unit Date: 10/2020

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Finding

Alternative Selected Action Alternative

Significance of Potential Impacts I find that the impacts of the proposed action alternative as described in this Environmental Assessment are not significant. This Environmental Analysis has been completed for the Jewel Basin Timber Salvage. After a thorough review of the EA, project file, responses/discussions with Department and outside specialists, Department policies, standards, and guidelines, the State Land Management Rules, and the HCP rules, I have made the decision to choose the action alternative. I believe that this EA has provided a good approximation of what this project would accomplish. By salvaging blown down and wind damaged timber, DNRC would be able perform forest management before the timber loses its economic value for the associated trusts. By reducing fuel loadings, DNRC would mitigate the potential for high intensity fires next to private property. This project will also reduce the susceptibility of residual trees to epidemic insect infestations and outbreaks, in addition to improving the availability of necessary nutrients, water, and sunlight that may be limited in this stand.

Need for Further Environmental Analysis EIS More Detailed EA X No Further Analysis

Environmental Assessment Checklist Approved By: Name: David M. Poukish Title: Kalispell Unit Manager Date: 6/17/2021 Signature: /s/ David M. Poukish

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Attachment A –

Maps

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation A-1: Timber Sale Vicinity Map

JEWEL BASIN SALVAGE VICINITY MAP

Name: Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Legal: S. 1, T27N, R19W S. 2, T27N, R19W

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

A-2: Timber Sale Harvest Units

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Jewel Basin Timber Salvage Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Attachment B –

Scoping Comments and Responses

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

Logging Near Trails – The trails that will be affected From: Margaret Davies by the Jewel Basin salvage project will be the To: Seigmund, Pete Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails. Although these Subject: Comments on proposed March Madness trails may be impacted by logging activities, they and Jewel Basin Salvage Projects will remain passable after harvest activities are completed. Temporary short-term closures may be Dear Folks at SLRD and DNRC: in effect at certain times during logging operations. The DNRC will limit equipment trail crossings to the Based on the recent logging by DNRC in Krause practical minimum number of times required to Basin and by SLRD along the Sixmile Lookout safely and effectively remove salvage material from Trail, we ask that you conduct no salvage logging the area. In addition, any logs blown down across within sight of the EchoBroken Leg, Crater Notch, the trails will be removed.

Hall Lake, and Bond Creek trails. SLRD wants to This project will not be part of the Good Neighbor use DNRC under the 2014 Farm Bill’s Good Authority Program and will be managed by the Neighbor Authority to help implement its March DNRC alone. Revenue from this timber sale will Madness logging project which is a disappointment benefit the School for the Deaf and Blind and because of the messes left behind in Krause Basin Montana State University Trusts. and on Sixmile Mtn. The big logs that don’t Fuel Reduction – The DNRC would treat all logging generally burn in a wildfire are being removed while slash in accordance with the State Fire Hazard the more flammable small trees and slash are Reduction Law. Leaving entire downed trees in the being left behind. harvest area would not only increase wildfire hazard by providing larger fuels that burn hotter and for a longer period of time, leading to larger potential for spread of fire to surrounding areas, but would also endanger the health of the residual standing trees. Downed Douglas Fir also have the potential to attract large populations of Douglas Fir beetles, putting the standing healthy trees at risk of

infection.

Wildlife Habitat – All standing snags and green From: Michelle MacKenzie trees not affected by the blowdown event will be left To: Seigmund, Pete in the harvest unit. Any snags cut for safety Subject: Public Comments re Jewel Basin Salvage concerns will remain in the unit. DNRC is required Logging to leave 2 large snags, 2 large snag recruits, and 1

large piece of course woody debris per acre for I write to oppose the plan for “salvage” logging of wildlife. Some slash will also be left in the area, blown down and standing trees along Swan Range which provides cover for some animals, birds, and trails. Such trees are an important part of the forest insects. ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife such as woodpeckers and a whole host of insects and birds.

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Comment Letter DNRC Response Instead of logging these trees, I would ask that The forests in this area are in need of management DNRC instead only remove or move trees that are if they are to fulfill their purpose of supporting state actually blocking trails, paths and roads. All other school trusts. Deferring management of these trees now not only means that the trusts would lose trees should be in their natural state. Further, it is money now, but that future generations will also critical for climate change to allow trunks of such lose money due to delayed forest regeneration. The trees to remain in there forest where they can DNRC would also be in violation of the laws under continue to store carbon. This is important from which it is required to manage state lands (MCA forest regeneration of trees and 77-5-207). the soil as well. Concern regarding flammable fuels should be addressed by hand-slashing, hand-piling The large volume of wind thrown trees and debris and burning of limbs and needles. Trunks should in this project area would prevent the regeneration remain intact. of important seral species such as Western Larch and Ponderosa Pine, which require ground Thank you for the opportunity to submit public disturbance to effectively regenerate. These comment on our forests. species have historically been present in much higher quantities, but the lack of disturbance has Michelle MacKenzie allowed other species to take their place.

Leaving large logs and excessive debris in the area would increase fire hazard, as these types of materials tend to burn hotter and for longer. If these logs were left and did indeed burn in a fire, they would release much more carbon into the atmosphere than if utilized to make wood products.

From: Janice Lord The forests in this area are in need of management To: Seigmund, Pete if they are to fulfill their purpose of supporting state Subject: Logging!?? school trusts. Deferring management of these trees now not only means that the trusts would lose Looks like you left a mess and are logging out huge money now, but that future generations will also trees !??? lose money due to delayed forest regeneration. The Please stop!! Hiking trails are important to many DNRC would also be in violation of the laws under people!! which it is required to manage state lands (MCA Jan Lord 77-5-207).

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

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From: Saunie H. Any logs blown down across the trail/road or posing To: Seigmund, Pete a hazard to trail/road users will be removed. Subject: I oppose logging on Swan Range trails The large volume of wind thrown trees and debris Instead of logging, here are some suggestions; in the project area would prevent the regeneration of important seral species such as Western Larch 1. Remove or move aside only those portions of and Ponderosa Pine, which require ground blowdown trees that are blocking roads and trails. disturbance to effectively regenerate. These 2. Leave the tree trunks in the forest where they species have historically been present in the area continue to store carbon for decades and renew the in much higher quantities, but the lack of next generation of trees and soils. disturbance has allowed other species to take their place. 3. As little as 15% of a logged tree's carbon is stored in a forest product for a short time, the rest is This project is the Jewel Basin salvage, and no burned and goes into the atmosphere! hemlock will be affected by the logging activities, as it is not present in the direct area. 4. If you want to reduce the flammable fine fuels found in the limbs and needles, please do this by hand-slashing, hand-piling and burning them.

5. Please protect all area trails and thank you for not proposing salvage logging in Krause Basin's unique hemlock forests!

Trees Matter,

Saundra Holloway

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

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August 10, 2020 This project will not be part the Good Neighbor Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation Authority Program and will be managed by the Attn: Pete Seigmund DNRC alone. Revenue from this timber sale will 655 Timberwolf Parkway benefit the School for the Deaf and Blind and Kalispell, MT 59901 Montana State University Trusts. Re: Comments on proposed March Madness and Jewel Basin Salvage Projects Fuel Reduction – The DNRC would treat all logging slash in accordance with the State Fire Hazard Dear Folks at SLRD and DNRC; Reduction Law. Leaving entire downed trees in the harvest area would not only increase wildfire Based on the recent logging by DNRC in Krause hazard by providing larger fuels that burn hotter Basin and by SLRD along the Sixmile Lookout and for a longer period of time, leading to larger Trail, we ask that you conduct no salvage logging potential for spread of fire to surrounding areas, but within sight of the Echo- Broken Leg, Crater Notch, would also endanger the health of the residual Hall Lake, and Bond Creek trails. The logging standing trees. Downed Douglas Fir also have the we’ve seen is heavy-handed, careless and cannot potential to attract large populations of Douglas Fir with a straight face be called “fuels reduction,” as beetles, putting the standing healthy trees at risk of the big logs that don’t generally burn in a wildfire infection. are being removed while the more flammable small trees and slash are being left Logging Near Trails – The trails that will be affected behind. by the Jewel Basin salvage project will be the Broken Leg and Crater Notch trails. Although these We are disappointed to see SLRD wants to use trails may be impacted by logging activities, they DNRC under the 2014 Farm Bill’s Good will remain passable after harvest activities are Neighbor Authority to help implement its March completed. Temporary short-term closures may be Madness logging project. The messes in effect at certain times during logging operations. left behind in Krause Basin and on Sixmile Mtn. The DNRC will limit equipment trail crossings to the make DNRC and SLRD look like anything but good practical minimum number of times required to neighbors. It’s pretty obvious that the commercially safely and effectively remove salvage material from valuable logs that resist fire were removed and the the area. In addition, any logs blown down across more flammable small trees and slash were left the trail will be removed. The public may choose behind, even though being touted as “fuels not to utilize these trails if they prefer not to see reduction” logging. Like many wildlife species, we forest management activities. prefer the unlogged, diverse forest to the “restored landscape.” To add insult to injury, both DNRC and The forests in this area are in need of management SLRD did unnecessary damage to residual trees in if they are to fulfill their purpose of supporting state the haste to get commercially valuable logs to the school trusts. There is already a substantial amount mill. of fungal disease, beetle infestation, and poorly stocked stands in the foothills area. Deferring We’ve also already asked DNRC to not log within management of these trees now not only means sight of the Echo-Broken Leg and Crater Notch that the trusts would lose money now, but that trails (and we repeat that request here). We did so future generations will also lose money due to in our comments on the 2006 Foothills Timber Sale. delayed forest regeneration. DNRC’s Greg Poncin responded favorably by moving logging units downhill and out of sight of the Echo-Broken Leg Trail. We made a similar request of DNRC’s 2014 Birch Creek Salvage, but to no avail. F.H. Stoltze was instead permitted to take an estimated 55 loads of logs from DNRC lands around the Crater Notch trail via convenient access

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Comment Letter DNRC Response through its neighboring private lands. So it The primary objective of the 2014 Birch Creek concerns us that SLRD now wants to partner up Salvage was to harvest blown down and insect with DNRC and perhaps let DNRC handle some of infested timber. In this way it is very similar to the the March Madness contracting, as it did for the Jewel Basin salvage, and by not choosing to Flathead National Forest’s Taylor Hellroaring timber perform management activities the DNRC would be sale, which was sold to F.H. Stoltze. in violation of the laws under which it is required to (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/flathead/nene- manage state lands (MCA 77-5-207). events/?cid=FSEPRD766894) While the Forest Service, DNRC and F.H. Stoltze may consider themselves “good neighbors,” they are all three being anything but good neighbors to the public whose trees they are logging and whose trails they are trashing!

The logging jobs DNRC and SLRD have done in Krause Basin, Birch Creek and on Sixmile Mountain demonstrate an unwillingness to keep logging out of sight of trails the public relies on to enjoy time in the woods. The photos we’ve included with this letter also demonstrate this logging is profiting from the removal of large tree trunks as logs while leaving the more flammable small trees and logging slash behind. The logging you propose in your March Madness and Jewel Basin salvage projects will most certainly leave the woods looking worse and in poorer health than they are now. Invoking the Good Neighbor Authority will do nothing but sprinkle congressional holy water on the “good old boy” network that has resisted needed reform of public forest management for many, many decades.

It’s time to protect public forests, even “damaged” ones, along with the public’s ability to enjoy them. Your proposed cures under the guise of “salvage” and “fuels reduction” are worse than the “damage and disease” you profess to cure. It is simply unacceptable.

Sincerely, Keith J. Hammer Chair

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

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From: Denise Boggs The DNRC would treat all logging slash in To: Seigmund, Pete accordance with the State Fire Hazard Reduction Subject: Salvage Logging of trails Law.

Conservation Congress is writing in full support of The forests in this area are in need of management the letter written by Swan View Coalition opposing if they are to fulfill their purpose of supporting state further salvage logging of trails in Jewell Basin school trusts. There is already a substantial amount of fungal disease, beetle infestation, and poorly including the Echo-Broken Leg and Crater Notch stocked stands in this area. Deferring management trails. of these trees now not only means that the trusts would lose money now, but that future generations The pictures SVC provided document the incredible will also lose money due to delayed forest damage the logging caused, as well as increasing regeneration. The DNRC would also be in violation the fire risk in these areas from all the slash left on of the laws under which it is required to manage the ground. It is clear neither agency can state lands (MCA 77-5-207). implement this project without causing further damage. SVC concluded their letter with, "It’s time This project will not be part the Good Neighbor Authority Program and will be managed by the to protect public forests, even “damaged” ones, DNRC alone. Revenue from this timber sale will along with the public’s ability to enjoy them. Your benefit the School for the Deaf and Blind and proposed cures under the guise of “salvage” and Montana State University Trusts. “fuels reduction” are worse than the “damage and disease” you profess to cure. It is simply unacceptable." Conservation Congress concurs. Frankly the FS should be ashamed at the incredibly bad work that has been done in this project.

This is an example of a "Good Neighbor" I'd sure hate to see a bad one. Just drop this project before you cause even more damage.

Denise Boggs, Director Conservation Congress

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

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From: Richard Haberkern Although this salvage project differs in ways to To: Seigmund, Pete harvests that focus solely on fuels reduction and Subject: Proposed logging in the Swan Mountains forest health, it will substantially decrease fire hazard to surrounding properties. Leaving entire As a long time resident of, and frequent hiker in, downed trees in the harvest area would not only the Flathead Valley I am greatly concerned about increase wildfire hazard by providing larger fuels the proposed logging in the Swans as addressed in that burn hotter and for a longer period of time, leading to larger potential for spread of fire to Keith Hammer's letter of August 10, 2020, the surrounding areas, but would also endanger the beginning portion of which I have copied below. health of the residual standing trees. Downed Douglas Fir have the potential to attract large He speaks with a lot more knowledge than I have populations of Douglas Fir beetles, putting the so I will just say that I agree totally with his requests standing healthy trees at risk of infection. as he described in detail.. A small amount of slash will be left on skid trails in The pictures tell a disgraceful story. I and some the harvest unit to help prevent erosion. The DNRC of my neighbors had over 30 acres treated for fuels would also treat all logging slash in accordance reduction and forest health this spring and are very with the State Fire Hazard Reduction Law. In pleased with the results, especially compared to the addition to slash, roads and skid trails will be work that you have allowed to happen. Once our designed to appropriately mitigate erosion during and after harvest activities. piles are burned this fall I feel that I and my neighbors will be in a much better defensible position. How your ravaged acreage will fare is yet to be seen while looking horrible and potentially leading to unacceptable erosion.

Please reconsider where and how you proceed in meeting your objectives.

Thank you.

Richard Haberkern

45 Overlook Point

Kalispell, MT 59901

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

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From: Chris Gotschalk The forests in this area are in need of management To: Seigmund, Pete if they are to fulfill their purpose of supporting state Subject: NO salvage logging in Swan Range school trusts. Deferring management of these trees now not only means that the trusts would lose To whom is clearly unconcerned, money now, but that future generations would also

I've seen your 'restoration' work in Krause Basin lose money due to delayed forest regeneration. The and along the Six Mile Lookout trail. It is painfully DNRC would also be in violation of the laws under obvious that you could not care less about 'forest which it is required to manage state lands (MCA health' and 'fuel reduction'. One look at these 77-5-207). projects and it is clear that this is all about grabbing a few valuable logs at the expense of acres of viable habitat. I assume that you actually do know something about the biology of forests and the behavior of fires but just don't care as your handy- work goes completely contrary to both. You really should be ashamed of yourselves for your cavalier destruction of viable forest habitat.

Please stop your appalling forest 'restoration' projects in the Swan Range.

Chris Gotschalk Ferndale, MT

From: mary shabbott Thank you for your interest in this project. We To: Seigmund, Pete value your opinion and will take your comments into Subject: Leave it alone!!!! consideration.

NO salvage logging. No more destruction from agencies designed to protect the environment. Leave the Swan Range trails and forests alone. Mary Shabbott

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Comment Letter DNRC Response

From: Babette Lewis The DNRC addresses mitigations for wildlife in the wildlife section of the EA. All standing snags and To: Seigmund, Pete green trees not affected by the blowdown event will Subject: Swan View habitat be left in the harvest unit. Any snags cut for safety

concerns will remain in the unit. DNRC is required Don't you hire people that know how to care for the to leave 2 large snags, 2 large snag recruits, and 1 environment and wildlife there??? WAKE UP large piece of course woody debris per acre for PEOPLE! wildlife. Some slash will also be left in the area, which provides cover for some animals, birds, and If you don't take care of your wildlife, you won't insects. State trust lands are managed in HAVE an environment to care for, and that means accordance with rules outlined in the State Forest you won't have a place to live anymore!!!! Land Management Plan, as well as through the Montana DNRC Forested State Trust Lands Habitat Conservation Plan. Babette M. Lewis, LMT

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