BUTTE COUNTY FOREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE
October 23, 2017—5:00 P.M. Meeting
ITEM NO.
1.00 Call to order – Butte County Public Works Facility, 44 Bellarmine Ct, Chico, CA
2.00 Pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
2.01 Roll Call – Members: Nick Repanich, Thad Walker, Teri Faulkner, Peggy Moak Alternates: Vance Severin, Jim Shary, Bob Gage, Angel Korte (voting Alt), Pete Moak (voting Alt) Invited Guests: Calli-Jane DeAnda (Butte County Fire Safe Council); Wolfy Rougle (Graduate Student); Dick Waugh (Beckwourth Trail); Daryl Bender (Hillsliders); Lassen National Forest, Almanor Ranger District; Katherine Carpenter (Acting District Ranger, Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District); Laura Page (Congressman LaMalfa); Dave Derby (Cal Fire); Dennis Schmidt (Coordinating Committee, Public Works)
2.02 Self-introduction of Forest Advisory Committee Members, Alternates, Guests, and Public – 5 Min.
3.00 Consent Agenda
3.01 Review and approve minutes of 09-18-17 – 5 Min.
4.00 Agenda
4.01 Calli-Jane DeAnda, Butte County Fire Safe Council – 15 Min. - Community Wildfire Protection Plan Landscape Level Plan - Support for Sierra Nevada Conservancy Grant Application – ACTION REQUESTED: Approve recommendation to issue letter of support from Coordinating Committee-due Oct. 30
4.02 Wolfy Rougle, Graduate Student: Collaboration on Fire Mitigation Planning – 10 Min.
4.03 Dick Waugh: Beckwourth Trail – 25 Min.
4.04 Daryl Bender, Hillsliders: Jonesville Snowmobile Park Activities & Perspective on OSV DEIS – 25 Min. ACTION REQUESTED: Draft comment letter for submission to the BOS
4.05 Forest Projects Review – Current Quarter: Discussion & required FAC action for USFS projects affecting Butte County residents’ forest management, recreational, environmental, socio-economic interests(Chair)
- Lassen NF Almanor Ranger District- Erick Stemmerman (Acting District Ranger): Report and Q & A on pending, proposed and modified projects, SOPA and Non-SOPA – 15 Min.
- Plumas NF Feather River Ranger District, Katherine Carpenter (Acting District Ranger): Report and Q & A on pending, proposed and modified projects, SOPA and Non-SOPA – 15 Min.
4.06 Public Works Updates – Dennis Schmidt - Grants, Roads, Four Trees – 10 Min.
4.07 BLM Letter acknowledging Cooperating Agency status – INFORMATION ONLY
4.08 New Business – considerations for upcoming meeting agendas: Next meeting is November 27, Chico, 5:00 PM
• Whitewater Recreation – November? • Terra Fuego Prescribed Burns as Forest Management Tool-November • South Feather Water & Sewer District - Recreation and Water Projects - November • Grazing studies – presentations on the science and practical application - December • Bio-Char Technology - December • Sierra Club Trails Guide – invite them to make a presentation • Tree mortality Update
4.09 Public Comment (THE COMMITTEE IS PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW FROM TAKING ACTION ON ANY ITEM PRESENTED IF IT IS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA.) Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Submitted Pre-Application
SNC Grant Number: Phone: 1024 530-877-0984
Name: Applicant Organization: Calli-Jane DeAnda Butte County Fire Safe Council
Title: Project Name: Executive Director Butte Creek Forest Health Project
Email: Project Category: [email protected] Category One Site Improvement
Project Summary:
This landscape level project located in the rural northern Sierra Nevada’s in a mixed conifer forest spanning three watersheds; Little Chico Creek, Little Butte and Butte Creek. The project influences 70,000 acres and will thin fuels on 400 acres of forest lands.
The purpose of the project is to; 1. Protect water quality and improve water quantity 2. Prevent catastrophic wildfire 3.Restore forest ecosystems from overstocked conditions with forest thinning and prescribed fire. 4. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions/ Improve Air Quality and Carbon Storage.
Project partners include public and private landowners, local, state and federal land managers, non-profit organizations and local fire safe councils. The project will cost $499,899.60 and is a follow up to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant 835 which developed a Forest Health Management Plan and CEQA compliance for 1066 acres in the Little Butte Creek Watershed.
Page 1 of 13 Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Project Description:
Location
The project area is in the Paradise Ridge and Forest Ranch planning areas as identified in the Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Landscape Level Planning Framework (CWPP Landscape Framework). The project area includes Little Chico Creek, Little Butte Creek and Butte Creek watersheds. The project will take place on 400 acres of forest lands: Paradise Pines Property Owners Association (PPOA) (300 acres), Paradise Irrigation District (PID) (60 acres), Paradise Unified School District (PUSD) (40 acres). These properties are clustered near Paradise Lake and Magalia Reservoir. Wildfires in the adjoining communities have burned 93,000 acres in the last 15 years. The potential for a large, fuel driven fire to occur in these watersheds is very real. This project spatially contributes to large scale forest health efforts by the Bureau of Land Management and National Forest. Several completed projects are in the nearby vicinity.
Purpose
The following purposes of the project will further the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) mission, program areas and align with the existing state planning priorities identified in Proposition 1, the SNC Strategic Plan, the SNC Watershed Improvement Program, the California Water Action Plan, Human Right to Water Policy and California Natural Resources Agency Safeguarding California Policy. Multiple benefits from this project include protecting the wildlife/plant habitat and historic/cultural resources.
1. Protect water quality and improve water quantity –The project is within a collection area for the drinking water supply for the Town of Paradise. The project will Improve quantity and quality of water throughout the year by increasing ground water recharge.
2.Prevent catastrophic wildfire –The project is located within a Cal Fire “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone”. The presence of homes in the watershed increases the ignition potential and threat to Magalia Reservoir and Paradise Lake. Reducing the risk of wildfires is essential to providing clean and abundant water to California.
3.Restore forest ecosystems from overstocked conditions with forest thinning – The project will implement watershed adaptation to reduce the impacts of climate changes on the ecosystems. Forest thinning will reduce overstocked conifers and improve forest health.
4. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions/ Improve Air Quality and Carbon Storage - The project will reduce potential greenhouse gas emissions and air quality impacts by reducing the threat of high intensity fire and its impacts including soil erosion and carbon release.
Page 2 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Scope of Work – The project will implement forest health thinning as identified in the Magalia Forest Health Management Plan funded by SNC 835 and treat approximately 400 acres of fuels within the three watersheds. Fuel reduction and forest restoration treatments will include: thinning, pile burning, chipping, masticating, and lop and scatter. The project will also develop a web-based Forest Health Restoration Planning Tool (Planning Tool) for the planning areas of Paradise Ridge and Forest Ranch. The Planning Tool will produce sustainable management solutions and monitoring for the 70,000 acres of forest lands in the project area.
Goals: This project will build on prior water quality protection and forest health projects undertaken with the SNC and has the following goals; 1) Protect three watersheds and increase forest health by reducing risk of catastrophic wildfire 2) Conduct a collaborative landscape level forest health improvement project on 400 acres. 3) Protect drinking water supply to the Town of Paradise. 4) Develop the Planning Tool (a Landscape Level Model with the FHDMDSS). Results:
1) Improved Forest Health – Overstocked stands will be thinned and ladder fuels will be reduced. 2) Watershed Resilience- The project area will be more resilient to the impacts of wildfire. 3) Drinking Water Protection - Water supply will be enhanced with the reduction of overstocked trees. 4) Partnerships Enhanced – Improved partnerships with multiple landowners through the Planning Tool.
Deliverables: 1) 400 acres of forest health improved 2) Monitoring of the project with pre and post treatment photos and GPS. 3) A web-based Forest Health Restoration Planning Tool. 4) Maintain the project area for 10 years.
Design- The Project plans were developed and planned under the CWPP. The project is consistent with Upper Feather River Watershed Management (IRWM); Plumas National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, USFS Watershed Condition Framework, and the CALFIRE Butte unit fire plan. The proposed projects address elements identified in the action plans from the Magalia Forest Health Management Plan which was completed in August of 2017 through an SNC Proposition 1 grant.
Page 3 of 13 Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Readiness: The project’s partners are established, CEQA will be complete and initial landowner permissions are in place so that work can begin as soon as grant funding is available.
Project Workplan and Schedule:
March 2018-August 2020 Major Tasks: • Contracting with California Conservation Crews (CCC), CALFIRE Inmate Crews, Butte County Sheriff Work Crews and private contractors for forest health thinning and fuels reduction- Mile Stone – agreements signed by September 2018 – Responsible - BCFSC.
• Contract with Sacramento River Watershed Program for development of a web-based Forest Health Restoration Planning Tool (Planning Tool). Mile Stone (1) – agreements signed by September 2018, Mile Stone (2) Planning Tool Developed by March 2019 - Responsible BCFSC and SRWP
• Monitoring with pre-and post-treatment photos – Milestone (1) – pre-photos taken September 2018, Milestone (2) post photos taken September 2019 – Responsible -BCFSC.
• Implementation of Forest health thinning work begins and continues – Milestone (1) September 2018 work begins and continues to August 2020 – Deliverable 400 acres of forest thinning and fuels reduction completed – Responsible- BCFSC and Crews.
• Implementation with Project Site Review – Oversee Crews, GPS acreage and confirm compliance to treatment standards prior to payment fuels reduction crews – Mile Stone - September 2018 work begins and is overseen to August 2020 with monthly review of compliance standards and payments. Responsible -BCFSC.
• Provide firewise education with tour, newsletter and web site posting – Milestone September 2019 completed public tour/newsletter/website postings- Responsible – BCFSC, SRWP and local FSC’s.
• Administration - Track performance measures, prepare and submit quarterly grant reports – Mile Stone – September 2018 – August 2020 track performance measures with Planning Tool. Deliverables - quarterly reports September 2018-Agust 2020. Responsible – BCFSC and SRWP.
August 2020-2040 Maintenance of project by PID, PUSD and POA. Monitoring of Project by BCFSC and CWPP Working Group.
Page 4 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Community Support:
The project has broad community support and has been developed in consultation with Sacramento River Watershed Program (SRWP), CALFIRE, USFS, BLM, local Fire Safe Councils and the three project landowners. The need for the project has been identified in the CWPP and will fulfill the Landscape Level Planning Framework. The project has been designed at a landscape level to provide wider watershed protection and ties directly to prior shaded fuel break projects. Without this project, forest health is anticipated to decline with the rise of pine bark beetle, effects of drought, and increasing risks of wildfire. There is no known project opposition.
Partners- A variety of partners will participate in the project:
A) Forest Health Thinning Crews will include; California Conservation Corps (CCC), CALFIRE Inmates, Butte County Sheriff Work Crews and private contractors. B) Planning Tool Partners will include members from the CWPP working group: CALFIRE, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Plumas National Forest, Butte County Office of Emergency Management, Butte County Public Works Department, Butte County Resource Conservation District, Forest Ranch Fire Safe Council (FRFSC), Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council (PRFSC), Private Timber Companies and SRWP. C) Participating Landowners will include: Paradise Irrigation District (PID), Paradise Unified School District (PUSD) and Paradise Pines Property Owners Association (PPOA). The three landowners PPOA, PID and PUSD participated in SNC grant 835 and are excited to pursue opportunities to improve forest health in the watershed.
Page 5 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Proposed Budget
Direct Project Costs Administrative Costs Project Management Costs: Organization Operating/Overhead Costs: $19,200.00 $37,029.60
Project Implementation: Administrative Subtotal: $375,770.00 $37,029.60
Project Equipment: Administrative Costs as a Percentage of $0.00 Project Total Cost: $0.00 Project Materials and Supplies: $2,880.00 SNC Grant Request: $499,899.60 Publications, Printing, and Public Relations: Estimated Total Project Cost: $25,420.00 $738,380.04
Monitoring: $39,600.00
Other Direct Costs: $0.00
Direct Costs Subtotal: $462,870.00
Budget Narrative:
The project budget costs below are known costs and total $499,899.6
Direct Costs
Project Management – includes tracking performance measures and project reporting Total = 2hrs/day x 10days/mo x 24 months x $40/hr = $19,200
Page 6 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Project Implementation – includes forest thinning and fuels reduction crews and onsite project oversight. Total = $375,770
1. Oversight – 4hrs/day x 17days/mo x 24 months x $35/hr = $57,120
2. Fuels Treatment: a. Prescribed Fire – 10 acres x $2,000/acre = $20,000 b. Mastication – 60 acres x $1,400/acre = $84,000 c. Forest Thinning/Lop Scatter/Pile Burn – CCC = 15 acres x $3,600/acre = $54,000 d. Forest Thinning/Lop Scatter/Pile Burn – CALFIRE Inmates/ Butte County Sheriff Crew = 315 acres x $510/acre = $160,650
Equipment = $0
Supplies Total = $2,880– includes office supplies, uniforms, community meeting supplies, forest health educational handouts - $120/month x 24months = $2,880
Publications, printing and public relations Total = $25,420 and includes: 1. 2 newsletters x 3,900 each, project signage 2 x $200, community outreach event promotions 1 x $300 = $8,500 2. Planning Tool collaboration with CWPP working group 1hr/day x 9hrs/month x 24 months x $45/hr = $9,720 3. Planning Tool development 2hrs x 24 months x $150/hr = $7,200
Monitoring Total = $39,600 and includes: 1. Planning Tool use of project partners and performance measures tracking 1hr/day x 9hrs/month x 24 months x $45/hr = $9,720 2. Planning Tool integrated to SRWP Portal and integrate CWPP working group data 8.3 hrs x 24 months x $150/hr = $29,880
Other = $0
Administrative Costs BCFSC will use its Cost Allocation Plan for Administrative Costs calculated at 8% as follows. The grants direct cost total is $462,870 x .08 = $37,026.60 When adding the direct costs with indirect costs the total becomes $49 The ratio of total cost per acre for the SNC project amount is $499,332.60/400 acres = $1,248.33/acre
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Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Resources Leveraged for the Sierra Nevada - $238,480.44 in Match
Matching funds will be leveraged in two major ways: 1. Fuels Reduction - CALFIRE, CCC and Butte County Sheriff Work Crews will provide match estimated to be an average of $212,988.60 based on a $1,290.84 match per day rate x 165 days of work 2. Forest health education and outreach - volunteer time from BCFSC, PRFSC, FRFSC match - Valued at 11hrs/week x 4 weeks x 24 months x $24.14/hr = $25,491.84.
CEQA Status:
A CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project was funded through SNC 835, a Category II grant project. Butte County Development Services is the lead agency for the CEQA document and public notice began on August 5th, the public hearing will be on September 6th , 2017. The document will be sent to the State Clearing House for review on September 7th. The link to the document is http://www.buttecounty.net/dds/Planning/CEQA.aspx. We anticipate the document on or before the SNC Governing Board would authorize a grant.
NEPA Status:
The project will not take place on federal lands. However NEPA has been completed on USFS parcels directly adjacent to the project and is in process on BLM lands that tie to the project.
Status of Tribal Involvement:
The project is in territory influenced by the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria. The project has been discussed with a representative of the Mechoopda, Vance Kelly, who can be reached at 530-899-8922 ext. 205 or at [email protected]. Contact has also been made with the Mooretown Rancheria in Oroville and Concow Maidu to establish who their contact is and if there is interest and collaboration possibilities with the project. The Mooretown contact is Guy Taylor EPA Director at 530-533-2810 ext. 5. The Concow Maidu contact is Wally Clark [email protected].
Page 8 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Long-Term Management Plan:
A Forest Management Plan (FMP) was developed as part of SNC grant 835 and includes recommendations for the long term management of the project area. The project will allow us to implement the best management practices identified by ownership and forest composition. The recommendations include implementing; thinning of overstocked trees, watershed enhancements and habitat improvements. The project will allow us to address existing tree mortality and prevent future loss of trees through practices identified in the FMP. The FMP can be accessed at: http://www.buttefiresafe.net/magalia-forest-health-plan and the appendix at http://www.buttefiresafe.net/appendix-to-the-mfhp.
The web-based Forest Health Restoration Planning Tool (Planning Tool) will be utilized to manage the project area with its collaborative and comprehensive data tools resources. The three landowners have agreed to maintain the FMP through grant SNC 835 for at least 10 years and have indicated they will agree for this project as well. The BCFSC will utilize Butte County Sheriff Work Crews for fuels maintenance through an established MOU.
The SNC will be able to monitor the project site for 25 years in a variety of ways: by conducting site visits where treatment has occurred by requesting reports and maps of areas where work has occurred, and by engaging in the CWPP process annually to identify progress made with the plan.
Regulatory Requirements/Permits Needed:
Regulatory Requirements The BCFSC has had burn permits in the past to work in the Little Butte Creek watershed and will need to updated with the new project information prior to any pile burning. Fuels prescriptions will abide by other regulatory requirements such as: 1. Snags that provide wildlife habitat will be retained. 2. Areas of wetlands or riparian areas will be avoided. 3. Elderberry plants and rare or endangered species will be avoided. 4. Trees greater than 8 inches in diameter at breast height will be retained. 5. Shrub or small tree vegetation may be retained if they do not occur adjacent to trees and do not meet the definition of a ladder fuel.
Page 9 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Restrictions/Agreements Needed/In Place:
Partnerships – BCFSC will coordinate forest health thinning on 400 acres and will work with SRWP on the project monitoring and public outreach. SRWP will oversee the development of the Planning Tool that will provide access to data, studies, reports and projects relative to the Paradise Ridge and Forest Ranch Planning areas.
Agreements- Memorandums of Understandings (MOU) establishing authorization to conduct the Forest Management Plan and CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration were signed by the three project landowners; Paradise Irrigation District (PID), Paradise Unified School District (PUSD) and Paradise Pines Property Owners Association (PPOA) in 2016 and are active for 25 years. In addition, there is an active MOU with Paradise Irrigation District for forest health thinning on their lands through the SNC 846 Little Butte Creek Forest Health Project. The three landowners have been actively involved in reviewing the Forest Management Plan and CEQA document. An update to three landowners existing MOU’s to include on the ground fuels reduction work will be needed. A MOU with SRWP establishing roles and deliverables for the a web-based Forest Health Restoration Planning Tool (Planning Tool) will be reviewed by the BCFSC during the September 7th 2017 BCFSC Board meeting. There is an existing MOU with Butte County Sheriff for forest thinning and hazardous fuels removal. There is an existing contract with CCC for forest thinning with SNC grant 846 which will need to be updated to include the project.
Site Visit
Accessibility of Project Site: All Weather Accessibility
Best Availability: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday
Minimum Notification: 3 Days
Page 10 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Butte Creek Forest Health Project General Location
Page 11 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Butte Creek Forest Health Project General Treatment Location
Page 12 of 13
Project #1024 Butte County FSC
Butte Creek Forest Health Project Treatment Location Detail
Page 13 of 13
BUTTE COUNTY FEDERAL/STATE LAND USE COORDINATING COMMITTEE
7 COUNTY CENTER DRIVE OROVILLE, CA 95965
October 25, 2017 Sierra Nevada Conservancy 1521 Blocker Dr., Ste. 205 Auburn, CA 95603
RE: Letter of Support for the Butte Creek Forest Health Project
Dear Sierra Nevada Conservancy,
The Butte County Federal/State Land Use Coordinating Committee, and the Butte County Forest Advisory Committee, strongly support the application for grant funding for the project titled “Butte Creek Forest Health Project” submitted by the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC). The project area is in the Paradise Ridge and Forest Ranch planning areas as identified in the Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Landscape Level Planning Framework (CWPP Landscape Framework), encompassing 400 acres of land in three critical watersheds, and involves collaboration between multiple landowners and stakeholders.
The Committees recognize the value of improving forest health and watershed protection throughout the Sierra Nevada and feels that this project contributes measurably to both those goals.
We believe that this project will enhance wildfire safety protection efforts, drinking water resource protection and collaborative planning through the landscape level Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Accordingly, we urge the SNC to approve this grant application as submitted by the Butte County Fire Safe Council.
Sincerely,
Dennis Schmidt, Director of Public Works Butte County Federal State Land Use Coordinating Committee cc: Forest Advisory Committee Butte County Board of Supervisors
Moak, Peggy
From: [email protected] Sent: Monday, September 25, 2017 1:16 PM To: Moak, Peggy Subject: Re: Beckwourth Trail
Peggy,
I can present on Oct 23, 2017 ...let me know how or what information I should prepare to give ...I will be in touch.
Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Sent: 2017‐09‐25 10:11:06 AM Subject: FW: Beckwourth Trail
Hi, Thad – please see below for contact information for Dick Waugh, who is interested in improving the Beckwourth Trail.
Dick: I’d also like to invite you to present at an Forest Advisory Committee meeting on the Beckwourth Trail as a historic trail of interest that deserves some attention and improvements. Might you be available on Monday, October 23 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM? We meet in Chico. Also, I could add you to the FAC email list – we get a fair amount of information that is shared that you may find interesting. Let me know if you can present in October (if not, we meet monthly, so November and December are also options) and if you’d like to be added to the email list.
Best,
Peggy Moak Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Department 25 County Center Drive, Suite 125, Oroville, CA 95965 T: 530.538.7443 | T: 530.538.7701 | F: 530.538.7648
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From: Waugh, Richard Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2017 2:43 PM To: Moak, Peggy
Peggy,
1 You reached me! Sorry but had not checked my County email this weekend until now. Since the start of the fiscal year have not been in to the DA Office on a regular basis.
I would be interested to participate in some way on the trail committee. Please let me know about the meetings and details (website?).
You can reach me quickly at my home email : [email protected] or my cell number : 530.682.9646
Dick
From: Moak, Peggy Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2017 2:52 PM To: Waugh, Richard Subject: Beckwourth Trail
Hello: I am hoping this email is reaching Dick Waugh, of the Sunrise Rotary If yes, read on!
I am participating on a Butte County Trails Committee, and recall a conversation I had with you about the Beckwourth Trail. Since this committee is interested in mapping, promoting and obtaining grants for improving, maintaining and creating trails, I thought I’d reach out to see if you are interested in either participating on the committee, attending a meeting, or sharing the vision your group has with regard to the Beckwourth Trail.
My contact information is below, and I would love to hear from you!!
Peggy Moak Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Department 25 County Center Drive, Suite 125, Oroville, CA 95965 T: 530.538.7443 | T: 530.538.7701 | F: 530.538.7648
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2 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation
Lassen National Forest
Recreation Report
Prepared by: Stephanie Valentine Outdoor Recreation Planner
for: Lassen National Forest
July 2017 In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Table of Contents
Introduction ...... 1 Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Policy ...... 1 Regulatory Framework ...... 1 Topics and Issues Addressed in This Analysis...... 6 Purpose and Need ...... 6 Significant Issues ...... 7 Other Resource Concerns...... 10 Methodology...... 10 Resource Indicators and Measures...... 12 OSV Use Assumptions for Analysis...... 15 Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis...... 15 Affected Environment ...... 16 Existing Condition ...... 16 Environmental Consequences...... 29 Alternative 1 – No Action...... 29 Alternative 2 – Modified Proposed Action ...... 31 Alternative 3...... 47 Alternative 4...... 54 Alternative 5...... 60 Summary...... 63 Degree to Which the Purpose and Need for Action is Met...... 63 Degree to Which the Alternatives Address the Issues ...... 63 Summary of Environmental Effects...... 73 Compliance with LRMP and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans ...... 74 Other Relevant Mandatory Disclosures...... 74 Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity...... 74 Unavoidable Adverse Effects...... 74 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources ...... 74 Other Agencies and Individuals Consulted ...... 74 Acronyms ...... 75 Recreation References Cited ...... 76 OSV Use Potential Maps...... 78
Tables
Table 1. Resource indicators and measures for the issue of availability of motorized over-snow recreation opportunities ...... 7 Table 2. Resource indicators and measures for the issue of availability of non-motorized recreation opportunities ...... 8 Table 3. Resource indicators and measures for assessing effects ...... 12 Table 4. Lassen National Forest recreation opportunity spectrum classes ...... 17 Table 5. Overview of State of California OSV grooming program activity on the Lassen National Forest ...... 20 Table 6. National visitor use management winter activities ...... 21 Table 7. California OSV registration for counties in Lassen National Forest, 2009 through 2014...... 22 Table 8. California statewide OSV registration, 2009 through 2014...... 22 Table 9. Lassen National Forest OSV visitor use ...... 23 Table 10. Wilderness Attributes and Roadless Characteristics Crosswalk...... 25
Lassen National Forest i Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Table 11. Resource indicators and measures for the existing condition, alternative 1 ...... 27 Table 12: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 1...... 30 Table 13: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 2...... 41 Table 14. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 2 direct and indirect effects ...... 44 Table 15: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 3...... 49 Table 16. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 3 direct and indirect effects ...... 51 Table 17: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 4...... 55 Table 18. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 4 direct and indirect effects ...... 56 Table 19: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 5...... 60 Table 20. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 5 direct and indirect effects ...... 61 Table 21. Summary comparison of how the alternatives address the key issues...... 64
Figures
Figure 1. Existing Almanor Ranger District OSV use potential...... 79 Figure 2. Existing Eagle Lake Ranger District OSV use potential...... 80 Figure 3. Existing Hat Creek Ranger District OSV use potential...... 81
Lassen National Forest ii Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Introduction This analysis considers and discloses potential effects to recreation settings and opportunities, access, scenery, and areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy such as: Wilderness, Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), Wild and Scenic rivers, national trails, and Research Natural Areas that could result from the following proposed actions on the Lassen National Forest:
x Designating trails and areas for over-snow vehicle (OSV) use
x Identifying snow trails for grooming for snowmobile use
Designating trails and areas for OSV use has the potential to change recreation settings and opportunities by enhancing opportunities for motorized winter users in some areas and limiting those opportunities in other areas. In the same way, OSV designations have the potential to enhance opportunities for non- motorized winter users in some areas while limiting or displacing those users in other areas. Conflict between motorized and non-motorized winter users arises due to differing desired recreation experiences, public safety concerns, noise, air quality, and access issues. OSV use and the grooming of snow trails for OSV use has the potential to impact areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy that are managed for non-motorized recreation opportunities through incidental noise emanating from trails and areas where OSV use would be designated, increased human presence, and illegal encroachment on trails and areas where OSV use would not be designated (i.e., Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Wilderness).
This analysis compares alternatives that would result in varying levels of snowmobile use on the Lassen National Forest. The analysis considers the extent to which the alternatives respond to recreation management direction established in the Lassen National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP or Forest Plan), as amended; the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment; and the requirements of Subpart C of the Forest Service’s Travel Management Regulations (36 CFR Part 212).
The designation of trails and areas for OSV use is not intended to be a comprehensive winter recreation planning effort. The focus is on OSV use designations and identification of OSV trails for grooming. This analysis considers how the proposed actions and alternatives would potentially impact quality recreation opportunities and experiences for both motorized and non-motorized users.
In accordance with the Travel Management Regulations, and following a decision on the OSV use designations as required by Subpart C of those regulations, the Forest Service would publish an over- snow vehicle use map (OSVUM) identifying snow trails and areas that would be designated for public OSV use on the Lassen National Forest. Public OSV use that is inconsistent with the OSVUM would be prohibited under Federal regulations at 36 CFR §261.14. Relevant Laws, Regulations, and Policy
Regulatory Framework
National Forest Management Act Specifically for off-highway vehicle management, the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires that this use be planned and implemented to protect land and other resources, promote public safety, and minimize conflicts with other uses of the National Forest System (NFS) lands. NFMA also requires that a broad spectrum of forest and rangeland-related outdoor recreation opportunities be provided that respond to current and anticipated user demands.
Lassen National Forest 1 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment The Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment established standards and guidelines specific to wheeled motor vehicle travel off of designated routes, trails, and limited off-highway vehicle (OHV) use areas. Unless otherwise restricted by current forest plans or other specific area standards and guidelines or forest orders, cross-country travel by OSVs would continue (forest-wide standard and guideline number 69 (USDA Forest Service 2009)).
Land and Resource Management Plan The 1992 Lassen LRMP summarizes the dispersed recreation opportunities relevant to winter use as follows:
Recreationists hike and horseback ride, mainly on 465 miles of trails; they also snowmobile and cross-country ski on trails, unplowed roads, and open areas. The Forest has 125 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and several National Recreation Trails: the McGowan Cross Country Ski Trail, Colby Meadows, Swain Mountain, the Heart Lake Trail, and the Spencer Meadow Trail…The Bizz Johnson Trail (a “Rails to Trails” project) provides excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing between Westwood and Susanville….Cross-country skiers ski the McGowan Cross Country Ski Trail and the Butte Lake Trail. Much of the Forest's road system is skiable during winter months when snow plowing does not occur. Use of the Forest trail system is light to moderate and its user capacity is undetermined. New trails would be built to improve or disperse existing use and provide additional opportunities. Reconstruction is generally a higher priority than new construction. (LRMP 3-21)
Because snowmobile use has increased recently, the Forest has improved snowmobiling opportunities by constructing snowmobile parking areas and warming huts financed by State Off- Highway Vehicle funds. Additional OHV recreation developments are likely (LRMP 3-33).
The Lassen LRMP provides forest-wide and management area-specific standards and guidelines relevant to winter recreation as follows: Forest Goals:
Recreation:
(a) Provide a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities to meet public demand by furnishing different levels of access, service, facilities, and information.
d. Provide diverse opportunities for winter sports.
Visual Resources:
a. Throughout the Forest, maintain visual quality commensurate with other resource needs. Adopt and apply specific Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) for all areas of the Forest.
Wild and Scenic Rivers:
b. Protect and enhance outstandingly remarkable values and free-flowing condition of recommended and designated Wild and Scenic Rivers.
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Wilderness and Further Planning Areas
a. Protect Wilderness character in designated and recommended Wilderness.
Special Areas
a. Protect areas of outstanding scientific, scenic, botanic or geologic value as Research Natural Areas (RNAs), or Special Interest Areas (SIAs). Standards and Guidelines:
15. Recreation
(a)(3). Manage recreation according to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes described in the ROS User’s Guide, as specified in Appendix J [of the Forest Plan], and the Management Prescriptions Refer to the separate ROS Map for the distribution of ROS classes throughout the Forest.
(b)(1) Continue to implement the preferred alternative of the 1989 Winter OHV Management Plan, for the construction of trailheads and trail networks for winter recreation.
(b)(2) Cooperate with the State of California to identify locations where snow removal is needed to accommodate safe, off-highway parking for dispersed winter use.
(b)(3) Designate and mark trails needed for additional dispersed winter recreation.
(b)(4) Designate and sign cross-country ski trails.
(b)(5) Accommodate snowmobile use over most of the Forest where not in conflict with other uses or resources. Due to the dispersed nature of the activities, do not provide regular patrols. Provide first aid services only as Forest personnel happen to be available.
(b)(6) Minimize user conflicts by specifying allowable winter use on certain roads and trails (for example cross-country ski trails, snowmobile-only trails or winter 4-wheel drive only).
(b)(7) Prohibit snow removal on designated snowmobile and cross-country ski trails between specified dates.
(b)(8) Areas for snow play will not be designated. (LRMP 4-34)
18. Special Areas
(a)(4) Protect and preserve the values of each special area as identified in an establishment report or area management plan, in conformance with the Special Areas Prescription and Management Area direction.
23. Wild and Scenic Rivers
(b)(1) Administer river corridors commensurate with their proposed Wild and Scenic designations, as provided in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Special Areas Prescription, and Management Area direction.
24. Wilderness and Further Planning Areas
(a)(1) Conduct management activities according to the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Wilderness Prescription in this Plan, and any applicable wilderness plan.
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Desired Condition The desired future condition for recreation and areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy is described in the Lassen LRMP as follows:
Recreation facilities are well maintained and are sufficient to handle the increased demand. Wilderness, semi-primitive, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Special Interest Areas, and other special areas are managed to provide generally primitive recreational experiences while maintaining healthy, natural ecosystems (LRMP 4-2).
The desired future condition for scenery is described in the Lassen LRMP as follows:
The appearance of the Forest from designated throughways and vantage points appears mostly unchanged by management activities, from other areas, harvest openings and roads may be visible (LRMP 4-3).
The desired outcome of this OSV use designation process would be a manageable, designated OSV system of trails and areas within the Lassen National Forest, which is consistent with and achieves the purposes of the Forest Service Travel Management Regulations at 36 CFR Part 212, Subpart C. The system of trails and areas will provide access, ensure that OSV use occurs when there is adequate snow, promote the safety of all users, enhance public enjoyment, minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources, and minimize conflicts among the various uses.
This is consistent with the goal in the Lassen LRMP to provide diverse opportunities for winter sports.
Management Area F Riparian – Fish Prescriptions (Recreation)
3. Confine off-highway vehicles, except over-snow vehicles, to designated roads, trails, and stream crossings in riparian areas. (LRMP 4-75)
M – Semi-Primitive Motorized Recreation
This prescription is derived from the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class of semi-Primitive Motorized (SPM) (see Appendix J [of the Forest Plan] for the definition of this class). It is intended to facilitate dispersed, motorized recreation, such as snowmobiling, four-wheel driving, and motorcycling, in areas essentially undisturbed except for the presence of four-wheel drive roads and trails. Non-motorized activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and cross-country skiing are also possible. Motorized travel may be seasonally prohibited or restricted to designated routes to protect other resources. (LRMP 4-60)
N – Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Recreation:
This prescription is derived from the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (R0S) class of Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized (SPNM). See Appendix J [of the Forest Plan] for the definition of this class. It is intended to facilitate dispersed recreation such as hiking, mountain bicycling, horseback riding, hunting, and cross- country skiing in unroaded, essentially undisturbed areas outside of existing and proposed wilderness areas. Motorized recreation is prohibited (LRMP 4-63).
Prohibit motorized recreation, including four wheel driving, motorcycling, and snowmobiling (LRMP 4-64).
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S–Special Areas
Recreation: 2. Prohibit motorized vehicles within Research Natural Areas (LRMP 4-68).
Wild and Scenic Rivers: 1. Allow public recreation and other resource use activity based on the recommended category of each river segment (LRMP 4-69).
W – Wilderness Prescription
The prescription specifies management direction in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964, assuming no permanent or long-lasting evidence of human use. Motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited (LRMP 4-76).
Management Areas – Logan:
Recreation: 1. Continue designation of trails and restrict snow plowing of snowmobile trails for timber sales between December 1 and April 1 (LRMP p 4-118).
Special Area Designations Special area designations present within the Lassen National Forest include eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers, Wilderness, proposed wilderness, Inventoried Roadless Areas, national trails, and Research Natural Areas.
Federal Law The proposed OSV designations will be reviewed to determine their consistency with the following applicable laws, regulations and policies:
x Wilderness Act of 1964 and applicable Wilderness Implementation Plans
x Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and applicable Wild and Scenic River Plans
x National Trails System Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-543) and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan
x 2001 Roadless Area Final Rule (36 CFR Part 294)
x 2005 Travel Management Regulation – Subpart C (36 CFR Parts 212 and 261) as amended in 2015 - Use by Over Snow Vehicles (Travel Management Regulation)
Executive Orders Executive Order 11644 of February 8, 1972, as amended by Executive Order 11989 of May 24, 1977, and by Executive Order 12608 of September 9, 1987, requires certain Federal agencies, including the Forest Service, to “ensure that the use of off-road vehicles on public lands [is] controlled and directed so as to protect the resources of those lands, to promote the safety of all users of those lands, and to minimize conflicts among the various uses of those lands.”
Other Guidance or Recommendations National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands – Rec – 7 Over-Snow Vehicle Use (USDA Forest Service 2012).
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The California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of the California Department of Parks and Recreation provides funding for operating, maintaining, and grooming of winter recreation trails and trailheads in mountainous regions throughout California. OSV trail grooming and ancillary activities, such as trailhead plowing and maintenance are described in detail in the OSV Program Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Program Years 20102020. The EIR includes annual monitoring and reporting requirements for Forest Service participation in the grooming program (California Department of Parks and Recreation 2010). Topics and Issues Addressed in This Analysis
Purpose and Need The existing system of public OSV snow trails and areas on the Lassen National Forest is the culmination of multiple agency decisions over recent decades. Public OSV use of the majority of this available system continues to be manageable and consistent with the Travel Management Regulations. Exceptions have been identified, based on internal and public input and the criteria listed at 36 CFR §212.55.
The Forest Service has identified areas in which public OSV use would be prohibited under existing Forest Plan management direction, but there are no existing orders or directives that have formally prohibited public OSV use within them. These areas total 42,850 acres in addition to the 185,990 acres of National Forest System land that are currently closed to OSV use. Other than being inconsistent with existing management direction, some of these areas are also in lower elevations that do not typically receive sufficient snow for OSV use; are interspersed among areas currently closed to OSV use, such as wilderness, proposed wilderness, and areas classified as semi-primitive non-motorized in the recreation opportunity spectrum; have limited access, except from adjacent private land; or are small areas adjacent to pedestrian trails that are currently closed to motorized use.
The desired conditions for recreation (winter sports) are found on pages 4-4 to 4-5 of the Lassen National Forest LMP. The desired conditions specific to this project state:
x Provide a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities to meet public demand by furnishing different levels of assess, service facilities, and information.
x Provide diverse opportunities for winter sports.
Our project purpose and need was developed after considering our existing conditions and the desired conditions in our forest plan. The purpose (goals and objectives) of this project are to effectively manage public OSV use on the Lassen National Forest and to comply with the settlement agreement with Snowlands Network et al. Effective management would provide public OSV access, ensure that OSV use occurs when there is adequate snow, promote the safety of all uses, enhance public enjoyment, minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources, and minimize conflicts among the various uses.
There is a need to provide a manageable, designated OSV system of trails and areas within the Lassen National Forest that is consistent with and achieves the purposes of the Forest Service Travel Management Regulations at 36 CFR part 212, Subpart C.
There is a need to designate an OSV system of trails and areas within the Lassen National Forest that provides public access, promotes the safety of all uses, enhances public enjoyment, minimizes impacts to natural and cultural resources, and minimizes conflicts among various resources.
There is a need to correct inconsistencies with existing management direction and OSV use on the Lassen National Forest.
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There is a need to provide a high quality OSV trail system on the Lassen National Forest that is smooth and stable for the novice rider so they can use them without difficulty.
Recreation Analysis The recreation opportunities and desired experiences for both motorized and non-motorized winter activities are key drivers behind the purpose and need for this analysis. Effectively managing OSV use and identifying snow trails for grooming would help the Forest Service address the Forest Plan goals of providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities to meet public demand by furnishing different levels of access, service, facilities, and information, and providing diverse opportunities for winter sports on the Lassen National Forest (USDA Forest Service 1992).
Significant Issues
Effects on the Availability of Motorized Over-snow Recreation Opportunities The decision has the potential to impact the opportunities for public access and use of National Forest System lands by OSV-equipped winter recreation enthusiasts seeking enjoyable and challenging motorized experiences. The designation of snow trails and areas for public OSV use has the potential to impact the opportunities these enthusiasts seek by:
a. Changing the location of and/or reducing the amount of high quality and desirable areas designated for public, cross-country OSV use on the forest;
b. Designating an insufficient number of opportunities for public OSV use of snow trails on the forest; and
c. Providing an insufficient number of opportunities for public OSV use of groomed snow trails on the forest. These opportunities are subject to an external constraint due to limits on the amount of funding from the State of California for grooming snow trails for public OSV use. Snow trail grooming for OSV use on NFS land is 100 percent State-funded. The State’s financial support of snow trail grooming for OSV use is not expected to increase.
Resource indicators and measures for this issue are shown in table 1.
Table 1. Resource indicators and measures for the issue of availability of motorized over-snow recreation opportunities Impact Resource Indicator Measure Changing the location of and/or The area of National Forest Total area (acres) where public reducing the amount of high- System land designated for public, OSV use would be allowed; quality and desirable areas cross-country OSV use Percent change in total area designated for public, cross- (acres) where public OSV use country OSV use on the forest would be allowed as compared to current management Designating an insufficient number Snow trails designated for public Length of snow trail (miles) of opportunities for public OSV OSV use designated for public OSV use; use of snow trails on the forest Percent change in length of snow trail (miles) designated for public OSV use as compared to current management
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Impact Resource Indicator Measure Providing an insufficient number of Groomed snow trails designated Length of snow trail (miles) opportunities for public OSV use for public OSV use groomed for public OSV use; of groomed snow trails on the Percent change in length of snow forest trail (miles) groomed for public OSV use as compared to current management
Availability of Non-motorized Recreation Opportunities The decision has the potential to impact the opportunities for public access and use of National Forest System lands by non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts seeking solitude and challenging physical experiences. The designation of snow trails and areas for public OSV use and grooming of snow trails for OSV use has the potential to impact the opportunities these enthusiasts seek by:
a. Displacing non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts, or requiring them to travel longer distances through motorized snow trails and areas than they are physically able to traverse to access their desired quiet, non-motorized experiences;
b. Consuming untracked powder desired by backcountry skiers;
c. Making the snow surface difficult to ski on;
d. Creating concerns for their safety when non-motorized winter recreationists share winter recreation routes and areas with OSVs;
e. Creating noise impacts that intrude on the solitude these enthusiasts seek;
f. Creating local air quality impacts that intrude on the unpolluted air and solitude these enthusiasts seek; and
g. Creating visual impacts that intrude on the unaltered scenery these enthusiasts seek.
Resource indicators and measures for this issue are shown in table 2.
Table 2. Resource indicators and measures for the issue of availability of non-motorized recreation opportunities Impact Resource Indicator Measure Creating noise impacts that intrude Potential noise impacts Total area (acres) potentially on the solitude these enthusiasts affected by noise compared to seek the total area (acres) not designated for winter motorized use Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points)
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Impact Resource Indicator Measure Proximity and frequency of OSV Distance of groomed public designations in relation to OSV snow trails from designated non-motorized areas designated areas/number of (e.g., Wilderness, Inventoried public OSV snow trails within Roadless, Lassen Volcanic designated areas, or number of National Park, Research Natural crossings of linear designated Areas (RNAs), Proposed areas Wilderness, Primitive and Semi- primitive Non-motorized ROS classifications) Applicable wilderness capability Total area (acres) affected and attributes/characteristics (FSH) duration of impact. Qualitative 1909.12 (72.1)) description for each roadless area characteristic. Applicable Inventoried Roadless Total area (acres) affected and Area (IRA) criteria/characteristics duration of impact. Qualitative (36 CFR §294.11) description for each roadless area characteristic.
Creating local air quality impacts that Potential air quality impacts Qualitative/narrative description intrude on the unpolluted air and of potential impacts (with solitude these enthusiasts seek reference to the air quality analysis) Proximity and frequency of OSV Distance of groomed public designations in relation to OSV snow trails from designated non-motorized areas designated areas/number of (e.g., Wilderness, Inventoried public OSV snow trails within Roadless, Lassen Volcanic designated areas, or number of National Park, RNAs, Proposed crossings of linear designated Wilderness, Primitive and Semi- areas primitive Non-motorized ROS classifications) Applicable wilderness capability Total area (acres) affected and attributes/characteristics (FSH) duration of impact. 1909.12 (72.1)) Qualitative description for each roadless area characteristic. Applicable Inventoried Roadless Total area (acres) affected and Area (IRA) criteria/characteristics duration of impact. (36 CFR §294.11) Qualitative description for each roadless area characteristic.
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Impact Resource Indicator Measure Creating visual impacts that intrude Qualitative/narrative description of Qualitative description of on the unaltered scenery these potential visual impacts potential effects enthusiasts seek Proximity and frequency of OSV Qualitative description of designations in relation to potential effects designated non-motorized areas (e.g., Wilderness, Inventoried Roadless, Lassen Volcanic National Park, RNAs, Proposed Wilderness, Primitive and Semi- primitive Non-motorized ROS classifications) Applicable wilderness capability Qualitative description of attributes/characteristics (FSH potential effects 1909.12 (72.1)) Applicable Inventoried Roadless Qualitative description of Area (IRA) criteria/characteristics potential effects (36 CFR §294.11) Displacing non-motorized winter Access to desired non-motorized Total area (acres) and trails recreation enthusiasts, or requiring settings and opportunities (miles) available to non- them to travel longer distances motorized recreation through motorized trails and areas enthusiasts within 10 miles of than they are physically able to plowed trailheads traverse to access their desired quiet, non-motorized experiences Consuming untracked powder desired by backcountry skiers; Making the snow surface difficult to ski on; and
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Consistency of OSV (ROS) designations with ROS classes Creating concerns for their safety Areas and trails available to non- Total area (acres) designated when non-motorized winter motorized recreation enthusiasts for public OSV use, total area recreationists share winter recreation for quality non-motorized (acres) of non-motorized areas trails and areas with OSVs recreation experiences such as cross-country ski areas, non-motorized trail access
Other Resource Concerns Other resources relevant to this analysis that were addressed in public scoping comments include Wilderness, Research Natural Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.
Methodology This analysis used ArcMap and relevant Geographic Information System (GIS) data layers covering the Lassen National Forest, including recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) classes, Wilderness areas, inventoried roadless areas, national trails, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Research Natural Areas, etc. The GIS layer of proposed OSV designations and groomed trails was used as an overlay with the recreation settings and opportunities, scenery, access and designated area layers listed above to determine any potential conflicts.
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Forest Plan direction was considered to ensure compliance with management direction. A review of existing law, regulation and policy relevant to recreation settings and opportunities, access, scenery, and designated area resources within the project area was completed and referenced where appropriate.
The requirements of the Travel Management Regulation, Subpart C, including the general criteria for designation of roads, trails and areas (36 CFR §212.55(a)):
x Natural and cultural resources x Public safety x Provision of recreational opportunities x Access needs x Conflicts among uses of NFS lands x Need for maintenance and administration of roads, trails and areas that would arise if uses under consideration are designated and availability of resources for that maintenance and administration. And the specific criteria to consider effects on the following with the objective of minimizing (36 CFR §212.55 (b)):
1. Damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, and other forest resources;
2. Harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of wildlife habitats;
3. Conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands; and
4. Conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands.
In addition:
5. Compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) results, California State Parks, California Outdoor Recreation Plan, National Recreation Survey and the Environment information and online visitor information sources provided by the Forest Service and other local organizations and industry was used as an overview of the recreation opportunities, visitor use, and trends within the analysis area. The Recreation Facility Analysis niche statement was used to depict the importance of winter use (motorized or non-motorized) on the national forest; and secondly, consideration was given to how important the National Forest System lands are for this use (motorized or non-motorized) compared to other non- National Forest System lands.
The NVUM visitor use information from 2001, 2006, and 2010 was considered. The best available site- specific visitor use information for Lassen National Forest OSV use was from the 2009 OSV Winter Trailhead Survey conducted in support of the 2010 State OSV Program EIR for Program Years 20102020. OSV registration information for the State of California and for counties within the Lassen National Forest was also used to depict OSV use trends.
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A case study and literature review of current information regarding motorized and non-motorized winter recreation trends and preferences; and coordination with local Forest Service Specialists regarding on-the- ground conditions and use patterns were used to summarize existing conditions and potential impacts.
To evaluate potential impacts to recreation settings and opportunities, access, scenery, and designated area resources, each alternative will be compared using issues, indicators and measures defined below.
Resource Indicators and Measures The resource indicators and measures shown in table 3 will be used to measure and disclose effects to recreation resources related to OSV use designations and grooming trails for OSV use.
Table 3. Resource indicators and measures for assessing effects Used to Measure address: Source Resource Resource (Quantify if Purpose and (LRMP S&G,1 law or policy, Element Indicator possible) Need (P/N), or BMPs,2 etc.)? key issue? Motorized Opportunities Total area (acres) P/N LRMP Forest Goals, Recreation: Recreation for motorized open to OSV use, d. Provide diverse opportunities Opportunities – winter uses percent change for winter sports, and LRMP S&G cross-country 15 Recreation. (b)(5) Accommodate snowmobile use over most of the Forest where not in conflict with other uses or resources... Travel Management Regulation (36 CFR Part 212), Subpart C. Motorized OSV trail Length of P/N Travel Management Regulation Recreation designations designated OSV (36 CFR Part 212), Subpart C. Opportunities – trails (miles), designated percent change snow trails Motorized OSV trail Length of groomed P/N Travel Management Regulation Recreation grooming OSV trails (miles), (36 CFR Part 212), Subpart C. Opportunities – percent change groomed snow trails Non-motorized Access to Total area (acres) Significant Scoping, Civil Complaint Recreation desired non- and length of trails Issue Opportunities - motorized (miles) available to displacement recreation non-motorized settings and recreation opportunities enthusiasts within 10 miles of plowed trailheads
1 Standard and guideline 2 Best management practices
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Used to Measure address: Source Resource Resource (Quantify if Purpose and (LRMP S&G,1 law or policy, Element Indicator possible) Need (P/N), or BMPs,2 etc.)? key issue? Recreation Consistency of Significant LRMP S&G 15 (3) – p 4- Opportunity OSV designations Issue 24:.Manage recreation according Spectrum with ROS classes to the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes described in the ROS User’s Guide, as specified in Appendix J [of the Forest Plan], and the Management Prescriptions. Refer to the separate ROS Map for the distribution of ROS classes throughout the Forest. Non-motorized Areas and Total area (acres) Significant Minimization Criteria: 36 CFR Recreation trails available closed to OSV use, Issue §212.55(b)(3): Consider effects Conflicts - to non- percent change. on the following with the objective Public Safety motorized of minimizing: Conflicts between recreation motor vehicle use and existing or enthusiasts for proposed recreational uses of quality non- National Forest System lands or motorized neighboring Federal lands; and recreation (4) Conflicts among different experiences classes of motor vehicle uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands. In addition, the responsible official shall consider: (5) Compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors Non-motorized Proximity and Distance of Significant Wilderness Act of 1964 Recreation frequency of groomed public Issue Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of Conflicts – OSV OSV snow trails 1968 Solitude, Air designations in from areas National Trails System Act of Quality, relation to designated as non- 1968 Scenery, designated motorized under Designated non- non-motorized existing law or Pacific Crest National Scenic motorized areas areas policy, or number of Trail Comprehensive Plan crossings of linear areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy
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Used to Measure address: Source Resource Resource (Quantify if Purpose and (LRMP S&G,1 law or policy, Element Indicator possible) Need (P/N), or BMPs,2 etc.)? key issue? Noise Total area (acres) Issue analyzed Minimization Criteria: 36 CFR potentially affected to inform §212.55(b)(3) by noise/total area analysis of (acres) closed to significant issue winter motorized use Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative Issue analyzed Minimization Criteria: 36 CFR description of to inform §212.55(b)(3) potential impacts analysis of (with reference to significant issue air quality analysis Scenery Qualitative/narrative Issue analyzed description of to inform potential visual analysis of impacts significant issue Wilderness Total area (acres) Issue analyzed FSH 1909.12 (72.1) Attributes affected and to inform duration of impact. analysis of Qualitative significant issue description for wilderness attributes Roadless Total area (acres) Issue analyzed 36 CFR §294.11 Characteristics affected and to inform duration of impact. analysis of Qualitative significant issue description for roadless characteristics
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OSV Use Assumptions for Analysis The following OSV use assumptions were developed based on information in the State EIR and 2009 Trailhead Survey, and based on local knowledge and observations of resource specialists from the Lassen National Forest. The assumptions were mapped and used in this analysis to consider potential impacts from OSV designations and OSV trail grooming activities on recreation and areas designated as non- motorized under existing law or policy. These assumptions are based on topography, vegetation characteristics, and groomed OSV trail locations, which would remain the same in all alternatives. The maps of OSV use potential for the Almanor, Eagle Lake, and Hat Creek Ranger Districts are included as Appendix G of the RDEIS.
The OSV use assumptions include:
x Limited OSV use on steep slopes with heavy forest cover/high tree density (assume no use on slopes 35 percent or greater). In open terrain, with no trees, there is no slope-limiting factor for high-marking. x Open areas with many shrubs, OSVs won’t use without adequate snow depth. x OSV use patterns: o Primarily day use (generally 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; grooming occurs at night). o OSV use is at the highest on weekends and holidays. o Highest concentrations of OSV use occur along groomed trails (this is supported by research documented in State EIR). o Concentrated use at trailheads. o Higher use in open meadows (concentrated on meadows with groomed trail access) and flatter areas. o OSV “high marking” occurs primarily on slopes with open vegetation coverage, near groomed trails. o Lower elevations generally have less OSV use – snow occurs at lower elevations less frequently and does not persist for long periods of time (2 to 5 days), 3,500 feet and below for the Lassen. x Ungroomed routes receive 50 percent less use than groomed routes (only 25,000 registered OSVs in California per State EIR, most use on groomed trails; if OSV trail grooming were discontinued, assume that use would decline by 50 percent). x Groomed trails are suitable for OSVs other than snowmobiles (side-by-sides and quads on tracks, snowcats, etc.) x Groomed trails provide a higher degree of educational messages including messages encouraging trail sharing to reduce potential use conflicts.
Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis
Spatial Context: x Forest Boundary
Effects Timeframe: x Short-term effects occur within one year. x Long-term effects occur up to 20 years.
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Affected Environment
Existing Condition
Recreation Settings and Opportunities The Lassen National Forest offers a variety of high-quality recreation opportunities in a range of settings, year round. Three geomorphic provinces meet within the national forest and contribute to its diversitythe Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Southern Cascade Mountains, and the Modoc Plateau. Elevations range from 900 feet to 8,677 feet. Topography varies from deep river canyons and vast sage brush flats to sharp rocky peaks. The forest completely surrounds Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the 10,457-foot Lassen Peak is a prominent feature that visitors view from many national forest locations. Proximity to the national park and a variety of access points from the forest increase visitors’ opportunities for quiet recreation. Other public lands adjacent to the Lassen National Forest include the Plumas National Forest (south), Shasta-Trinity National Forest (north), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (north and east), and Tehama Wildlife area (State of California) (west). Private lands surrounding the Lassen National Forest vary between rural or sparsely populated to residential subdivisions. In addition, private timber companies like Sierra Pacific Industries, Collins Pine Company, Beaty & Associates, and Fruit Growers hold significant acreage (USDA Forest Service 2009).
Recreation Niche The recreation niche is a characterization of the distinct role the national forest has in providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. The niche allows the Forest Service to focus management efforts on providing recreation opportunities related to what is unique and valuable about the Lassen. The recreation niche statement of Lassen National Forest is:
Your Crossroads to Discovery–The Lassen National Forest is a crossroads of landscape and people. Here the granite of the Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the ranges of the Great Basin converge. The geologic crossroads has influenced the cultural crossroads throughout time. For generations, the Forest has and continues to provide quality of life and livelihood for local families and native people while enriching the experiences of a changing and diverse group of visitors. In this high country oasis, water is the key attraction. Large, high elevation lakes provide a social weekend get-away and clear streams offer premier fishing. The Volcanic Legacy All-American Road, Lassen Backcountry Discovery Trail and other major routes traverse the Forest offering outstanding viewing and learning opportunities and access to the Forest backcountry. (USDA Forest Service 2007)
Water-based recreation, hiking or walking, viewing scenery and wildlife, developed camping, and driving for pleasure, as well as geologic and cultural interpretation, provide the focus for recreation on the Lassen National Forest. Four broad niches describe this focus: lakes and special waterways, travel ways, backcountry, and wildlands.
Recreation Opportunity Spectrum
The Forest Service uses the recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) to inventory and describe the range of recreation opportunities available based on the following characteristics of an area: physical (characteristics of the land and facilities), social (interactions and contact with others), and managerial (services and controls provided). The recreational settings are described on a continuum ranging from Primitive to Urban. The ROS classes within the Lassen include Primitive (P), Semi-Primitive Non- Motorized (SPNM), Semi-Primitive Motorized (SPM), Roaded Natural (RN), and Rural (R). OSV
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designations that remain consistent with the ROS classes will provide for a diversity of opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized winter activities and the associated desired experiences.
Primitive: High opportunity for isolation from sights and sounds of man, unmodified natural environment. Very low interaction with other users.
Semi-Primitive Non–Motorized: Moderate opportunity for isolation from sights and sounds of man, natural appearing environment. Low interaction with other users.
Semi-Primitive Motorized: Moderate opportunity for isolation from sights and sounds of man, natural appearing environment. Low interaction with other users. Access permitted by four-wheel drive or motor bikes.
Roaded Natural Appearing: Sights and sounds of man are moderate. Mostly natural appearing as viewed from sensitive roads and trails. Landings, roads, slash, and other debris are evident. Access travel is conventional motorized.
Rural: Sights and sounds of man are evident. Natural environment is culturally modified, yet attractive. Access and travel facilities are for individual intensive motorized use.
A majority of Lassen National Forest acres are in the Roaded Natural class.
Table 4. Lassen National Forest recreation opportunity spectrum classes Recreation Opportunity Spectrum ROS Class Acres Primitive 3,393 Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 146,387 Semi-Primitive Motorized 59,350 Roaded Natural 910,774 Rural 9,681 LRMP Table 3.1 (3-21)
On the Lassen National Forest, all wilderness and proposed wilderness areas are classified as Semi- Primitive Non-Motorized and Primitive. All Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized and Primitive areas are closed to OSV use. Groomed trails are located in Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural, and Rural classes.
Motorized Winter Recreation The Lassen National Forest has a well-developed winter recreation program, which emphasizes snowmobile use. There are 2,760 miles of currently groomed, ungroomed, marked, and unmarked snow trail that are open to public OSV use as shown on the 2005 Lassen National Forest Winter Recreation Guide (project record). These trails are within areas currently open to OSV use. Most of these trails overlie roads that are not plowed, but are open to OSVs, all-terrain vehicles, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and skiers. However, 322 miles of trail are only open to OSVs and non-motorized use when groomed for OSV use.
For over 30 years, the Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, in cooperation with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) Off-highway Motor Vehicle Division has enhanced winter recreation, and more specifically, snowmobiling recreation by maintaining National Forest System trails (snow trails) by grooming snow for snowmobile use. Plowing of local access roads
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and trailhead parking lots, grooming trails for snowmobile use, and light maintenance of facilities (e.g., restroom cleaning, garbage collection) are the essential elements of the OSV Program that keep the national forests open for winter recreation use.
The groomed OSV trail system on the Hat Creek, Eagle Lake, and Almanor Ranger Districts, and other geographic areas where OSV designations will be considered through this analysis are described below.
Ashpan Snowmobile Area This area covers 82,910 acres of the Lassen National Forest under the proposed action. It consists of that portion of the Lassen National Forest that lies west and north of Highways 44/89 and south of Highway 299. The community of Old Station is located within this OSV area.
This is a popular area for OSV trail riding and also includes approximately 57 miles of groomed OSV trails accessed through the Asphan OSV trailhead on Highways 44/89. Approximately 16 miles of these OSV trails are under Forest Service jurisdiction. The groomed trail system connects to the adjacent Latour State Forest, offering further opportunity for OSV recreation. Although it lacks jurisdiction to designate snow trails for OSV use on land that is not part of the National Forest System, the Forest Service still grooms the OSV trails in the Latour State Forest.
The Ashpan Snowmobile Area is located 4 miles northeast of the north entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park. This trail system travels through mixed conifer forests with the higher sections containing views of Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, and the upper Sacramento Valley. Trail elevations range from 5,400 feet to 6,000 feet. The Ashpan trailhead has a parking lot, warming hut, and restroom.
Bogard Snowmobile Area This area covers 331,850 acres of the Lassen National Forest under the proposed action. It is bounded by Highway 44 to the south and west and by the forest boundary to the north and east in the northeastern part of the forest. This OSV area is accessible from the communities of Burney, Fall River, Old Station and Susanville and from the Bogard Trailhead on Highway 44.
This area also includes approximately 27 miles of groomed OSV trails connecting riders to several popular destination points.
Fall River OSV Area – This area covers 42,440 acres. It is not shown on the 2005 Winter Recreation Guide for the Lassen National Forest, but is open to OSV use. It is located in the vicinity of Lake Britton and MacArthur-Burney State Park. This area is also isolated from the remaining Lassen National Forest and comprises areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest administered by the Lassen National Forest. Nearby communities include Burney and Fall River. This area is within a zone of historically minimal snowfall and combined with the state park, tends to serve more as a focal point for non-motorized recreation. Although designated for OSV use, OSV opportunities are irregular throughout this area as there may not be sufficient snow in all parts of this area every year. No marked OSV trails currently exist in this area.
Fredonyer Snowmobile Area The Fredonyer Snowmobile Area covers approximately 30,030 acres and is located on State Route 36, 10 miles west of Susanville. The area has 80 miles of groomed trails, a parking area, a warming hut, and a restroom.
The Fredonyer Snowmobile Area can be accessed from three different areas. Primary access is from the Fredonyer trailhead on State Route 36 at Fredonyer Pass. Additional pullout parking is available along the
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road shoulder, dependent upon plowed conditions. Willard Hill, a few miles farther east on State Route 36 also provides access with pullout parking along the road. South of Susanville, Gold Run Road (County Road 204) provides an ungroomed trail link to the Fredonyer trails.
The Fredonyer trails are located on both the north and south sides of State Route 36 with the northern trail route linking to the Swain Mountain Snowmobile Area. Trails on the south side of State Route 36 offer various loop trails which traverse through a combination of forest and open meadow and offer views of the Great Basin and the high country around Mount Lassen. Trail elevations range from 4,800 feet to 7,000 feet.
The Forest Service (Eagle Lake Ranger District) is responsible for operating and maintaining the Fredonyer Snowmobile Area. Caltrans provides plowed trailhead access, but a private vendor could provide the service under contract to the Forest Service (Lassen National Forest) in the future.
Jonesville Snowmobile Area This area covers 122,550 acres of the Lassen National Forest. It is isolated by private land and the Plumas National Forest in the southern part of the forest. It is bounded by Highway 36 to the north, Lake Almanor to the east, and the forest boundary to the south and west. The Jonesville area is a popular OSV destination, especially for the communities of Chester and Lake Almanor.
The area also contains approximately 68 miles of groomed snow trails accessed from the Jonesville Trailhead on Humboldt Road and Highway the 89 Staging Area at County Road 308.
Morgan Summit Snowmobile Area This area covers 125,220 acres of the Lassen National Forest. It lies on the west end of the forest and is bordered by Highway 32 and portions of Highway 36 to the south, Highway 44 to the north, Lassen Volcanic National Park to the east and the western borders of the forest. This area is largely centered around the communities of Mineral and Chester and winter recreation activities, predominately OSV use, contribute significantly to the social and economic health of the area.
This area also contains approximately 62 miles of groomed OSV trails, accessed by the Morgan Summit Trailhead on Highway 36.
Shasta OSV Area – This area covers 56,820 acres of the Lassen National Forest. It is not shown on the 2005 Winter Recreation Guide for the Lassen National Forest, but is open to OSV use. It is located in the extreme northern portion of the forest and is isolated from the remaining forest by private, state, and other agency lands. It comprises areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest that are administered by the Lassen National Forest. The community of Day is located within this area. The area is largely comprised of rough lava debris and historically has limited snowfall. Although designated for OSV use, OSV opportunities are irregular throughout this area as there may not be sufficient snow in all parts of this area every year.
No marked OSV trails currently exist in this area and none will be designated in this area for OSV use in any alternative.
Swain Mountain Snowmobile Area This area covers 172,210 acres of the Lassen National Forest. It is located east and south of Highway 44 and north of Highway 36, with the remaining boundaries formed by Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Caribou Wilderness. This area is extremely popular with OSV users, especially in the eastern and southeastern portions of the area.
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The area also includes the Bizz Johnson ski trail, parts of which will not be designated for OSV use. A short segment of trail at its west end will be a designated OSV trail in all alternatives. This OSV area is directly accessible from the communities of Old Station, Chester and Susanville.
This area also contains approximately 92 miles of groomed OSV trails accessed via the Swain Mountain Trailhead on County Road A-21, the Chester-Lake Almanor Staging area on Highway 36, the Fredonyer Trailhead on Highway 36, and the Bogard Trailhead on Highway 44.
Table 5. Overview of State of California OSV grooming program activity on the Lassen National Forest Project Location Recreation Facility3 State of California OSV Program National Forest (NF) and County Funded Activity Lassen NF, Hat Creek Ranger District Ashpan Snowmobile Area Groom 35 miles of trail, plow 1 Shasta County near Latour State Forest trailhead, service 1 restroom, and and Lassen Volcanic National Park refuse collection. Lassen NF, Eagle Lake Ranger District Bogard and Fredonyer Groom 160 miles of trail, plow 2 Lassen County, near Eagle Lake Snowmobile Areas trailheads, service 2 restrooms, and (Bogard) and Westwood (Fredonyer) refuse collection Lassen NF, Almanor Ranger District Jonesville Snowmobile Area Groom 70 miles of trail, plow 7 miles Butte and Plumas Counties, near of road and 1 trailhead Jonesville and Lake Almanor Lassen NF, Almanor Ranger District Swain Mountain and Morgan Groom 137 miles of trail, plow Plumas and Lassen Counties, near Summit Snowmobile Areas 0.25 mile of road and 3 trailheads, Chester (Swain Mountain) and Tehama service 2 restrooms, and refuse County near Mineral (Morgan Summit) collection
Non-Motorized Winter Recreation The Lassen National Forest contains three designated wildernesses (78,060 acres), three proposed wilderness areas (61,686 acres); three eligible wild and scenic rivers (84 miles), and six research natural areas. Most of the managed non-motorized lands lie within the primitive (P) and semi-primitive non- motorized (SPNM) ROS classes, which are free of conflicts with motorized activities (USDA Forest Service 2009).
The Lassen has abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing. Several locations on the national forest are closed to motorized vehicles by Forest Order to allow for solitude on designated cross-country ski trails. These trails are designed to challenge a variety of skill levels and are marked from easy to most difficult. They are groomed periodically during the snow season.
Popular cross-country ski trails include the McGowan cross-country ski trail, the Butte Lake trail, the Bizz Johnson Trail, and Colby Meadows. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) runs through the center of the Lassen National Forest from north to south. The PCT is closed to motorized OSV use and provides non-motorized winter trail opportunities.
The 106,372-acre Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) is located near the center of the Lassen National Forest. A variety of winter non-motorized activities are available in the park including cross-country skiing, telemarking, snowshoeing, and snowplay. The NPS offers ranger-led snowshoe trips from the Manzanita Lake area. Throughout the winter, the park highway is plowed to the southwest parking area on the south side of the park and to the Loomis Museum on the north side of the park. Non-motorized
3 The only seasonal restrictions occur with regard to wheeled motorized use and grooming – wheeled vehicle use on groomed trails is prohibited from December 26 until March 31.
Lassen National Forest 20 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report access is allowed year-round (USDI National Park Service 2015). The nearest groomed OSV trails to the LVNP, located on the Lassen National Forest are approximately three-quarters of a mile to the east of the park’s southeast corner, and approximately one and one-half miles north of the park’s northwest corner.
Visitor use To determine the potential effects of management alternatives, it is important to understand the characteristics of people who visit and recreate on Lassen National Forest. Responding to the need for improved information about visitors to National Forest System lands, the Forest Service developed a nationwide, systematic monitoring process for estimating annual recreation use: the National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) program.
The NVUM program was designed to provide statistically reliable estimations of recreation visitation to national forests and grasslands. Through collection and dissemination of information about recreational users and their preferred activities, resource managers can make informed, strategic decisions about the types and amount of recreation opportunities provided on the national forest.
NVUM surveys were conducted on Lassen National Forest during calendar year 2000 and fiscal years 2005 and 2010, the results of which were published in 2001, 2006, and 2010, respectively (USDA Forest Service 2001, 2006, 2010). Surveys collected information about participation in recreation activities, visitor demographics, and spending patterns. Summaries from these surveys are useful to describe recreation use patterns on the national forest. As displayed, these data are only valid at the forest level and cannot be disaggregated to specific sites or locations.
The Lassen serves a largely local client base. Over 43 percent of visits came from people living within 50 miles of the national forest; another 7 percent came from people living 50 to 75 miles away. Most visits are short, day use lasting 6 hours or less. Almost 60 percent are people who visit five times or less per year.
In 2010, the three most reported main activities were fishing (22 percent), viewing natural features (19 percent), and snowmobiling (8 percent). In 2005, the three most reported main activities were hunting (16.4 percent), hiking/walking (15.4 percent), and fishing (13.1 percent). Winter activities were lower during this survey year with cross-country skiing (3.5 percent), downhill skiing (2.3 percent), and snowmobiling (1.2 percent). In 2001, the top primary activities were: fishing (20.9 percent), other non- motorized activities such as swimming, games and sports (14 percent), developed camping (9.2 percent), and driving for pleasure (9 percent). Winter activities were lower with downhill skiing and snowboarding (3.3 percent), snowmobile travel (2 percent), cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (1 percent).
Table 6 shows the estimated visitor use based on the percentage of visitors reporting snowmobiling and cross-country skiing as their main activity.
Table 6. National visitor use management winter activities Estimated Annual Total Annual Average hours % Main National Forests Year Activity National participating in Activity Visits based on the % Forest Visits main activity main Activity 2010 Snowmobiling 300,000 8.4% 25,200 3.9 2010 Cross-country skiing 300,000 1.8% 5,400 0 2005 Snowmobiling 607,200 1.2% 7,286 4 2005 Cross-country skiing 607,200 3.5% 21,252 2.7 2001 Snowmobiling 656,038 2.0% 13,120 Not reported
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Estimated Annual Total Annual Average hours % Main National Forests Year Activity National participating in Activity Visits based on the % Forest Visits main activity main Activity 2001 Cross-country skiing 656,038 1.0% 6,560 Not reported *A National forest visit is defined as the entry of one person upon a national forest to participate in recreation activities for an unspecified period of time. A national forest visit can be composed of multiple site visits. The visit ends when the person leaves the national forest to spend the night somewhere else.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles records OSV registration by county each year. The Lassen National Forest falls within the seven counties shown in table 7.
Table 7. California OSV registration for counties in Lassen National Forest, 2009 through 2014 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Butte 1,093 1,054 1,057 991 1,014 955 Lassen 394 364 352 322 315 279 Modoc 41 35 42 39 37 28 Plumas 1,236 1,180 1,111 1,025 1,022 920 Shasta 417 432 471 410 433 399 Siskiyou 508 505 474 472 457 420 Tehama 103 108 111 112 106 110 TOTAL 3,792 3,678 3,618 3,371 3,384 3,111 *Data from CA State Parks, not official DMV records
Table 8 shows total statewide OSV registrations and out-of-state registrations.
Table 8. California statewide OSV registration, 2009 through 2014 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Subtotal 18,542 17,982 17,776 16,956 16,929 16,189 Out of State 260 242 235 244 215 197 Total 18,802 18,224 18,011 17,200 17,144 16,386 *Data from CA State Parks, not official DMV records
Snowmobile registrations in the Lassen National Forest counties and statewide have remained nearly stable, or declined slightly over the past six years. The State EIR estimated that OSV use would continue to increase at a rate of approximately 4 percent per year, as it had between 1997 and 2009 (California Department of Park and Recreation 2010); however, that has not been the case in recent years.
OSV visitor use varies based on the amount of snowfall and the length of the season. All districts on the Lassen National Forest receive some snow; however, the Front Country, Ishi Wilderness area, Almanor Ranger District, generally does not get sufficient snow for OSV use.
Table 9 is derived from the OSV trailhead survey conducted for the State EIR, and based on data summarized in the State EIR (California Department of Park and Recreation 2010). The table shows the average number of vehicles at trailheads, and the average number of OSVs that would be expected on weekends and holidays versus weekdays. Based on this information, estimated use for the 2015/2016 winter season is 10,020 OSV users forest wide.
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Table 9. Lassen National Forest OSV visitor use Location Day description Number of vehicles Number of OSVs* Forest wide Weekend or holiday 106 212 (approx. 33 per season) Forest wide Weekday 21 42 (approx. 65 per season) Individual trailheads Weekend or holiday 15 (average) 30 Individual trailheads Weekday 3.5 7 Based on 2009 data from California State Draft EIR *assumes an average of 2 OSV’s per vehicle parked at a trailhead
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences The 2010 NVUM report indicates that 81.4 percent of visitors to the Lassen National Forest are very satisfied, and 12.2 percent are somewhat satisfied. The satisfaction survey questions did not directly address winter use, however, the NVUM Importance-Performance ratings for Undeveloped General Forest areas that could be relevant to winter recreation include conditions of the environment, parking availability, parking lot condition, feeling of safety and scenery, all were rated “keep up the good work” while signage adequacy was rated as “concentrate here” (USDA Forest Service 2010).
There are occasional OSV incursions in wilderness and adjacent non-motorized areas (reports of OSV trespass into Caribou Wilderness, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and occasionally on designated cross- country ski trails), but law enforcement has determined many of the incursions to be inadvertent. OSV trespass into designated wilderness facilitated by nearby groomed trails could occur and may increase as use increases. There are no other known conflicts between OSV use and other uses on National Forest System land or neighboring Federal lands, no known conflicts among classes of OSVs, and no known areas where use is adversely affecting cultural, tribal, or historic resources (USDA Forest Service 2014).
Conflict between motorized and non-motorized winter users arise due to differing desired recreation experiences, public safety concerns, noise, air quality, and access issues. Public comments received during the scoping period for this project describe conflicts related to (1) displacing visitors who prefer non-motorized recreation opportunities; (2) posing safety concerns for non-motorized users due to the high speed of vehicles on shared trails; (3) creating noise and air quality impacts that lead to the displacement of non-motorized users; (4) quickly consuming untracked powder snow, which reduces a desired backcountry skiing experience; (5) disrupting ski tracks, making the snow surface unsuitable for cross-country skiing; and (6) grooming trails which the State of California’s Over Snow Vehicle Program Draft EIR estimates triples the OSV use on trails to the detriment of non-motorized users.
Motorized winter users expressed concerns regarding additional limitations on use; however, they generally did not describe conflicts with non-motorized users.
Opportunities for quality recreation experiences depend on a both the settings (physical, social, and managerial aspects), and on the desired experience of the user. Conflicts occur when one recreationist affects or degrades the experience of another. Many non-motorized recreationists experience conflict with motorized recreationists (Adams and McCool 2010). Conflict can result in displacement or the abandonment of the use of a particular trail or area, or a change in time of use (Adams and McCool 2010).
Both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation activities can be described in three general categories including trail touring, backcountry exploring, and alpine adventure (Snowlands 2014). Trail touring is typically focused on the use of groomed trail systems, where the quality of the groomed trail with moderate climbs and descents is often the most important factor for the recreation experience. Backcountry exploring is focused on cross-country travel away from the groomed trail system with
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emphasis on travelling and exploring. Alpine adventure is characterized by the challenge of riding through powder snow on steeper slopes. In alpine adventure, backcountry skiers seek the downhill experience, while snowmobilers enjoy the challenge of climbing up (Snowlands 2014).
Quality non-motorized winter recreation experiences are typically characterized by quiet activities such as cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing in a natural environment that is not influenced by the sound, smell of exhaust, or sight of snowmobiles. Areas must be accessible from plowed trailheads, as non-motorized users typically do not travel long distances. Non-motorized visitors spend an average of 2.3 hours on the snow per visit (Rolloff et al. 2009).
Opportunities for quality motorized winter recreation experiences are typically characterized by groomed trail system and open hills for high marking. Snowmobilers typically have a maximum 80-mile round-trip travel range (California Department of Parks and Recreation 2010). Approximately half of motorized visitors indicated that they would not snowmobile or would snowmobile less if the trails were not groomed (Rolloff et al. 2009). OSV visitors spend an average of 6 hours on the snow per visit. Motorized users are also interested in travelling through and experiencing a natural environment. According to the Lassen National Forest recreation staff, a majority of OSV use on the national forest would fall into the “trail touring” category described above (O’Brien, personal communication 2015).
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy
Wilderness Three designated wilderness areas on the Lassen National Forest cover approximately 78,240 acres, Caribou Wilderness (20,546 acres), Thousand Lakes Wilderness (16,355 acres), and Ishi Wilderness (41,399 acres). The Ishi Wilderness Area is located in the lower-elevation country that typically does not receive adequate snow for OSV use. Proposed wilderness areas include Heart Lake, Wild Cattle Mountain, Caribou extension, and Mill Creek.
Designated wilderness areas are closed to motorized OSV use by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Proposed Wilderness areas on the Lassen National Forest are closed to OSV use, per forest plan direction, since they fall within the Semi-Primitive Non-motorized ROS class and are managed to maintain their wilderness characteristics. There are groomed OSV trails within one-quarter mile of the south and east boundaries of the Caribou Wilderness and Caribou extension proposed wilderness (approximately six miles) and north of the Mill Creek proposed wilderness (approximately two and one-half miles). There are groomed OSV trails within one-half mile south of Thousand Lakes Wilderness (approximately one- half mile).
Inventoried Roadless Areas:
Approximately 169,400 acres of inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) are located within Lassen National Forest. IRAs provide clean drinking water and function as biological strongholds for populations of threatened and endangered species. They provide large, relatively undisturbed landscapes that are important to biological diversity and the long-term survival of many at-risk species. IRAs provide opportunities for dispersed outdoor recreation, opportunities that diminish as open space and natural settings are developed elsewhere. They also serve as bulwarks against the spread of non-native invasive plant species and provide reference areas for study and research (USDA Forest Service 2009).
Roadless area characteristics, as defined in 36 CFR §294.11 – Roadless Area Conservation, Final Rule and evaluated here include the following:
x High-quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air
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x Sources of public drinking water x Diversity of plants and animal communities x Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species, and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land x Primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized and semi-primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation x Reference landscapes x Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic quality x Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites x Other locally identified unique characteristics
Wilderness attributes, as defined at FSH 1909.12 (72.1) and evaluated here include the following:
1. Natural – The extent to which long-term ecological processes are intact and operating 2. Undeveloped – The degree to which the impacts documented in natural integrity are apparent to most visitors 3. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive unconfined recreation – Solitude is a personal, subjective value defined as the isolation from sights, sounds, and presence of others and from developments and evidence of humans. Primitive recreation is characterized by meeting nature on its own terms, without comfort and convenience of facilities. 4. Special features and values – Unique ecological, geographical, scenic, and historical features of an area 5. Manageability – The ability to manage an area for wilderness consideration and maintain wilderness attributes
Table 10 shows the crosswalk between the wilderness attributes identified in Forest Service Handbook 1909.12 and the 1964 Wilderness Act; and the roadless area characteristics defined in the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (36 CFR §294.11).
Table 10. Wilderness Attributes and Roadless Characteristics Crosswalk Wilderness Attributes Roadless Area Characteristics Natural High-quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air; Ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of Sources of public drinking water: modern civilization and generally appear to have been Diversity of plant and animal communities; affected primarily by forces of nature Habitat for threatened, endangered, proposed, candidate, and sensitive species and for those species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of land; Reference landscapes Undeveloped Natural appearing landscapes with high scenic Degree to which the area is without permanent quality improvements or human habitation
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Wilderness Attributes Roadless Area Characteristics Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized and semi- Unconfined Recreation primitive motorized classes of dispersed recreation Solitude: opportunity to experience isolation from the sights, sounds, and presence of others from the developments and evidence of humans
Primitive and unconfined recreation: opportunity to experience isolation from the evidence of humans, to feel a part of nature, to have a vastness of scale, and a degree of challenge and risk while using outdoor skills Special Features and Values Traditional cultural properties and sacred sites; and Capability of the area to provide other values such as those Other locally identified unique characteristics. with geologic, scientific, educational, scenic, historical, or cultural significance Manageability No criteria The ability of the Forest Service to manage an area to meet size criteria and the elements of wilderness
There are no groomed OSV trails within the IRAs. A majority of the roadless acreage is closed to cross- country OSV use, per forest plan direction, because the IRAs are within the semi-primitive non-motorized ROS class. However, there are small portions of roadless areas that are within the semi-primitive motorized or roaded natural ROS classes where OSV use could occur, but is not likely due to the proximity of other closed acres and because they are located in areas where low to no OSV use is expected based on the OSV use assumptions (see OSV use potential maps in Appendix G of the RDEIS).
Small portions of the following IRAs that fall within the roaded natural or semi-primitive motorized ROS classes are currently open to OSV use, but fall within areas where low to no OSV use is expected: Mayfield, Lava, Timbered Crater, Unnamed IRA near Old Station and East of Hwy 89 (Cinder Butte), Cypress, Snow Mountain, Prospect, Onion Springs, Wild Cattle Mountain, Ishi, Polk Springs, Mill Creek, Cub Creek, Butt Mountain, and Chips Creek.
IRAs with small portions of roaded natural and semi-primitive motorized that are open to OSV use and fall in areas where moderate to high OSV is expected include: Devils Garden, Trail Lake, Black Cinder, and Heart Lake.
Wild and Scenic Rivers
There are three eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers located in the southwest portion of the Lassen National Forest near the Ishi Wilderness and Mill Creek proposed wilderness. They are Mill Creek (five segments having either wild, scenic, or recreational eligibility, 24.0 miles), Deer Creek (seven segments having either wild, scenic, or recreational eligibility, 22.0 miles) and Antelope Creek (three segments with wild eligibility, North Fork 5.72 miles, south fork 7.05 miles). Most of the eligible Wild and Scenic River corridors are within areas closed to OSV use. There are groomed OSV trails adjacent to the two northernmost segments of Mill Creek with eligibility as a recreational Wild and Scenic River. With the presence of groomed OSV trails, this is an area where OSV use is expected to be high to moderate. The scenic and recreational segments of Deer Creek that are outside of existing OSV closure area fall within an area where low to no OSV use is expected (see OSV use potential maps in Appendix G of the RDEIS).
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Research Natural Areas Grahams Pinery, Soda Ridge, Green Island Lake, Cub Creek, Mayfield, Timbered Carter, and Indian Creek Research Natural Areas are closed to OSV use under existing conditions.
The Lassen LRMP prohibits motorized vehicles within Research Natural Areas, but no formal directive prohibiting such use has been issued for the Black Mountain Research Natural Area. This area covers approximately 520 acres.
No groomed or ungroomed routes are within any of the Research Natural Areas.
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail The Lassen National Forest contains 125 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) that is managed for non-motorized trail uses. The PCT runs roughly through the center of the national forest from north to south.
The PCT was designated in 1968 as one of the first national scenic trails. The PCT (extending from Mexico to Canada) was established to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas which such trails may pass. Along with the Appalachian Trail, the PCT is acknowledged as one of the premier non-motorized trails in the nation (USDA Forest Service 2009).
Most of the PCT on the Lassen National Forest passes through areas that are either closed to OSV use, or within areas where low to no OSV use is expected. Approximately 11 miles of the PCT on the Almanor Ranger District pass through the Jonesville Snowmobile Area with high to moderate OSV use. Groomed OSV trails cross the PCT in three locations (see OSV use potential maps in Appendix G of the RDEIS).
Table 11. Resource indicators and measures for the existing condition, alternative 1 Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Existing Conditions (Quantify if possible) Motorized Opportunities for Total area (acres) open to 964,030 acres open to public, Recreation motorized winter uses OSV use cross-country OSV use, Opportunities – subject to snow depth cross-country restrictions
No minimum snow depth requirement Motorized OSV trail designations Length of designated OSV 406 miles of groomed, Recreation trails (miles) ungroomed, marked and un- Opportunities – marked OSV trails open for designated snow OSV use, subject to snow trails depth restrictions
No minimum snow depth requirement Motorized OSV trail grooming Length of groomed OSV 349 miles Recreation trails (miles) Opportunities – 12 inch snow depth groomed snow requirement for grooming trails
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Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Existing Conditions (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Access to desired non- Total area (acres) and Six plowed trailheads provide Recreation motorized recreation length of trails (miles) access for motorized and non- Opportunities - settings and available to non-motorized motorized winter use, displacement opportunities recreation enthusiasts within 10 miles of plowed 75,169 acres available for non- trailheads motorized recreation within 10 miles of plowed trailheads
44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized routes available for non- motorized recreation within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Opportunity Consistency of OSV Motorized OSV use prohibited Spectrum designations with ROS in Primitive and Semi-Primitive classes Non-Motorized ROS classes. Motorized OSV use allowed in Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Rural ROS classes. Non-motorized Areas and trails Total area (acres) closed to 185,983 acres/ six non- Recreation available to non- OSV use/length of non- motorized trails with a total of Conflicts - Public motorized recreation motorized trails (miles) 148 miles for non-motorized Safety enthusiasts for quality use. non-motorized recreation experiences Non-motorized Proximity and frequency Distance of groomed public A total of approximately 9 Recreation of OSV designations in OSV snow trails from areas miles of groomed OSV trails Conflicts – Solitude, relation to designated designated as non- within 1/2 mile of the Caribou Air Quality, non-motorized areas motorized under existing law Wilderness, Caribou extension Scenery, or policy, or number of proposed Wilderness, Mill Designated non- crossings of linear areas Creek Proposed Wilderness motorized areas designated as non- and Thousand Lakes motorized under existing law Wilderness boundaries. or policy Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of the park’s southeast corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the park’s northwest corner.
No designated PCT crossing points or corridors, Groomed OSV trails cross PCT in 3 locations.
No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas.
Lassen National Forest 28 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Existing Conditions (Quantify if possible) Noise Total area (acres) potentially 964,030 acres open for OSV affected by noise/total area use and potentially affected by (acres) closed to winter noise/185,983 acres closed to motorized use OSV use and available for quiet recreation Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative Potential short-term impacts to description of potential the experience of recreational impacts (with reference to visitors in the vicinity of OSVs air quality analysis and grooming equipment due to the smell of exhaust emissions (see air quality report). Scenery Qualitative/narrative Cross-country OSV use description of potential creates temporary tracks in the visual impacts snow that crisscross the landscape. The visual evidence of snowmobile use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season. Wilderness Attributes Total area (acres) affected Opportunities for solitude may and duration of impact. be temporarily affected due to Qualitative description for the sights and sounds of OSVs wilderness attributes near the wilderness or proposed wilderness boundaries. There are approximately 27,108 acres open to OSV use within ½ mile of designated and proposed wilderness boundaries, The duration of the potential impacts would be short-term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area. Roadless Total area (acres) affected Approximately 72,969 IRA Characteristics and duration of impact. acres open to OSV use. Qualitative description for roadless characteristics Opportunities for solitude are temporarily affected in portions of four roadless areas that are within areas of expected high to moderate OSV use.
Environmental Consequences
Alternative 1 – No Action Under alternative 1, there would be no changes to the existing system of OSV use on trails, and areas within the Lassen National Forest except as prohibited by forest order. In addition, only those seasonal
Lassen National Forest 29 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
restrictions as specified in the Lassen Forest Plan and contained in existing forest orders would be continued. The 2005 Travel Management Regulation, Subpart C, would not be implemented, and no OSV use map would be produced. By definition, direct and indirect effects (40 CFR §1508.8), and cumulative effects (40 CFR §1508.7) result from the proposed action, and thus, are not germane to the no-action alternative.
Recreation Settings and Opportunities In the no-action alternative, opportunities for winter motorized recreation both cross-country and on groomed trails would remain the same as described in the existing conditions. A majority of OSV use on the Lassen National Forest is expected to continue to be along the groomed trail system. There would be no reduction of opportunities or change in location for winter motorized OSV use. Current management requires a minimum snow depth of 12 inches for OSV use, this requirement would continue to limit access to deeper snow at higher elevations when snow depths at trailheads are below 12 inches.
Opportunities for winter non-motorized recreation would also remain the same as described in the existing conditions. OSV use would remain consistent with existing ROS classes, with motorized use prohibited in primitive and semi-primitive non-motorized ROS classes and allowed in semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, and rural ROS classes.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences Conflicts between motorized and non-motorized winter experiences on the Lassen are currently minor and infrequent; existing conflicts would continue and may increase as population and visitor use increase.
Non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts would continue to be displaced in some areas by motorized OSV use, or be unable to access areas for desired quiet, non-motorized experiences away from the sights, sounds, and smells of motorized use, since they would have to travel longer distances through motorized routes and areas than they are physically able to traverse. There are 75,169 acres available for quiet, non- motorized winter activities and 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails within 10 miles of plowed trailheads. There are a total of 186,000 acres across the Lassen National Forest available for quiet, non-motorized experiences, where OSV use would not be designated.
Table 12: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 1 OSV Area Acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities (closed to OSV use) within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Ashpan 15,892 Bogard 676 Fredonyer 1,138 Jonesville 16,181 Morgan Summit 20,785 Swain Mountain 20,498 Total 75,169
Other potential conflicts would continue to occur in some areas, as motorized OSVs consume untracked powder snow that is desired by backcountry skiers, create tracks across the snow surface making skiing difficult, and creating safety concerns in areas where motorized and non- motorized use is occurring at shared trailheads and on shared trails.
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Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy Occasional incursions into adjacent Wilderness areas and non-motorized areas on other Federal lands would continue to occur, and possibly increase as population and visitor use increase.
There are approximately nine miles of groomed OSV trails within one-half mile of Wilderness and proposed wilderness boundaries. There are small portions of four Inventoried Roadless Areas that are open to OSV use in areas where moderate to high OSV use is expected. The closest groomed OSV trails to the LVNP are one and one-half miles north of the park’s northwest corner and three-quarters mile east of the park’s southeast corner.
Ongoing motorized use in close proximity to the designated non-motorized areas temporarily degrades opportunities for solitude near the non-motorized area boundaries, when OSVs are present on the trails. Similarly, there may be temporary impacts to air quality in the vicinity of OSVs, and short-term impacts to scenery when OSV tracks through the snow crisscross the landscape, leaving visual evidence of motorized use. The tracks only remain on the landscape until they are covered by additional snowfall or until the snow melts, and do not cause long-term impacts to scenery or the underlying soils and vegetation (see additional analysis in the applicable resource sections of this analysis).
The PCT would remain non-motorized, as it is currently managed. No OSV crossings of the PCT would be designated; OSVs would be allowed to cross the PCT in any of the areas open to OSV use, as in current conditions, potentially impacting the quiet, non-motorized trail experience when hikers and cross- country skiers encounter OSVs crossing the trail. Along 98.42 miles of the PCT within the Lassen National Forest, there are areas open to OSV use within 500 feet of the trail, potentially impacting the trail experience due to the sights and sounds of OSVs in close proximity to the trail.
Alternative 2 – Modified Proposed Action The modified proposed action is described in detail in chapter 2. Alternative 2 would designate 8 discrete, specifically delineated areas for cross-country OSV use, and would allow public, cross-country OSV use on 921,180 acres of National Forest System lands within the Lassen National Forest when snow depth is adequate for that use to occur. Designated trails where public OSV use would be allowed when snow depth is adequate for that use to occur would total 334 miles. All existing OSV prohibitions applying to areas or trails would continue. Alternative 2 would identify approximately 350 miles of snow trails that would be groomed for public OSV use by the Forest Service’s Lassen National Forest Grooming Program. The California State Parks’ snow grooming standards would be formally adopted, requiring a minimum of 12 inches of snow depth before grooming could occur.
Alternative 2 would implement a forest-wide snow depth requirement for OSV use that would provide for public safety and natural and cultural resource protection by allowing public, cross-country OSV use in areas designated for OSV use when there is a minimum of 12 inches of snow covering the landscape; and allowing public OSV use on designated snow trails when there are 6 or more inches of snow covering the trail. All but 0.1 mile of snow trails to be designated for public OSV use or identified for OSV grooming in this alternative would overlay an existing paved, gravel, or native surface travel route. These travel routes are trails and roads used by wheeled, motorized vehicles, when allowed, and non-motorized recreation. The exception would be an ungroomed OSV trail designated to cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail through an area adjacent to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that would not be designated for cross-country OSV use. This ungroomed trail would require a minimum of 12 inches of snow for OSV use.
Lassen National Forest 31 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 would designate 28 public OSV crossing points of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail on trails designated for wheeled, motorized vehicle use when such use is allowed. It would also designate 26 trails to access 26 of the 28 crossing points on the Pacific Crest Trail through an area adjacent to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that would not be designated for cross-country OSV use.
Public OSV use would not be designated on approximately 228,847 acres, including all of the approximately 185,983 acres of the Lassen National Forest where public OSV use is currently prohibited, and 42,864 acres of areas currently open to OSV use that would not be designated for OSV use in this alternative
Public OSV use that is inconsistent with the designations and snow depth requirements made under this decision would be prohibited under 36 CFR Part 261.
Minimization Measures
Minimizing Conflicts between Motor Vehicle Use and Existing or Proposed Recreational Uses of National Forest System Lands or Neighboring Federal Lands (36 CFR §212.55(b)(3))
All Public OSV Use: 1. In alternatives 2 and 5, the objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV recreationists and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail would be addressed by not designating any areas under Forest Service jurisdiction as open to OSV use within 500 feet of the PCT. 2. In alternatives 2, 4, and 5, the objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV recreationists and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail would be addressed by designating OSV crossing points at intervals within limits specified by the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan (USDA Forest Service 1982, pp. 18-19). 3. In alternatives 2, 4, and 5, the objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV recreationists and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail would be addressed by designating OSV trails through the PCT corridor with the objective of minimizing the distance an OSV would travel to cross the corridor to the designated Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail crossing point. These corridor crossings would, with the exception of 0.1 mile, exist as designated OSV trails located on roads and trails already designated for wheeled, motorized vehicles under Subpart B of the Travel Management Regulations, where possible. 4. The objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV recreationists and non-motorized recreation enthusiasts on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail would be addressed by installing additional signage along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, to enhance wayfinding of winter OSV users. Agency signage procedures would be followed. As a guideline, trail markers would be at eye level, approximately 40 inches above the average snow depth. 5. The objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by identifying the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as non- motorized on the Over-snow Vehicle Use Map. 6. The objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by encouraging public awareness and education regarding locations of non-motorized trails or areas where public OSV use is prohibited; considering additional signage; or applying other methods to minimize OSV encroachment in these areas.
Lassen National Forest 32 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Groomed Snow Trails: 1. The objective of minimizing conflicts between OSV trail groomers and other existing or proposed recreation uses would be addressed by coordinating the timing of trail grooming to minimize impact on recreation experiences.
Public, Cross-Country OSV Use: 1. The objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by encouraging public awareness and education regarding locations of non-motorized trails or areas where public OSV use would be prohibited. We would install additional signage or other methods to minimize OSV encroachment in these areas where necessary. 2. In alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5, the objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by not designating the area along Lake Almanor’s south shoreline. Skiers use the bike trail in this area in the winter. 3. In alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5 the objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by not designating areas around the south end of Eagle Lake for OSV use. Skiers and fishermen use the lake in the winter. This would also buffer and protect the lake from potential OSV incursions on Eagle Lake trout (an important forest natural resource). 4. The objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by not designating specific areas around the perimeter of Lassen Volcanic National Park for public OSV use. These areas not designated for OSV use vary by alternative.
Monitoring to Minimize Conflicts: 1. The objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by monitoring Wilderness boundaries and other closed areas near groomed snow trails and areas open to OSV use for OSV incursions. We would coordinate and implement increased education or enforcement actions as needed. 2. The objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by monitoring trailheads and groomed trail areas for user conflicts and public safety concerns, coordinating and implementing site-specific controls as necessary (such as speed limits, segregated access points for motorized and non-motorized use, increased visitor information, or increased on-site management presence). 3. In alternatives 3 and 5, the objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by monitoring to ensure that, where restricted, public OSV use is restricted to designated routes and is not encroaching outside the trail corridor in areas where such use is not allowed.
Minimizing Conflicts among Different Classes of Motor Vehicle Uses of National Forest System Lands or Neighboring Federal Lands (36 CFR §212.55(b)(4))
Groomed Snow Trails 1. The objective of minimizing conflicts between public OSV use and other existing or proposed recreational use would be addressed by prohibiting wheeled vehicle use of groomed snow trails from December 26 through March 31.
Lassen National Forest 33 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Minimization Measures for Recreation Resources by OSV Area Ashpan OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
Thousand Lakes Wilderness is located in the Ashpan OSV area, however OSV use is prohibited in designated wilderness. There are currently no known OSV incursions into Thousand Lakes Wilderness. Wilderness boundaries will continue to be monitored. If monitoring indicates a need, additional education and enforcement actions would be implemented.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The area is adjacent to Old Station; there are no recorded complaints or instances of use conflict with residents of Old Station.
Bogard OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands
Potential conflicts between motorized and non-motorized winter uses would be minimized by not designating the area along the South Eagle Lake recreation area for OSV use.
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the extreme northwestern end of the Bogard OSV area. All action alternatives would prohibit OSV use on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Alternatives 2, 4, and 5 would only allow OSVs to cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at designated crossings. Alternatives 2 and 5 would not designate an area 500 feet to either side of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for OSV use. OSV use would only be allowed in this undesignated area at the designated crossings.
Action alternatives 3 and 4 would monitor for conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. If monitoring determines conflicts exist, cross-country OSV use would be prohibited by order in the same undesignated area as in Alternative 2.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Lassen National Forest 34 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The Bogard OSV area is not adjacent to any neighborhoods or communities.
Fall River OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the northwest portion of the Fall River OSV area. All action alternatives would prohibit OSV use on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Alternatives 2, 4, and 5 would only allow OSVs to cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at designated crossings. Except for these crossings, there are no designated OSV trails in the area of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, so cross-country OSV use in this area would be minimal. Alternatives 2 and 5 would not designate an area 500 feet on either side of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for OSV use. OSV use would only be allowed in this undesignated area at the designated crossings.
Action alternatives 3 and 4 would monitor for conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. If monitoring determines conflicts exist, cross-country OSV use would be prohibited by order in the same undesignated area as in Alternative 2.
The Fall River OSV Area surrounds the McArthur Burnie Falls State Park. In alternatives 2 through 4, we would monitor for use conflicts with the use of the State Park. If conflicts were found, we would prohibit OSV use, by order, in the landlocked NFS parcel within the park (approximately 40 acres) and the landlocked contiguous NFS parcel south of the park is sections 3 and 4 (approximately 280 acres).
The Fall River OSV area would not be designated for cross-country OSV use, and therefore, would not exist, under Alternative 5.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle use over snow would not be allowed in this area, no conflicts are anticipated.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
There are areas adjacent to Lake Britton that are used by a variety of recreationists; McArthur Burnie Falls State Park is also surrounded by NFS lands. These areas receive very little cross- country OSV use. In alternatives 2 through 4, we would monitor for use conflicts with the use of the State Park. If conflicts were found, we would prohibit OSV use, by order, in the landlocked NFS parcel within the park (approximately 40 acres) and the landlocked contiguous NFS parcel south of the park is sections 3 and 4 (approximately 280 acres).
The Fall River OSV area would not be designated for cross-country OSV use, and therefore, would not exist, under Alternative 5.
Fredonyer OSV Area
Lassen National Forest 35 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
There are potential conflicts with non-motorized users in the Diamond Mountain area, which has been identified by the non-motorized community as a significant area for skiing. Alternatives 2 through 4 would monitor for conflicts in these areas. Alternative 5 would not designate the areas immediately west and east of Diamond Mountain for cross-country OSV use. If monitoring under alternatives 2 through 4 determines conflicts are occurring, cross-country OSV use in this area would be prohibited by order in these areas immediately west and east of Diamond Mountain as not designated in Alternative 5.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The Fredonyer OSV area is not located near any communities or neighborhoods.
Jonesville OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
There are potential use conflicts with skiers along Almanor lakeshore and within vicinity of Colby Mountain ski trail. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail roughly bisects the area north to south. None of the action alternatives would designate a broad area along Almanor lakeshore or the non-motorized ski trails in this area for cross-country OSV use. In alternatives 3 through 5, the area near Colby Mountain would not be designated for cross-country OSV use. Alternative 2 would monitor for potential conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of NFS lands near Colby Mountain. If monitoring determines conflicts are occurring, cross-country OSV use in this area would be prohibited by order in the same area as would not be designated for cross-country OSV use in alternatives 3 through 5.
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail roughly bisects the area north to south. All action alternatives would prohibit OSV use on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Alternatives 2, 4, and 5 would only allow OSVs to cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at designated crossings. These trails designated to allow OSVs to cross the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail are the only designated OSV trails in the area of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, so cross- country OSV use in this area would be minimal. Alternatives 2 and 5 would not designate an area 500 feet to either side of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for OSV use. OSV use would only be allowed in this undesignated area on the designated crossing points.
Action alternatives 3 and 4 would monitor for conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. If monitoring determines conflicts exist, cross-country OSV use would be prohibited by order in the same undesignated area as in Alternative 2.
Lassen National Forest 36 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
Prattville on Almanor lakeshore. None of the action alternatives would designate a broad area along Almanor lakeshore or the non-motorized ski trails in this area for cross-country OSV use.
Morgan Summit OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
There are potential use conflicts with cross-country skiers around McGowan Lake area. Cross- country OSV use is currently prohibited on the non-motorized ski trail and this prohibition would continue under all alternatives. In alternatives 2, the cross-country ski trail around McGowan Lake would not be designated for OSV use while the broader area would be designated for cross- country OSV use. In alternatives 3 through 5, cross-country OSV use would not be designated in a broader area around ski trails but allow for through use of OSVs on designated non-groomed trails.
Area abuts Ishi Wilderness. The Ishi Wilderness area lies at a relatively low elevation with historically infrequent snow fall. Cross-country OSV use is currently prohibited in most of the border area around the Ishi Wilderness and this area would not be designated for OSV under any alternatives.
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail runs north and south in the eastern end of the area. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is located in an area that receives minimal use by OSVs.
The area is adjacent to Lassen Volcanic National Park. In all action alternatives, a majority of the area bordering Lassen Volcanic National Park would not be designated for cross-country OSV use.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The area is adjacent to the community of Mineral. Mineral is predominately an OSV destination. Furthermore, the local community relies on OSV use to attract business.
Shasta OSV Area
Lassen National Forest 37 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
No known conflicts in this area. This area shares a small segment of forest boundary with Ahjumawi State Park. None of the alternatives would authorize OSV use on land or trails that are not managed by the Forest Service. Cross-country OSV use is limited in this area and snow depths are historically very low. There have been no reports of concerns with OSVs entering adjacent state lands.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The area is adjacent to the community of Day. None of the alternatives would authorize cross- country OSV use on land that is not managed by the Forest Service. Cross-country OSV use is limited and snow depths are historically very low. There have been no reports of concerns with OSV noise or OSVs entering adjacent lands.
Swain Mountain OSV Area
Minimize conflicts between motor vehicle use and existing or proposed recreational uses of National Forest System lands or neighboring Federal lands:
There are potential conflicts with OSV users and non-motorized users accessing Caribou Wilderness and Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are potential conflicts between non- motorized users and OSV users of the ski trail along the Bizz Johnson trail; also in the area around Hog Flat and McCoy reservoirs. Alternatives 3 through 5 would not designate the area used to access Caribou Wilderness and Lassen Volcanic National Park for cross-country OSV use. Alternative 2 would monitor for potential conflicts between cross-country OSV users and non- motorized recreationists accessing Caribou Wilderness and Lassen Volcanic National Park. If monitoring determines conflicts are occurring, cross-country OSV use in this area would be prohibited by order except on groomed OSV trails in the same area not designated in alternatives 3 through 5.
Alternatives 3 through 5 would not designate the area used to access Butte Lake from Hwy. 44 for cross-country OSV use. Alternative 2 would also monitor for potential conflicts between non- motorized recreationists and cross-country OSV users accessing Butte Lake from Hwy. 44. If monitoring determines conflicts are occurring, cross-country OSV use in this area would be prohibited by order except on groomed OSV trails in the same area not designated in alternatives 3 through 5.
Alternatives 3 through 5 would not designate the area around the Bizz Johnson Trail for cross- country OSV use. Alternative 2 would also monitor for potential conflicts between non-motorized recreationists and cross-country OSV users along the Bizz Johnson Trail. If monitoring determines conflicts are occurring, cross-country OSV use in this area would be prohibited by order except on groomed OSV trails in the same area not designated alternatives 3 through 5.
Lassen National Forest 38 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 5 would not designate the McCoy and Hog Flat areas for cross-country OSV use. Alternatives 3 and 4 would not designate the Hog Flat area for cross-country OSV use, but would designate McCoy for cross-country OSV use. Alternative 2 would designate both McCoy and Hog Flat areas for cross-country OSV use. Alternatives 2 through 4 would monitor for potential conflicts between non-motorized recreationists and cross-country OSV users in the McCoy and Hog Flat areas for the alternatives in which they are designated for OSV use. If monitoring determines conflicts are occurring in these designated areas, cross-country OSV use in either of these areas would be prohibited by order except on groomed OSV trails in the same area not designated in alternative 5.
Minimize conflicts among different classes of motor vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands:
Wheeled vehicle cross-country travel is prohibited under current wheeled motorized vehicle use regulations. None of the alternatives would amend or rescind the existing wheeled vehicle prohibition.
Consider compatibility of motor vehicle use with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, and other factors:
The area is not adjacent to any neighborhoods or communities.
Direct and Indirect Effects - Alternative 2
Recreation Settings and Opportunities Alternative 2 would provide a range of winter motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities similar to that currently found on the Lassen National Forest. Although the designation of 334 miles of groomed and ungroomed OSV trails is a reduction in the number of miles of trail where OSV use is currently allowed, a majority of the current trails system would be either designated for public OSV use, or are located in areas that would be designated for public, cross-country OSV use in this alternative. Having a clearly designated system of trails and areas where OSV use is allowed and the subsequent production of the OSV use map would improve information available to the public about opportunities for OSV use. This would assist both motorized and non-motorized recreationists in selecting areas that meet their setting and experience preferences, and therefore, would minimize the potential for conflict.
The proposed OSV designations would be in compliance with existing ROS classes, maintaining a variety of both motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities available across the forest. Primitive and semi-primitive non-motorized areas would remain closed to OSV use (would not be designated for OSV use), while motorized opportunities would be available in semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, and rural ROS classes.
There are 42,864 acres of areas currently open to OSV use that would not be designated for OSV use in Alternative 2. This is a slight reduction in potential opportunities for cross-country OSV use that would have minor impacts to motorized OSV use opportunities. Additional acres in the Morgan Summit OSV area, located in the southwest corner of Lassen National Forest would not be designated because there is limited access for OSVs due to the proximity to other non-motorized areas including the Ishi Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness, and semi-primitive non-motorized areas within the Ishi and Polk Springs Inventoried Roadless Areas. An area along Deer Creek would not be designated due to the presence of anadromous fish. This area is located in the southwest portion of the forest, and runs along the northwestern boundary of the Cub Creek Inventoried Roadless Area. The impacts of not designating OSV use in the Blacks Mountain Research Natural Area (520 acres within the Black Mountain Experimental
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Forest on the Eagle Lake Ranger District), in the Bogard OSV area, to be consistent with Forest Plan management area direction to prohibit motorized vehicles in Research Natural Areas would also be expected to be minor. Not designating the areas described above for OSV use would minimize impacts to resources such as wildlife (as described in the wildlife section), Wilderness, Inventoried Roadless Areas, and eligible Wild and Scenic Rivers (described in the Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy section below), and the natural conditions of the Research Natural Area that are managed for baseline and research purposes (described in the botany section). No OSV use would be designated within 500 feet of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, within 1,840 acres along the southwest shore of Lake Almanor, and within 1,150 acres along the South Shore of Eagle Lake to meet the objective of minimizing impacts on non-motorized recreation opportunities, by eliminating OSV use and reducing the potential for conflict between motorized and non-motorized winter visitors in these areas. Existing OSV prohibitions on non-motorized trails would continue.
Alternative 2 would identify 350 miles of OSV trails for grooming for public use. Although identified for grooming and historically groomed by the Forest Service, approximately 27 miles of groomed trails would not be subject to designation because they are not under National Forest System jurisdiction on the Lassen National Forest. This would represent no change from current management. Alternative 2 would maintain the existing level of groomed trail riding opportunities, which Lassen National Forest staff indicates is adequate to meet existing demand (USDA Forest Service 2014). The State EIR information also shows that Lassen National Forest trailheads have rare or no overflow capacity issues (California Department of Parks and Recreation 2010). Existing OSV support facilities/services (access roads, trailhead parking, toilets, and garbage service) are provided in sufficient quantities to satisfy winter OSV recreation demand (USDA Forest Service 2014), and would continue to do so.
The forest-wide snow depth requirement of 12 inches for areas designated for OSV use would impose restrictions on OSV use, although it is likely that most OSV owners would not ride with less than adequate snow depths to prevent damage to their OSVs. Establishing the forest-wide minimum snow depth for cross-country OSV use would minimize impacts to soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife resources, as described in the relevant sections of this analysis. Allowing public OSV use on designated snow trails when there are 6 or more inches of snow covering the trail would provide improved trail access for OSV users to reach areas of higher terrain with adequate snow depths.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences Conflicts between motorized and non-motorized winter experiences on the Lassen National Forest are currently minor and infrequent (USDA Forest Service 2014); however, conflicts between motorized and non-motorized uses that do currently exist would likely continue with designation of a similar OSV trail system. Conflict may increase as population and visitor use increase.
Motorized use has inherent conflicts with non-motorized users who are typically seeking a quiet recreation setting that is not influenced by the sight, sound, or exhaust smell of motorized vehicles. There are also inherent conflicts in that motorized OSVs travel much faster and farther than non-motorized users. OSV use may impact the setting for non-motorized users by making tracks through the snow that often crisscross the landscape, leaving visual evidence of motorized use. The tracks only remain on the landscape until they are covered by additional snowfall or until the snow melts, and do not cause long- term impacts to scenery or the underlying soils and vegetation (see additional analysis in the applicable resource sections of this analysis). OSV tracks can interfere with cross-country skiing by causing ruts in the trails, and since OSVs travel faster and further than non-motorized users, they often “consume” the fresh powder slopes, limiting opportunities for backcountry skiers who are seeking similar opportunities on snow covered slopes (Snowlands 2014).
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Occasional incursions into adjacent Wilderness areas and non-motorized areas on other Federal lands would continue to occur, and possibly increase as population and visitor use increase. Monitoring to determine the need for additional education or enforcement actions would be implemented. Monitoring is also a requirement of participation in the State OSV grooming program.
Non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts would continue to be displaced in some areas by motorized OSV use, or be unable to access areas for desired quiet, non-motorized experiences away from the sights, sounds, and smells of motorized use, since they would have to travel longer distances through motorized routes and areas than they are physically able to traverse. However, there are 85,706 acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities, and 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails within 10 miles of plowed trailheads. This is a 10,537-acre increase over existing conditions. There are a total of 228,847 acres across the Lassen National Forest available for quiet, non-motorized experiences, where OSV use would not be designated.
Table 13: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 2 OSV Area Acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities (closed to OSV use) within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Ashpan 15,893 Bogard 713 Fredonyer 1,138 Jonesville 19,625 Morgan Summit 26,530 Swain Mountain 21,807 Total 85,706
Other potential conflicts would continue to occur in some areas, as motorized OSVs consume untracked powder snow that is desired by backcountry skiers, create tracks across the snow surface making skiing difficult, and creating safety concerns in areas where motorized and non-motorized use is occurring at shared trailheads and on shared trails.
There are no known conflicts occurring between different classes of OSV use. Snowcats are used for grooming OSV trails. The grooming operations are conducted during the night or during low use timeframes if possible to avoid conflicts with day use. Since snowcats groom the OSV trails, the trails would be wide enough to accommodate larger tracked OSVs in addition to snowmobiles; however, there is currently very little use by larger tracked OSVs on the Lassen National Forest. Public comments indicated concern with emerging trends in OSVs such as snow bikes (motorcycles that are converted to OSVs by installing a single ski/track conversion kit) and other changing technology that allow OSVs to travel faster, farther, and in more confined spaces. The proposed OSV area and trail designations would apply to public use of all OSV’s that meet the definition of an OSV, whether on a single ski, double ski, or track. The trails and areas proposed for designation were found to be suitable for OSV use, subject to snow-depth restrictions for protection of natural resources.
Monitoring of trailheads and groomed trail areas for user conflicts and public safety concerns would be implemented. If monitoring indicates that conflicts are occurring, the Forest Service would consider implementing site-specific controls on the Lassen National Forest as necessary (such as speed limits, segregated access points for motorized and non-motorized use, increased visitor information or increased on-site management presence).
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Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy The existing OSV prohibitions in designated Wilderness areas, semi-primitive non-motorized areas, and Research Natural Areas would continue, protecting these areas from OSV impacts.
Over snow vehicle use would not be designated in the southwest portion of the forest (within the Morgan Summit OSV area) and would provide further protection from potential OSV impacts to the Ishi Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness, and semi-primitive non-motorized areas within the Ishi and Polk Springs Inventoried Roadless Areas. This would maintain or enhance the wilderness attributes and roadless characteristics of naturalness, high-quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air, and outstanding opportunities for solitude. Not designating OSV use in the southwest portion of the forest would also provide further protection to Antelope Creek and Mill Creek eligible Wild and Scenic River corridors.
There are groomed OSV trails within one-quarter mile of the south and east boundaries of the Caribou Wilderness and Caribou extension proposed wilderness (approximately six miles) and north of the Mill Creek proposed wilderness (approximately two and one-half miles). There are groomed OSV trails within one-half mile south of Thousand Lakes Wilderness (approximately one-half mile). The presence of these groomed trails in close proximity to Wilderness and proposed Wilderness may temporarily impact outstanding opportunities for solitude, when OSVs are present on the trails. Allowing OSV use adjacent to wilderness and proposed wilderness does not, however, reduce the wilderness potential of these areas. Most statewide wilderness acts include what has become known as “buffer zone preclusion language” such as,
Congress does not intend that the designation of wilderness areas … lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around each wilderness area. The fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within the wilderness shall not, of itself, preclude such activities or uses up to the boundary of the wilderness area. (Kelson and Lilieholm 1999).
Virtually identical language has been included in 30 other wilderness statutes enacted since 1980 (Gorte 2011). This concept is also supported by Forest Service Manual 2320.3 that directs consideration of uses on both sides of wilderness boundaries, but states,
Do not maintain buffer strips of undeveloped wildland to provide an informal extension of wilderness. Do not maintain internal buffer zones that degrade wilderness values.
Small portions of several IRAs that fall within the semi-primitive motorized or roaded natural ROS class would remain open for OSV use, low to no OSV use is expected in most of these areas, and little to no impacts to the roadless characteristics are anticipated. The small portions of the following IRAs that are open to OSV use, are in areas where moderate to high OSV use is anticipated, including: Devils Garden, Trail Lake, Black Cinder, and Heart Lake IRAs. The roadless characteristics of high-quality or undisturbed soil, water, and air, and solitude associated with semi-primitive non-motorized recreation opportunities may be temporarily impacted when OSVs are present.
Designated crossings of the PCT would minimize potential motorized impacts along the trail and would enhance the quiet, non-motorized experience while accommodating motorized access to OSV areas and maintaining OSV loop riding opportunities. Using the wheeled vehicle trails designated in Subpart B for off-highway vehicle use as PCT crossings would limit motorized disturbance to areas of the trail that already contain motorized vehicle trails. The frequency of designated crossings would be consistent with the ROS class through which the trail passes, based on PCT management direction, and would ensure consistency with recreation settings along the trail.
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A majority of the PCT mileage on the Lassen National Forest passes through National Forest System lands that are either closed to OSV use, or areas where little to no OSV use is anticipated. Alternative 2 does not designate any area within 500 feet of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail for OSV use, except at designated crossing points and on designated trails running across that non-designated area allowing access to the designated PCT crossing points. Having no OSV area designations within 500 feet of the trail, would maintain quiet, non-motorized trails opportunities along the entire Lassen National Forest portion of the PCT and reduce the potential for conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users along the trail.
Formalizing the closure of the Blacks Mountain Research Natural Area to OSV use would be in compliance with the Lassen Forest Plan standard that prohibits motorized vehicles in Research Natural Areas.
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Table 14. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 2 direct and indirect effects Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 2 (Quantify if possible) Motorized Recreation Opportunities for Total area (acres) open to OSV 921,180 acres open to public cross-country OSV use, subject to Opportunities – cross- motorized winter uses use, percent change snow depth restrictions, a 4.4 percent decrease from existing country conditions. 12 inch snow depth requirement Motorized Recreation OSV trail designations Length of designated OSV trails 334 miles of designated OSV snow trails, subject to snow depth Opportunities – (miles), percent change restrictions, 17.7 percent decrease from existing conditions (however designated snow trails a majority of current trail system is designated or in OSV open areas). 6 inch or more snow depth on snow trails overlaying roads and trails; 12 inch snow depth on 0.1 mile of trail not overlaying roads or trails. Motorized Recreation OSV trail grooming Length of groomed OSV trails 349 miles, no change Opportunities – (miles), percent change groomed snow trails 12 inch snow depth requirement for grooming Non-motorized Access to desired non- Total area (acres) and length of Six plowed trailheads provide access for motorized and non- Recreation motorized recreation trails (miles) available to non- motorized winter use, Opportunities - settings and motorized recreation displacement opportunities enthusiasts within 10 miles of 85,706 acres available for non-motorized recreation within 10 miles plowed trailheads of plowed trailheads 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails available within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Opportunity Consistency of OSV Motorized OSV use prohibited in Primitive and Semi-Primitive Non- Spectrum designations with ROS classes Motorized ROS classes. Motorized OSV use allowed in Semi- Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Rural ROS classes. Non-motorized Areas and trails Total area (acres) closed to 228,847 acres, a 23 percent increase/ six non-motorized trails with a Recreation Conflicts - available to non- OSV use/length of non- total of 148 miles for non-motorized use. Public Safety motorized recreation motorized trails (miles), percent enthusiasts for quality change non-motorized recreation experiences
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Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 2 (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Proximity and frequency Distance of groomed public A total of approximately 9 miles of groomed OSV trails within 1/2 mile Recreation Conflicts – of OSV designations in OSV snow trails from areas of the Caribou Wilderness, Caribou extension proposed Wilderness, Solitude, Air Quality, relation to designated designated as non-motorized Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness and Thousand Lakes Wilderness Scenery, Designated non-motorized areas under existing law or policy, or boundaries. non-motorized areas number of crossings of linear areas designated as non- Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of motorized under existing law or the park’s southeast corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the park’s policy northwest corner. No areas designated open to OSVs within 500 feet of the PCT; 28 designated PCT crossing points. No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas. Noise Total area (acres) potentially 921,180 acres open for OSV use and potentially affected by affected by noise/total area noise/228,847 acres closed to OSV use and available for quiet (acres) closed to winter recreation motorized use Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative description Potential short-term impacts to the experience of recreational visitors of potential impacts (with in the vicinity of OSV and grooming equipment due to the smell of reference to air quality analysis exhaust emissions. Slightly fewer acres open to OSV use than in existing conditions (see air quality report). Scenery Qualitative/narrative description Cross-country OSV use creates temporary tracks in the snow that of potential visual impacts crisscross the landscape. Fewer acres open to cross-country OSV use, and associated visual impacts than in existing conditions. The visual evidence of snowmobile use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season Wilderness Attributes Total area (acres) affected and Opportunities for solitude may be temporarily affected due to the duration of impact. Qualitative sights and sounds of OSVs near the wilderness or proposed description for wilderness wilderness boundaries. There are approximately 21,266 acres open attributes to OSV use within ½ mile of designated and proposed wilderness boundaries, The duration of the potential impacts would be short- term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area.
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Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 2 (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Roadless Total area (acres) affected and Approximately 59,746 IRA acres open to OSV use. Recreation Conflicts – Characteristics duration of impact. Qualitative Solitude, Air Quality, description for roadless Opportunities for solitude are temporarily affected in portions of four Scenery, Designated characteristics roadless areas that are within areas of expected high to moderate non-motorized areas OSV use. (continued)
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Cumulative Effects – Alternative 2
Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects in the area include vegetation management (including timber sales, fire salvage, and restoration projects), livestock grazing, prescribed burns, and recreation. There are many on-going and scheduled projects identified on the Lassen National Forest (Appendix C) which may increase the management presence forest wide.
Recreation Settings and Opportunities The OSV route designations and restrictions increase the management presence across the forest, slightly impacting the managerial component of the forest setting. This could result in cumulative impacts when added to other ongoing and future Forest Service projects that place limitations or temporary restrictions on the recreating public.
The trailhead and parking lot plowing activities associated with the OSV trail grooming program would also increase the presence of management personnel in the area; however, this is not a change from existing conditions.
There are four current vegetation management projects that overlap groomed OSV trails in the Jonesville OSV area (Lost, Yellow, Ursa, and Castle Timber Sale areas). Vegetation management activities, in addition to OSV use, and OSV grooming activities occurring at the same time would cumulatively impact the recreation setting due to the increased presence of people and vehicles in the area. Vegetation management and fire salvage projects adjacent to groomed OSV trails and in areas open to cross-country OSV use may temporarily enhance opportunities for cross-country OSV use by removing trees that would otherwise obstruct OSV riding. Vegetation treatment, in addition to OSV grooming could cumulatively enhance OSV opportunities in this area.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-Motorized Winter Experiences Non-motorized winter visitors to the Lassen National Forest could experience noise from OSV use in areas and on trails designated for OSV use under this alternative, in addition to other noise such as snow grooming equipment, vehicles on roads, log trucks, heavy equipment associated with vegetation management projects, and aircraft that may be in the same area at the same time, cumulatively impacting the quiet recreation experience in the short term.
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy OSV use is prohibited in certain areas designated by law, and the Forest Plan, such as Wilderness, proposed wilderness on the Lassen National Forest, there are no known potential cumulative impacts associated with the OSV prohibitions, which are in compliance with the relevant management direction for specific areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy. Illegal encroachment by OSVs into areas not designated for OSV use could occur, potentially adding to other ongoing future activities impacting these areas and causing cumulative impacts, but would be monitored and dealt with as a law enforcement issue.
Alternative 3 Alternative 3 is described in detail in chapter 2. Alternative 3 was developed to address the non-motorized recreational experience significant issue. Alternative 3 would designate 8 discrete, specifically delineated areas for cross-country OSV use. These areas would encompass 833,990 acres of National Forest System
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lands within the Lassen National Forest when snow depth is adequate for that use to occur. It includes components of the modified proposed action with several additions. OSV use would not be designated in additional areas that are important for non-motorized recreation, including the Butte Lake area (OSV use allowed on designated trails only) north of Lassen Volcanic National Park; areas below 3,500 feet on the Lassen National Forest; the Fredonyer-Goumaz area(OSV use allowed on designated trails only) between highways 36 and 44; the McGowen Lake area (north of Mineral, East of Rd. 17); the Colby Mountain area; the areas along the southwest shore of Lake Almanor and along the south shore of Eagle Lake; and the Willard Hill area.
Designated trails where public OSV use would be allowed when snow depth is adequate for that use to occur would total 383 miles. All existing OSV prohibitions applying to areas or trails would continue. Alternative 3 would identify approximately 349 miles of snow trails that would be groomed for public OSV use by the Forest Service’s Lassen National Forest Grooming Program. The minimum snow depth for trail grooming would be 18 inches.
Alternative 3 would allow public OSV use on designated snow trails generally when there are 6 or more inches of snow covering the trail where site review determines there would be no damage to underlying resources. The minimum snow depth for OSV use in areas designated for public, cross-country OSV use would be 12 inches.
Public OSV use would not be designated on approximately 316,048 acres, including all of the approximately 185,983 acres of the Lassen National Forest where public OSV use is currently prohibited, and 130,065 acres of areas currently open to OSV use that would not be designated for OSV use in this alternative
Public OSV use that is inconsistent with the designations and snow depth requirements made under this decision would be prohibited under 36 CFR Part 261.
No Pacific Crest Trail crossing points would be designated. OSV use would be allowed adjacent to, and across the PCT in accordance with OSV area designations. The trail itself would remain non-motorized.
Project Design Features and Mitigation Measures The project design features and mitigation measures listed for alternative 2 would apply, in addition to the following:
x Education on responsible practices, trail restrictions, or separations to reduce conflicts.
Direct and Indirect Effects - Alternative 3
Recreation Settings and Opportunities Alternative 3 would not designate as many areas for OSV use as alternative 2, and would also designate some areas where motorized OSVs are restricted to designated trails. With additional areas not designated for OSV use and restricting OSVs to trails only, the opportunities for non-motorized use (in areas not influenced by the sights, sounds and exhaust smells of OSV use) would be enhanced.
Proposed OSV designations would be consistent with existing ROS classes, maintaining a variety of both motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities available across the forest. Primitive and semi- primitive non-motorized areas would remain closed to OSV use, while motorized opportunities would be available in semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, and rural ROS classes. The additional areas where OSV use would not be designated are located primarily within the roaded natural ROS class, this would
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not formally change the ROS class, but would reduce the influence of motorized OSV use within these areas and help minimize impacts to non-motorized winter visitors.
The areas where OSV use would not be designated, including areas south of Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Morgan Summit and Jonesville areas, along the southwest shore of Lake Almanor, the south shore of Eagle Lake, and Willard Hill areas, and the restriction of OSVs to designated trails in the Swain Mountain area north of Lassen Volcanic National Park would reduce opportunities for motorized OSV use to some extent. However, grooming 349 miles of OSV trails would maintain the current level of groomed OSV trail riding opportunities.
The forest-wide snow depth requirement of 12 inches for areas designated for OSV use would impose limitations on OSV use, although it is likely that most OSV owners would not ride with less than adequate snow depths to prevent damage to their OSVs. Allowing use on trails with at least 6 inches of snow would be slightly less restrictive than alternative 2 and would provide additional opportunities for OSVs to access higher terrain and legal snow depths.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences Although conflicts are currently minimal on the Lassen National Forest, alternative 3 would provide more areas where OSV use would not be designated, enhancing opportunities for non-motorized experiences, and reducing the potential for conflict since there would be greater separation of motorized and non- motorized uses.
The areas where OSV use would not be designated below 3,500 feet would reduce potential conflicts with designated non-motorized areas, including Wilderness, proposed wilderness, and IRA resources in the southwest portion of the forest, as described in Alternative 2. This would also eliminate OSV use from other areas of the forest below 3,500 feet that seldom receive adequate snow depths, thus minimizing the potential for OSV use with inadequate snow depths. Alternative 3 would minimize conflicts between motorized and non-motorized winter users in areas that are popular and suitable for non-motorized uses.
The restriction of OSV use to trails in the Butte Lake and Fredonyer-Goumaz areas would provide an opportunity to minimize impacts on non-motorized recreation experience while also maintaining access and opportunities for motorized OSV use. Not designating OSV use in the area north of the Caribou Wilderness and south of the Heart Lake and Wild Cattle Mountain Proposed Wilderness areas would also help to minimize potential impacts from the sights and sounds of OSVs to quiet, non-motorized areas and to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts would continue to be displaced in some areas by motorized OSV use, or be unable to access areas for desired quiet, non-motorized experiences away from the sights, sounds, and smells of motorized use, since they would have to travel longer distances through motorized routes and areas than they are physically able to traverse. However, there would be 122,774 acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities and 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non- motorized trails within 10 miles of plowed trailheads. This would be a 47,605-acre increase over existing conditions. There would be a total of 316,048 acres across the Lassen National Forest available for quiet, non-motorized experiences, where OSV use would not be designated.
Table 15: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 3 OSV Area Acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities (closed to OSV use) within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Ashpan 15,892 Bogard 952
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Fredonyer 1820 Jonesville 21,415 Morgan Summit 34,093 Swain Mountain 48,602 Total 122,774
Otherwise alternative 3 effects would be the same as described for alternative 2.
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy Not designating OSV use in the area north of the Caribou Wilderness and south of the Heart Lake and Wild Cattle Mountain Proposed Wilderness Areas would help to minimize potential impacts from the sights and sounds of OSVs to quiet, non-motorized areas.
This alternative would not designated OSV use in a portion of the Swain Mountain area north of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This would minimize motorized impacts, such as loss of opportunities for solitude when OSVs are present, and impacts to natural scenery due to visual evidence of OSV tracks in the snow, on the Caribou Wilderness, the Caribou extension proposed wilderness, Prospect IRA, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, and would minimize potential impacts from OSV encroachment into Lassen Volcanic National Park.
OSV use of the Pacific Crest Trail itself would continue to be prohibited; however, motorized use adjacent to, and across the Pacific Crest Trail could continue to impact the quiet, non-motorized trail experience. There are areas designated open to OSV use within 500 feet of the Pacific Crest Trail along 85.42 miles of the trailon the Lassen National Forest.
Otherwise, alternative 3 would be the same as alternative 2 in regard to areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy.
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Table 16. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 3 direct and indirect effects Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 3 (Quantify if possible) Motorized Recreation Opportunities for motorized Total area (acres) open to OSV use, 833,990 acres open to public cross-country OSV use, Opportunities – winter uses percent change subject to snow depth restrictions, a 13.5 percent cross-country decrease from existing conditions. 12 inch snow depth requirement Motorized Recreation OSV trail designations Length of designated OSV trails (miles), 383 miles of designated OSV snow trails, subject to Opportunities – percent change snow depth restrictions. 5.6 percent decrease from designated snow existing conditions (however a majority of the current trails trail system is designated or in OSV open areas) 6 inches where site review determines there would be no damage to underlying resources Motorized Recreation OSV trail grooming Length of groomed OSV trails (miles), 349 miles, no change Opportunities – percent change groomed snow trails 18 inch snow depth requirement for grooming Non-motorized Access to desired non- Total area (acres) and length of trails Six plowed trailheads provide access for motorized and Recreation motorized recreation settings (miles) available to non-motorized non-motorized winter use, Opportunities - and opportunities recreation enthusiasts within 10 miles of displacement plowed trailheads 122,774 acres available for non-motorized recreation within 10 miles of plowed trailheads 72 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non- motorized trails available within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Opportunity Consistency of OSV designations with Motorized OSV use prohibited in Primitive and Semi- Spectrum ROS classes Primitive Non-Motorized ROS classes. Motorized OSV use allowed in Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Rural ROS classes. Non-motorized Areas and trails available to Total area (acres) closed to OSV 316,048 acres, a 41.2 percent increase/ six non- Recreation Conflicts - non-motorized recreation use/length of non-motorized trails motorized trails with a total of 148 miles for non- Public Safety enthusiasts for quality non- (miles), percent change motorized use. motorized recreation experiences
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Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 3 (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Proximity and frequency of OSV Distance of groomed public OSV snow A total of approximately 9 miles of groomed OSV trails Recreation Conflicts designations in relation to trails from areas designated as non- within 1/2 mile of the Caribou Wilderness, Caribou – Solitude, Air designated non-motorized areas motorized under existing law or policy, extension proposed Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Quality, Scenery, or number of crossings of linear areas Wilderness and Thousand Lakes Wilderness Designated non- designated as non-motorized under boundaries motorized areas existing law or policy Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of the park’s southeast corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the park’s northwest corner. No designated PCT crossing points, groomed OSV trails cross PCT in 3 locations. OSV open areas within 500 feet of PCT along 85.42 miles. No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas. Noise Total area (acres) potentially affected 833,990 acres open for OSV use and potentially by noise/total area (acres) closed to affected by noise/316,048 acres closed to OSV use winter motorized use and available for quiet recreation Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative description of Potential short-term impacts to the experience of potential impacts (with reference to air recreational visitors in the vicinity of OSV and grooming quality analysis equipment due to the smell of exhaust emissions. Fewer acres open to OSV use than in existing conditions and Alt 2 (see air quality report). Scenery Qualitative/narrative description of Cross-country OSV use creates temporary tracks in the potential visual impacts snow that crisscross the landscape. Fewer acres open to cross-country OSV use, and associated visual impacts than in existing conditions or Alt 2. The visual evidence of snowmobile use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season
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Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 3 (Quantify if possible) Wilderness Attributes Total area (acres) affected and duration Opportunities for solitude may be temporarily affected of impact. Qualitative description for due to the sights and sounds of OSVs near the wilderness attributes wilderness or proposed wilderness boundaries. There are approximately 19,173 acres open to OSV use within ½ mile of designated and proposed wilderness boundaries, The duration of the potential impacts would be short-term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area. Non-motorized Roadless Characteristics Total area (acres) affected and duration Approximately 58,291 IRA acres open to OSV use. Recreation Conflicts of impact. Qualitative description for – Solitude, Air roadless characteristics Opportunities for solitude are temporarily affected in Quality, Scenery, portions of four roadless areas that are within areas of Designated non- expected high to moderate OSV use. motorized areas (continued)
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Cumulative Effects – Alternative 3 The cumulative effects of Alternative 3 would be the same as described for Alternative 2.
Alternative 4 Alternative 4 is described in detail in chapter 2. Alternative 4 was developed to address the motorized recreational opportunities significant issue. This alternative would designate 8 discrete, specifically delineated areas for cross-country OSV use. These areas would encompass 954,450 acres.
Alternative 4 would designate 380 miles of OSV snow trails. This would represent a reduction in the number of miles of trail where OSV use is currently allowed. However, a majority of the current trail system would be either designated for public OSV use or are located in areas that would be designated for public, cross-country OSV use in this alternative. Alternative 4 would identify 349 miles of snow trails for grooming, as in the existing conditions.
In addition to areas where OSV use is already prohibited on the Lassen National Forest, Alternative 4 would not designate OSV use in the Blacks Mountain RNA, and the area south of Lassen Volcanic National Park (North of Mineral, East of Rd. 17).
There would be no defined snow depth in areas designated for cross-country OSV travel or on designated OSV trails. OSV use would be allowed only when forest staff determine that conditions are sufficient to allow OSV use while protecting underlying resources. This would be determined by a combination of weather station data, observations at trailheads by staff, and when the groomers decide conditions are right to commence grooming. Seasonal opening and closing would be announced through Public Service announcements, on information kiosks at trailheads and via the forest website. The minimum snow depth for trail grooming to occur would be 12 inches.
OSV use would be allowed below 3,500 feet when there is adequate snow depth to prevent damage to underlying surface resources.
This alternative would groom the same snow trails for OSV use as the modified proposed action.
The same PCT crossing points as in Alternative 2 would be designated. OSV use would be allowed adjacent to the PCT. The trail itself would remain non-motorized. There are areas designated open to OSV use within 500 feet of the PCT along 97.68 miles of the PCT on the Lassen National Forest.
Direct and Indirect Effects - Alternative 4
Recreation Settings and Opportunities Alternative 4 would allow OSV use on more acres than alternatives 2 and 3, and slightly fewer acres than in Alternative 1. Allowing use of OSVs below 3,500 feet would enhance OSV opportunities when snow depths are adequate for use in that area. There would be no defined snow depth in areas designated for cross-country OSV travel or on designated OSV trails. OSV use would be allowed only when forest staff determine that conditions are sufficient to allow OSV use while protecting underlying resources. This would be determined by a combination of weather station data, observations at trailheads by staff, and when the groomers decide conditions are right to commence grooming. Seasonal opening and closing would be announced through Public Service announcements, on information kiosks at trailheads and via the forest website. Having no defined snow depth would provide improved public trail access for OSV users from trailheads to deeper snow areas and allow motorized users access to higher elevations and adequate snow depths. This would enhance OSV opportunities, while also protecting resources.
Lassen National Forest 54 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
The proposed OSV designations would comply with existing ROS classes, maintaining a variety of both motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities available across the national forest. Primitive and semi-primitive non-motorized areas would remain closed to OSV use, while motorized opportunities would be available in semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural and rural ROS classes.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences Non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts would continue to be displaced in some areas by motorized OSV use, or be unable to access areas for desired quiet, non-motorized experiences away from the sights, sounds, and smells of motorized use, since they would have to travel longer distances through motorized routes and areas than they are physically able to traverse. However, there would be 81,259 acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities and 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails within 10 miles of plowed trailheads. This would be a 6,090-acre increase over existing conditions. There would be a total of 195,580 acres across the Lassen National Forest available for quiet, non- motorized experiences, where OSV use would not be designated.
Table 17: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 4 OSV Area Acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities (closed to OSV use) within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Ashpan 15,892 Bogard 676 Fredonyer 1,138 Jonesville 16,987 Morgan Summit 26,068 Swain Mountain 20,498 Total 81,259
Otherwise, alternative 4 effects would be the same as described for alternative 2.
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy Alternative 4 would be the same as alternative 2 in regard to areas designated as non-motorized under existing law and policy, with the exception of the area below 3,500 feet and the limitation to designated trails in the area south of Lassen Volcanic National Park in the Swain Mountain and Morgan Summit areas. Allowing use in areas below 3,500 feet in the southwestern portion of the Lassen National Forest would not provide additional protection from OSV use near wilderness, proposed wilderness, and IRAs, or from OSV use near Antelope and Mill Creek eligible Wild and Scenic River corridors; however, a majority of the corridors would be located in areas that are closed to OSVs under existing conditions, or are in areas where low to no OSV use is expected. Restrictions to designated trails south of Lassen Volcanic National Park would minimize impacts from OSV encroachment into the Heart Lake and Wild Cattle Mountain proposed wilderness areas, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Lassen National Forest 55 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Table 18. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 4 direct and indirect effects Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 4 (Quantify if possible) Motorized Recreation Opportunities for Total area (acres) open to OSV use, 954,450 acres open to public cross-country OSV use, subject Opportunities – cross- motorized winter uses percent change to snow depth restrictions, a 1 percent decrease from existing country conditions. Depth necessary to avoid resource damage Motorized Recreation OSV trail designations Length of designated OSV trails 380 miles of OSV snow trails, subject to snow depth Opportunities – (miles), percent change restrictions. 6.4 percent decrease from existing conditions designated snow trails (however a majority of the current trail system is designated or in OSV open areas) Depth necessary to avoid resource damage Motorized Recreation OSV trail grooming Length groomed OSV trails (miles), 349 miles, no change Opportunities – groomed percent change snow trails 12 inch snow depth requirement for grooming Non-motorized Access to desired non- Total area (acres) and length of trails Six plowed trailheads provide access for motorized and non- Recreation Opportunities motorized recreation (miles) available to non-motorized motorized winter use, - displacement settings and recreation enthusiasts within 10 miles opportunities of plowed trailheads 81,259 acres available for non-motorized recreation within 10 miles of plowed trailheads 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails available within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Opportunity Consistency of OSV designations Motorized OSV use prohibited in Primitive and Semi-Primitive Spectrum with ROS classes Non-Motorized ROS classes. Motorized OSV use allowed in Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Rural ROS classes. Non-motorized Areas and trails Total area (acres) closed to OSV 195,580 acres, 4.9 percent increase/ six non-motorized trails Recreation Conflicts - available to non- use/length of non-motorized trails with a total of 148 miles for non-motorized use. Public Safety motorized recreation (miles), percent change enthusiasts for quality non-motorized recreation experiences
Lassen National Forest 56 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 4 (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Proximity and Distance of groomed public OSV A total of approximately 9 miles of groomed OSV trails within Recreation Conflicts – frequency of OSV snow trails from designated non- 1/2 mile of the Caribou Wilderness, Caribou extension Solitude, Air Quality, designations in relation motorized areas, or number of proposed Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness and Scenery, Designated non- to designated non- crossings of linear areas designated Thousand Lakes Wilderness boundaries motorized areas motorized areas as non-motorized under existing law or policy Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of the park’s southeast corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the park’s northwest corner. No designated PCT crossing points. 97.68 miles of the PCT are within 500 feet of an area designated for OSV use. No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas. Noise Total area (acres) potentially affected 954,450 acres open for OSV use and potentially affected by by noise/total area (acres) closed to noise/195,580 acres closed to OSV use and available for winter motorized use quiet recreation Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative description of Potential short-term impacts to the experience of recreational potential impacts (with reference to visitors in the vicinity of OSV and grooming equipment due to air quality analysis the smell of exhaust emissions. Slightly fewer acres open to OSV use than in existing conditions (see air quality report). Scenery Qualitative/narrative description of Cross-country OSV use creates temporary tracks in the snow potential visual impacts that crisscross the landscape. Slightly fewer acres open to cross-country OSV use, and associated visual impacts than in existing conditions. The visual evidence of snowmobile use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season Wilderness Attributes Total area (acres) affected and Opportunities for solitude may be temporarily affected due to duration of impact. Qualitative the sights and sounds of OSVs near the wilderness or description for wilderness attributes proposed wilderness boundaries. There are approximately 25,575 acres open to OSV use within ½ mile of designated and proposed wilderness boundaries, The duration of the potential impacts would be short-term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area.
Lassen National Forest 57 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Resource Element Resource Indicator Measure Alternative 4 (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Roadless Total area (acres) affected and Approximately 72,681 IRA acres open to OSV use. Recreation Conflicts – Characteristics duration of impact. Qualitative Solitude, Air Quality, description for roadless Opportunities for solitude are temporarily affected in portions Scenery, Designated non- characteristics of four roadless areas that are within areas of expected high motorized areas to moderate OSV use. (continued)
Lassen National Forest 58 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Lassen National Forest 59 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Cumulative Effects – Alternative 4 The cumulative effects of Alternative 4 would be the same as described for Alternative 2
Alternative 5 Alternative 5 is described in detail in chapter 2. Alternative 5 was developed to address the non-motorized recreational experience significant issue. Alternative 5 would designate 6 discrete, specifically delineated areas for cross-country OSV use. These areas would encompass 639,480 acres. Alternative 5 would designate 390 miles of OSV snow trails. This would represent a reduction in the number of miles of trail where OSV use is currently allowed. However, a majority of the current trail system would be either designated for public OSV use or are located in areas that would be designated for public, cross-country OSV use in this alternative. Alternative 5 would identify 349 miles of snow trails for grooming, as in the existing conditions.
The minimum snow depth for snow trail grooming would be 12 inches. The minimum snow depth for public OSV use on designated snow trails would be 12 inches. The minimum snow depth for OSV use in areas designated for public, cross-country OSV use would be 12 inches. No areas below the elevation of 3,500 feet would be designated for OSV use. No winter deer range would be designated for OSV use. For the Bogard Area this would include the small area located between the 3,500-foot and winter deer range restrictions.
Direct and Indirect Effects - Alternative 5
Recreation Settings and Opportunities Impacts to recreation settings and opportunities would be similar to those described in Alternative 3, and would further enhance opportunities for quiet non-motorized winter activities due to fewer acres being designated for OSV use. Alternative 5, however would require a minimum snow depth of 12 inches for use of OSV trails, potentially reducing opportunities to reach adequate snow depths at higher elevations.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-motorized Winter Experiences Non-motorized winter recreation enthusiasts would continue to be displaced in some areas by motorized OSV use, or be unable to access areas for desired quiet, non-motorized experiences away from the sights, sounds, and smells of motorized use, since they would have to travel longer distances through motorized routes and areas than they are physically able to traverse. However, there would be 166,463 acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities and 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non- motorized trails within 10 miles of plowed trailheads. This would be a 91,294-acre increase over existing conditions. There would be a total of 510,540 acres across the Lassen National Forest available for quiet, non-motorized experiences, where OSV use would not be designated.
Table 19: Acres available for quality non-motorized winter activities – Alternative 5 OSV Area Acres available for quiet, non-motorized winter activities (closed to OSV use) within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Ashpan 15,893 Bogard 1,253
Lassen National Forest 60 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Fredonyer 3,027 Jonesville 42,524 Morgan Summit 40,699 Swain Mountain 63,067 Total 166,463
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy
Table 20. Resource indicators and measures for alternative 5 direct and indirect effects Resource Resource Measure Alternative 5 Element Indicator (Quantify if possible) Motorized Opportunities Total area (acres) open to 639,480 acres open to public cross-country Recreation for motorized OSV use, percent change OSV use, subject to snow depth Opportunities – winter uses restrictions, a 33 percent decrease from cross-country existing conditions. 12 inch snow depth requirement Motorized OSV trail Length of designated OSV 390 miles of OSV snow trails, subject to Recreation designations trails (miles), percent snow depth restrictions. 3.9 percent Opportunities – change decrease from existing conditions (however designated snow a majority of the current trail system is trails designated or in OSV open areas) 12 inch snow depth requirement Motorized OSV trail Length groomed OSV 349 miles, no change Recreation grooming trails (miles), percent Opportunities – change 12 inch snow depth requirement for groomed snow grooming trails Non-motorized Access to Total area (acres) and Six plowed trailheads provide access for Recreation desired non- length of trails (miles) motorized and non-motorized winter use, Opportunities - motorized available to non-motorized displacement recreation recreation enthusiasts 166,463 acres available for non-motorized settings and within 10 miles of plowed recreation within 10 miles of plowed opportunities trailheads trailheads 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non-motorized trails available within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Consistency of OSV Motorized OSV use prohibited in Primitive Opportunity designations with ROS and Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized ROS Spectrum classes classes. Motorized OSV use allowed in Semi-Primitive Motorized, Roaded Natural and Rural ROS classes. Non-motorized Areas and trails Total area (acres) closed 510,540 acres, 63.6 percent increase/ six Recreation available to to OSV use/length of non- non-motorized trails with a total of 148 Conflicts - Public non-motorized motorized trails (miles), miles for non-motorized use. Safety recreation percent change enthusiasts for quality non- motorized recreation experiences
Lassen National Forest 61 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Resource Resource Measure Alternative 5 Element Indicator (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Proximity and Distance of groomed A total of approximately 9 miles of groomed Recreation frequency of public OSV snow trails OSV trails within 1/2 mile of the Caribou Conflicts – OSV from designated non- Wilderness, Caribou extension proposed Solitude, Air designations in motorized areas, or Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Quality, Scenery, relation to number of crossings of Wilderness and Thousand Lakes Designated non- designated non- linear areas designated as Wilderness boundaries motorized areas motorized areas non-motorized under existing law or policy Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of the park’s southeast corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the park’s northwest corner. 28 designated PCT crossing points. No areas designated for OSV use within 500 feet of the PCT. No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas. Noise Total area (acres) 639,480 acres open for OSV use and potentially affected by potentially affected by noise/510,540 acres noise/total area (acres) closed to OSV use and available for quiet closed to winter motorized recreation use Proximity of predicted noise increases above ambient levels in sensitive areas (GIS model for selected points) Air Quality Qualitative/narrative Potential short-term impacts to the description of potential experience of recreational visitors in the impacts (with reference to vicinity of OSV and grooming equipment air quality analysis due to the smell of exhaust emissions. Substantially fewer acres open to OSV use than in existing conditions (see air quality report). Scenery Qualitative/narrative Cross-country OSV use creates temporary description of potential tracks in the snow that crisscross the visual impacts landscape. Substantially fewer acres open to cross-country OSV use, and associated visual impacts than in existing conditions. The visual evidence of snowmobile use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season Wilderness Total area (acres) affected Opportunities for solitude may be Attributes and duration of impact. temporarily affected due to the sights and Qualitative description for sounds of OSVs near the wilderness or wilderness attributes proposed wilderness boundaries. There are approximately 17,257 acres open to OSV use within ½ mile of designated and proposed wilderness boundaries, The duration of the potential impacts would be short-term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area.
Lassen National Forest 62 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Resource Resource Measure Alternative 5 Element Indicator (Quantify if possible) Non-motorized Roadless Total area (acres) affected Approximately 83,411 IRA acres open to Recreation Characteristics and duration of impact. OSV use. Conflicts – Qualitative description for Solitude, Air roadless characteristics Opportunities for solitude are temporarily Quality, Scenery, affected in portions of four roadless areas Designated non- that are within areas of expected high to motorized areas moderate OSV use. (continued)
Cumulative Effects – Alternative 5 The cumulative effects of Alternative 5 would be the same as described for Alternative 2.
Summary
Degree to Which the Purpose and Need for Action is Met All of the action alternatives (alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5) equally meet the purpose and need to effectively manage OSV use by identifying a manageable system of OSV trails and areas per Subpart C of the Travel Management Regulation and to identify OSV trails for grooming to provide a high-quality OSV trail system.
Degree to Which the Alternatives Address the Issues Table 15 provides a comparison of the alternatives and the degree to which the alternatives address the recreation related issues.
Lassen National Forest 63 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Table 21. Summary comparison of how the alternatives address the key issues Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Motorized Opportunities for 964,030 acres open to 921,180 acres open 833,990 acres open 954,450 acres open 639,480 acres Recreation motorized winter public, cross-country to public cross- to public cross- to public cross- open to public Opportunites – uses/total area (acres) OSV use, subject to country OSV use, country OSV use, country OSV use, cross-country cross-country and percent change snow depth subject to snow subject to snow subject to snow OSV use, restrictions depth restrictions, a depth restrictions, a depth restrictions, a subject to snow 4.4 percent 13.5 percent 1 percent decrease depth No minimum snow decrease from decrease from from existing restrictions, a depth requirement existing conditions. existing conditions. conditions. 33 percent decrease from 12 inch snow depth 12 inch snow depth Depth necessary to existing requirement requirement avoid resource conditions. damage 12 inch snow depth requirement
Lassen National Forest 64 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Motorized OSV trail 406 miles of groomed, 334 miles of 383 miles of 380 miles of 390 miles of Recreation designations, length ungroomed, marked designated OSV designated OSV designated OSV OSV snow Opportunities – of trails (miles) and and un-marked OSV snow trails, subject snow trails, subject snow trails, subject trails, subject to designated snow percent change trails open for OSV to snow depth to snow depth to snow depth snow depth trails use, subject to snow restrictions, 17.7 restrictions. 5.6 restrictions. 6.4 restrictions. 3.9 depth restrictions percent decrease percent decrease percent decrease percent from existing from existing from existing decrease from No minimum snow conditions (however conditions (however conditions (however existing depth requirement a majority of the a majority of the a majority of the conditions current trail system current trail system current trail system (however a is designated or in is designated or in is designated or in majority of the OSV open areas). OSV open areas). OSV open areas) current trail system is 6 inch or more snow 6 inches where site Depth necessary to designated or depth on snow trails review determines avoid resource in OSV open overlaying roads and there would be no damage areas) trails; damage to underlying 12 inch snow 12 inch snow depth resources depth on 0.1 mile of trail requirement not overlaying roads or trails. Motorized OSV trail grooming, 349 miles 349 miles, no 349 miles, no 349 miles, no 349 miles, no Recreation length of trails (miles), change change change change Opportunities – percent change 12 inch snow depth 12 inch snow depth 18 inch snow depth 12 inch snow depth 12 inch snow groomed snow requirement for requirement for requirement for requirement for depth trails grooming grooming grooming grooming requirement for grooming
Lassen National Forest 65 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Non-motorized Access to desired Six plowed trailheads Six plowed Six plowed Six plowed Six plowed Recreation non-motorized provide access for trailheads provide trailheads provide trailheads provide trailheads Opportunities - recreation settings motorized and non- access for motorized access for access for provide access displacement and opportunities motorized winter use, and non-motorized motorized and non- motorized and non- for motorized winter use, motorized winter motorized winter and non- Total area (acres) and 75,169 acres available use, use, motorized length of trails (miles) for non-motorized 85,706 acres winter use, available to non- recreation within 10 available for non- 122,774 acres 81,259 acres motorized recreation miles of plowed motorized recreation available for non- available for non- enthusiasts within 10 trailheads within 10 miles of motorized recreation motorized recreation 166,463 acres miles of plowed plowed trailheads within 10 miles of within 10 miles of available for trailheads 44 miles of cross- plowed trailheads plowed trailheads non-motorized country ski trails and 44 miles of cross- recreation other non-motorized country ski trails and 44 miles of cross- 44 miles of cross- within 10 miles routes available for other non-motorized country ski trails and country ski trails and of plowed non-motorized trails available within other non-motorized other non-motorized trailheads recreation within 10 10 miles of plowed trails available within trails available within miles of plowed trailheads 10 miles of plowed 10 miles of plowed trailheads trailheads trailheads 44 miles of cross-country ski trails and other non- motorized trails available within 10 miles of plowed trailheads Recreation Consistent Consistent Consistent – with Consistent – with Consistent – Opportunity enhanced enhanced with Spectrum/Consistency opportunities for opportunities for substantially with ROS class non-motorized motorized recreation enhanced recreation experiences opportunities experiences for non- motorized recreation experiences
Lassen National Forest 66 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Non-motorized Total area (acres) and 185,983 acres closed 228,847 acres, a 23 316,048 acres, a 195,580 acres, 4.9 510,540 acres, Recreation length of trails (miles) to OSV use, a total of percent increase/ six 41.2 percent percent increase/ six 63.6 percent Conflicts - Public available to non- 148 miles for non- non-motorized trails increase/ six non- non-motorized trails increase/ six Safety motorized recreation motorized use. with a total of 148 motorized trails with with a total of 148 non-motorized enthusiasts for quality miles for non- a total of 148 miles miles for non- trails with a non-motorized motorized use. for non-motorized motorized use. total of 148 recreation use. miles for non- experiences motorized use.
Lassen National Forest 67 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Non-motorized Proximity and A total of A total of A total of A total of A total of Recreation frequency of OSV approximately 9 miles approximately 9 approximately 9 approximately 9 approximately Conflicts – designations in of groomed OSV trails miles of groomed miles of groomed miles of groomed 9 miles of Solitude, Air relation to designated within 1/2 mile of the OSV trails within 1/2 OSV trails within 1/2 OSV trails within 1/2 groomed OSV Quality, Scenery, non-motorized areas Caribou Wilderness, mile of the Caribou mile of the Caribou mile of the Caribou trails within 1/2 Designated non- Caribou extension Wilderness, Caribou Wilderness, Caribou Wilderness, Caribou mile of the motorized areas Distance of groomed proposed Wilderness, extension proposed extension proposed extension proposed Caribou public OSV snow trails Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness, Mill Wilderness, Mill Wilderness, Mill Wilderness, from areas designated Wilderness and Creek Proposed Creek Proposed Creek Proposed Caribou as non-motorized Thousand Lakes Wilderness and Wilderness and Wilderness and extension under existing law or Wilderness Thousand Lakes Thousand Lakes Thousand Lakes proposed policy, or number of boundaries. Wilderness Wilderness Wilderness Wilderness, crossings of linear boundaries. boundaries boundaries Mill Creek areas designated as Lassen Volcanic Proposed non-motorized under Lassen Volcanic Lassen Volcanic Wilderness and existing law or policy National Park: Lassen Volcanic National Park: Groomed OSV trails ¾ National Park: National Park: Thousand Groomed OSV trails Groomed OSV trails Lakes mile east of the park’s Groomed OSV trails ¾ mile east of the southeast corner, and ¾ mile east of the ¾ mile east of the Wilderness park’s southeast park’s southeast 1 1/2 miles north of park’s southeast boundaries corner, and 1 1/2 corner, and 1 1/2 the park’s northwest corner, and 1 1/2 miles north of the Lassen corner. miles north of the miles north of the park’s northwest Volcanic park’s northwest park’s northwest National Park: corner. corner. No designated PCT corner. Groomed OSV crossing points. 98.42 trails ¾ mile east of the miles of the PCT are No designated PCT No designated PCT 28 designated PCT park’s within 500 feet of an crossing points. crossing points. crossing points. No southeast area designated for 85.42 miles of the 97.68 miles of the areas designated for corner, and 1 OSV use. PCT are within 500 PCT are within 500 OSV use within 500 1/2 miles north feet of the PCT. feet of an area feet of an area of the park’s designated for OSV designated for OSV No known conflicts northwest use. use. with tribal/spiritual No known conflicts corner. areas, historic areas with tribal/spiritual No known conflicts or populated areas. No known conflicts areas, historic areas with tribal/spiritual 28 designated or populated areas. with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas areas, historic areas PCT crossing or populated areas. or populated areas. points. No areas designated for OSV use within 500 feet of the PCT.
Lassen National Forest 68 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action No known conflicts with tribal/spiritual areas, historic areas or populated areas. Noise 964,030 acres open to 921,180 acres open 833,990 acres open 954,450 acres open 639,480 acres OSV use, potentially to OSV use, to OSV use, to OSV use, open to OSV Total area (acres) affected by noise; potentially affected potentially affected potentially affected use, potentially potentially affected by 185,983 acres closed by noise; 228,847 by noise; 316,048 by noise; 195,580 affected by noise/total area to OSV use, available acres closed to OSV acres closed to OSV acres closed to OSV noise; 510,540 (acres) closed to for quiet recreation. use, available for use, available for use, available for acres closed to winter motorized use quiet recreation. quiet recreation. quiet recreation. OSV use, available for quiet recreation Non-motorized Air Quality Potential short-term Potential short-term Potential short-term Potential short-term Potential short- Recreation impacts to the impacts to the impacts to the impacts to the term impacts to Qualitative/narrative Conflicts – experience of experience of experience of experience of the experience Solitude, Air description of recreational visitors in recreational visitors recreational visitors recreational visitors of recreational Quality, Scenery, potential impacts (with the vicinity of OSV in the vicinity of OSV in the vicinity of in the vicinity of visitors in the reference to air quality Designated non- and grooming and grooming OSV and grooming OSV and grooming vicinity of OSV analysis motorized areas equipment due to the equipment due to equipment due to equipment due to and grooming (continued) smell of exhaust the smell of exhaust the smell of exhaust the smell of exhaust equipment due emissions (see air emissions. Slightly emissions. Fewer emissions. Slightly to the smell of quality report). fewer acres open to acres open to OSV fewer acres open to exhaust OSV use than in use than in existing OSV use than in emissions. existing conditions conditions and Alt 2 existing conditions Substantially (see air quality (see air quality (see air quality fewer acres report). report). report). open to OSV use than in existing conditions (see air quality report).
Lassen National Forest 69 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Scenery Cross-country OSV Cross-country OSV Cross-country OSV Cross-country OSV Cross-country use creates temporary use creates use creates use creates OSV use Qualitative/narrative tracks in the snow that temporary tracks in temporary tracks in temporary tracks in creates description of crisscross the the snow that the snow that the snow that temporary potential visual landscape. The visual crisscross the crisscross the crisscross the tracks in the impacts evidence of landscape. Fewer landscape. Fewer landscape. Slightly snow that snowmobile use acres open to cross- acres open to cross- fewer acres open to crisscross the decreases as fresh country OSV use, country OSV use, cross-country OSV landscape. snow covers the and associated and associated use, and associated Substantially tracks and/or when visual impacts than visual impacts than visual impacts than fewer acres the snow melts at the in existing in existing in existing open to cross- end of the season. conditions. The conditions or Alt 2. conditions. The country OSV visual evidence of The visual evidence visual evidence of use, and snowmobile use of snowmobile use snowmobile use associated decreases as fresh decreases as fresh decreases as fresh visual impacts snow covers the snow covers the snow covers the than in existing tracks and/or when tracks and/or when tracks and/or when conditions. The the snow melts at the snow melts at the snow melts at visual evidence the end of the the end of the the end of the of snowmobile season season season use decreases as fresh snow covers the tracks and/or when the snow melts at the end of the season
Lassen National Forest 70 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Non-motorized Wilderness Attributes Opportunities for Opportunities for Opportunities for Opportunities for Opportunities Recreation solitude may be solitude may be solitude may be solitude may be for solitude Total area (acres) Conflicts – temporarily affected temporarily affected temporarily affected temporarily affected may be Solitude, Air affected and duration due to the sights and due to the sights and due to the sights due to the sights temporarily Quality, Scenery, of impact. Qualitative sounds of OSVs near sounds of OSVs and sounds of OSVs and sounds of OSVs affected due to Designated non- description for the wilderness or near the wilderness near the wilderness near the wilderness the sights and wilderness attributes motorized areas proposed wilderness or proposed or proposed or proposed sounds of (continued) boundaries. wilderness wilderness wilderness OSVs near the boundaries. boundaries. boundaries. wilderness or There are proposed approximately 27,108 There are There are There are wilderness acres open to OSV approximately approximately approximately boundaries. use within ½ mile of 21,266 acres open 19,173 acres open 25,575 acres open designated and to OSV use within ½ to OSV use within ½ to OSV use within ½ There are proposed wilderness mile of designated mile of designated mile of designated approximately boundaries, The and proposed and proposed and proposed 17,257 acres duration of the wilderness wilderness wilderness open to OSV potential impacts boundaries, The boundaries, The boundaries, The use within ½ would be short-term, duration of the duration of the duration of the mile of during the winter while potential impacts potential impacts potential impacts designated and snow depth is would be short-term, would be short-term, would be short-term, proposed adequate for OSVs to during the winter during the winter during the winter wilderness access the area. while snow depth is while snow depth is while snow depth is boundaries, adequate for OSVs adequate for OSVs adequate for OSVs The duration of to access the area. to access the area. to access the area. the potential impacts would be short-term, during the winter while snow depth is adequate for OSVs to access the area.
Lassen National Forest 71 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Alternative 2 Resource Alternative 1 Resource Element Modified Proposed Alternative 3 Alternative 4 Alternative 5 Indicator/Measure No Action Action Roadless Approximately 72,969 Approximately Approximately Approximately Approximately Characteristics IRA acres open to 59,746 IRA acres 58,291 IRA acres 72,681 IRA acres 83,411 IRA OSV use. open to OSV use. open to OSV use. open to OSV use. acres open to Total area (acres) OSV use affected and duration Opportunities for Opportunities for Opportunities for Opportunities for of impact. Qualitative solitude are solitude are solitude are solitude are Opportunities description for temporarily affected in temporarily affected temporarily affected temporarily affected for solitude are roadless portions of four in portions of four in portions of four in portions of four temporarily characteristics roadless areas that roadless areas that roadless areas that roadless areas that affected in are within areas of are within areas of are within areas of are within areas of portions of four expected high to expected high to expected high to expected high to roadless areas moderate OSV use. moderate OSV use. moderate OSV use. moderate OSV use. that are within areas of expected high to moderate OSV use.
Lassen National Forest 72 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Summary of Environmental Effects
Recreation Settings and Opportunities All action alternatives would provide the same level of groomed motorized OSV trail opportunities. Cross-country travel, and use of OSV trails would be limited by minimum snow depth requirements for all action alternatives; however, alternative 4 would provide the least restrictive snow depth, described as, the depth necessary to avoid resource damage. Alternative 2 would allow use of OSV trails with a 6 inch minimum snow depth and alternative 3 provides some flexibility in the snow depth requirements for trails where site review determines there would be no damage to underlying resources. This flexibility would allow OSV access to higher elevations and adequate snow depths. Alternative 4 would provide the most access for motorized OSV use forest-wide, compared to alternatives 2 and 3. Alternative 5 provides the least access for motorized OSV use forest-wide.
Alternatives 3 and 5 would enhance opportunities for quiet, non-motorized recreation with additional areas where OSV use would not be designated, and areas where OSV use would be allowed only on designated OSV trails, while maintaining the existing level of groomed OSV trail opportunities.
Alternative 2 would maintain OSV opportunities most similar to the existing conditions on the Lassen National Forest.
Conflicts between Motorized and Non-Motorized Uses All action alternatives would minimize conflicts between motorized and non-motorized uses to some degree by designating a clear system of OSV trails and areas, and development of the subsequent OSV use maps that would allow visitors to choose areas to recreate that would best meet their expectations and desired settings.
Alternative 3 would substantially minimize conflicts between motorized and non-motorized uses by designating fewer acres for OSV use, and designating two areas where OSVs would be restricted to designated OSV trails. Alternative 5 would enhance the quiet, non-motorized recreation experience to the greatest extent of all alternatives, by designating the least amount of acres for OSV use. These designations would provide separate areas for non-motorized recreation that would not be influenced by the noise, smell of exhaust and presence of OSVs. Alternatives 3 and 5 also would enhance public safety for non-motorized users by providing areas that would be separated from the influence of OSVs.
Alternative 4 would provide the most acres open to OSV use, and therefore, would have the potential for continued or increased conflict with non-motorized users in the future, with the exception of one area where OSVs would be restricted to the designated OSV trail. Alternative 4 would also enhance public safety for non-motorized users in this area.
Areas Designated Non-motorized under Existing Law or Policy Potential impacts to areas designated as non-motorized under existing law or policy related to the groomed OSV trail system, such as encroachment into wilderness, proposed wilderness, and adjacent Federal lands, would be the same for all action alternatives, since all alternatives would provide the same level of groomed motorized snow trail opportunities. Alternatives 2, 3, and 5 would provide slightly more protection for the Ishi Wilderness, Mill Creek Proposed Wilderness, semi-primitive non-motorized areas within the Ishi and Polk Springs Inventoried Roadless Areas, and Antelope and Mill Creek eligible Wild and Scenic River corridors, since OSV use would not be designated in the southwestern portion of the forest, and areas below 3,500 feet in elevation. Alternatives 3 and 5 would minimize potential impacts to wilderness and proposed wilderness areas to the greatest extent with the additional areas where OSV use
Lassen National Forest 73 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
would not be designated north of Caribou Wilderness and south of the Heart Lake and Wild Cattle Mountain Proposed Wilderness Areas. Not designating OSV use in these areas would also help to minimize potential impacts from the sights and sounds of OSVs to quiet, non-motorized areas within Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Alternative 4 would include restrictions to designated trails in the areas south of Lassen Volcanic National Park that would minimize impacts from OSV encroachment into the Heart Lake and Wild Cattle Mountain proposed wilderness areas, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Alternatives 2 and 5 do not designate any OSV areas within 500 feet of the PCT, and designate 28 crossing points of the PCT, both alternatives would minimize potential conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users along the PCT. Alternatives 2 and 5 most closely comply with the direction in the PCT Comprehensive Plan regarding management of the PCT and would maintain non-motorized opportunities and quiet settings along the trail. In Alternatives 3 and 4, the PCT trail itself would remain non-motorized, however there would be no restrictions for OSVs crossing the trails in OSV open areas, potentially leading to conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users along the trail.
In all action alternatives, Wilderness areas, semi-primitive non-motorized areas and Research Natural Areas would be closed to OSV use. Compliance with LRMP and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans Alternative 1, no action, would not comply with Subpart C of the Travel Management Regulation that requires designation of trails, and areas on National Forest System lands to provide for over-snow vehicle use. Alternative 1 would not implement the management area direction from the Lassen Forest Plan to prohibit motorized use in the Blacks Mountain Research Natural Area.
Alternatives 2, 3, 4, and 5 would comply with Subpart C of the Travel Management Regulation and the Lassen Forest Plan. Other Relevant Mandatory Disclosures
Short-term Uses and Long-term Productivity Short-term uses will not affect the long-term productivity of recreation resources.
Unavoidable Adverse Effects Allowing motorized OSV use, which is an acceptable use of National Forest System lands, unavoidably affects non-motorized or quiet opportunities in some areas, as discussed in the analysis related to conflicts between motorized and non-motorized winter experiences.
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources OSV trail and area designations are not irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.
Other Agencies and Individuals Consulted California State Parks, Department of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation
Lassen National Forest 74 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Acronyms GIS Geographic Information System IRA – Inventoried Roadless Area LRMP – Land and Resource Management Plan MVUM – Motor Vehicle Use Map NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act NFMA – National Forest Management Act NVUM – National Visitor Use Monitoring OHV – Off-Highway Vehicle OSV – Over-Snow Vehicle OSVUM – Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map PCT – Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail RFA – Recreation Facility Analysis ROS Recreation opportunity spectrum
Lassen National Forest 75 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Recreation References Cited Adams, John C. and Stephen F. McCool. 2010. Finite Recreation Opportunities: The Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and Off-Road Vehicle Management. Natural Resources Journal. Vol. 49.
California Department of Parks and Recreation. Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. 2010. Over Snow Vehicle Program. Draft Environmental Impact Report Program Years 2010 – 2020. State Clearinghouse # 2009042113.
Code of Federal Regulations. 36 CFR Part 212. Travel Management Regulation
Code of Federal Regulations. 36 CFR Part 294. Roadless Area Conservation. Final Rule.
Gorte, Ross W. 2011. Wilderness Laws: Statutory Provisions and Prohibited and Permitted Uses. Congressional Research Service.
Kelson, Aaron R and Robert J Lilieholm. 1999. Transboundary Issues in Wilderness Management. Environmental Management. Vol. 23. No 3. P 297-305.
O’Brien, Chris. 2015. Personal communication.
Rolloff, David B, Elizabeth Erickson, and Becca Niles. 2009. California Department of Parks and Recreation. Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. 2009 Winter Trailhead Survey. Dept. of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration. College of Health and Human Services. California State University, Sacramento.
Snowlands Network. 2014. Analyzing Snowmobile Impacts to Other Winter Recreation Users in the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades. December 2014.
USDA Forest Service. 1992. Pacific Southwest Region Lassen National Forest. Land and Resource Management Plan. USDA Forest Service. 2014. Lassen National Forest. Region 5 Five-Forest Over Snow Vehicle Program NEPA Project. Need for Change and Proposed Action Worksheet.
USDA Forest Service. 2001 Pacific Southwest Region. Sierra Nevada Forest plan amendment: final environmental impact statement. Vallejo, CA. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/snfpa/library/archives/feis/index.htm.
USDA Forest Service. 2006. Natural Resource Manager. National Visitor Use Monitoring Program. Visitor Use Report. Lassen National Forest. Data collected FY 2005.
USDA Forest Service. 2007. Recreation niche statement. On file at USDA Forest Service, Lassen National Forest, Supervisor‘s Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130.
USDA Forest Service. 2009. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Motorized Travel Management. Lassen National Forest. Butte, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama and Siskiyou Counties, California. Pacific Southwest Region. R5-MB-207.
USDA Forest Service. 2010. Natural Resource Manager. National Visitor Use Monitoring Program. Visitor Use Report. Lassen National Forest. Data Collected in 2010.
USDA Forest Service. 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System Lands. FS-990a.
Lassen National Forest 76 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
USDI National Park Service website. http://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/winter_activities.htm. Accessed November 4, 2015.
Lassen National Forest 77 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
OSV Use Potential Maps
Lassen National Forest 78 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Figure 1. Existing Almanor Ranger District OSV use potential
Lassen National Forest 79 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Figure 2. Existing Eagle Lake Ranger District OSV use potential
Lassen National Forest 80 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Five Forest Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation, Recreation Report
Figure 3. Existing Hat Creek Ranger District OSV use potential
Lassen National Forest 81
Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section): - Lassen National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) - Lassen National Forest, Almanor Ranger District - Lassen National Forest, Eagle Lake Ranger District - Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District
Lassen National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Lassen National Forest - Road management In Progress Expected: 08/2018 Chris Obrien Over-Snow Vehicle(OSV) - Recreation management NOI in Federal 08/2018 530-252-6698 Use Designation Register [email protected] EIS 01/20/2015 Est. DEIS NOA in Federal Register 10/2017
Description: The Forest Service is evaluating management of OSV use on the Lassen National Forest and is releasing a Revised Draft EIS (RDEIS) for the designation of LNF system roads, trails, and areas where OSV use will be allowed. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=45832
Location: UNIT - Lassen National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - Not Applicable Forest wide existing miles of groomed OSV trails and open cross country areas of the LNF which receive adequate snowfall for OSV use to occur.
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Lassen National Forest, Almanor Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation High Lakes Motorized Trail - Special area management In Progress Expected: 07/2018 Douglas Peters Re-routes and Staging Area - Recreation management Comment Period 10/2017 530-252-6456 Improvements - Watershed management 06/14/2017 [email protected] EA Description: Re-route and reconstruct motorized trail segments, decommission the eliminated trail segments, restore or improve dispersed recreation areas within Inventoried Roadless Area; develop a staging area outside Inventoried Roadless Area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=48739
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable High Lakes area east of Philbrook Lake
Jones Meadow Fuels - Fuels management Developing Expected: 07/2018 Jennifer Erickson Reduction - Vegetation management Proposal 05/2018 530-258-5141 EA (other than forest products) Est. Comment [email protected] Period '
Description: Project proposes to improve defensibility of the Jones Meadow Community by removing surface fuels & snags to reduce potential fire behavior, reduce hazards to fire fighters, improve stand health & reduce the threat of wildfire in the project area.
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte. LEGAL - T25N, R5E, Section 32. Mount Diablo Meridian Jones Meadow is 18 mi NE of the town of Paradise and roughly 3 mi from the edge of the 2000 Storrie Fire perimeter. The project is located within the Mt Hope Management Area (47).
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Little Bear Forest Health - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 04/2018 Janel McCurdy Restoration Project (other than forest products) Scoping Start 12/2017 559-920-3831 EA - Research 07/25/2017 [email protected] Est. Comment Period 09/2017
Description: Little Bear Restoration is proposed to increase forest health and diversity with variable thinning and fuels treatments. This project includes research proposals for future management activities and was **originally part of the Grizzly Project. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51477
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T27N, R6E, Sections 27 & 34; T26N, R6E, Sections 2,11,25,26,36. Approximately 6 miles West of Butt Valley Reservoir & Approximately 5 miles South of Soldier Meadows.
Ridge Project - Vegetation management On Hold N/A N/A Susan Wilcox CE (other than forest products) 530-257-4188, ext. 808 - Special area management [email protected]
Description: Begin post-fire restoration in Inventoried Roadless Area to help promote a diversity of habitats that have been lost. Activities include re-establishment of native conifers with reforestation methods. Fuels treatments are no longer proposed.
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T25N,R6E,Sec 32-35; T26N,R6E,Sec 2-6 and 9-11 MDBM East of Saucer Lake on Soda Ridge, in Soda Ridge IRA of Management Area 45, on Almanor Ranger District
Rocks Restoration - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 08/2018 Janel McCurdy EA - Watershed management Scoping Start 06/2018 559-920-3831 - Fuels management 02/28/2017 [email protected] - Forest products Est. Comment Period 11/2017
Description: The Rocks Restoration project proposes fuels reduction, vegetation management, aspen and meadow habitat improvement, and reforestation of some moderate to high severity burned areas. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=49830
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte, Plumas. LEGAL - sec. 25, 26, 35, 36 T26N, R5E; sec.4, 7-10, 17-22, 25, 26, 29-31 T26N, R6E Southwest of Humbug Valley, located in Butt Creek (MA 37), Jonesville (MA 44), and Soda Ridge (MA45) mgmt. areas.
Scotts John Quarry - Road management In Progress Expected: 07/2018 Janel McCurdy EA - Watershed management Comment Period 12/2017 559-920-3831 08/09/2017 [email protected]
Description: Develop a quarry for localized source of rock gravel for road maintenance and watershed improvements. An area of ~10 acres would be excavated for extraction, stockpiling and crushing of rock material. **Originally part of Grizzly Restoration Project. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51438
Location: UNIT - Almanor Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte. LEGAL - T26N, R5E, Section 17 Approximately 1-1/2 miles East of the town of Jonesville.
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Lassen National Forest, Eagle Lake Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Confluence Meadow - Watershed management Developing Expected: 09/2018 Tyanna Blaschak Restoration Project Proposal 06/2018 530-257-4188 EA Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 02/2018
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Description: Restore meadow hydrology and habitat by redirecting flow into historic remnant channels along a reach of Pine Creek while filling the degraded channel and ditch to match the floodplain elevation.
Location: UNIT - Eagle Lake Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - Not Applicable Roughly 24 air miles NW of Susanville, Lassen County, CA, in meadow S of Little Harvey mountain and W of Lassen County Rd 105 near the confluence of Pine Creek and Little Harvey Valley tributary.
Diamond Mountain - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 06/2018 Chuck Lewis Watershed Restoration and (other than forest products) Comment Period 12/2017 530-257-4188 ex.5832 WUI Project - Road management 05/23/2017 [email protected] EA - Forest products - Watershed management - Fuels management
Description: Project objectives are fuels reduction, and forest and watershed restoration. Activities include meadow and hardwood enhancement, variable density thinning, fuel reduction, prescribed burning, watershed improvements, and transportation system mgt. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=50770
Location: UNIT - Eagle Lake Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - T29N,R11E,Sec31,32; T28N,R11E,Sec1-7,11; T28N,R12E,Sec4-8,9-15; T29N,R12E,Sec34 Eagle Lake Ranger District; Diamond Management Area
Dyer Mountain - Special use management Developing Expected: 07/2018 Nancy Barrera Communication Site Proposal 06/2018 530-258-5107 Development Est. Scoping Start [email protected] CE 01/2018
Description: Plumas County Sheriff's office propose to construct and develop a communications tower and prefabricated communications vault for the operation and maintenance of emergency radio communication equipment, at the current Dyer Mountain Lookout location.
Location: UNIT - Eagle Lake Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - T28N,R08E,Section 36 Eagle Lake Ranger District, Dyer Mountain Communication Site. The exact location on the .96 acre parcel of the project will be determined once the historic evaluation is completed.
LMUD Master Permit - Special use management Developing Expected: 03/2018 Nancy Barrera Issuance Proposal 02/2018 530-258-5107 CE Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 12/2017
Description: Consolidating and reissuing LUMD's three existing use permits, for power lines and facilities, under a single master permit. There will be no change in scope or intensity of existing authorized activities, and no ground disturbance will occur.
Location: UNIT - Eagle Lake Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - T32N,R10E,Sec33; T33N,R11E,Sec29; T31N,R10E,Sec10,14,21; T31N,R11E,Sec7,18; T31N,R10E,Sec14,15,16; T29N,R10E,Sec21,28,29. The permit will cover multiple locations across the Eagle Lake Ranger District including: Spalding, Eagle Nest, Eagle Lake Campgrounds, Hamilton Mountain, Westwood to Susanville line.
North Eagle Lake, Champs - Grazing management Developing Expected: 05/2018 Kirsten Pasero Flat, and Lower Pine Creek Proposal 02/2018 530-252-5854 Allotments Grazing Mgt. Est. Scoping Start [email protected] Project 10/2017 EA Description: Grazing allotment management plans.
Location: UNIT - Eagle Lake Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen. LEGAL - T32N and T33N,R9E and R10E,MDM (West of Eagle Lake, CA; North, East and South of Logan Mtn. area) North half of the Eagle Lake Ranger District.
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Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110506[10/2/2017 9:18:41 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Bailey Creek Aquatic - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Developing Expected: 05/2019 Shawn Wheelock Organism Passage (AOP) - Watershed management Proposal 01/2018 530-336-3340 Project - Road management Est. Scoping Start [email protected] CE 11/2017
Description: Two existing culverts on the North & South Forks of Bailey Creek will be replaced with bridges to eliminate barriers to the passage of aquatic organisms and damage to road crossing when rivers are at high stage.
Location: UNIT - Hat Creek Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Shasta. LEGAL - T31N,R3E,S34 Lassen NF 17 Road to the west of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Citizens Utility Company - Special use management Developing Expected: 10/2017 Kimberly Ganz Aerial Telephone Line Proposal 10/2017 530-336-3383 project Est. Scoping Start [email protected] CE 08/2017
Description: Authorize Citizens Communications Co. of CA (Frontier) to install an overhead phone cable from a utility pole on National Forest System Lands to a utility pole on Big Springs Estates. Aerial cable is ~300'long w/aerial phone line 6' below power line.
Location: UNIT - Hat Creek Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Shasta. LEGAL - T32N, R4E, Section 12, NE1/4 The existing utility pole is located ~3 mi SW of Old Station, CA. The pole lies E of SR44/89 and W of Hat Creek near Big Springs Estates Subdivision on the Lassen National Forest in Eastern Shasta Co.
Hat Creek Rim Hang Glider - Special area management In Progress Expected: 07/2017 Kimberly Ganz & Paraglider Project Scoping Start 07/2017 530-336-3383 CE 05/02/2017 [email protected]
Description: Hat Creek Pilots Association (HCPA) requests a special use authorization for an established recreation special use of the Hat Creek Rim for hang gliding and paragliding launches and associated landing zones.
Location: UNIT - Hat Creek Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Shasta. LEGAL - T34N, R5E, Sections 4, 5, 9 & 16 MDM On the Hat Creek Ranger District along the Hat Creek Rim and Murken Bench area and near the rural communities of Fall River Mills, Burney and Hat Creek.
Plum Restoration Project - Forest products Developing Expected: 04/2019 Greg Mayer EA - Vegetation management Proposal 12/2018 530-336-5521 (other than forest products) Est. Scoping Start [email protected] - Fuels management 10/2017 - Watershed management - Road management - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Description: This restoration project will encompass: surface fuels treatment for fire hazard reduction; thinning for ponderosa pine, silver sage, meadow and aspen enhancements; noxious weed treatments; and road improvements. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47742
Location: UNIT - Hat Creek Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Lassen, Shasta. LEGAL - Townships 32, 33 & 34 North, Ranges 5 & 6 East, various sections, Mount Diablo Baseline & Meridian The project area is located E. of Hwy 89 at the top of the Hat Creek Rim (approx. 1-1/2 miles E. of the town of Old Station), N. of Hwy 44 to Forest Road 34N49 and E. to the Butte Creek Rim.
Soldier Mountain Lookout - Special use management Developing Expected: 09/2017 Nancy Barrera Permit Issuance Proposal 09/2017 530-258-5107 CE Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 07/2017
Description: Special use permit issuance for the operation of a fire detection lookout and communication uses.
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Location: UNIT - Hat Creek Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Shasta. LEGAL - T37N, R3E, Sec 1 (SE 1/4 - NE 1/4) Soldier Mountain Lookout is approx. 4 miles NE of "the Pines" off Hwy 89 and approx. 6 miles NW of Fall River Mills.
Back To Top In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: [email protected].
This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110506[10/2/2017 9:18:41 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA)
This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
Report Contents (click to jump to a section): - R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) - Plumas National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one Forest) - Plumas National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide) - Plumas National Forest, Beckwourth Ranger District - Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District - Plumas National Forest, Mt. Hough Ranger District
R5 - Pacific Southwest Region, Occurring in more than one Forest (excluding Regionwide) Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Beckwourth Peak - Recreation management Developing Expected: 05/2018 Francisco Castillo Recreation Project Proposal 03/2018 530-836-7123 CE Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 10/2017
Description: Objectives are to provide access to Beckwourth Peak area and to provide alternative recreation activities to relieve congestion in heavily-used areas. Propose construction of approximately 20 miles of non- motorized trails around Beckwourth Peak. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=52465
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District, Sierraville Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Township 22 North, Range 13 East, Sections 13, 14, and 22-24; Township 22 North, Range 14 East, Sections 5-9, 17, and 18; and Township 23 North, Range 14 East, Section 31, MDBM. The project area is located immediately south and east of Portola in Plumas County, California.
Mammoth Base Area Land - Land ownership management In Progress Expected: 09/2018 Janelle Walker Exchange DEIS NOA in 09/2018 760-924-5523 EIS Federal Register [email protected] 07/07/2017 Est. FEIS NOA in Federal Register 08/2018
Description: Exchange of approximately 35.6 acres of National Forest System land, currently under special use authorization to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, located near the Main Lodge north of Highway 203 for approximately 1296.7 acres of private land in California Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=30428
Location: UNIT - Mammoth Ranger District, White Mountain Ranger District, Mt. Hough Ranger District, Mi-Wok Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Inyo, Mono, Plumas, Tuolumne. LEGAL - Land to be exchanged is located in T.3S, R. 27E., Sec 30, MDM. Proposal includes the addition of non-federal parcels to the Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests in California The area near Main Lodge, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area would be exchanged for up to 11 non Federal parcels in Inyo, Mono, Plumas and Tuolumne Counties.
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Plumas National Forest, Forestwide (excluding Projects occurring in more than one R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Forest) Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Plumas National Forest - Recreation management In Progress Expected: 11/2019 Katherine Carpenter Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) NOI in Federal 09/2019 530-283-7742 Use Designation Register [email protected] EIS 09/29/2015 Est. DEIS NOA in http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
Federal Register 08/2018
Description: Designate over-snow vehicle (OSV) use on National Forest System roads and trails and areas on National Forest System lands as allowed, restricted, or prohibited. Identify trails for snow grooming for OSV use would be conducted. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47124
Location: UNIT - Plumas National Forest All Units. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Yuba. LEGAL - Not Applicable National Forest System lands administer by the Plumas National Forest (forest-wide).
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Plumas National Forest, Occurring in more than one District (excluding Forestwide) R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Moonlight Fire Invasive - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 11/2017 John Slown Plant Treatment Project (other than forest products) Comment Period 10/2017 406-329-3749 EA 01/11/2017 [email protected]
Description: Integrated pest management of up to 500 acres of invasive plant infested areas per year, using herbicides on up to 250 acres per year. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46877
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District, Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T26NR10E; T26NR11E; T26NR12E T27NR10E; T27NR11E:; T27NR12E; T27NR13E T28NR10E;T28NR11E;T28NR12E; T28NR13E; Many Sections, Mount Diablo Base Meridian The project area encompasses watersheds affected by the 2007 Moonlight Fire and ranges approximately 15 to 27 air miles northeast of Quincy, Plumas County, California.
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Plumas National Forest, Beckwourth Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Feather River Inn Water - Special use management In Progress Expected: 10/2017 Robert Hawkins System Scoping Start 09/2017 916-849-8037 CE 04/01/2015 [email protected]
Description: Re-Issue a 30 year special use authorization to Schomac, Inc. for the Feather River Inn water system. The water system includes two diversion structures, a storage tank, waterlines and road and trail access.
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Section 3, T. 22 N., R. 12 E., Mt Diablo Meridian The water system is located along Bonta Creek just north of the National Forest boundary and the Feather River Inn.
Frenchman Lake Forest - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 12/2017 Paul Czeszynski Health Project (other than forest products) Scoping Start 11/2017 530-836-7187 CE - Recreation management 08/16/2017 [email protected] - Road management - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Description: Improve resistance to bark beetle attacks and promote resilience to drought and wildfire. Proposed treatments include: mechanical thinning, hand thinning/piling, mastication, pile burning, underburning, and decommissioning of non-system roads. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=52347
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - The project area occupies portions of Township 24 North, Range 16 East, Sections 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, and 34; Township 24 North, Range 15 East, Section 25, MDBM. The project area is located approximately 16 miles northeast of Portola, California and is adjacent to Frenchman Lake.
Lakes Basin Project - Recreation management In Progress Expected: 04/2018 Don Fregulia http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
EA - Forest products Scoping Start 03/2018 530-836-7176 - Fuels management 12/16/2015 [email protected] - Vegetation management Est. Comment (other than forest products) Period 11/2017
Description: Improve forest health and reduce hazards around recreation sites. Activities include mechanical thinning, grapple piling, mastication, hand thinning and underburning. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=40964
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas, Sierra. LEGAL - Not Applicable Lakes Basin recreation area
Mills Peak Trail South - Recreation management In Progress Expected: 11/2017 Francisco Castillo CE Scoping Start 10/2017 530-836-7123 09/27/2016 [email protected]
Description: Construct 0.95 mile of new non-motorized trail and add 2.8 miles of existing user-created trails to the National Forest Trail System. The new trails would connect the existing Mills Peak Trail to the Round Lake Trailhead.
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable Trail system would connect the Mills Peak Trail to the Round Lake Trailhead.
Plumas-Eureka Forest - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 01/2018 Russell Nickerson Health Project (other than forest products) Scoping Start 10/2017 530-836-7115 CE - Road management 09/06/2017 [email protected]
Description: Goals are to improve resistance to bark beetle attacks and promote resistance to drought and wildfire. Proposed activities include: mechanical thinning, hand thinning, pile burning, underburning, and decommissioning of non-system roads. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=52402
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T22N, R11E, Sections 1 and 12; T22N, R12E, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18 and 19; and T23N, R12E, Sections 30, 31 and 32 The project is located near Plumas-Eureka State Park approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Graeagle, California on the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest in Plumas County, California
Two Rivers Soccer Camp - Special use management In Progress Expected: 09/2017 Debra Fryberger-Eby Permit Re-issue Scoping Start 08/2017 530-836-7120 CE 05/01/2015 [email protected]
Description: Re-issue a 20 year permit to Two Rivers Soccer Camp for the following uses: bridge, road, parking area, portion of a soccer field, water transmission lines, storage tank and spring boxes.
Location: UNIT - Beckwourth Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Sections 30, 31, 32, T. 22 N., R. 12E., Mt. Diablo Meridian Two Rivers Soccer Camp is located near Blairsden, California.
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Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Bullards Bar Fire - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 10/2017 Clay Davis Restoration - Recreation management Scoping Start 09/2017 907-747-4225 CE - Road management 05/31/2017 [email protected] - Vegetation management (other than forest products) - Watershed management - Fuels management
Description: We propose to restore resources damaged by the Bullards Fire through a combination of fuels reduction, Scotch broom control, tree planting, wetland habitat development, water storage, trail construction, and road sign replacement activities.
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Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51420
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Yuba. LEGAL - Mt Diablo Meridian, T. 18 N., R. 7 E., parts of sections 14, 15, 22-26 Nearby Bullards Bar Reservoir about 4-5 miles East Northeast of Dobbins, California
Challenge - Community - Fuels management In Progress Expected: 07/2018 Jason Vermillion Protection Fuel Reduction Scoping Start 06/2018 530-532-7434 (CPFR) 08/09/2016 [email protected] EA Est. Comment Period 02/2018
Description: This wildland urban interface (WUI) project is designed to reduce the risks of wildfire around the communities of Challenge and Woodleaf, California; enhance firefighter safety; remove hazardous trees along roads; and improve forest resiliency. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=49695
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte, Yuba. LEGAL - Not Applicable Wildland urban interface in and around the communities of Challenge and Woodleaf, California.
FRRD Abandoned Mine - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Donna Duncan Closures - 2017 Scoping Start 09/2017 530-283-7614 CE 03/28/2017 [email protected]
Description: These abandoned mines currently pose a safety and health risk to the public. There are open adits and shafts surrounded by unstable rock and trash at some sites. The purpose is to improve the health, safety, and resource condition of these sites. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51423
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte, Plumas, Yuba. LEGAL - Not Applicable Abandoned mining claims in Butte, Plumas, and Yuba Counties
Gibsonville Healthy Forest - Heritage resource On Hold N/A N/A Clay Davis Restoration Project management 530 532-8940 EA - Forest products [email protected] - Fuels management
Description: Using a variety of vegetation treatments including sale of merchantable timber and biomass to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire, release aspen, restore meadows and other wetlands, and to restore and protect the historic Gibsonville townsite. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=47960
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas, Sierra. LEGAL - Not Applicable In and around the historic Gibsonville, California townsite.
Hughes Wetland - Watershed management In Progress Expected: 10/2018 James Johnson Development and - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants Scoping Start 09/2018 530-283-7827 Maintenance 03/28/2017 [email protected] CE Description: Propose to protect, maintain and enhance existing habitat conditions and provide additional breeding habitat for the California red-legged frog by constructing ponds, remove invasive species, and other activities in designated critical habitat. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51541
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte. LEGAL - Not Applicable Hughes Place within the French Creek watershed has been designated as critical Habitat for the California Red- Legged Frog.
Regular Baptist Camp - Special use management Developing Expected: 05/2019 Mary Sullivan Waterlines Special Use Proposal 05/2019 530-532-7460 CE Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 10/2018
Description: Authorize holder to operate, maintain, and upgrade existing waterlines across NFS lands to
http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
adjoining private camp through issuance of a 20 year Special Use permit. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=50386
Location: UNIT - Feather River Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Sierra. LEGAL - Portions of T. 22N., R. 10E., section 20 NFS lands north of Delahunty Lake, adjacent to private lands known as Pilot Lake Camp.
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Plumas National Forest, Mt. Hough Ranger District R5 - Pacific Southwest Region Expected Project Name Project Purpose Planning Status Decision Project Contact Implementation Clustered Lady's Slipper - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 10/2017 Christine Handler Orchid and Serpentine - Vegetation management Scoping Start 09/2017 559-920-2188 Rare Plant Community (other than forest products) 04/06/2017 [email protected] Conservation Project CE Description: Vegetation and fuels treatments to restore and maintain conditions for clustered lady's slipper orchids and for rare plant communities associated with serpentine-derived soils. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51631
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T25N, R7E Sections 2, 6, 8,11, 12, 13, 24, and 36; T25N, R8E, Sections 9, 19, 20, 25, 30, and 31; T26N, R7E, Sections 14, 15, 19, 22, 25, 29, 30, 31, and 32; and T26N, R8E Sections 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 33 Mount Diablo Principal Meridian This project is located within and near areas that have been affected by the Storrie, Rich and Chips Wildfires on the Mt. Hough Ranger District
Feather River Aquatic - Road management In Progress Expected: 08/2017 Tina Hopkins Organism Passage Project - Watershed management Comment Period 08/2017 530-283-7819 EA - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants 05/24/2017 [email protected]
Description: USFS in partnership with CA Department of Transportation is proposing to replace 5 culverts along Highway 70 in order to improve passage for aquatic species (fish, amphibians, and reptiles) so they can access previously blocked tributaries. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=50615
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Butte, Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable Highway 70 at post miles(PM) 42.06 (Mill Creek), 42.21 (unnamed tributary), 46.44 (Bear Ranch Creek), 23.67 (Rush Creek) and 31.82 (Soda Creek).
Four Corners OHV Play - Recreation management Developing Expected: 05/2017 Dani Swantic Area Rehab Project Proposal 05/2017 530-836-7142 CE Est. Scoping Start [email protected] 03/2017
Description: Rehabilitate the Four Corners OHV Play Area
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T 24N, R 10 E, Section 4 Four Corners OHV Play Area is located approximately 5 miles from Quincy off of County Rd. 403, also known as Mt. Hough Rd.
Franks Valley Forest - Vegetation management In Progress Expected: 09/2018 Kristin Winford Health Project (other than forest products) Scoping Start 08/2018 530 283-7683 CE - Forest products 05/15/2017 [email protected] - Fuels management - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Description: Improve forest health, wildlife habitat, Baker Cypress habitat and reduce fire risk around seasonal residences in Frank's Valley. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51526
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T26N R11E and R12E Located along Beardsley Grade north of Genesee Valley and southwest of Antelope Lake.
Gopher Gold Mineral - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 06/2018 Leslie Edlund Exploration Project Scoping Start 12/2017 530-283-7650 http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
CE 10/19/2016 [email protected]
Description: Excavation of several test pits to explore for mineral content. Construction of .2 miles of new road to access the site. Processing would be completed using a trommel with water pumped from a nearby pond.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable The project is approximately 5 miles west of Quincy, near the closed Gopher Hill Landfill. Legal location is T24N, R8E, Section 12, MDBM.
Greenhorn Creek Guest - Recreation management In Progress Expected: 07/2017 Elizabeth Sousa Ranch Outfitting and Scoping Start 06/2017 530-283-7622 Guiding Permit reissue 12/26/2012 [email protected] CE Description: Reissue a 10 year O&G Permit for horseback rides and an assigned campsite on Nat Forest Sys land. This is the same operation as the past 10 years, with approximately 39 miles of trail and the majority of the rides with 8 miles of the Ranch
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T24 R10,R11 T23R10 R11 T24 R12 Mt. Hough Ranger District and Little Summit Lake on Beckwourth Ranger District
Haycock's Gold Mining - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Leslie Edlund Exploration Project Scoping Start 12/2017 530-283-7650 CE 10/19/2016 [email protected]
Description: Excavation of 5 trenches to extract material for processing to discover mineral potential at the site. Material will be processed through a highbanker using water from a nearby pond.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable The project is located just east of the Gopher Hill landfill, west of Quincy, California. legal location is T24N, R8E, SW 1/4 of Section 7.
Haycock's Reserve Mineral - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 06/2018 Leslie Edlund Exploration Project Scoping Start 12/2017 530-283-7650 CE 10/24/2016 [email protected]
Description: Excavation of 1 test trench to obtain mineral material. Material would be processed through a trommel using water from a nearby pond. .2 miles of road will be constructed to access the processing area. Settling ponds will used for water discharge.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable The project is located approximately 6 miles from Quincy, CA. Access is through the closed Gopher Hill landfill. Legal location is T24N, R8E, SE 1/4 of Section 12, MDBM.
Indian Creek Watershed - Road management In Progress Expected: 11/2017 Christine Handler Road Maintenance and - Watershed management Scoping Start 10/2017 559-920-2188 Smith Creek Stream 01/05/2017 [email protected] Restoration Project CE Description: The project includes road maintenance, non-system road obliteration, and stream channel restoration in areas affected by the Moonlight Fire and post-fire flooding. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=50687
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable The project area includes the Indian Creek and Pierce Creek drainage on the Mt. Hough Ranger District and Smith Creek at the NFS 28N03 crossings.
Moonlight Aquatic - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 06/2018 Christine Handler Organism Passage Project - Road management Scoping Start 10/2017 559-920-2188 CE - Watershed management 09/21/2016 [email protected]
Description: This project proposes to replace five existing culverts with stream crossings that are aquatic organism passages in the Moonlight Fire area. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=50253
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Sections 16 and 17of T26N R12E and sections 24, 25, and 35 of T27N, R11E Mount Diablo Base Meridian (MDBM) Located within the Moonlight Fire area in the northwest corner of the Mt. Hough Ranger District, on national forest system http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] Schedule Of Proposed Actions (SOPA) -
roads 29N43 (also known as Antelope Road), 27N09, 27N47, and 27N45A.
Moonlight Fire Area - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Christine Handler Restoration Project - Recreation management Scoping Start 03/2018 559-920-2188 EA - Fuels management 08/10/2016 [email protected] - Road management Est. Comment - Forest products Period - Vegetation management 10/2017 (other than forest products) - Watershed management
Description: The project would restore the 2007 Moonlight Fire burned area by: reducing the post-fire effects to vegetation, watersheds, and recreation and enhancing resiliency to future fires, droughts, insect and disease infestations, and climate change. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=49421
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Portions of T26N, R10E; T26N, R11E; T26N, R12E; T27N, R10E; T27N, R11E; T27N, R12E; T27N, R13E; T28N, R10E; T28N, R11E; and T28N, R12E, Mount Diablo Base Meridian. National forest system lands on the Plumas National Forest, Mount Hough Ranger District, approximately five to 15 miles north and east of Taylorville, California and 20 to 30 miles northeast of Quincy
Moonlight fire fuels - Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants In Progress Expected: 11/2017 Colin Dillingham reduction in owl and - Fuels management Scoping Start 10/2017 530-283-7687 goshawk habitats project 04/11/2017 [email protected] CE Description: Restore wildlife habitat by reducing fuels, re-introducing fire, enhance Weber's milk vetch and remove non-system roads that cause disturbance to wildlife. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51753
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T27N, R10E, sections 33 and 35, T26N, R11E, Sections 29-30, T26N, R10E, Section 34, T25N, R10E, Sections 2-3, 10-11, 15 Located adjacent to community of Taylorsville and surrounding Indian Valley.
Partner Mining Exploration - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Leslie Edlund Project Scoping Start 01/2018 530-283-7650 EA 12/15/2016 [email protected] Est. Comment Period 10/2017
Description: Excavation of 20' x 20' pit within the river channel. Processing of material through a power sluice. Larger boulders would be moved out of the river with a derrick and choker system. Duration of the plan would be 3 years.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T26N, R7E, Section 24, MDBM. North Fork of the Feather River, southwest of Seneca and northeast of Belden, CA. Legal location T26N, R7E, SE 1/4 of Section 24, MDBM.
Ridge Placer Mining - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Leslie Edlund Exploration Scoping Start 12/2017 530-283-7650 EA 02/02/2017 [email protected] Est. Comment Period 09/2017
Description: Excavation of mineral material from 2 test trenches using a front end loader. Material to be processed through a trommel and sluice. Water is piped to a 7000 gallon tank for use in processing, and is discharged to a rock area for percolation. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51061
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable Project location is along the North Fork Feather River in Seneca, CA. Legal location T26N, R8E, SE 1/4 of Section 16, MDBM.
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Royal Rush Placer - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 04/2018 Leslie Edlund EA Scoping Start 03/2018 530-283-7650 08/10/2017 [email protected] Est. Comment Period 01/2018
Description: Panning and sluicing within Rush Creek. Clearing, repair and maintenance of one mile of Forest Service system road to access the claim and camp area. Camping at the claim while mining.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable Rush Creek near Providence Hill, north of Twain, CA. Legal location T25N, R8E, Section 2.
Silverado Placer Mining - Minerals and Geology In Progress Expected: 04/2018 Leslie Edlund Exploration Scoping Start 10/2017 530-283-7650 CE 05/11/2017 [email protected]
Description: Excavation of up to 18 test pits along the stream terraces of Silver Creek. A backhoe and mini excavator would be used to remove material for processing through a trommel. Water from Silver Creek would be used to wash material.
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - Not Applicable Project is located north and west of Meadow Valley, along Silver Creek. Access is from Silver Creek Road to NFS Road 24N56. Legal location is T24N, R8E, Sections 16, 21 and 22.
Storrie and Rich Fire Area - Watershed management In Progress Expected: 05/2018 Christine Handler Watershed Improvement - Recreation management Scoping Start 03/2018 559-920-2188 and Forest Road 26N67 - Road management 05/02/2017 [email protected] Re-alignment Project Est. Comment EA Period 10/2017
Description: We are proposing road realignment of Forest Road 26N67 and road decommissioning to reduce sedimentation of streams that resulted from changed hydrological conditions following the Storrie, Rich, and Chips Fires. Web Link: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=51655
Location: UNIT - Mt. Hough Ranger District. STATE - California. COUNTY - Plumas. LEGAL - T26 N, R7E, Sections 10, 15, 16, 17, and 25; and T26N, R8E Sections 8, 17, 30, 31, 32, and 35, Mount Diablo Principal Meridian Near the south end of the Butt Valley Reservoir, approximately 10 to 12 air miles west southwest of Greenville, California, and 14 to 16 air miles north north of Quincy, California.
Back To Top In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: [email protected].
This report contains the best available information at the time of publication. Questions may be directed to the Project Contact.
http://data.ecosystem-management.org/nepaweb/current-sopa.php?forest=110511[10/2/2017 9:21:13 AM] United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF I,AND MANAGEMENT Northern Clalifòrnía Disrricr Oltìcc (ró40 l.ockheecl Drivc Reclcling. ('A 96002
County of Butte, California 7 County Center Drive, Suite 200 Oroville, CA 95965
Dear Dennis Schmidt, J
I want to thank you for agreeing to participate as a Cooperating Agency with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)on our Northwest California lntegrated Resource Management plan (NClp). The BLM planning process needs your collaborative participation in order to be successful. I look forward to meeting with you in the coming months.
BLM has hired Jon Lange, a professor emeritus from Southern Oregon University, and Terra Alpaugh from Kearns and West Associates to facilitate our upcoming Cooperat¡ng Agencies meetings. Prior to our meetings, Jon and Terra will be conducting an informational interview with each Cooperating Agency to better understand the issues, perspectives, values, and needs each Cooperating Agency brings to the planning process.
Within the next few weeks, you will be receiving a call from Jon or Terra to schedule a 45 minute conversation for a mutually convenient time. Please know that your participation in this conversation will help them make our meetings more inclusive, efficient, and productive.
Jon has decades of experience as a facilitator and mediator for a great diversity of groups in the private, non-profit, and government sectors - including the BLM and U.S. Forest Service.
Terra brings five years of communications and project management experience in the conservation and education fields, as well as skills to facilitate creative thinking and help parties find shared interests around addressing environmental problems.
We had provided you with a projected Cooperating Agencies schedule a few months ago. The NCIP has experienced a few delays this year that have required us to revise that schedule. Once we complete the interview process, we will be able to share more information on milestones and how we will be scheduling the workshops. Again, thank you for your assistance with this important effort. lf you have questions, please contact David Fuller at (707) 825-2315 or [email protected].
Sincerely, &r* ll'hh Molly nnife ata Arcata Field Manager Redding Field Manager
cc Bill Connelly, Butte County Board of Supervisors 7 County Center Drive, Suite 200 Oroville, CA 95965
RECEIVED
ocT 0 2 2017
GountY'of Butte Works Department dt Public